9 Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Spotless

The kitchen is one of the most crucial places in the house. Some designers refer to it as the heart of the home. People not only eat there, but minds congregate and trade ideas and stories.

That’s why this is the one room that should never be dirty.

Healthline recently published the kitchen as becoming the dirtiest room in the house. People often think that spaces like the garage or living room are the dirtiest.

But the National Sanitation Foundation insists that any room that stores food is a risk. And these rooms-kitchens-require frequent cleaning.

If you’re looking for ways to tidy up the kitchen, read on. We take a look at some kitchen cleaning tips that get the job done.

Clean as you cook

It will help if you discipline yourself when it comes to cleaning. This may be challenging at first, but it will only get better as you move along.

The next thing you know, you will be doing it without much thought.

Clean your fridge regularly

A good rule of thumb is to be diligent every day to prevent cross-contamination and ickiness in general. Clean up any spills that occur right away with a cloth moistened with food-safe antibacterial spray.

And what we usually tell our clients at Planet Maids Cleaning Services NYC is to ensure that their meat packaging is not leaking. Please put it in a sealable storage bag or container until such time that you’ll cook it.

Take the grease off kitchen walls

How often you’ll give your backsplashes and cupboards a deep clean usually depends on how often you cook.

It is common for the oil to splatter on the wall when you’re cooking. But that doesn’t mean that you should let it be. The grease and grime can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which could lead to food poisoning.

What you can do is soften the grease and grime using a clean sponged that is soaked in warm, soapy water. Use it to wipe away the grease and then dry it with a clean dish towel.

Stubborn stains may call for a baking soda spot treatment or a spritz of distilled white vinegar.

Remove the grease on your stove

Kitchens can get pretty messy if you don’t have the time to stay on top of them. And nothing seems to build up more quickly than grease on your stovetop and stove eyes.

Even if you don’t cook that often, grease somehow manages to appear.

However, you don’t want the room you prepare and eat your food to be covered in spatters and grime. Learn how to remove grease from your stove and its eyes.

Don’t neglect your microwave

All it takes is one round of leftovers or burnt bag of popcorn to turn a sparkling clean microwave into a grimy, smelly mess. The key to having a clean microwave is regular maintenance.

Unlike other kitchen appliances, you can clean a microwave using everyday pantry supplies. This includes baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar.

Wash the dishes right away

When it comes to dishes, which is easier?

● Rinsing off the mashed potatoes as soon as you’re done and putting the plate in the dishwasher

● Waiting several hours and then scrubbing with all your might to remove the dried potatoes from the plate

Doing the dishes is ten times easier and about 20 times faster if you do them immediately. While it is tempting to stick your lunch dishes in the sink, a few extra minutes now is so much better than a few extra hours later.

Wipe the countertops

Your kitchen counter is the workhorse of the kitchen. Even when you’re not cooking, you might still need to use your kitchen counter.

The countertop is where you unpack your groceries or put everything when cleaning your cupboard. It is most likely that you spend your breakfast here instead of the dining table.

That said, it is essential to wipe down the kitchen countertops to keep it clean. You can also apply a layer of protection on kitchen surfaces to keep them clean for longer.

Give your sink a good scrubbing

Stainless steel is notorious for showing water spots, so be sure to wipe your clean sink down using a plush microfiber cloth to dry and buff.

When scrubbing your kitchen sink, start with the sides of the basin and work your way down, pushing any grime directly into the drain.

Keep adding soap and water as needed, or until the surface is scum-free. Then, rinse with clean water.

Keep it organized

The kitchen should be the home’s soul, but it takes a little organization to be up to the task.

Luckily, you don’t need fancy cabinets or expensive organization arrangements to have an efficient kitchen. You can discard or relocate many kitchen items so you can free up some storage space.

Doing so allows you to have an enjoyable cooking environment.

Over to You

Since the kitchen is a high-traffic space, it can be challenging to keep it clean and spotless. Plus, this is where we usually dine, which makes the space prone to food crumbs and spills.

But with the help of the tips listed above, we hope you can achieve an immaculate kitchen.

Tips for Shopping for Wedding Dresses

The question was popped. Your wedding is finally happening. It’s the day you’ve always dreamed about. One of the most important elements of having the “perfect wedding” is having the perfect wedding dress. The entire shopping experience can be stressful for the bride and everyone else involved. After all, there are countless dresses to sort through. Finding the right dress is oftentimes easier said than done. In this article, we will be discussing some of the key tips that should be utilized to identify the right dress.

Tips For Finding a Wedding Dress:

1. Come Up With a Budget

Your dress will play a major role in your wedding. It also happens to be one of the most expensive elements involved with the wedding. After all, The Knot released a study in which the average cost of a wedding dress was a whopping $1,600. Therefore, you want to come up with a clear budget in mind. This way, you know exactly how much you can afford to allocate towards your dress. This will give you crystal clear shopping instructions when it comes to finding the optimal dress. The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a dress that is out of your price range. However, you shouldn’t eliminate dresses if they are slightly out of your budget range. Due to the importance of your dress and the long-lasting nature of it, you can and should be willing to extend your budget to purchase the dress of your dreams. After all, you can preserve it after the wedding and it can serve as a family heirloom. You can always find other areas of your wedding in which you can shave off some cost by opting for cheaper options such as your decorations, cake, or elsewhere.

2. Don’t Wait Till The Last Minute

Your dress is not something you want to put off. While you may be able to get away with putting other arrangements off until the last minute, your dress isn’t one of them. You want to give yourself plenty of time to not only find the right dress but also to get it properly fit. The cushion you will want to give yourself only increases if you are opting for a custom made gown. You should be looking to begin dress shopping a minimum of 6-8 months before your wedding date. This way, you will be able to not only shop around and find the dress of your dreams, but you will also be able to get it properly fit with the right alterations.

3. Do Some Research Prior To Shopping For Your Dress

When you are about to go bridal shopping, you should be attempting to do research beforehand. This way, you will be able to give your bridal stylist pictures of gowns you adore. It will also give you the knowledge you need to ask any pertinent questions you may have about the entire process. If you are planning on heading to various bridal salons during the dress shopping process, you should be planning to spend a good amount of time in each. This way, you can check out the different gowns each salon has. Be certain you are bringing along supportive people with you. You want to bring people who have a keen sense of style and who will be able to give it to you straight.

4. Believe In Love at First Sight

A lot of women fall into the trap of having paralysis by analysis. Believe it or not, but you can fall in love with the very first dress or one of the first few dresses you see. Don’t be afraid to pick one of those dresses. Don’t think you have to continue to shop around to identify a dress you like more. There is such a thing as love at first sight when it comes to your wedding dress. You will know it when you see it. You need to trust your gut throughout the entire dress shopping experience.

By using the tips above, you will be able to nail your shopping for a wedding dress in New Jersey or anywhere you wish. Set out a clear budget that will give you a baseline to work with and try to plan far in advance. Be certain that you are doing the necessary research to identify the right dress that you love. Bring those whose opinions you care about. This way, you can get real feedback from those who know you.

However, don’t be swayed by anyone but yourself. If you love a dress, it’s your wedding. Your opinion is most relevant and you should have the final say. By prepping for your shopping experience, you should be able to make it a much less stressful one and you should have no problems finding the dress of your dreams. Moreover, make sure to prepare for your wedding dress preservation needs.

Exciting Hacks for Wearing a Dress Without Donning Much

Undoubtedly, dresses are a real fascination for girls to attend an event or a party. The silhouettes are the prime example of the feminine for ladies on the one hand; whereas, on the other hand, the fashion voyage from flab to fab embarks with hours of choices, fashion essentials, makeup, and so many other things.

This sort of genuine hard work is quite suitable for those who love to spend time getting ready for a party or outside trip, but if you fall into the second category-defining you as a sluggish person, then we have something for you. We understand that immediate plans and unplanned outings don’t give us enough time to get prepared for looking fabulous.

So, let’s start to explore exciting hacks of wearing a dress without spending extra time and donning much to look good-

White Sneakers + dress

White sneakers are the must-have footwear for girls. They are versatile, stylish, and fashionable, and most importantly, they can be donned with anything, from skinny jeans to floral ladies dress. Indeed, it is not always possible to get enough time to look good and make the choices, and perhaps, you should still be ready to wear your casual or lolita dress with sneakers to head for the unplanned trips with friends.

Try out the Strappy heels and dress combination.

Sometimes your shoe also needs a holiday to get the look back, and perhaps, why girls are now finding a more-classy look in pairing their dresses with strappy heels. They are bold and stylish footwear that can be easily paired up with your attire. You can wear them during work hours as well as to parties.

Make a trendy pair of a dress with over-the-knee boots.

The pair of over-the-knee boots with dresses is a classy example of pure magnanimity in fashion. They blend well with events where you need to show your sexy side. High-knee dresses are the bare minimum that you can think about to look fab.

Style denim jacket with dresses

Denim jackets are timeless winter wear clothing to pair with any of your dresses and outfits. If you have made a sudden plan for the long drive with your friends, a pair of denim jackets with your lace dress is a minimalistic choice to cast an impression. It can also be paired up with mid-skirts, and high-knee ladies’ dresses for late-night parties.

Pair your dress with a mesh skirt

The pairing of your dress with a mesh skirt is a pure fashion experiment, and yes, you don’t need to feel shy while pairing this combo. It can give a unique sense of fashion, but you need to remember that you always try to match your short dresses. Don’t go for the knee-below dresses.

The classy look of a trench coat with dresses

Notably, during the winter, you can try out this look to look fresh and stylish. Perhaps, it will be the best look for shopping dates with your girlfriends and will give a feel of fashionista. Try out pairing your black or white dresses with your trench coat.

Block heel boots with maxi dresses

Confining your block heel boots only for one season will be too harsh for the boots’ makers and designers. They can be donned with your maxi dresses while heading for a long car drive with your friends or going to the movies.

Bewakoof.com

If you are looking for these kinds of fashion essentials to make them part of your dress styling, then Bewakoof.com is the perfect destination for you. It is the best online shopping sites in India for clothes. Here you will find all the varieties of essentials that we have discussed above at exciting prices.

Conclusion

Fashion hacks are also critical in the age of fashion, as picking up the right clothes every morning is. So, these were the exciting ways of wearing ladies’ dresses, which you can find online, without thinking much. You can try them out or add your experiments to look stylish in any dress.

Learn Ways to Plan a Secure Moving This Year

Do you remember traveling with your family for a few weeks’ vacation? Do you remember how much happening were the days of packing and preparing? If not yet, then imagine so. The fear of losing things behind or not able to find the needed item at the moment can keep you awake the night before leaving. Then what would it be like to relocate to another city or country for any reason at all?

Moving to a new place is not an easy task as it requires thorough planning, countless hours of packing, and extensive preparation. The thought of leaving your home and seeping roots in a new locality is daunting and emotionally draining. On the other hand, even the smallest detail demands your attention while packing, which can exhaust you mentally. It would help if you were vigilant and attentive, as slight negligence can lead to dire consequences. Some people’s jobs require them to move annually, and though shifting every year makes them a little pro at it, the process itself is exhausting.

The prospect of shifting your base to a new location is indeed stressful, but experts recommend that appropriate planning and organizing your tasks ease the process. Maintaining a to-do list assists in getting closer to the end, and you can also keep track of things. Following are a few learning tips which will help you in planning a relatively secure move this year:

Organize

Successful people organize their belonging and their tasks as per their importance, which helps them significantly in accomplishing their daily chores. If you are someone who keeps things in order, you can easily find your stuff, as sorting things out will not consume much of your time. Moreover, it will not only help in packing, but a proper organization of things would be of assistance in unpacking as well.

Book a storage unit

Shifting to a new place is a strenuous process, and a lot of things occupy your mind. It is highly possible that you misplace a few things and then regret losing them. A perfect solution is to book a storage unit and place your treasured items in it so that your mind is at peace, and you can focus on the tasks at hand. You may google storage near me, select the company that meets your requirement, and can keep your belongings safe. Storage units usually have security cameras, and they keep your possession secure from any theft.

Get rid of excess stuff

Most of us are habitual of hoarding unnecessary stuff in our homes, thinking we might use them one day. Usually, when we start packing, we come across several things that we have forgotten we possess. Moving to a new place is a perfect time to get rid of all the stuff that you have not used in months, yet they occupy space in your home. If you have not utilized something in months, it is highly unlikely that you will use these things ever again. Furthermore, if ever a need arise, you can always buy a new item. Taking unnecessary stuff to your new home will only clutter the new space. Besides, it will increase the number of boxes that you will need to transport, and it will be an added trouble. It is better that you make separate piles of stuff that you either want to donate or sell and one stack consisting of items that you plan to toss off.

Bubble wrap

Transporting fragile items in their original condition is indeed a challenging task as the moving boxes go in several hands, and not everyone handles them with care. As an owner, you must not leave them on other people and pack these things either by yourself or ask someone to work under your supervision. Electronic appliances, mirrors, crockery items, or decoration pieces are generally delicate yet expensive. Bubble wrap gives them protection and acts as a shield against hard surfaces. Wrapping fragile articles twice or thrice with bubble wrap will ensure that they reach their destination in one piece.

Use garbage bags

When you are moving, packing is not the only concern because settling in a new environment is another challenging phase that awaits you. Packing clothes in trash bags have proven to be an effective strategy as it eases the work of unpacking, and all you have to do is to unpack boxes and hang clothes in a closet. Besides, packing clothes and hangers in separate carts will only occupy more space and increase the number of cartons.

Conclusion

Regardless of the reason for your moving, the prospect of packing your stuff and make a new place home is physically exhausting and mentally draining. In a perfect world, you get at least a month to plan your move, but in today’s fast-paced era, people often get a week to move out. Thorough planning helps in making a secure relocation experience, and you can do it without exposing yourself in an unnecessary fuss.

How to Prepare K-12 Students for the Future of Work

Educating children and preparing them for their future is complicated work. Did you know that 65% of K-12 students will be employed for jobs that don’t even exist yet? This is what the World of The Economics Forum recently stated. In fact, McKinsey Global predicts a world where most of the current jobs we have today will be automated in the future by machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Mamaslikeme.com recommends that you have a solid plan in place to ensure your kids have a great future ahead of them. This requires some sacrifices now but what you do today will have a huge effect on your child’s future.

So how do we prepare children for the future of employment if we don’t know what kind of jobs they’ll aspire for in the future? To answer that question, here are some of the most fundamental skills K-12 students should have for the in-demand jobs of the future:

Soft Skills

When we think about the future of work, we imagine a group of workers in a computing lab developing new technology. This could be how it’ll actually look like but we must not forget that we’re humans and our soft-skills will continue to be valuable in the future. Maybe you can’t teach your kindergarten students how to build a computer or learn JavaScript, but you can surely encourage them to use their soft-skills that will be useful for their future.

Problem-Solving-problem skills or creativity could be some of the most important ones. Most of the tech-related jobs have something to do with logical thinking and creativity, so no matter what type of job they’ll choose, encourage them to use those soft-skills to help them prepare for their future.

Focus on Innovation

Innovation has always been the main source of technological advancements, so encouraging your students to learn with innovative skills will make them more proficient in finding new paths and new solutions. There’s an interesting initiative from Dublin City University (DCU). A new program developed by Anne Looney, Dean of Education at DCU, promises to develop innovation-related skills in teachers so they’re able to educate students with innovative mindsets.

The program consists of allowing teachers to spend some time working at tech-related organizations to expand their experience and understand the innovation world from its roots. Although this process is still in the early stages, it has started to pay off positively.

Encourage Digital Literacy

Today’s young students are digital natives, they know how to use technology more than any other adult would have done at their age. However, some children only connect with technology through mobile devices. But technology is broad and the possibilities of using it in education are endless. You can encourage young students to create digital products based on their interests. This is a fun way to motivate them to use technology for something positive and improve their digital literacy skills.

Use Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies could be the best way to introduce children to the future of work and to give them a glimpse of how it will look like. This is a huge challenge in education because some schools don’t have access to emerging technologies.

According to a recent PwC survey, most K-12 teachers don’t feel prepared to teach technology to their students due to a lack of available tools. However, there are great organizations and programs where schools can access emerging technology systems such as Google or Microsoft’s DreamSpace program. The DreamSpaceis program allows young students to interact with virtual reality assisted systems. In doing so, students will know how new forms of technology works and how they could be implemented in various industries.

Educate Them to Be Resilient

The combination of resilience, innovation, and creativity is considered an in-demand soft skill in the future of employment. Technology is always changing and every day, we have new trends that will shape our future. That’s why adapting to an evolving ecosystem is important for young students.

Elizabeth Edwards once defined resilience with the best words: “Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you’ve lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that’s good.”

Empathy and Creativity

Robots are taking over some jobs, this is true. People are usually concerned about this because they believe that there is no place for humans in the future of work. But there is nothing farther away from reality. Humans have two things There is something that robots don’t have: that humans do empathy and creativity. These two skills will continue to be important in the future. That’s why the best thing you could do for your students is to encourage them to utilize empathy and creativity. You could do this by practicing design and emphasizing the importance of emotional health.

Although you don’t necessarily have to teach your students coding skills, there are other crucial skills like problem-solving skills, creativity, innovation, and analytical thinking.

A Guide to Using an Electric Breast Pump

Breastfeeding is an essential feature of motherhood that influences the health and wellbeing of your baby. Only 55% of infants in India are breastfed for the first six months after birth. A major reason for this gap is the mother’s job. If you are also a working mother, use the best electric breast pumps in India to feed your little one.

These pumps are convenient for mothers who are not around the child, want to include their partners in the process of baby feeding, or suffer from lactation issues. Today, there is continuous research in making breast pumps portable by reducing their size. Thanks to this, India may witness pumps with adjustable suction power and other enhancements in the upcoming years.

Here is all you desired to know about this handy device.

When to Consider Using an Electrical Pump?

Working Mothers

Moms who prefer going back to work after delivery may find it challenging to breastfeed the newborn often. In such cases, electric pumps help to express milk easily and store it away for the entire day’s feed.

According to a survey, about 80 percent of working mothers prefer using electric pumps during their lactating period. Indian mothers also use these pumps due to being popularly recommended by gynaecologists.

Mothers Expected to Deliver Early

Pregnancy complications or women at the risk of an early delivery may consider using the best electric breast pumps in India. A low-weight preterm baby may not have enough strength to suckle, which makes these pumps indispensable.

Mothers Delivering Twin Babies

For those women delivering twins, breastfeeding becomes an exhausting affair. Nevertheless, you can opt for electric pumps that help express more milk within a small time interval.

Tips to Use a Breast Pump

Like with any skill, it takes time to master the use of a breast pump. Your body will gradually learn to trigger the letdown, relax, and express maximum milk.

Don’t Hurry to Breastfeed

In the initial weeks, work with your baby to initiate and build on your milk supply. You can maintain a consistent supply when you remember to stick to your pumping schedule. But, breastfeeding your baby within an hour after the birth works wonders for their health. In India, only 41.6% of infants are breastfed immediately after birth. Don’t let your child become one of them.

If your Child is Unable to Breastfeed

Start to double pump the breast milk if the baby is unable to feed directly from the breast. It is essential to express milk as frequently as your baby will drink. Research has shown that expressing milk within the first few hours of birth will produce high milk volume in the early weeks.

Read the Instruction Manual

Remember to look into the manual to understand your pump’s mechanisms and use the special features. Nevertheless, using an electric pump is a simple process that involves placing the breast shield on your nipple and turning on the electric pump.

Relax

Being relaxed is essential to stimulate the letdown reflex and pump out more milk. Consider applying a warm compress to the breasts for enhancing the letdown. Choose a spot that is free from distractions, comfortable, and private. Ensure your arms and back are well supported during the pumping process.

Don’t Neglect the Discomfort

Breast pumping should not become an uncomfortable phenomenon. If you feel any discomfort while expressing or notice chafing or blisters on your breast, consider reducing your pump’s suction. You also need to use the right size of the breast shield, which surrounds the nipple closely. There must also be enough space for it to move around without rubbing.

Electric breast pumps are also known to reduce the medical/health-related issues plaguing Indian mothers. By addressing problems such as inverted nipples, underdeveloped breasts, and hormonal imbalances, experts predict a rise in pumps’ demand forthwith.

Do Not Deviate From Your Pumping Schedule

Make it a habit to pump at specific times each day to meet your baby’s increasing demand. If your baby is exclusively milk pumped, consider pumping more often and store enough milk for the infant. However, if you are pumping and breastfeeding, pump 60 minutes before or 30 minutes after feeding the baby.

As a new or expectant mother, you have enough things to worry about, and feeding the baby must not be on the list. The best electric breast pumps in India can ease your feeding troubles and deliver the right nutrition at the correct times to the newborn. These apparatus come handy during a variety of situations and make the initial phases of motherhood comfortable.

Family Friendly Ways to Be More Sustainable

Being sustainable can be difficult. We all want to help the environment, but the world is so advanced that being sustainable no longer feels natural. These days most of the businesses are sustainable, or they are trying to be.

However, we all need to play a part in helping the environment, and that means being more sustainable. In fact, being sustainable can be fun, if you do it as a family. Working together and finding creative ways to use what you have can be an exciting adventure. So, here are some fun and family-friendly ways to be more sustainable.

Grow your own veg

Store bought fruit and veg can be full of chemicals. Often, the items that you buy are grown abroad and shipped over. This isn’t good for the environment. But, growing your own fruit and veg is, and it can be super fun. Simply find a patch in your garden that gets plenty of suns and get digging. It can be incredibly cathartic and obsessive. Just be aware of any chemicals you use in your own garden. Herbicides, such as roundup can be harmful to humans and cause lifelong health problems (why is round up still being sold? It’s a good question. Click the link to find out more). Soon, your garden will be full of life and delicious veg for all the family.

Arts and crafts

Everyone loves arts and crafts. Even the least creative person can’t resist a little glue and glitter. But how are arts and crafts helping you to be sustainable? Well, instead of going to a store for new clothes, you can make changes to the clothes you currently have, making them feel new. Instead of buying a new outfit for one occasion and never wearing it again, you’ll be excited to show off your amazing sewing skills. Check out these winter crafts for more ideas.

Water challenges

We all use far too much water. Long hot baths in the evening can be so tempting, yet baths can use up to seven times more water than a quick shower. So, challenge your kids to a water use competition. Who can use less water in a week? The winner gets a prize!

Car boot sales

Families tend to throw lots of things away. Kids grow out of their clothes quickly, and their interests are ever changing. However, it’s important to show your kids the impact of throwing things in the landfill. This is terrible for the environment, as most plastics take many years to decompose. So, instead of throwing out old toys and clothes, start going to car boot sales where your kids will see other families enjoying your used items. You can pick up some bargains for them, too.

Fall 2020 Style Essentials

This year the world has been struck with the COVID-19 pandemic which forced many to stay at home and adapt to a new lifestyle. A lot of professionals started working from home, which means they swapped elegant suits and accessories for sweatpants and simple tees. However, the fall is here, and in many places, the restrictions are getting looser, which means that going out and enjoying the surroundings is back. And there’s no better way to celebrate this new-found freedom than to wear the trendiest pieces. So, for this reason, here are some fall 2020 style essentials that you shouldn’t leave home without.

New season, new footwear

It’s time to put sandals and flip-flops away because it’s a new season, and a new season means different footwear. This fall, we’re expecting to see boots in all shapes and forms. Knee-length will be making a comeback, which is a welcome change compared to over-the-knee styles we used to wear in previous seasons. Also, since fall weather tends to be a bit unpredictable, make sure to wear suede water-resistant boots that will protect you from sudden rain.

Get elegant with non-denim pants

Jeans are a staple wardrobe item for everyone, and this fall this won’t change. However, non-denim pants will become all the rage which is wonderful news for all the professionals who cannot wear jeans while being at work. Basic black or grey trousers are a great choice as they can be easily mixed and matched with more colorful tops and buttoned shirts.

Stylish and sleek accessories

Photo by Ranurte on Unsplash

Fall is when everyone starts to get more elegant, and this year’s trends are here to confirm this. Self-care often means being responsible, so treating yourself to a brown leather cardholder wallet will be a nice addition to your personal style. Aside from that, you can also get a new wallet, especially if your old own is showing visible signs of use. Completing your look with sleek and stylish accessories such as a neutral purse or a leather backpack can transform your style and make you look chicer.

Big chunky knitted sweaters

Since fall time is often associated with coziness and comfiness, it’s no wonder that it is a favorite season for so many people. And there is no better way to celebrate fall than treating yourself to a trendy chunky knitted sweater. In case you plan to wear it daily, then make sure to get one made of cashmere or other types of high-quality wool. You can either opt for a shorter sweater and wear it with high-rise jeans or go for a more oversized model that goes well with skinny jeans or leggings. The choice is yours, so feel free to experiment.

Bold and statement pieces

Just because summer ended doesn’t mean you have no room to experiment with fashion. Fall is all about being creative and adding a few bold and statement pieces to your outfit will definitely add a whole new dimension to the way you look. Opting for an animal print scarf or a chunky necklace will surely be a great idea, especially if you love simple and neutral clothes as a base for your outfit. Additionally, wearing a set of rings or a pair of statement earrings will surely add a dash of elegance no matter the occasion.

A classic coat that stands the test of time

Photo by Rangga Cahya Nugraha on Unsplash

If you’re planning a fashion investment this fall, then look no further. A classic, quality coat is the best thing you can gift to your wardrobe. A good coat should be, above all, durable and made of long-lasting materials. Whether you opt for a trench coat or a cozy shearling coat it’s essential to pick something comfortable that suits you. In case you find a model that you love, don’t hesitate to purchase it, because chances are you’ll be wearing it for years to come!

Final thoughts

Getting ready for fall should be fun, so don’t hesitate to experiment with various styles and clothing pieces. Also, remember that you should never sacrifice your own comfort and well-being in order to follow fashion, instead, find a way to modify your style to be accommodating of new trends and you’ll be ready to enjoy fall feeling stylish like never before!

How To Eliminate Odors In Your Kitchen

A lot of things are happening in the kitchen – cooking, frying, throwing the food away, so it’s no wonder that smells are a natural occurrence there.

If you ever felt (and you most certainly did) that you want to leave the kitchen immediately due to some horrible smell, then you need to check out these tips on how to get rid of the smells fast and how to reduce them to a minimum.

Reduce trash odors

Of course, you shouldn’t wait for too long until you take out the trash from the kitchen – the more it’s inside the room, the stinkier it will be.

However, sometimes it’s not the actual trash that stinks – it’s the trash can. From time to time, sprinkle it with baking soda, and then spray it with a disinfecting spray to get rid of bacteria.

You can also use lemon or orange rinds to refresh the trash can. Use a few pieces every two weeks and run them through the can. The acid inside this citric fruit will break up the grease and leave a fresh scent.

Dry the sponge

Wet sponges can stink a lot, so it’s best to give it a good squeeze after every use. Store it in a place where there’s good airflow – it will not only prevent the smells but it will also prolong the sponge’s life. And don’t forget to clean the sponge in the dishwasher every once in a while.

Microwave odors

You cook almost everything in the microwave, so it’s no wonder it could start giving off various unpleasant smells after a while.

To get rid of the lingering smells, boil one-quarter of water together with lemon slices in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Wipeout any remains of the wood inside the microwave and leave the microwave door open to let the inside dry completely.

Exhaust fan

You should use your exhaust fan whenever you cook to prevent unnecessary smells coming from cooking. It’s even better to switch the fan on every time you use the oven or even the cooktop. In case you don’t have an exhaust fan, think about getting one – it’s a great help in preventing odors from filling the kitchen and even spreading through your home when cooking.

Dishwasher smells

The dishwasher gets filled with various smells – just think about how many different food remains find their way inside the dishwasher and give off smells while you’re waiting to fill in the dishwasher so that you can turn it on. Even the dishwashers of the highest quality can give off smells because sometimes food particles find their way inside the dishwasher parts and stay there to rot and smell.

To give your dishwasher a proper clean, you first need to empty it – remove even the bottom rack. Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove any debris. Then place a glass cup of white vinegar on the top rack between the prongs for glasses. Rin the dishwasher through a single cycle and set the highest possible temperature. After the cycle is finished, leave the door open for one hour so that the dishwasher dry out completely. White vinegar inside it would have broken up grease and neutralize the odors. Still, if you don’t like the scent of fresh vinegar, you can mask it later with a few drops of essential oil. Repeat this cleaning process for times a year.

However, sometimes a dishwasher part breaks or cracks, allowing the food particles to get inside the cracks – there’s not a lot you can do about it but to look for dishwasher spare parts. It’s the only sure way you will get rid of the smell and that your dishwasher will continue functioning properly.

Refrigerator odors

The refrigerator can give off truly horrid smells if there’s food that’s gone off or if you don’t store the food properly.

The obvious thing is to make sure every meal or any type of food is stored inside a container with secured lids or at least wrapped in material that doesn’t give off smells. Every couple of days, check your fridge to see if there’s any spoiled food you need to get rid of.

Also, baking soda is a great tool in fighting fridge odors – place an open box of baking soda in both the fridge and the freezer. It will neutralize the smells.

When you’re cleaning the fridge, be very thorough – clean the cracks and crevices on the shelves, side doors, and crispers. You wouldn’t believe how many crumbs or spills stay there causing unpleasant smells.

Cutting boards

You use cutting boards every day to chop and cut various types of food, so all of that remains on the cutting boards. Sometimes even sanitizing it can’t remove the strong smell of garlic or onion. To freshen up plastic cutting boards, put them in the dishwasher. As far as wood cutting boards go, scrub them with a lemon half that you previously dipped in salt.

The kitchen sink

A lot of gunk ends up in the sink, resulting in a very specific smell coming from it. First, scour the drain by pouring a cup of salt, then pour a cup of baking soda. Next, boil water in a kettle and pour it into the drain – that will activate the salt-baking soda mix. Leave it for a couple of minutes and then run cold water for a whole minute. It will wash away the residue and leave the drain clean and odor-free.

Freshen up the kitchen

In case you don’t like the smell of yesterday’s meal you cooked, a spritz of homemade air freshener could help. Pour three-quarters of water in a spray bottle, add two tablespoons of vodka or rubbing alcohol to it, and add 10 or more drops of essential oil of any scent you like. keep it under the sink for a quick fix.

Bottom line

Kitchen odors can have various sources – only regular and thorough cleaning and maintenance can prevent the odors from spreading.

The Ultimate Guide to Estate-Planning for Single Parents

Estate planning is a serious matter for everyone, but it’s especially important for single parents who want to protect their children. It’s never easy to think about the time when you may no longer be here, but it’s also true that you can’t afford to feel uncomfortable about the subject if you want to keep taking care of your kids even when you’re not physically present. That said, it would be wise to seek legal advice on the matter, protect your assets in time, and secure your children’s future in advance.

A Will and a Trust Are Essential Documents

A will is without a doubt one of the crucial documents that single parents can utilize in order to protect their children. After all, having an established will means that the parents can also name a guardian for their children in case of their sudden passing as well as relay their wishes in regard to the assets and estate. Aside from the will, a trust is another essential part of this preparation as it will speed up the probate court proceedings, delegate the assets accordingly, and enable the trustee to hold onto the child’s assets until they become adults who can manage their own assets and finances. It’s never a good idea to have all of the assets distributed right after the parent passes away if the children are still minors.

Life Insurance Is a Good Idea

Aside from the will and trust, many single parents also consider investing in life insurance in order to further support their children after their passing financially. If you go by the estate planning and asset protection in Arizona, you can also talk to the legal representatives in order to lessen the tax burden and include the life insurance proceeds in the entire plan you create for your children after your death. Of course, there may be some differences across the states, which is precisely why it’s so important to put your trust in reputable and experienced legal institutions. Never try to do everything on your own without the help of professional guidance as things can only get more complicated.

Planning in the Event of Incapacitation

No one knows what the future might bring. As such, it’s also important that single parents plan in the event of becoming incapacitated. That way, they can name a person who will take care of their children before they become adults, make financial decisions in their stead, discuss the options for external care for the parents, and so on. There are several different options to consider in this case but it’s even possible to establish a process of paying for the child’s bills and expenses directly from the parent’s account even if the parent in question may be incapacitated and the child still a minor. Therefore, it’s crucial to address all possible scenarios when you’re a single parent as estate planning can effectively deal with all sorts of financial issues and different situations.

Plan for Beneficiary Designations

Not all assets have to go through probate court proceedings. Actually, there are several different aspects such as life insurance, pension, and so on, that can be passed directly to a beneficiary. However, it’s also a fact that children cannot inherit these assets until they’re of legal age, which is precisely why single parents have to name a beneficiary who will hold onto these assets for them and protect them well. As mentioned, utilizing various trusts is always a good solution, but it’s also crucial to take the time to find the best person who will act as a beneficiary until the children are of legal age. Make sure to put your trust in someone who’s close enough to you and your children and whom you can be sure will take care of your kids and their interests properly.

Business Succession Planning

In case the single parent is a business owner, it’s also necessary to plan for the future of the said business after the parent’s passing. In case you decide to go with the business succession, it’s possible to have your business operate and provide income for your kids until they’re of legal age to take over the business. However, in some cases, it might be better for the kids’ future to simply proceed with business closing and liquidation, so make sure to assess the circumstances carefully before making the decision.

All legal matters can quickly become overwhelming, let alone estate planning for single parents. This is precisely why you should make the most out of all the help you can get. With the right legal agency to support both you and your children, you’ll be able to deal with this protection plan quickly and efficiently and enjoy your life without worries knowing that your children will be taken care of.