Going to Buy Your Dream Home? Here are key tips

Today, buying a home in Toronto has become next to impossible. The prices of all sorts of homes (detached and semi-detached homes, row-houses, apartments, condo townhouses, condos, etc.) have risen out of proportion and those who are living on rent are going to be evicted due to no-fault eviction ordnance of Toronto.

Out of many pricing strategies present in real estate, there is a strategy that is often used when the real estate market tilts in favor of sellers is withholding offers. This then leads to what is referred to as a bidding war.

Homebuyers that are hopeful in buying their desired condo are no longer unfamiliar with bidding wars. How does a bidding war work in real estate and what can buyers do to bring it in their favor, so they can be successful in buying a condo? Let us now find out.

The mechanism of bidding wars – How does it function?

A bidding war (otherwise known as a multiple offer situation) takes place when the listing agent holds back offers as part of an elaborate plan. It means that any buyers interested in purchasing a residential property are requested to wait until a specific date.

That specific date usually lasts between five to seven days in the market. Such is done so buyers can present their best offer to the seller. This also gives buyers time to preview the listings and their realtor (real estate agent) can perform the due diligence on coming up with the right price offer. Buyers know they will be competing with other prospective and hard-core buyers in today’s tough market.

On the day of the offer, buyers register their offers through their realtors. While buyers will be told how many other offers are being registered, at what rate they are coming is kept a secret. This allows sellers to review a wide range of other offers made by prospective buyers.

The listing agent and buyers’ agents will be in negotiations throughout the offer presentation. Such is done in order to encourage bids that can be close to those that can raise the bar, as set by the seller.

How can a prospective buyer win a bidding war?

Bidding wars can be often running without direction and buyers never get to know what kind of offers they are competing against. But there is not much to worry about as there are some strong tactics that can raise the buyer’s chances of having their offer accepted by the seller.

They are as under:

Tip # 1: Buyers should keep the conditions aside

It is best for buyers to keep the conditions aside when they are in the bidding war. Among the conditions are status certificates, home inspections and the like. When buyers waive off such conditions when making the bid, it means that they have proved to the seller that they are serious in doing business.

For instance, a seller receives four offers for Toronto condos, having slight differences in prices. Three offers have conditions while one doesn’t have a condition. The one without a condition will be attractive to the seller, and they will go for it.

When buyers decide to make a concrete offer, it is important that they are completely sure about moving forward with it. For instance, if the buyer’s offer is accepted but their financing does not make the cut, they are bound to lose their deposit they saved each cent and dollar for.

Tip # 2: Buyers should have their deposit ready

If buyers are serious about the purchase, they should have their deposit funds ready and it’s essential that such be prepared ahead of the date of the offer made. The market norm for the deposit is 5% of the purchase price. If buyers need to move the needed funds from one bank account to another, this can eventually take a few days.

When buyers present their offer, their bank account overdraft should be able to prove to the seller that they mean business. If the offer is accepted, such amount of money is usually needed within 24 hours.

Tip # 3: Buyers should not reduce their bidding amount

At times, listing agents can withhold offers and consequently, they will price it below the fair market value in order to create a competitive offer situation. If buyers are in the hope of winning a bidding war, they should know that making an offer that is C$5,000 or C$10,000 over the listed price is least likely to be accepted.

For their offer to be accepted, the realtor (real estate agent) they trust will work with them to formulate a plan that ensures them putting forward the best they have to offer to the seller.

When buyers have found a home and seriously are considering making an offer, it is best to determine what that residential property is worth to them. They should discuss their absolute budget with their trusted realtor, so they can understand the limitations and opportunities present.

The first offer the buyers make does not need to be out of their budget. However, having a top budget number in consideration gives buyers some space to improve on their offer, if needed. These limitations can help keep them on the right track.

Conclusion

Now, Toronto’s real estate market is becoming the most expensive in all of North America. Tenants are at the risk of eviction through no-fault eviction ordnance which is a cause of concern. The city government of Toronto, the provincial government of Ontario and the Government of Canada are doing all they can to address this issue.

The tips can help prospective buyers understand what it takes to buy a condo and how tricky the process of buying a home is. The bidding wars are not a piece of cake, but confident buyers should not shy away from it. Hopefully, Toronto’s real-estate market will cool down in the coming days.

Are You Planning a Vacation With Your Kids? Here Are a Few Ideas

How many times have you said that you would like to visit some foreign countries when the kids grow up?

You lost count, most likely, like so many other parents. However, it does not have to be this way.

The faster parents understand that children like traveling too, the better. Yes, we all know that they can throw temper tantrums for the silliest reasons, but children also like getting out of their routine.

Besides, they get to spend some quality time with the people they love most. Their parents. So here are some ideas for some kid-friendly foreign locations you can enjoy.

Rome, Italy

To you, it is a romantic place with a rich culture and history. To children, Rome is gladiators, cool swords, battles, Maximus, and the Colosseum. It may be a good idea to teach your kids a few things about Rome before you leave. That will create expectations and excitement. Although I would recommend some age-appropriate books. Surely, you can find some online.

To make things a bit easier for you, know that there are hotels in Rome that have special activities for children such as heroes’ tours and treasure hunts. Your children are in great hands, and if you want, you can escape for a little while to enjoy the adult part of Rome with your partner.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam is a great city to walk in. The sights are picturesque, and it is generally very kid friendly. You will see kids even in bars. Of course, they have spaces specially designed for them with toys and a space to play in. In fact, many restaurants have that too. However, there are a few attractions your children will love. For instance, you can take them to the NEMO Science Museum or the National Maritime Museum. They are both incredible places where kids can see cool ships and learn about their history.

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

As a grown-up, you will absolutely love this place. It has this hippie vibe and tons of traditions. You can enjoy lots of experiences. However, if you decide to go to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve and stay at the Mandapa, your kids are going to have a blast. They have a Kids’ Hut, which is basically a farm where your kids can learn about the animal. They have chickens, cows, ducks, and rabbits. They can play all day long and eat fresh vegetables, plant rice and much more. Besides, you will find it relaxing.

Copenhagen, Denmark

There are two locations in Copenhagen that provide fun for both the parents and the kids. One of them is the Blue Planet Aquarium. There are several exhibits with fish and other animals from all around the world. You can visit the rainforest exhibit, where your kids can touch a snake if they feel up to it. All displays have touchscreens that your kids can use to learn about the several types of animals in front of them.

The second is Tivoli Gardens. There are rides and fantastic street food, cartoon characters, and so on. It depends on the time of the year you visit, but Tivoli Gardens is amazing no matter the decorations they put up.

Unquestionably, one of the ideas above sound fantastic for your next vacation with the kids. One more useful tip I can give you for your next vacation is that for some countries, you can get electronic visas for the entire family. If you want to go to India, for instance, you can get eVisas.They are available online, you do not have to carry all your kids to an embassy or a visa center, and you do not have to concern yourself with a tedious visa application process. As long as you have valid passports for the entire family, you are golden. The rest is a piece of cake.

If you want to find more tips by blogger parents, have a look at www.familyexperiencesblog.com, run by an expat mother of two in Athens Greece, writing about travel and sharing travel tips.

It’s Time for Fun: 3 Best Mom’s Night Out Ideas

Are you ready to have some fun with your mom friends? Read this article to learn about the best mom’s night out ideas for maximum fun.

It’s hard being a Mom! There’s so much to get done in a day’s time, whether it’s for your family, for your job, or for the home itself. Yes, you love your family but it doesn’t mean you couldn’t enjoy a little time away for yourself too.

Getting out of the house and spending some quality time with other moms that know the struggle can be good for you. It’s important for your health to have time to de-stress! But what should you and the women you’ve gathered do for your big night out?

If you need some killer mom’s night out ideas, read on. We’ll walk you through some ideas that will guarantee a good night.

1. Group Massage

You’ve heard of a couple’s massage, right? While that may sound romantic and fun, it can be even more rewarding to head to the local spa with a couple of your best gal pals.

These treatments can help you feel like yourself again, and the long and luxurious process is the perfect time to catch up with friends and talk in-depth about your lives. That’s also not even to speak to the champagne and chocolate strawberries that often come packed and parceled with this kind of thing.

You might even be able to find a great Groupon deal online and get the whole afternoon or evening done on the cheap.

2. Take an Art Class

If you’re looking for things to do in your town, it’s well worth looking up what sort of at-night arts classes exist. Most towns have some sort of paint and sip night somewhere in town, which can be a great place to express your creative streak and enjoy a little Merlot while you do it.

If your group of mothers actually want to learn a new skill, there’s plenty of classes that provide actual instruction. However, if you’re just looking to drink and have a fun time with some watercolors, there should be plenty of space for that kind of activity too.

Some of these classes are even BYOB, which means you can bring your exact favorite bottle in to share with the others.

3. An Escape Room

The newest craze that’s sweeping the nation involves you and your friends locking yourself into a small room with no clear way out. Sound crazy? No! It’s an escape room.

This is a new favorite activity for many adults all over America. You have to work as a team to solve riddles and piece together clues. You’re fighting against the clock, so it’s a good way to get competitive without having to pit the group against themselves.

If you make it out in time, it’s easy to head nearby and celebrate with drinks (or even drown your sorrows if not).

The Best Mom’s Night Out Ideas

If you’re looking for some great mom’s night out ideas, you can’t beat the above options. However, these are only the tip of the iceberg and you’re definitely encouraged to get creative.

Need more entertainment tips and tricks? Check out our blog for more.

Creating Custom Canvas Prints For Eye-Catching Attention

Well, my best friend recently purchased a new home. A big congratulation to him. Since I was planning to pay a visit, I had to search for a unique gift item, which amplifies the interior ambiance. I was looking for a gift that is pleasing to the eyes, cost-effective and adds value to his home.

Choosing Custom Canvas Prints

Well, I added all these three criteria to your bucket list while searching for a gift and went for the custom canvas prints, which offer variable options to customers. You can get any of your favorite photos customized and display them on the wall to be witnessed by everyone.

Canvas prints have the ability to bring images to life in an exclusive manner. However, before you decide to customize your photographs, you need to understand the process of how canvas prints get optimized.

Creating Customized Canvas

You have a couple of options that will help you transform an ordinary-looking image into something splendid.

The first alternative is choosing the traditionally stretched canvas art prints. Here, the professionals make use of an eight-color inkjet printer on a good quality artist canvas.

You also get the option to choose three different types of depths, including 0.75 inches, 1.5 inches, and 2.5 inches. The artists also make use of a hardwood frame with the hanging facility, which makes it much easier to display for photos.

Now let’s talk about the second option. Here, in this case, the photos are usually transferred to canvas prints. Again, the artist will use the eight-color inkjet canvas printing. The sealed finish backing is an amazing feature that you get with this canvas printing. The product is mounted on a high-density wood fireboard. The canvas print is resistant to warping and ready to hang.

What about the quality then

The first important product used to create a beautiful canvas print is high-quality ink that does not fade easily. It means you are looking at an online canvas print that will not lose its color within the next ten to fifteen years.

The artists also pay attention to one more pivotal area, which is to avoid over-saturation of colors. In addition, to that, you also need to note that shifting of the colors can lead to damaging your image. If you are focusing on these small important details, you can certainly create a top-class custom canvas print.

Inclusion of a full-frame inside

Other crucial factors that come into play include a full-frame inside. This will help you to enhance the beauty of your canvas prints and at the same time, will hold everything intact when completely made. You also need to ensure the corners are extremely tight to avoid sagging. Furthermore, the sealed back protects the integrity of the canvas print.

In case you are opting for the traditionally-stretched canvas wraps, you are sure to get an outstanding product from an adept and experienced craftsman that will grab everyone’s attention in a span of seconds.

More facts on quality prints

We discussed attaining high-end quality in the previous paragraph. But what people usually ask at this juncture is the price of the canvas prints.

You can ask the artist to create the prints earlier than the expected time if you are buying it for a special occasion. Be rest assured about one thing; there will be no compromise on the quality factor. It means that you can even place a last-minute order and the product will be rightly delivered to you.

Taking the discussion further, it is essential that you are using a standard light source while editing the photos. This will help you to retain the exact colors for the images.

A range of options for canvas prints

Whether you are selecting a traditionally-stretched canvas print or a hardwood solid canvas art, one thing is sure. You will get a wide range of options to explore. It means that as you go in-depth, you can learn more about customizing canvas printing.

For example, if you are opting for a solid-face canvas print, then you can select the frame in different colors such as black, white, or walnut, etc. you also have the option of leaving it unframed.

Coming to the sizes

When you consider the sizes, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Yes, you may go for the small size of 5’x7’ or a large size ranging to 32” x 48”. All these sizes are applicable to the custom canvas prints as well. This makes canvas art images one of the unique gift options that you can present on any occasion.

The same option goes well for the traditionally-stretched canvas. The size of the thin wrap varies from 0.75 inches to a chunk wrap of 2.5 inches.

The bottom line

Nowadays, customers mostly look for unique designs and more customized options when choosing canvas prints for any space. What distinguishes canvas prints from ordinary images is high-quality, cost-effectiveness, and a wide range of options to choose from.

5 Essential Scrapbook Embellishments

Are you looking for the 5 essential scrapbook embellishments? Would you like to invest in a good quality scrapbook kit that won’t break the bank? We’ve got the answers to your questions right here.

Scrapbooking or memory keeping has been a popular crafting hobby for quite some time now. Even with the rise of social media and technology, most people still prefer to document their precious memories using paper, stamps, stickers, and other scrapbook embellishments.

If you are new to scrapbooking, you might not be familiar with the essential and must-have scrapbook supplies. This post will help you figure out which scrapbook embellishments are necessary and which scrapbook it will suit your needs. Without further ado, here are the 5 essential scrapbook embellishments that you must have right now.

Paper, Paper, and more Paper!

When it comes to scrapbooking, it is a no-brainer that you need PAPER. Everything starts with a blank piece of paper – whether it’s a plain white paper, a colored or textured paper, or a patterned paper. Without paper, you pretty much won’t be able to create anything. It is one of the basic scrapbooking supplies. However, it can also be used as a scrapbook embellishment.

Scrapbook paper comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Patterned or designer paper usually have, well, patterns and images that you can fussy cut and adhere to your scrapbook page. This will save you the trouble of looking for images or stickers for your page. You may also create your own scrapbook embellishment by using colored or textured paper to die cut your stamped images!

Stickers

Obviously, stickers are absolute must-haves in your scrapbook kit. Whether it’s a chipboard sticker, a clear sticker, or a die-cut sticker, stickers will be your new best friend when you start with your memory keeping journey.

Collecting unique and versatile stickers is advisable especially if you tend to document various events and occasions in your life. This will help you create scrapbook pages easily without searching your scrapbook kit for the appropriate sticker. Make sure you don’t go overboard with your stickers though. You don’t want your scrapbook page to appear too heavy on the eyes.

Alphabet Stickers

Having alphabet stickers on hand is a must when it comes to scrapbooking. While most scrapbookers rely on their handwriting or journaling, it is still better to add something different to your scrapbook page every once in a while. Alphabet stickers are great for scrapbook page titles – they add that extra jazz. They are also pretty easy to use and not so expensive. There are a variety of font designs and colors available out there so you won’t have a hard time choosing the best alphabet stickers for your scrapbook kit collection.

Wood Veneers

Like stickers, adhesive wood veneers can add flow and movement to your scrapbook page. It can make certain areas and spots on your page pop! These scrapbook embellishments come in different shapes, sizes, and colors! Some wood veneers in various shapes like triangle, circle, square, rectangle, hearts, etc. There are also wood veneers that form words – from family and love to sweet and hugs. These wooden adhesive veneers will surely add dimension and texture to your scrapbook page.

Enamel Dots

Never underestimate the power of enamel dots! They might be tiny but they do pack a punch! Adding a few enamel dots here and there will add interest to any scrapbook page. These colorful scrapbook embellishments usually come in different-sized circles, but there are other shapes like heart, diamond, triangle, etc. Enamel dots are must-haves in your scrapbook kit. They are so useful and versatile that you can even make them the focal point of your page! Don’t have alphabet stickers or sentiment stamps for your titles? Use enamel dots to spell out words! Want to add movement to your page? Try creating shapes using enamel dots! The creative possibilities are truly endless.

Now that you know which 5 scrapbook embellishments are essential, don’t waste any more time looking around. Grab these from your favorite online store and grow your scrapbook kit collection!

5 Indian Ethnic Outfits for The Modern Bride After Marriage!

If you are a new modern bride and just married into a family and home, it is obvious that you always want to look your best as you are the center of attraction at most family functions and events. Most modern Indian brides face the dilemma of what to wear when it comes to posting wedding invites, parties, and get-togethers. When you are attending ceremonies related to the wedding, it is prudent to play safe. Indian weddings, festive functions, and ceremonies have several traditional rituals. Here, you cannot sport western clothes, and since you will be participating in most of them, you need to look like the glamorous modern bride. Fashion experts in the field suggest the following options when it comes to your post-wedding look:

Traditional saree- Nothing looks elegant and stunning as the traditional saree. There are several traditional sarees from various locations of India that you can choose for any ceremony, function, or event. For getting the saree of your choice, you do not have to waste time at local stores physically. You can check out websites that sell Indian sarees and order them from the comforts of your home. You should choose a saree material as per the climate of the place so that you look beautiful and elegant even if it is humid and hot.
Long Anarkali Kurta- The floor-length Anarkali Kurta suit is one of the most widely sought- after Indian outfits for modern brides across the country. They never go out of trend and are comfortable to wear in all occasions and events. They are simple and gracious in style. Ideal for the modern bride who wishes to look stunning and feel comfortable as well.
Lehengas- The lehengas are a popular favorite for most young modern brides. The lehenga with a cape gives brides a fairy-tale touch and makes them look beautiful and gorgeous.

Saree with cape- If you want to be a fashionable modern bride with an ethnic appeal, you should wear the saree with a cape. There are several outstanding designs and patterns available in boutiques and online stores. You will be spoiled for choice. Choose one that makes you look pretty and glamorous at the same time.
Designer saree gowns- This is a new entrant in the Indian fashion scene for modern brides. If you wish to give a bold look to the saree, this dress is the perfect choice for you. It is a glamorous outfit that accentuates your curves and makes you look elegant at the same time.

Therefore, if you are a modern bride, you do not have to waste time pondering what to wear for family functions and events. You have many amazing options to choose from. You can buy each one of the above outfits from local and online stores. They can be worn for a very long time, and you can effectively grab the limelight when you flaunt any of the above ethnic outfits with the right accessories with success!

Explaining Cellulite: The Orange Skin Peel Effect

Summer season is almost here, and you are trying to get rid of all the fat in your body. You find that the body is trimming, but the unpleasant cellulite can still be seen. Cellulite is also known as the ‘orange peel effect’. Just like an orange peel has bumps and uneven layers, cellulite looks exactly like that.

Cellulite is something you cannot escape from! If you are a woman, it is possible that you WILL have cellulite on your body. It is a part of being a woman!

Now, here’s a post that tells you everything about cellulite. What is it? Where does it appear?

What is cellulite?

Experts explain that no matter how fit you are, cellulite can appear on your body. Women get older and it becomes even more common to get the orange peel effect. Cellulite is nothing but uneven lumps on your skin. It is also called cottage cheese skin, mattress phenomenon, and hail damage. This is mainly because of the texture of your skin!

The question is – Where do these appear? The lumps and unevenness can appear on your buttocks, thighs, and hips.

What are the causes of cellulite?

Majority of the people believe that the exact cause of cellulite is unknown. Almost 80-90% have cellulite in their body. Due to the texture of the skin, it is also called ‘orange peel effect’.

Let us cut to the chase and talk about the real causes. Firstly, hold your genetics responsible for the unpleasant lumps on the skin. If your grandmother or mother had it, then you will have it too! Having cellulite is a ‘womanly thing’.

It is also caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. When you smoke heavily, drink too much or eat a lot of junk, it can be the cause of cellulite.

Aging is also one of the reasons for cellulite build-up. If you are growing older, cellulite will start forming under the layers of your skin.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite?

If you have an active lifestyle and follow a balanced diet, then it is possible that you will get rid of cellulite. It will be a slow but efficient process.

However, people can opt for shockwave therapy. This has been proven that shockwave therapy can reduce cellulite in just 3-4 weeks. If you want to undergo a safe procedure, then this is the best.

Msinsight Appelsinhud Behandling procedure has been popular and the majority of the women are opting for shockwave therapy. You will be able to see the results in just 2 sittings/sessions. While exercising and healthy eating should be a part of our day to day life, but the shockwave therapy is creating waves (in a good way).

It alters the tissue structure in your body. Most people opt for this surgery to get rid of stretch marks too! Basically, you get the best of both worlds.

So, if you are tired of cellulite, then opt for the procedure and choose a good clinic. Life is too short for posing around the beach with cellulite on your thighs and buttocks! Get rid of these in just 4 weeks with shockwave therapy.

All You Need to Know About Various Types of Outdoor Play Equipment

Outdoor playing is a must for every kid at an early age. It gives them the opportunity to face different situations and how to make decisions and go about them. Spending some time outdoors every day develops their motor functions and helps them explore and take risks. Read on for knowing more about the outdoor playing benefits and how you can achieve a healthy lifestyle for you and your family by spending time outdoors.

Expression swings – Expression swings are swings that are equally enjoyable for kids as well as adults. It helps to relax after a long day. It is one of the intergenerational play equipment that brings face to face contact while playing along with the fun.
Multi activity Play systems – Play systems are the perfect play structure played out for kids to develop their thoughts and also increase physical activity. These types of play systems are installed in schools, residential areas, and parks which are found highly appealing to all kids of any age and ability.

Balancing – Anything is always better when it is offered more than the standard. This play equipment offers the lids a standard balance beam. They range from ninja steps to hanging pods.
Climbers – climbers keep the play area more of an active area. This climbing equipment comes in all shapes and sizes for different age groups. These range from rock climbing walls to DNA climbers to net climbers.
Crawl tubes – If you want to explore a new environment, you can let your kids play in the crawl tubes. They are fun and make kids feel like they are in a risky situation which helps them to improve their attitude towards risk-taking in their lives.
Merry go round/whirls – A merry go round or whirl can also add to the joy of motion in your playground area.
Motion and spinning rides– These are a must in a play area to add a twist to the fun. This helps them to be fearless and be ready to face whatever is lying before them.
Nets – These play Equipment adds a few hours of rest to your entertainment time in a productive way. Climbing nets is also a life skill development.
Music and sound – Kids also get to enjoy auditory play when these music and sound equipment are installed. There are several rides that come with in-built music to help them be motivated and competitive.
Playhouse – A playhouse is the best way to get kids around play together. This is a ride in which you can incorporate imaginative play into your kid’s play structure.
Preschool activities – Equipment like sand and water are all preschool activities to develop the skill sets of your children.
Sand and waters – A sand and water table can be added to the playground area to encourage the kids to develop their creative skills.
Slides – Playgrounds offer a variety of slides and other outdoor play equipment in Australia like a winding spiral slide or a sleek, a zip fast slide, or a metal slide.
Upper body / Overhead – This equipment helps the children to play as well as grow big and strong while having fun.
Ziplines – This creates an epic adventure by crossing the playground by adding a zip to the playground.
The benefits of playing outdoors make the kids get to interact and play with their children, it improves their language and social skills.

Most of the equipment in the play area develops self-control and all the skillset of problem-solving. Kids and parents get an opportunity to bond through laughter, fun and pleasant experience.

Activities that Every Nursing Home Should Have

We want our loved ones to be able to retain their independence and stay at home for as long as possible. However, sometimes the best thing for them is to move into a nursing home. When considering what to look for in a nursing home, a one really important factor to keep in mind is the activities they have on offer. A wide range of activities improves mental wellbeing and keeps elderly people active and socializing, it can even keep them physically well. It is so important that your loved one does not become bored and isolated in a nursing home and the best way to prevent that is for them to get involved in activities. Learning new things can even slow down degenerative diseases such as dementia. Here are some activities that every nursing home should be offering.

Craft

Craft is great for elderly people. It gets them using their hands and keeps them dexterous. It also allows them to be creative and gives them an opportunity to express themselves.

Having an activity to do with your hands can be very therapeutic and relaxing. You can read more about the benefits of art and crafts for elderly people here.

Bingo

Bingo should be a weekly staple in every care home. It is often the most popular activity. Residents tend to like it because it doesn’t take too much concentration but still keeps their minds active. Usually, homes will put an activity like this at the same time every week. This gives residents structure and routine and gives some of them something to look forward too!

Quiz

Mentally stimulating activities are important. Quizzes are another popular activity that should be provided in nursing homes.

Outdoor activities

Getting elderly people outdoors can dramatically improve their mood and boost their immune system. There should be an inviting and well-kept garden available with activities running there when the weather is good enough.

Individual activities

Where residents cannot join group activities because they do not feel comfortable or they are unable to leave their bed then there should be some activities brought to them. It can be difficult for staff to find time to do this very often. However, whether it be hand massage, craft or just a chat, staff should also be making time for people who do not want to or are unable to leave their rooms.

One-off activities

There should also be exciting one-off activities such as guest speakers or people coming in to run a unique activity.

Other one-off activities could include events in the home to celebrate special events where friends and families are encouraged to come in.

Conclusion

It is not enough to have a wide range of activities if no one attends. All staff should encourage residents to take part in activities and transport them to where they are held. You can also get involved as someone they trust. You should be supportive and reassuring, as certain unfamiliar places or activities can be daunting at any age. Perhaps you could offer to go with them initially. If you can attend with them whilst they make friends, it could make a big difference.

Best Way to Send Money Back Home to Mexico

Mexico received an estimated $38 billion in remittances in 2019. Evidently, sending money to Mexico is big business. A surprising number of money transfer services such as Ria Money Transfer compete with big banks in an effort to get a bite of this sizeable pie. People send money to Mexico for many reasons. Each sender has a different set of priorities. Service providers capitalize on their expertise to offer features which match these priorities. While some operators offer cost-effectiveness, others advertise speed or flexibility. Here is a quick look at some of the best options that you can choose from, to best suit your unique needs.

Speed

If your primary consideration is to send money to Mexico quickly you can safely rule out conventional banks. Most of these will take a minimum of three to five days for processing. Your obvious choice would be one of the nimble online money transfer operators. Some of these can complete your transfer in mere minutes. Moreover, some operators offer unique conveniences. With end-to-end online processing you may never need to go to a bank or step out of your home/office. One notable service which goes a step beyond is Ria. In addition to web-based transfers Ria has a mobile app for Android and Apple, which lets you send money anytime and from anywhere. The app can be personalized and allows repeat transfers to be sent in moments – perfect for those of you who send money to your loved ones regularly.

Cost

When cost-effectiveness is a priority, the best option is to make a transfer from your bank account directly to the recipient’s bank account. This works best when you don’t use the banks’services. Account-to-account transfers are cheaper because there is less overhead related to customer or recipient verification. One of the issues with using the bank as the service provider is the currency conversion cost. Banks almost universally charge a higher conversion cost. They rarely mention this cost, cleverly hiding it in the poorer conversion rates they give. Some money transfer services specialize in this, and can convert USDs to Mexican Pesos at optimal rates. However such transfers can take a day or two to process. Customers should know that in addition to stated charges some operators have hidden costs. Also note also that some operators impose a limitation on minimum transfer amount (sometimes as high as $1,000), and prove to be quite expensive for transfers less than this amount. It is advisable to check your total costs and conversion rates before initiating a transfer. You can do this conveniently by using a tool such as the price calculator.

Convenience

The primary purpose of sending money abroad is to make life easy for your beneficiaries. There is not much point to a transfer service which is inconvenient for you or your recipients. There are situations when either the sender or the recipient does not have a bank account. Sometimes recipients may find themselves located in a remote or rural region with limited connectivity and not much hope of accessing web-based services. Some recipients do not find it convenient to use web based services due to lack of familiarity. Then there are those of us who never really got accustomed to plastic money, and must have hard cash in hand.

Most money transfer operators have one area of expertise and offer one key advantage. Rarely is any service able to solve all of these problems. However there is one exception. Ria currently serves customers in 144 countries through more than 314,000 locations worldwide. You can walk into a Ria office and send money to Mexico. Your beneficiary does not need to have a bank account, a computer/smartphone, or internet access. The money you send can be collected in cash by your recipient from another brick and mortar office, or a cash collection point in Mexico.A simple verification using a government-issued identity is all that is needed for collecting the money.

The range of services available to senders and recipients of international money transfers to Mexico is wide. Each has its unique advantages and shortcomings, because each is designed to suit a unique set of priorities.