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Kids Ain't Cheap

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Tips for Creating the Vintage Kitchen of Your Dreams

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When you decide to remodel your kitchen, it’s your chance to choose which design to use. If you love the look of vintage kitchens, a remodel could be your chance to bring that theme into your kitchen. According to Architectural Digest, when remodeling their homes, homeowners most want to renovate their kitchens, and they dedicate the most significant portion of their remodeling budget to their kitchens. Here are some guidelines for recreating your kitchen with the vintage theme you’ve been dreaming about.

Time to Finance Your Vintage Kitchen

According to CliqStudios, the national average cost for a kitchen remodel is almost $27K. Few people have that much cash, so most remodelers need a loan. Whether you choose a personal loan or borrow against the equity in your home, be careful to keep current with your loan payments. After all, creditors can garnish one-quarter of your net pay, if you fall behind.

Time to Get Family Input

Before selecting the materials and fixtures for your kitchen, ask your family members what they might like. For example, white walls were most frequently used in vintage palettes, but accents typically featured pastel colors like mint green, baby blue, or yellow. Other choices your family can weigh in on include the selection of curtains and floor tiles.

Time to Mix Modern and Vintage

If you want to retain the efficiency of modern appliances while displaying the retro features of a vintage kitchen, rest assured it can be done. According to EnergyStar, refrigerators that earn its iconic star are at least 15% more efficient than the federal minimum standard refrigerators. Imaginative homeowners can access that extra efficiency by removing the handles of modern refrigerators and replacing them with vintage-inspired handles and hinges. Using patterned tiles or repurposed hardwood on your floor, your kitchen will look vintage despite any modern appliances.

Time to Incorporate Safety

Despite the vintage appearance of your kitchen, modern safety standards are still mandatory. If there’s any doubt about the safety of the electrical wiring or plumbing in your home, contact a professional contractor. If you’re inexperienced at connecting appliances to the local power lines or water source, get some help with the connection. Safety for you and your family should always be your primary consideration.

Time to Feature Nostalgia

If you want a vintage appearance for your kitchen, use nostalgic design elements. For example, instead of classic pictures or wall hangings, you can hang replicas of nostalgic ads on the walls. Find a vintage shadowbox or shelf, and fill it with replicas of vintage medicine bottles or old cosmetic containers. When you choose curtains or lampshades, select vintage patterns such as copies of old-fashioned postcards or book covers.

Time to Add an Aged Appearance

Even if you choose a modern appliance, you can change its appearance. Contact paper can easily be pressed over the appliance’s surface. These inexpensive adhesive surfaces can provide a solid pastel color. Alternately, these adhesives can provide an off-white color with faux edges resembling peeling paint or an age-cracked patina.

Time for an Open Workspace

You can give your vintage kitchen a more spacious appearance. Create a bump-out feature in the kitchen by removing a side wall and building an expansion on the kitchen. The elongation of the kitchen will allow a transformed workflow in the kitchen. This extended area inside the kitchen could also allow for the addition of an old-fashioned picnic table or a little corner nook where a handmade quilt or a fireplace might stand.

A vintage-style kitchen will evoke a feeling of comfort and calm. Adding white walls and pastel accents will lend an atmosphere of welcome and hospitality. By adding nostalgic pictures or decorative elements, you’ll add whimsy and joy to each time you use your kitchen. Using these guidelines, you’ll have the vintage kitchen you’ve been hoping for.

The Pros and Cons of Living in a Beach Town

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For many people, being close to the beach may seem like the reserve of vacations and a dream at best. That said, you can get to enjoy the beauty and calm of being able to visit the beach without having to plan for months. That’s by moving to a beach town, where you’ll meet a population that’s already aware of the magic and wonder that inspires countless postcards and images on travel blogs. If you’re thinking about making this dream your reality, you may want to know the pros and cons of living in a beach town, and here are a few of them.

It’s Healthy

It doesn’t take a lot to figure out that living in a beach town can do wonders for stress management. This is the reason why the beach is the first thought for anyone looking to take a break and relax, and you can get to do this whenever you please if you move to a beach town. You’ll also have access to fresh seafood, which is known to do wonders for both mental and physical health.

There’s a Lot of Investment Potential

Living in a beach town can also present you with a lot of opportunity for investment. If you’re a business-minded individual, you shouldn’t find it hard to think of a business idea that can make you money. From selling specialty items to tourists to restaurants and more, there’s a lot that you can do if you want to generate money while living your best life in the beach town of your choice.

You’ll Always Have Something to Do

The third advantage of living in a beach town is one that you may already be familiar with as well. Time always seems to fly when you head to a vacation at the beach, and that’s because there’s so much to do. This means that if you move to a beach town, you’re likely never going to get bored or run out of fun things to do, especially in the outdoors.

The Weather May Be Unpredictable

Anyone who’s been to the beach for long enough may be aware of the fact that the weather in a beach town can get quite unpredictable. This calls for you to make proper plans as far as safeguarding your home against weather damage. In fact, you may end up becoming good at reading the weather after some time in a beach town. This involves knowing information such as that an incredible 10 storms which became hurricanes were spawned in 2017 in a row, something that had only ever happened again in 1893.

There May Be Run-Ins With Uninformed Tourists

A beach town is synonymous with tourists, and while some of them may be well-meaning, a good number may be ill-informed on beach culture, or just be downright obnoxious. You should be prepared for run-ins with them, especially during tourist seasons. For instance, you can be sure that the pure comparative negligence rule in California states that even if the party that suffered an injury contributed to their accident or injury, they can still seek compensation. That said, the total amount they can recover in damages may be reduced by the percentage of their fault.

It Could Be Expensive

Finally, living in a beach town may be quite expensive. That’s because of the regular influx of tourists who typically drive up the costs of regular commodities by increasing their demand. You may also have to invest in measures such as water purification, with about 85% of homes in America having hard water, according to Forbes.

This information should make it easier for you to make a sound decision on whether you’d like to relocate to a beach town. Since you’ll have an idea of what to expect, you may be able to settle in more easily. Planning in advance for you and your family will save you a lot of hassle.

The Best and Worst Places to Raise a Family in the U.S.- Our Top 20 Revealed

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Raise a Family

Choosing the right place to raise a family is a significant decision for any parent. Factors like education, safety, affordability, and family-friendly activities play a huge role.

Across the United States, some cities stand out as exceptional places for families, while others pose considerable challenges. We will reveal the top 10 best and worst places in the U.S. to raise a family, providing insights into what makes these locations unique.

Best Places to Raise a Family

1. Plano, Texas

Plano is renowned for its excellent school system, low crime rate, and affordable housing, making it a top choice for families. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, fostering a great environment for outdoor activities.

Its economy is strong, with a variety of job opportunities for parents. Plano’s community is diverse and family-oriented, offering cultural and educational opportunities for children. Additionally, its proximity to Dallas ensures that families have access to big-city amenities.

2. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison offers a perfect blend of urban and natural environments, ideal for family living. It’s known for its top-rated schools, vibrant community events, and extensive network of bike paths and parks.

The city has a strong emphasis on education and health, with several renowned universities and hospitals. Madison’s low crime rates and strong sense of community make it a safe and welcoming place for families. The city also excels in providing a plethora of family-friendly activities and festivals year-round.

3. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor is celebrated for its excellent education system, from primary schools to the University of Michigan. The city is culturally rich, offering numerous museums, theaters, and music venues that are great for family outings.

It’s known for its green spaces, including parks and nature areas, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Ann Arbor’s economy is robust, with opportunities in education, healthcare, and technology. The city also has a strong community vibe, making it a warm and welcoming place for new families.

4. Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park is a suburb of Kansas City and is known for its safety, great schools, and affordability. The city offers a suburban feel with the benefits of nearby urban amenities.

It’s rich in parks and recreational facilities, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The community is family-friendly, with plenty of activities and events for children. Overland Park also boasts a low unemployment rate, making it a stable environment for raising a family.

5. Fremont, California

Fremont stands out for its excellent schools, high safety ratings, and diverse population. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it offers a mix of suburban and urban lifestyles.

Fremont is in close proximity to Silicon Valley, providing ample job opportunities in the tech industry. The city is environmentally conscious, with numerous parks and outdoor spaces for families to enjoy. Despite its high cost of living, Fremont is considered one of the best places in California for family life.

6. Cary, North Carolina

Cary is noted for its low crime rates, excellent public schools, and strong community feel. It’s located in the Research Triangle Park area, offering plentiful job opportunities, especially in tech and academia.

The city is family-oriented, with numerous parks and cultural activities. Cary’s weather is pleasant, and it’s close to both the mountains and the beach. Additionally, it boasts a diverse population, adding to its cultural richness.

7. Naperville, Illinois

Naperville is known for its high-ranking schools, vibrant community, and an array of family-friendly activities. The city has a charming downtown area, rich in history and entertainment.

It’s recognized for its safety, cleanliness, and well-maintained public spaces. The community is actively engaged in various cultural and social events. Moreover, Naperville has numerous parks and outdoor areas, ideal for family outings.

8. Boulder, Colorado

Boulder offers a perfect mix of urban living and outdoor adventure, making it ideal for families who love nature. The city has excellent schools and a strong emphasis on health and wellness. Boulder is known for its safe neighborhoods and environmentally conscious community.

Its proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides endless outdoor activities. The city also has a vibrant arts scene and a variety of family-friendly festivals.

9. Irvine, California

Irvine is celebrated for its top-notch education system, safe neighborhoods, and well-planned urban layout. The city is diverse and offers a range of cultural experiences.

Irvine has numerous parks, biking trails, and open spaces for recreational activities. Its economy is strong, with opportunities in education, technology, and business sectors. Additionally, Irvine’s location in Orange County makes it close to beaches and major attractions.

10. Bellevue, Washington

Bellevue is known for its beautiful scenery, excellent schools, and high quality of life. The city is economically stable with a booming tech industry. It offers a balance of urban and suburban living, with plenty of green spaces.

Bellevue is culturally diverse and family-friendly. It also ranks high in healthcare facilities and environmental sustainability.

Worst Places to Raise a Family

1. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, despite its rich cultural history, faces significant challenges such as high crime rates and struggling public schools. The city has been through economic hardships, impacting job opportunities and community resources.

Urban blight and a lack of investment in certain areas have contributed to less-than-ideal living conditions. While there are efforts to revitalize Detroit, it currently remains a tough place for families. The city also struggles with access to quality healthcare and child-friendly recreational spaces.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is known for its high crime rates, which is a major concern for families. The city also struggles with poverty, affecting access to quality education and healthcare.

Public schools in Memphis face numerous challenges, including underfunding and low graduation rates. While the city has a rich cultural heritage, it lacks sufficient family-friendly activities and safe public spaces. Additionally, Memphis has a high unemployment rate, further impacting family stability.

3. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore faces significant challenges with crime and public safety, affecting its suitability for family life. The city’s public school system struggles with underperformance and lack of resources.

Urban decay and economic struggles have led to a decrease in livability in certain areas. Despite its rich history and cultural significance, Baltimore’s issues with poverty and unemployment impact the quality of family life. The city also lacks sufficient green spaces and recreational areas for children.

4. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque has high crime rates, particularly in property and violent crimes, making it a concern for families. The city’s public schools often rank below average in national comparisons. Issues with drug abuse and homelessness have impacted the city’s overall safety and livability.

Albuquerque’s economy is not as robust as other cities, affecting job stability for parents. However, the city does offer some cultural attractions and outdoor activities, but these are overshadowed by the prevailing safety concerns.

5. Stockton, California

Stockton faces significant challenges including high crime rates, especially in violent crimes. The city has struggled with bankruptcy in the past, impacting public services and infrastructure.

Public schools in Stockton are often under-resourced, affecting educational outcomes. While there are efforts for urban revitalization, many areas still lack adequate family amenities. The city also suffers from high unemployment and poverty rates, further complicating family life.

6. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis faces significant challenges with high crime rates, particularly in some urban areas. The city’s public schools struggle with performance and resource issues.

Despite its rich cultural history, St. Louis has areas that suffer from urban decay and economic hardship. The city also struggles with racial segregation and income disparity. However, there are initiatives underway aimed at urban renewal and community development.

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, while culturally rich, faces challenges such as high crime rates and poverty. The city’s public education system has been undergoing reforms but still faces many hurdles.

Flood risks and hurricane threats also add to the concerns for families. Despite its vibrant culture and unique heritage, New Orleans struggles with infrastructure and public service issues. The city also has high rates of unemployment and underemployment.

8. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland has issues with poverty, unemployment, and crime, affecting its suitability for families. The city’s public school system faces challenges in terms of funding and student performance.

Although there are areas with cultural attractions, many neighborhoods lack sufficient family-friendly amenities. Cleveland also struggles with health disparities and access to quality healthcare. However, efforts are being made to revitalize the city and improve living conditions.

9. Fresno, California

Fresno faces challenges with air quality, high crime rates, and educational disparities. The city suffers from economic issues, impacting job opportunities and living conditions.

Public schools in Fresno are often underfunded, affecting the quality of education. Although there are some cultural and recreational options, they are limited compared to other cities. Fresno also struggles with issues related to poverty and access to healthcare.

10. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee is challenged by high crime rates, particularly in certain urban areas. The city’s public school system struggles with low graduation rates and resource limitations. Economic disparities and unemployment are significant issues, affecting family stability.

While Milwaukee has a rich cultural history, it faces problems with racial segregation and social inequality. The city also has fewer green spaces and recreational areas compared to other family-friendly cities.

Choosing The Best Place to Raise a Family

Choosing the best place to raise a family involves considering various factors, including education, safety, and community. While cities like Plano, Madison, and Ann Arbor offer enriching environments for children, others like Detroit and Memphis pose significant challenges. It’s essential for parents to weigh these factors carefully to ensure the best possible upbringing for their children.

How to Choose the Right Home for Your Budget

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There’s no denying the stress and frustration associated with owning a home, which is why it’s so important that potential buyers plan for any eventualities in advance. Though it can be tempting to browse at million-dollar mansions and purchase a plethora of affluent decor pieces, you must adhere to the confines of your budget and work to support your own finance. Therefore, this article will discuss everything you need to know about finding a home for your budget.

1. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Even though most homeowners would prefer to live in very lavish and spacious houses, it’s always best to choose a high-quality property over one that offers a lot of space. This is especially true when it comes to amenities like an outdoor kitchen, as Forbes notes that many people prefer durability to cheaper prices. Therefore, these results highlight the importance of good-quality assets, rather than only seeking out low-cost options. Investopedia also advises that you should only purchase a property that you can handle. The source explains that it’s far more beneficial to buy a small house that doesn’t need a lot of work than to spend thousands of dollars on renovations. As such, you can choose your dream home without drifting too far away from your finance goals.

2. Create a Flexible Budget

You probably already have a firm budget in mind when working to buy a new house, but you should always work to keep this goal as flexible as possible. Since the U.S. homeowner’s market is valued at $105.7 billion, you may have to prepare to pay a little bit more than you first expected. Although this may seem incredibly intimidating, Rocket Mortgage encourages you to adhere to the 50/30/20 Rule. This rule suggests that homeowners should use 50% of their income to pay for any necessities such as bills and mortgage payments. 30% should go towards your wants like groceries or family days out, and the remaining 20% should be put toward paying off debts and building a lucrative savings fund. Thus, with this rule in mind, homeowners can make beneficial decisions with their finance in mind.

3. Research the Property Laws in Your Area

Depending on where you decide to live, your area will impose a selection of diverse property laws. This can make the moving process very complex, and without careful consideration, you could risk making some very concerning mistakes. Luckily, some states offer some supportive policies, such as Massachusetts, which offers a 30-day notice of appeal after a person has been convicted of a crime. In turn, you can rest assured that you can move into your ideal home without any detrimental mishaps. You should also research the state of houses in your area to see if you’re truly getting the best value for your money. NerdWallet has introduced us to the term HousePoor, which refers to a person who spends so much on maintaining their home that they don’t have enough money to fund other areas of their life such as leisure or retirement. As a result, you may benefit from reaching out to a finance specialist who can help you better budget for your moving process.

Finding a new home for your family is undoubtedly a very time-consuming and arduous process, but it doesn’t always have to be this way. With the right tools and support, you can make better financial decisions for yourself and your family. Therefore, if you’re in the process of finding a new home, be sure to consider the tips and tricks listed throughout this article.

14 Profitable Stay-at-Home Mom Jobs Online (That Are Worth Your Time)

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stay-at-home mom jobs onlineIf you dream of staying home with your kids and want to work from home, then it’s likely your finances will make a significant change. That’s only natural, but planning ahead as you search for stay-at-home mom jobs online can be crucial to a successful transition.

I made that switch in 2015, launching my own part-time freelance writing business. I have two young children under my care and work 12 to 15 hours a week earning $1,500 to $2,500 per month. None of this just happened, so the last thing you’ll hear from me is that it’ll be easy.

But if your goal is to stay home, and your whole family is willing to put in the sacrifices and commitment, then this dream can become a reality.

14 Cash-Generating Stay-at-Home Mom Jobs Online

I write in the personal finance and work-at-home mom niches multiple times each week, so I’ve got an ongoing list of places that pay you to work at home.

You’re likely tired of hearing bloggers promise quick six-figure success as a work-at-home mom because that’s simply not the norm. I’m also not going to talk about taking surveys because those require large quantities of time and typically generate a few gift cards each month.

Where to begin?

You may need to start with something in your field of interest that doesn’t generate the ultimate income you’d like. Just getting your foot in the door and starting up that experience is so important.

Let’s take a look at these job opportunities for SAHMs:

Remote work for companies

Every year, Forbes publishes a top 100-list of companies offering remote jobs. To ensure they bring you the most valuable information, they study the current marketplace, job trends, and validity of these companies. If your skills lie in one of these industries, check out Forbes’ list of potential remote jobs:

  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Medical and Health
  • Government
  • Finance
  • Customer Service
  • Education
  • Training
  • Sales

A lot of these jobs can make up to $60,000 salary per year – which a lot of people consider the minimum needed for a healthy fulfilling life.

Virtual Assistant

If you have a knack for organization and administrative duties, then you’ve got the potential to make serious cash as a virtual assistant. Seriously, this is a stay-at-home mom’s bread and butter. So many online entrepreneurs have irons in the fire and need help running the many details of their business. Some responsibilities for a virtual assistant might include:

  • Answering emails
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Managing invoices
  • Managing blog content
  • Sharing content on social media
  • Designing graphics

What can you earn? According to Payscale.com, virtual assistants earn anywhere from $10 to $28 per hour. Your hours are very flexible and the work is remote, so you can conduct all of your business from the comfort of your home.

Alternate VA Jobs

  • Social Media Manager – Average annual salary according to Payscale.com: $47,472.
  • Graphic Designer – Average annual salary according to Payscale.com: $41,764.

Freelance Writer

Got a gift with words? Hundreds of sites hire writers to create relatable and informative content for their blogs. For example, here are 28 parenting magazines and blogs that pay contributors. If you’re a mom, then take a look at what’s being published on those sites and see if something inspires you to tell your own story.

Another great way to get started is by Googling your field of interest + “write for us.” Some writing niches include:

  • Nutrition
  • Adoption
  • Personal Finance
  • Organization
  • Marriage
  • Travel
  • Fashion

What can you earn? When I started my freelance writing business in 2015, I earned peanuts while I learned the ropes. That changed as my skills and quality of writing improved. According to Payscale.com, most writers earn $10 to $58 per hour. I speak from experience when I say that pay scale is totally accurate.

Alternate Writing Jobs

  • Proofreader – $11 to $30 per hour
  • Transcriber – $9 – $25 per hour
  • Blogger – You won’t likely generate an income with your blog right away. But some very profitable ways to monetize are: Ads, affiliate sales, sponsored posts, and selling your own products. There several good instructions for how to get started – one good site to read is here.

One of the most profitable affiliate niches is in online trading, you can easily become an affiliate by visiting a broker’s site like this one.

Teach via Video

Do you have a specific skill you can teach to others, like how to sing? Perhaps you’d like to educate others in your area of work experience like how to file your taxes, become a photographer, or give a speech.

For example, one of my daughter’s favorite things to do is draw. When she was three and couldn’t draw more than a stick figure, we found a YouTube channel called “Art for Kids Hub” where easy-to-follow drawing tutorials are published every day.

By the end of my daughter’s first lesson, she’d drawn her very first robot. Since then, she’s filled a notebook, cover to cover, with drawings from this YouTube channel.

Watch the tutorial: How to Draw a Cartoon Robot

What can you earn? There is no definitive wage for educational videos. It’s all about creating your brand and giving your audience fantastic content every time. For example, Art for Kids Hub has more than 600,000 subscribers and receives millions of views on its tutorials. YouTube pays ad revenue per 1,000 clicks. Some YouTube educators make millions with their channels. Others break even. It’s all about getting eyes on your videos.

Alternate Online Teaching Jobs

  • Create a course – Selling a course on your website or Udemy.com can become a great passive income. Some courses are $10 and some are in the hundreds.
  • Become a coach – Teach people one-on-one in your field of expertise. For example, life coaches can earn anywhere from $11 to $120 per hour according to Payscale.com.

Online Shop Owner

Can you create a product and sell it online? Etsy and Shopify are two great platforms for this. Product ideas include:

What can you earn? The income scale is difficult to measure due to the vast array of business possibilities. Here is one company that earns $70,000 per month selling on Etsy. You’ll need to know how much time it takes to create each product and to price them accordingly. Online marketing plays a huge role here, too. It’s likely a competitive market.

Flipper for online garage sales

Online pickers are getting better and better at finding hidden gems in garage sales, on eBay, and on social media. If you can spruce up a worn down cabinet or reupholster a chair, you may be able to upsell those items for a nice profit.

What can you earn? One woman I interviewed said she bought some old clay bowls in a Facebook buy, sell, and trade group. She purchased them for $0.50 to $1, then cleaned them up and added a fresh coat of paint. They sold for $15 to $20 each.

Direct sales/MLM online

If there is a product you believe in and want to become a consultant from home, then online is the ideal marketplace for you. Products like LuLaRoe, Norwex, or Young Living sell best through the power of word of mouth. Where is everybody talking these days? Facebook.

One word of caution: This is a heavily saturated marketplace. Don’t annoy your friends. If you believe in your product, then get out there and talk your heart out, but do so in a tasteful and non-aggressive way when it’s very likely your friends have been “pitched to” by others from the same company before.

What can you earn? Each company will tell you the earning potential for contributors. That information is not disclosed online. There is typically an upfront investment to acquire the merchandise, then a set timeframe in which you need to sell a certain amount of product. Bonuses may be issued if you exceed these goals.

What’s my next step?

1. Find like-minded stay-at-home moms in the same fields of interest. Getting real-life feedback on what these jobs are like is crucial to understanding how you’ll build your business.

For example, if you want to blog, join blogging groups on Facebook. If you want to sell LuLaRoe, pick a consultant’s brain. Follow websites or social media celebrities that talk about the topic you’re interested in.

2. Financially prepare for this transition. The #1 reason I was able to launch an at-home business was because of the financial steps my husband and I took before my business launched. How could I run a business when we couldn’t run our budget? How could I quit my full-time job while I spent the time it took to develop my career at home when we owed thousands of dollars in debt?

Our very imperfect journey had many ups and downs, but we overcame the lion’s share of those financial hurdles. Today, we are debt-free minus the mortgage and comfortably live on my husband’s modest income while we use mine to save for emergencies, traveling, and paying extra on the house.

Your Turn: If you could work from home doing something you enjoy, what would it be? Share with us below!

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Are you a stay-at-home mom? Check out these bonus resources created just for you!

How the Family Can Keep the House Clean

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Running a household needs to be a team effort. Gone are the days when one person had sole responsibility for all the chores. In today’s world, the entire family needs to pitch in. Sometimes, though, that is easier said than done. How can you get your entire family to help out with the chores? Well, thankfully, there are a few fail-safe ways that can help you keep the house clean as an entire family. You can make it fun, you can make it a challenge, and you can make it a meaningful way to bond as a family. Here’s how it’s done.

Make it Fun

If you want your kids to get involved with the housework, then you need to try and find a way to incentivize them to do it. You need to make it fun. Try to turn it into a game by making them go around the house and see who can spot the most areas of the house that need cleaning. You can also have them race to see who can clean up the fastest.

Don’t be afraid to get really imaginative when you’re trying to get your kids involved in the housework. You’ve no doubt already experienced having to do things like this with other mundane aspects of life. Given that, according to US News, only 30% of people say that they floss every day, you’ve likely had to turn your kid’s dental hygiene routine into a game. You can take those principles and apply them to housework.

Keep Track of the Issues in Your House

Before you get your family involved in the housework, you should take stock of the issues in your home. Some problems will be far too big for the kids to be involved in, and some of them may even require expert help to clear up. According to Gintux, water leaks are a problem for around 15% of all homes in the United States. Problems like these are, of course, not suitable to involve the family in.

Break down the smaller problems into a few tiers. This way you can assign all the child-friendly tasks to your family while the grown-ups get on with all the most demanding or potentially hazardous tasks. Plumbing jobs should always be handled by a professional. According to Plumbing Manufacturers International, the average American family of four goes through 400 gallons of water a day. Your family won’t have a good time if they run out of water, so get plumbing problems fixed promptly.

Keep Everyone Safe

Getting the family involved in the cleaning work has so many benefits. It helps instill a sense of work ethic and it helps you bond as a family over shared tasks. That said, there are some cleaning tasks and supplies that children should go nowhere near. Anything bleach-based is an obvious no, and you should try and keep the tasks you assign to your children as safe and easy as possible. If your children are under a certain age, then it is probably best to wait until they are a little older before giving them any cleaning jobs.

Fun For All The Family

A family that cleans together is going to be happy and cohesive. Having shared jobs will bring you closer as a family and give you shared responsibilities and goals to work towards. As long as you can keep the activities fun, then your entire family will feel involved and engaged in the housework. Nobody should be forced to do all the household labor in their home together, so getting the rest of the family involved is a brilliant way to share the load and give you some time off.

5 Home Improvements to Make Before Bringing Your Baby Home

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Home Improvements for newbornIf you’re expecting a new baby, you need to be sure that your home is ready for them. Apart from making the house safer both for you and the baby, you’ll make the house a lot more convenient to be in.

Read on to see five good ideas for the home improvements that are best for you to make before you bring your baby home so that you know what to get started with.

1. Add Storage

One thing to know is that a new baby comes with a lot of items that need room in the house. This means that you need to expand your home’s storage so that you have ample room for your baby. This applies to the kitchen, the bathroom, and, of course, their nursery. You’re bound to have a much easier time getting these projects done long before the baby gets home because, this way, you’ll ideally have already planned for where to keep each one of their items. Even if you’re bringing home one of the around 135,000 children who are adopted every single year in America, according to PBS, you still need to be sure that their items all have a designated spot in your home.

2. Update the Floors

Another important project that you need to work on before you bring a baby home is the flooring. That’s because old, worn-out flooring with gaps and cracks poses a safety hazard to the entire family. While the baby won’t be mobile in the first few months of life, you should know that they grow up extremely fast. This means that they may soon be crawling away as fast as they can, running the risk of getting cuts or splinters from a floor that’s not in the best shape. Note that in 2021, spending on home improvement increased by 19%, according to BigRentzs. You can be sure that flooring upgrades were one of the most common items that got work done in this case since people understand well the implications of a home’s floor.

3. Remodel the Bathroom

It’s also a great idea to remodel the bathroom before the baby gets home, so you improve both safety and convenience. You don’t want to end up not knowing where to bathe your baby because the lights or plumbing in the bathroom don’t work. That said, this is a project that you ought to complete with your new needs in mind, such as expanding the storage.

4. Handle Roofing Repairs

Roofing repairs done in advance are essential. While you may wonder how the roof could ever affect the baby, the answer is that it may not do this directly. That said, roofing repairs are often extremely loud and can take an indefinitely long time to complete. This means that if the roof were to fail or need repairs while the baby is home, everyone would have an extremely hard time, leaving the only option being to find somewhere alternative to stay while the roof is completed.

5. HVAC Renovations

Last but not least, you need to get work done on your home’s HVAC to make sure that it’s in good shape. Failure to do this could leave you in a terrible spot if the weather takes a turn for the worse and your air conditioner doesn’t work. Take consideration of the season to find the best appliances to have on standby if the weather is normally bearable in the area where you live for the whole year. In this case, you may want to get a 500 CFM fan system for hotter seasons, which can run on a normal household current without any special considerations made for the electricity.

Making these five home improvements can make things easier, safer, and more comfortable before you bring your newborn home. Look for good experts in your area to work on them. This way, in case of an additional issue, you’ll have an easy time calling them to do checks.

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4 Types of Vehicles to Consider Purchasing for Your Family

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A vehicle is one of the biggest and most important investments that most people will ever have to make in their lives. That’s because it can help make things better for you and your family. With this being the case, you should make sure that when you buy a car, it’s the right one for your family and it can meet all your needs. Here are four of the vehicle types that you should think about buying with your family in mind, so take a look at them and think about which one would be the best.

1. Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

The first type of vehicles that you should consider buying for your family are those that have amazing fuel efficiency. This way, car expenses are bound to be manageable and not end up costing you a tidy sum while you have other expenses to cater to. With great fuel efficiency, you’ll be comfortable driving anywhere your family needs to go and therefore enjoy the whole convenience of car ownership. On this note, keep in mind that a modern car may be more fuel-efficient than its older counterparts. This is based on the fact that modern vehicles can typically be driven 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes.

2. Vehicles with Safety Systems

Next, safety is an important consideration for you to make while shopping for a family car. This means that it’s a good idea for you to look out for vehicles that have robust safety systems built into them. From blind-spot warning devices to improved parking sensors, there are many details that come together to make a car safer for your family.

Some of these safety features also help you secure the safety of other road users sharing the roads with you. This is an important consideration to make when you think about the fact that up to 75% of motorcycle accidents involve a collision with a vehicle. In these cases, riders wearing helmets suffered from fewer neck injuries when compared with those who didn’t have helmets on. If you have proper vision all around you while driving your car, you have a lower chance of colliding with other road users.

3. Vehicles with Ample Cargo Room

Remember that you may want to take a road trip as a family at one point or another. For such events, you need to be prepared by having a reliable vehicle for the event. The best vehicle is typically one with ample storage and cargo room. This includes the ability of the vehicle to transport sizable cargo from one place to another.

Keep in mind that some cargo, like snowmobiles, may not fit inside the vehicle. If your family enjoys snow-based sports, you may be interested to learn that each year, the average snowmobiler spends $2,000 annually on recreation related to snowmobiles. By eliminating the need to pay for additional transport whenever you head out to have fun somewhere far from where you live, you’ll be saving.

4. Vehicles with Modern Technology

Finally, you should give your family the benefit of making the most of technology while they ride around. There are many improvements to the current technical details in vehicles that didn’t exist some years back. Among these are charging ports and pads, features that can help you operate your mobile devices in hands-free mode, onboard vacuum cleaners, and more. When you ensure that your family has access to such conveniences while driving somewhere, they’ll be quite content.

These four types of vehicles may help your family enjoy a much better time whenever you drive somewhere. Search to see how many options you can find that meet these specifications. Take your time so that you can be sure you’ll be happy with the decision that you make.

Upgrade Your Backyard With a Pond Using These Great Ideas

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Creating a beautiful garden may take some time and some cash, but trust us, it’s worthwhile. When you’re creating the perfect outdoor space at home for your family, you might be creating a dream garden that has finally come to fruition. But where do you even start with all that? How do you even use a pond to spruce up your backyard and garden? We’ve got you covered with some fantastic tips; read on to learn more!

Remember Money Matters

Before tackling any upgrades and changes, first, sit back and think about how much you have for the project. Everything starts with a budget, no matter how large or small the project might be. A waterfall feature without a pond can be about $200 – $2,000. 13% of homes in America use water wells, so if you have one on your property, make sure you’re utilizing it. This is a good way to harvest your water and then recycle it in and around the property.

Make It Water and Energy-Efficient

When you focus on saving energy, even if you’re using your pond in the garden, you can create lower energy bills. You can also use recycled water or repurposed water for your garden’s pond and water features. Reduced utilities are a bonus for any family. Did you know that your credit score is determined by how well you pay and how quickly it is paid? 35% of your credit score depends on how promptly you pay your bills. Save money on bills and keep your credit score up while doing so.

Determine Where You’ll Put the Pond

You and your family might have a large garden, giving you numerous options, but you might also have a smaller garden or yard. Thinking about the placement or location is very important, as the size of your garden will also determine the size of your pond. A balance of shade and sun will benefit your pond as too much sun encourages algae growth, and shade can improve the water quality. Still, you want to ensure there is a balance of both. You may also want to locate the pond near a room where you can see it from the room, like an indoor entertainment space or the lounge

Consider Materials and Aesthetics

Garden ponds are beautiful, and they are not always made from authentic stones and brickwork. Instead, sometimes, as a more affordable option, synthetic materials that mimic rocks are used. The U.S. commercial paving slabs market size was valued at $308.6 million in 2021. Many people are improving and reconstructing their homes, and this is great, especially when you enjoy staying home. Making your property suit your likes is one of the best things you can do.

Keep the Water Flowing

Having a pond is wonderful for the aesthetics of your yard or garden outdoors, but it is also important to bear in mind that standing water creates moss and attracts mosquitos and wasps, to name a few. Using a pump and aeration system with your pond setup is vital to keep the water flowing and looking great. Besides, the therapeutic benefits of relaxing in your garden and the sound of water flowing in the background are soothing.

Nurture Nature

You can add new plants to surround the pond giving it that authentic look of nature or a forest. You can also use flowers or low-maintenance succulents like aloes, Christmas cacti, hens and chicks, or creeping sedums, to name a few.

If you’ve been considering upgrading your backyard with a new pond, don’t wait any longer. Now is the time to bring new life back into your property with a pond! Using these tips can help you save time and money while enjoying a new and refreshed space.

Convert Your Basement into Your Children’s Bedroom With These Tips

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By now, it’s no secret that finishing unfinished spaces in your home can make them more valuable and functional. This is supported by the fact that a finished basement can increase the value of your property by 70%. It may not add to the overall square footage of a house, but this is beside the point as it can be used as a guest room, home classroom space, office, or informal family room/living room. One of these spaces is the basement, and if you have kids, what better to do with it than to turn it into an additional bedroom for them? Have a look at the tips below that can help you turn your basement into a creative, cozy, and safe bedroom for your kids.

Deal With Water Damage and Leaks

Water damage is a major issue for basements, especially because of their position in the house. The biggest issue with water damage is the fact that it can lead to issues like mildew and mold. According to Angi, the two main reasons why homeowners typically get mold in their basement are as a result of drainage issues or water intrusion, and that the basement has an overall humidity level of over 45%. Mold can cause respiratory issues and so it’s important to make sure that there’s no risk that it might form in the basement, where it will affect your kids. Find a professional to inspect and fix your basement so that water damage is an unlikely scenario and the space isn’t more humid than it needs to be.

Get Proper Lighting

Next, you want to make sure that the basement is well-lit. This involves adding egress windows that can let in light during the day and also be a means of escape in case of an emergency. Have a professional install these so that they do so according to the building codes in your area. You can also add lighting by installing LED light holders at strategic points throughout the house. These will keep the basement well-lit when it gets dark and also save you a considerable amount of money in terms of the energy that you use in your home. The best lighting should be that which isn’t too bright, so pick bulbs that have a considerable wattage.

Remember the Flooring

The floor of your basement needs to be comfortable enough for your kids to walk on in all seasons. This is why you may want to install a carpet, tiles, or even engineered wood. These are all easy to find at local hardware stores in your area, so look for the right one for your home, depending on your budget and the end result that you hope to achieve. Remember that 60% of homes in the United States have wet basements, with 38% of them running the risk of basement mold. You have to make sure that there’s no risk of water getting into the basement as it will leave you with an expensive mess.

Check Insulation and Ventilation

Finally, make sure that the basement is insulated well enough to keep it at a comfortable temperature as the seasons change. You should also be sure that the ventilation is perfect so that the basement stays fresh and any fumes that come from cooking, electrical systems, heaters, and more are all funneled away safely. Have a professional check and install the ventilation to make sure that it’s correct so that you’ll be sure your kids are safe throughout.

Use these tips to convert the basement into a safe and comfortable bedroom for your kids. Work with professionals so that you get the best possible outcome. This will help make your home feel larger than it currently is, so it’s worth the time and money you’ll spend on doing it.