From one teacher to another
With travel opening back up, there’s a rush to get out and go somewhere! Traveling allows you to experience other cultures and helps break up your routine-based lifestyle. But with this in mind, travels must be mindful when booking online because scams and traps do exist. This is precisely why we made a guide on booking your online travel safely. Here’s what to look for:
The home is most certainly where the heart is. As you likely spend a significant amount of the day relaxing in the house, the property must meet the needs of your entire family. This not only relates to the design elements but also the functional and practical needs of both adults and children. Over time, the family dynamics will likely change as the children get older, which will also need to be considered during the development of the property. One of the benefits of creating your family home from scratch is that you have complete control over the new construction floor plans and design so it meets all of your family’s requirements.
When it comes to creating the perfect family home, here are some key tips to consider:
Many modern homeowners have now adapted their living space into an open-plan layout – especially those with young families. Currently, your time may be constantly split between the living room, dining room, and kitchen, meaning you’re never able to stay in the same room with your kids, which can be a worry when they’re extremely small. Knocking down walls throughout the ground floor creates a free-flowing space which creates a more idealistic family layout for spending time together, as well as a welcoming entertaining space.
During the construction of your home, you need to think carefully about how many bathrooms you’ll need to suit your family setup. Ideally, you should have one bathroom for every two bedrooms, as well as additional en-suites for guest bedrooms. If in any doubt about what would work best for your home and lifestyle, it would be advisable to discuss the finer details with your designer regarding your current and future needs. When your kids grow up, as it’s likely they’ll require their own en-suites for privacy. Therefore, bring up any queries with your bathroom installation in St Albans contractors during planning.
One aspect that every family needs is storage space. It’s extremely easy for clutter to start taking over the property which can lead to chaos and disorder. Have you thought about where you’ll keep all of your children’s toys and clothes? What about their paintings, schoolbooks, and other mementos that you may struggle to let go of?These are all factors that need careful consideration when considering how much storage space is needed within the home. Incorporating extra cupboards and shelves in as many rooms as possible will ensure you have plenty of room to store excess belongings out of sight.
When your kids are particularly small, adding a playroom would be the perfect place for them to let off steam and enjoy much-needed downtime. They don’t have to worry about making a mess, and what’s more, it keeps all of their toys away from the main living spaces. Designing your home from scratch gives you the freedom to choose the location of the room during planning. However, a spare room or basement within an existing property would work just as well.
As the country is opening up again, employers will increasingly be expecting their employees to return to the office. Many people have spent over a year either furloughed or working from home, and this once all-too familiar environment will now seem quite alien to them. Many will be understandably anxious about entering an environment they do not have full control over.
With this in mind, here are a few tips for maintain good office etiquette in the post-COVID world.
Perhaps the most important tip on this list is this; do not come to work if you are feeling unwell. There are no employee of the month awards for spreading coronavirus to your colleagues. Take your temperature every morning, regardless of how you feel, before you leave for work. If you have time, try to take a lateral flow antigen test just after you wake up. The results will be ready in half an hour, meaning you can quickly and conveniently check to see if you are able to go to work.
If you wake up with any symptoms of coronavirus, such as a sore throat or a new cough, it is essential that you take a rapid Covid test. Your colleagues will thank you for staying at home if it turns out you are ill. They may not be so forgiving if you decide to come to work anyway.
As more people come back to work after covid-19, most workspaces would probably have new rules in place to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, such as wearing a face-covering indoors, or by respecting a one-way system around the office. It is essential that you follow these rules; they are there for your safety and that of others.
Upon your return to the office, you may find that the layout of your workspace is unfamiliar, as desks may have been moved around and traffic cones installed to facilitate social distancing. You may also find that you can no longer do some of the things you used to do, such as chat with your friends by the coffee machine for 5 minutes or so. Remember, these regulations are in place to keep you safe. Your colleagues will appreciate your commitment to keeping them safe as well as yourself.
Although it is unlikely, it is still possible to contract coronavirus from surfaces within the office. It is important that you keep your workspace clean with R-Zero Systems or like devices. You should also carry some antiseptic wipes around with you at all times, and wipe down your desk and any equipment you may have been using at the end of the working day.
Make sure to regularly use hand sanitiser to minimise the spread of coronavirus droplets from outside of the office as well; if you are commuting into work on public transport, you may pick up something from there.
If you are sitting by a window, be sure to keep it open throughout the day. The ventilation will help to keep the air clean and prevent the spread of airborne coronavirus droplets.
There will be some people in the office that do not take to office life as quickly as you might. Be respectful of their feelings, and do not judge them for taking extra precautions that you perhaps do not consider necessary.
They may also not be too comfortable about socialising outside of the office yet either. Try to be understanding of what they are going through, as they may become more encouraged to partake in social activities such as going for a meal after a few weeks.
It’s unlikely that these tips will be needed forever, and hopefully it’ll be sooner rather than later that we can truly get back to normal. In the meantime, however, make sure you follow the rules of the “new normal”.
As restrictions ease across the UK, many of us will be returning to the office for work. Your organisation may even be planning your return at this moment. We’ve all become accustomed to working from home, and the transition back to the office may be difficult for some. Here are a few tips on how you can make the return to the office as pleasant as possible for your colleagues.
Take the moment between waking up and having breakfast to take a Healgen rapid antigen test, and allow the results to develop while you are getting ready. This will help put your mind at ease if you test negative, and keep your colleagues safe.
If you do not have time to take a coronavirus test, consider using a thermometer to check your temperature before leaving the house, as a high fever can be a symptom of coronavirus infection.
If you develop other symptoms, such as a sore throat or cough, then make sure to take a lateral flow test to make sure you are not infected. Order your test kit here.
The commute to work being a daily part of your routine may seem quite alien now, but it is important to remain safe on this part of the journey, as it is the most likely point that you will become infected. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to work, as services may be reduced due to coronavirus restrictions. It will also allow you to socially distance on a quieter train or bus if it is busy.
Make sure you bring hand sanitiser with you and use it between public transport services, especially if you have to make changes on your journey. Always wear a face mask in enclosed spaces, and try to keep your distance from others.
Try to maintain social distancing indoors once you reach the office, only leaving your desk when it is absolutely necessary. Take a picnic to work and plenty of water, so you can take lunch at your desk if needed. Bring your own coffee cup to get some caffeine for yourself from the office coffee machine. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it will mean you don’t have to touch any surfaces unnecessarily!
If the weather’s nice, try to find a secluded spot outside to take lunch and get some fresh air. Avoid shops and cafes with large queues, as it may be difficult to socially distance from others.
Keep your office well-ventilated by keeping doors and windows open at all times. This allows the air inside the building to regularly be recycled, which reduces the chance of spreading coronavirus droplets through the air. To add a nice touch to it, you could use an air freshener in your cubicle or cabin to keep the air smelling nice and lively. There are plenty of good ones available on websites like Hyscent (hyscent.com) and others. Having clean and fresh air would not only keep the office safe but also make it a pleasant place to work for everyone. In conjunction with social distancing and wearing a mask, this can be an effective way of protecting yourself and others.
At the end of your day, make sure to wipe down your workstation with antiseptic wipes to kill any virus droplets that may be present. You can also keep your workspace clean by using hand sanitizer constantly throughout the day. In addition, you can hold an office clean-up drive every week with the help of professional COVID cleaners.
All of us have had to experience the hardships of the pandemic, but some of us have had a much harder time than others. Be considerate of your colleagues, and give them plenty of time and space to adjust back to the office environment. Some of them may take longer than others to do so.
Remember not to underestimate the threat posed by the coronavirus; it is easy to think that the threat has largely disappeared as cases and deaths drop, however scientists believe it will still be around for years to come. Always stay vigilant, and remember to voice any concerns you may have about safe working practices to your line manager.
The accompanying infographic, Renovate, Move or Build a New Home?, offers a brief list of factors to consider when your home no longer meets your needs. Whether it’s not big enough, the layout doesn’t fit your style, the home is aging, or your neighborhood is no longer desirable, this infographic can help you make your next decision.
Many families reach a point at which their current home simply does not meet their current or future lifestyle. As anyone would know, it is easy to find contractors to make a plan for a new start in your home, they can rebuild parts of it, you can add rooms on, you can really move things around if you need to! And there is an abundance of contractors who can help you do this. For example, do you want new lighting installed? Perfect! You will be able to find high quality electricians in Decatur or in whichever location you need them, to rewire your electrics and make this possible. Do you need a new roof with added curb appeal? There will be a host of options for roofers in your local area as well! Any changes big or small can really make a difference, even if it’s something like renovating the bathroom and using Apollo Plumbing to change up the sink, or adding a fresh lick of paint to the walls. Not everyone can afford to do up their own home, and so in this case, moving to a new home might be the best choice for the family. So when it comes down to it, and if you find yourself in this situation, you have options available to you. Each alternative has its own set of pros and cons, and families must consider all of them before making such an important decision.
Many times, a few tweaks or decorations can suffice for a busy family who struggles to find the time to plan for a renovation/remodel. This can be a few licks of paint and some wall art decoration like some of the neon sculptures for sale on the internet for example. Sometimes it needs a bit of color and character, and this is easy to achieve. If a house is ageing, you can play with this vibe and accentuate it to something meaningful. A vintage/retro feel might be the way to go in this case, something that is easy to achieve.
Then, of course, for some families, it is a make or break situation and a new neighborhood and house plan is on the cards. Perhaps the house really isn’t mouldable enough for the visions they have in mind. And in that case, the most satisfying outcome would be to look for a new house entirely. If that’s the route that some families are taking, then they can always look for serene neighborhoods like Olde Bulltown Village (oldebulltown.com) for instance, which can offer the family a sense of community and togetherness, albeit on a small scale if that is their preferred choice. This is totally okay too. No matter what decision one makes on the living situation, the internet holds a plethora of ideas and inspirations to help them decide what they want, as well as what might be best for you too.
It all comes down to a balancing act. You must weigh your desire for what you want against your ability to pay for it. A serious consideration of the infographic’s reasons for choosing one option over the other will help you decide which way to go in pursuit of your dream home. Check it out – the advice is sure to help you hit a home run!
When you have children, letting them express themselves creatively is key. If they have their own bedroom, you can do this by purchasing specific bedding, curtains, and furniture. However, it’s just as important to choose the right carpet too. We all know how messy children can be, so in an ideal world, the carpet would be non-staining and self-cleaning.
However, until this has been invented, maintaining the cleanliness of your child’s bedroom is going to be important. Regular upkeep can ensure that the carpet remains a safe and hygienic play area. Furthermore, using a local area rug cleaning service can help extend the life of the carpet and keep it looking fresh and new. This can improve the look of the room while also providing a healthier environment for your child to grow and thrive in.
Keeping this in mind, here are some tips on how to select the right carpet for your child’s bedroom.
You will have a hard time finding a child that doesn’t love to play. Therefore, when picking a carpet for your kids’ bedroom, you need to factor in how much time they’ll spend playing on the floor. Above anything else, the carpet should cushion them and keep them nice and warm. No child wants to play on a card and uncomfortable floor, so bear this in mind when on your search. Carpets can also dim any loud sounds, so if your child has friends over, you won’t have to worry about hearing any laughter and screams.
When searching for a new carpet for your child’s bedroom, you need to be aware of the health risks attached. Dust can accumulate quickly and be harmful to your child, especially if they’re prone to allergies. However, as long as you vacuum regularly, you can purchase just about any carpet. Some carpets will be more dirt prone than others, so make sure you speak to a carpet provider if you have any questions.
If your child had it their way, they’d pick a bright pink or blue carpet, which may not be the most appealing to the eye. Instead, when deciding on carpet colors for bedrooms, you need to put your practical cap on and decide which colours are best for hiding marks and mucky stains. Most parents stick with medium tones that hide marks, or darker shades. Be warned, however, if you opt for a darker shade, this will transform the look and feel of the room for better or worse. If you want to add a pop of colour, why not purchase a large rug that can be placed on top of the carpet? It is necessary to clean it from time to time, regardless of the colour you choose. It’s also a good idea to have it cleaned thoroughly at least once a year. If you live in England, professional rug cleaners could be found in Horsham and other areas.
While we hinted that it may not be wise to go with what your child says when it comes to purchasing a carpet, involving them in the process can be wise. The last thing you want is for a temper tantrum once it’s been fitted, so if they’re old enough (and mature enough), looking through ideas together will help you pick a carpet that everyone is happy with. Whether you look at a carpet store online or visit in person, make sure you take your time during your search, otherwise, you could end up choosing the wrong carpet.
Whether you’re giving your child’s bedroom an entire makeover, or it’s time to replace the carpet, referring to the guide above should give you a clearer idea of what carpet to go for.
What if you could make your small place feel like a bigger space without adding any square footage. Well, it is possible. It’s possible by using design techniques and using psychology to your advantage. Here’s how:
Choosing to go with a monochromatic color palette for your smaller space can help the room feel more open and airy than having lots of contrast. Choosing accents in your space such as curtains made of light fabrics and furniture with long, thin legs also can contribute to the impression that the space is a lot larger than it really is. Walls and floors can be accentuated with striped elements that help guide the eye horizontally or vertically to create the feeling of additional height or width, as well.
The accompanying guide contains many more ideas for making a small space feel bigger. Apply them to your home and it will feel much closer to the dream space you’ve always wanted.
Feel like you are spending all your time cleaning? It can get that way when you have a busy life. Obviously, we all need our home spic and span within a matter of few minutes. But, how are you planning to achieve it?
It could all have started with the materials you chose before constructing your home and the thought you put into each of them. For example, hiring the services of firms like Stone Tech (https://stonetechfabrication.com/) to install marble or quartz countertops for your kitchen countertops, bathrooms, and other areas could have helped in easy cleaning of those areas. That said, it’s still not too late to make your home easier to clean. In this article, we will take a look at some of the methods you can use to design an easy-clean home.
Flooring is one of the parts of your house that need cleaning the most often. With muddy feet, pets, food spills, and more, it is completely unavoidable. However, some surfaces are much easier to clean than others. First off, hard floors are much easier to clean than carpets. Hardwood, stone, and vinyl are some of the best choices if you want to minimize cleaning time in your home. Beside choosing the right flooring option in your home, consider checking for leaky pipes and damaged sewer lines as well to avoid foul odor, mold and structural damage. If you suspect issues with your sewer lines, such as cracks or blockages, Trenchless Sewer Replacement can be an option to minimize disruption and costs associated with traditional excavation methods.
If you just cannot live without a carpet in your home, you should consider carpet tiles. Instead of a wall-to-wall carpet, carpet tiles can be used in a variety of different ways. They can cover the entire floor or just be made into an area rug. People love them because they can be more colorful, they are less expensive, and you can make them yourself. But the best thing about carpet tiles is that you can remove individual tiles for cleaning. That means, if someone spills something on the carpet, you can easily remove the section and wash it (or replace it).
If you have kids and pets, walls can get dirty easily and they are notoriously difficult to clean. However, some wall coverings are easier to clean than others. For example, wallpaper is almost impossible to salvage in the event of a spill. Whereas painted walls can be treated with a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner.
Leather is one of the most popular materials for people with kids and pets because you can easily wipe it clean. However, there are a bunch of alternative materials to consider. The quality of faux leather and vinyl furniture has improved dramatically in recent years. You can also get contact-grade fabric furniture that has been treated with stain repellent.
For optimal cleanliness and reduced maintenance, consider installing vinyl or fiberglass windows. These materials are less porous and more resistant to staining from dirt and moisture, making them easier to keep clean. Additionally, Low-E glass windows could help minimize dirt buildup due to their special coating that reflects UV rays. You can either clean all the windows yourself with a cleansing agent or hire the help of a professional Window Cleaning Boulder or similar places. Professionals could effectively tackle higher spaces, reducing your workload and minimizing the risks associated with cleaning at such heights.
This is a simple one, but it can make cleaning the house much easier. By choosing furniture on casters, you can easily move it around when you are vacuuming or mopping the floor. If you do not have any help around the house to move heavy furniture, this little lifehack can be a godsend. It is definitely a good thing to consider if you are buying new furniture.
Most kitchen worktops are wipeable, but some are definitely better than others. Granite worktops – like those from this granite worktops Knutsford company – have a smooth surface that makes cleaning a breeze. Marble, stainless steel, and ceramic tiles are all good options as well.
If you want to keep your furniture in perfect condition, you should consider slipcovers. This awesome invention is a great option if your house is prone to spills. When they get dirty, you can pull them off, chuck them in the washing machine, and leave them out to dry. It is that simple.
Infographic created by Millbrook Modular Homes, a leading company in the multi commercial modular home industry.
Pregnancy brings a lot of psychological, emotional, and physical discomfort for some moms to be. Swollen ankles, heartburn, back pain, and sleepless nights due to leg cramps are some physical pains that come with pregnancy. Of course, you also need to plan the guest list, menu, baby thank you cards and all that jazz for your baby shower party. Hormones are also working overtime that make you feel moody and sensitive at times can seem like a lot especially when you’re always worried about the health of your baby and if you’re doing things right. Because every pregnant woman has some type of stress at one point or another during their pregnancy, here are some tips to help you relax a little more.
Fatigue is common during pregnancy. Therefore, taking the time to rest is very important. Whether it be a 30-minute power nap or just putting your feet up and listening to soothing music, make sure to make it a point to make time for yourself. Also, depending on who you ask for your medical advice, you may find some time throughout your pregnancy that your health professional may tell you it’s safe to start using CBD products, such as those you can find at Area 52 or elsewhere, in order to alleviate pains and improve the way you relax throughout the day.
CBD is very popular as an aid to help people to relax, unwind and rid themselves of any unnecessary stress. If you would like to try this, then Lazarus Naturals has plenty of high quality products at great prices, plus you can use a Lazarus coupon for an even bigger saving. Just note that it may be hard to take some time for yourself if you have another child to look after or if you’re at work. However, 30 minutes can make a difference in your mood throughout the day and it gives you a little something to look forward to. Keep in mind that you should always rest when you need to. Don’t try to schedule a nap or time for yourself, your body will tell you when you need a little break. Listen to your body and act on it right away.
This is a time when you can be spoiled, and it’s perfectly fine to ask for frequent help whenever you need it. It may be hard for independent women to ask for assistance, but pregnancy is one of those times when everyone wants to lend a helping hand. Get all the help you need from loved ones and don’t be shy to ask whenever you need it.
Whether it’s tackling house chores, caring for an older child to allow you precious moments of rest, or running errands so you can avoid leaving the house, the support from others can significantly lighten your load. Another area where you might appreciate assistance is in finding a qualified massage therapist in San Diego, CA (or wherever you reside). If your healthcare professional has recommended massage therapy during this special time of your life, reaching out to locate a professional nearby can ensure you receive the therapeutic benefits recommended for your well-being and relaxation. Taking these steps can help you navigate pregnancy with greater comfort and support.
Don’t wait until the very last minute to put the nursery together. Shop for the things you’ll want for the new baby with plenty of time so that you can take your time and enjoy the process. It’s common to wait until after your baby shower to wait and see what your friends and family have gifted you so that you don’t have to shop for those items. However small purchases such as onesies, baby gowns, and other boutique baby clothes at Presley Couture are fun to shop for and budget-friendly so that you can start on your baby’s wardrobe.
You can never have too many onesies for that first year so these types of items are ones that you can shop for prior to your baby shower. Other items include nursery decor, baby laundry detergent (so that you can start washing all of that new baby clothes safely and organize right away), and other miscellaneous items that you don’t plan on adding to your registry or want to shop for yourself.
If unexpected complications arise during childbirth that result in an injury to your baby, it’s important to have knowledge of a Child birth injury lawyer who you could contact should this be the case. They can help you understand your options, and guide you through the challenging situation.
One of the most important things on your to-do list is getting your hospital bag ready. You should start packing your hospital bag along with your baby’s a month or two prior to your due date so that it will be ready for the anticipated day, or sooner if an emergency arises. Diaper bags that can pack a few baby outfits, diapers, and blankets, should be big enough for all of the baby’s items. If you don’t know what to pack for your hospital stay, there are checklists that you can look for online that can even be printed so that you can rest assured that you will have everything you need.
The best tip for a stress-free pregnancy is to get everything ready with time and be realistic with yourself on how much you can take on. It may be best to take advantage of your second trimester because that’s when you’ll feel your best. The first trimester is full of morning sickness and fatigue while your third trimester is full of swollen ankles and body aches. Make sure to eat a good diet and get daily exercise so that you can feel your best throughout your pregnancy.
Yesterday while I was trying my luck on a PayPal casino site, I got news of one of the most popular media outlets in America, The New York Times, reporting that children as young as three or four can have behavioral problems due to watching too much television.
You probably think we shouldn’t rely on television to serve as babysitters at all ages, but studies have shown that very young children (three or four) and preschoolers (three or four and older) can have significant behavioral problems from watching too much television. According to these cable tv statistics here, older generations tend to watch much more tv on average than younger generations. This is some slight relief, however its clear that more in-depth research needs to be done.
Dr. Douglas J. Weinberg, a psychologist at Wellesley College, “At this age, many children don’t have self-awareness of their own attention. That makes them much more vulnerable to external influences.”
The Times says “family experts say these effects are the result of watching TV alone, with very limited engagement with their parents,” and that is one of the main reasons families like to leave their children at home during the day.
We also think it is a great opportunity to get our kids up on the smart device front for a little while. Instead of throwing a tablet in the car to keep them occupied and distract them from the horrors of driving a car, why not try downloading some nice apps that teach them about apps and using computers.
Here are some of our favorites:
Small Pedometer
Let’s Go Fishin’
Candy Factory
Stop, Drop and Roll
Most of these apps are free. Just make sure your kid is around you to play some of these games.
Kids Can Have Their Smartphone Back But There Are Some Limits
For some people the question would be, “Why do I care so much about my kid’s cellphone?” Well, the truth is we want them to be smart enough to manage it like the world is going to be relying on them to do. Not being around you will be a killer if they are younger, older, and when you are getting up on the next generation. The first cellphones were for adults, not kids. Back then there were kids getting their phones stolen at school and dying in car crashes. We know all of this, so we put restrictions on cellphones to keep our kids safe.
There are some limits. It is best to not give your kid the smartphone until they are in school. The dangers of letting them have a cellphone are unknown and might not even occur.
Many parents say it is fine to give the younger kids smartphones when they are six or seven years old. The risks are small, so it is better to keep the smartphone away from our kids for a while. Then they can start using it, but with supervision. One of the best ideas is to sign them up for some kid apps to get them into the whole smart phone scene. Most kids have computers and smartphones now, so it is time to try some child friendly apps.
Do you give your kids smartphones when they are younger? What kind of apps do you think they should get to make sure they are safe?