Monthly Archives: May 2014

5 Reasons Why You Should Build An Extension For Your Ever Growing Family

5 Reasons Why You Should Build An Extension For Your Ever Growing Family

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If you got a mortgage a few years ago to purchase the perfect family home, you probably felt really happy to have your own place with enough space for everyone. However, since then, you might well have had more children, and so now things are becoming a little more cramped. Whilst you could opt to sell up and find somewhere larger, this is a big task and could mean you have to move out of your desired area. So, I think it would be much more suitable for you to build and extension and increase the size of the property you currently own. With that in mind, give me your attention for the next few minutes, and I’ll do my best to present you with some reasons why this is a wise move.

1. Your home will be more valuable

First and foremost we need to talk about money. Extensions are usually very expensive to build, but you should look at this as an investment. While you might have to spend a few thousand to achieve your goal, the final product should add almost double this amount to the value of your property.

2. Your family will have more personal space

Building an extension on the front or back of your home will usually mean you add an extra bedroom and more space downstairs. This means you shouldn’t get under each other’s feet quite as much, and so fewer arguments and bad moods should present themselves.

3. You can have a games room

Some people choose to simply extend their kitchen or lounge, but those with a little more creativity see more potential than this. For that reason, you could have a dedicated games room downstairs with enough space for a pool table and such. Just make sure you try to save as much money as possible along the way by using reputable builders and a reasonably priced timber supplier, as pool tables don’t come cheap!

4. Your neighbours will be jealous

This probably won’t apply to everyone, but if you have the kind of neighbours who’re constantly boasting about their home, you will shut them up effectively when they see you’ve improved yours beyond all recognition, and now it’s become more valuable than theirs. Of course, they’ll probably get so envious they end up doing the same thing, but at least you’ll have got there first.

5. Your family can stay whenever they like

Having more space means you can have more people sleeping in your home at the same time. So, if you’re sick and tired of traveling halfway around the country at Christmas time to see the clan, building an extension will mean they can come to you for a change. Now that’s got to make it all worthwhile even if none of the other reasons have resonated with you.

So guys, you should now know exactly why building an extension could be the best thing you ever do, I hope you’ll start making plans sometime this summer.

Best of luck!

A Guide to Helping Your Daughter Plan Her Prom

Prom season is almost here, and young girls all over the world are celebrating the end of their high school years with a big, formal party better than any they’ve been to before. One of the most exciting things about prom, for girls anyway, is the fact that they get to dress up in beautiful dresses, wear gorgeous makeup, and have their hair done by a professional. The whole affair is getting more and more elaborate as the years go on. For the day, they get to feel like a star! However, it’s you that has to foot the bill for your daughter’s big day, and while it’s important, it isn’t her wedding. While you want her to have the best time, you need to plan it so you can fit it in with your finances. Let’s take a look at how you can help your daughter plan her prom:

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Photo taken from Flickr

The Dress

The first thing you’ll need to do is go out and find a beautiful dress for your daughter. Everything else is based around the dress: the jewellery, the hairstyle, everything. If you feel you won’t be able to go the whole hog in every aspect of prom, you may want to discuss with your daughter what the most important thing is to her; having an extravagant, expensive dress, or having her hair/makeup done by professionals. If she wants a luxury dress, then many bridal stores sell them and will allow her to try them on. Make sure she doesn’t try too many on, as they are all gorgeous and she’ll literally be spoilt for choice!

If she doesn’t mind too much about the dress and would rather make an impression with her hair and makeup, you can find amazing dresses for a fraction of the price of real prom dresses online. Try checking stores like Lipsy, Asos, and even eBay for a bargain.

Jewellery and Accessories

Usually, the dress will do all of the talking. However, a few accessories can still set the whole thing off and give the look that ‘woah!’ factor. Decide on one or two main accessories; perhaps a tiara and bracelet. If she doesn’t want a tiara, she can afford to wear more sparkly jewellery.

Transport

Transport to prom is usually in a luxury vehicle like a limo. Ask your daughter what her friends are doing, and you may be able to split the cost with their parents to make it easier for you all. Bergen Limo have affordable prom limos in NJ, so check them out!

Hair and Makeup and Other Beauty Treatments

Depending on your budget, you can book your daughter in with a professional hair and makeup artist, or encourage her to experiment herself. She may want to do her makeup herself, and have somebody do her hair, or vice versa. Make sure you look at the portfolio of any professional you speak to, to make sure they can offer the style your daughter would like. You may also want to book your daughter in for a spray tan, manicure, eyelash extensions/tinting, and waxing. Make sure you do this in good time and with somebody with a great reputation! You could even encourage your daughter to watch Youtube tutorials together and attempt some things yourselves. Practice makes perfect!

Don’t feel pressured to spend thousands on your daughter’s prom if it’s out of your budget. Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll both be ecstatic with the outcome!

 

 

 

Top Tips For Keeping Your Home Hygienic

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Parents are facing many dilemmas in modern times in their efforts to do right by their children. It was a routine practice forty years ago that if a child received a couple of bouts of tonsillitis, the offending glands were removed. On one hand people are told that dirt and bacteria are good for children as it helps to boost their immune systems, but others recommend surgical cleanliness in order to promote good health. The chemicals used to kill bacteria are strong poisons and more people than ever are asking what effect their long term use can have on children. After all, children spend a lot of time with their fingers in their mouths and the fumes given off by strong chemicals could easily affect young lungs.

If you are looking for some more natural ways to keep your home hygienic and healthy without causing harm, there is some valuable advice for you here. Read on and see the obvious benefits of cleaning the natural way.

The Power Of The Lemon

Citrus juices are naturally acidic and are great for cutting through grime around the home, It is so powerful that you are advised to mix it with equal parts water before use. It is suitable for use on all surfaces except wood and it will kill bacteria and leave a surface hygienically clean. Use it wherever there is a grime build up on kitchen tiles, work surfaces, on the sink and taps; it is a very versatile cleaning fluid. Put the solution into a spray gun for convenient use and carrying through the home.

All Hail The Vinegar

Do you spend lots of money on descaling chemicals for use in the bathroom and kitchen? Well, you need look no further than your food cupboard for a more environmentally friendly solution.

  • Spray taps, tiles, or any other problem areas with vinegar and leave it for five minutes to do its work before rinsing the limescale away.

  • Boil white vinegar in your kettle to bring it back to its former glory.

  • If the plug holes in your home are constantly giving off a bad smell, use one third of a bottle of vinegar down each one to kill the bacteria there.

  • A cup of vinegar boiled in the microwave will give off an acidic steam that cuts through the grease that has built up in there, making it simple to wipe out afterwards.

Of course, bad smells are also a sign of blocked drains so don’t wait to call for a professional survey if you suspect a problem with them. I recommend the use of drain CCTV in London. Headaches would be diminished if you leave it down to someone else!  

Those are the main two chemicals needed around the home to complete most cleaning tasks, but there are other products, such as baking soda, that can also be put to use. Baking soda is great for removing smells. Place a cup of soda in cupboards, in the fridge, or even sprinkle it over fabric furniture for a few minutes before vacuuming it off to leave a fresh smelling sofa.

That is all the advice I have for you today. Remember, things you do now may give your kids a healthier life when they are older, so be sensible about chemicals of your choosing. Safe cleaning!

 

Relieving the Aches and Pains of Being a Mum

Nothing is as rewarding as being a parent, but boy, it sure does hurt. No one quite prepares you for how tired and how sore you will feel when you are embarking on a journey into motherhood. Many busy mums will attest to how sore and aching they feel after a day of carrying around their precious cargo. Your children grow big and strong on a daily basis, and you are left feeling like you have done a lap of the gym at the end of every day!

Instead of turning to a large glass of vino at the end of the day to relax (although it is the perfect solution to all of life’s problems,!) there are ways that you can revive tired muscles, without having to resort to such drastic measures.

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Thank you to Charlie Brewer for the brilliant image

In my voyage into parenthood, I experienced aches and pains like I never thought possible, as I’m sure many new mothers will testify. One of the most useful devices that I was brought by another mummy was a muscle roller. At first, I thought these were solely used by athletes and sports people (although running around after a baby can make you feel that you are training for a sporting event) but after some research I found that they were perfect for alleviating the aches and pains that come with being a parent.

First of all, muscle rollers are perfect for those wanting a natural solution to aches and pains, and are fantastic for those that do not wish to medicate problems. After all, medicating doesn’t make the pain go away for the long term. The muscle roller is used by performing a number of exercises on the device that relieve muscle tension. Various exercises are performed in 10 minute bursts, which are perfect for busy mums. It is best that the device is used daily to ensure maximum results.

For each exercise, focussing on all body parts, such as arms, legs and hips, slowly roll back and forth for 20 to 30 seconds before moving on to the next exercise and problem area. The key to successfully using the muscle roller is to ensure that you take deep breaths, thus allowing your muscles to relax. One key factor to remember is to avoid roller on your joints, only allow the muscle roller to focus on your muscles at all times. Once you have hit a tender spot, or trigger point, stop rolling on the muscle roller and apply direct pressure for a minimum of 15 seconds. Once the pain disappears, you have targeted the problem area and resolved any muscle issues that you may have.

This is the perfect contraption for those who want to alleviate the daily aches and pains of being a busy mum. Similarly, if you enjoy yoga and Pilates, this device will help resolve the associated pains of this workout. The muscle roller has saved my life! It has helped me to de-stress and relax after a long day of playing mum. After all, a happy, relaxed parent results in happier children.

From Hampers to Champers: Unique and Thoughtful New Baby Gifts

Often, we get stuck in a present-giving rut. When our friends and loved ones are welcomed into the delight (and horror) of parenthood, we want to commemorate their new journey with a token of our love. The thing is, the gifts that are available for new babies can be a little, well, dull. If you want a thoughtful gift for the new parents that is a little different from the usual plethora of photo frames and stuffed toys, then look no further:

Hampers

Baby gift hampers are always a welcome help for new parents, particularly those that are brand new parents for the first time. Think about all the things that new parents need, and are likely to run out off. You can tailor the hamper to suit the sex of the baby, or the interests of the new parents for a truly unique twist on a new baby gift. So many parents have experienced the stress of running out of wet wipes at three in the morning or using the last of the nappy rash cream on a Bank Holiday when the shops are shut for two days. Think about all the things that you run out of regularly as a parent and buy accordingly. Not only is it thoughtful, but the parents will love you as they can avoid maximum stress with their new baby ‘survival kit’.

 Champagne

While the baby cannot indulge in the bubbles, the new parents can. So many people get wrapped in buying the new baby gifts that we often overlook the parents in all of this.  After all, new mummy has done all the hard work for the last nine months and she is not even reaping the rewards! Reward both mum and dad for their hard work and allow them to celebrate their new bundle of joy with a good, quality bottle of champers. Who wouldn’t like to receive a gift of bubbles, regardless of the occasion? Just ensure that the whole bottle is consumed in one sitting, or there may be fights over who is doing the night feed with a hangover!

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 Vintage Baby Gifts

If you are struggling what to buy the baby, then take a look at the plethora of vintage websites, and handmade websites that are plastered all over the internet. With a vast array of vintage gifts to give to the new baby you will be spoilt for choice. Take a look at silver dummies, old style lace shawls and personalised wooden toys. There truly is something for everyone, regardless of their love of all things twee.

 Personalised Gifts

Personalised gifts are the perfect way to show the new family that you care. Personalised gifts are an excellent way of showing how much thought you have put into their gifts. You will win serious brownie points with the parents with a gift like this. Think personalised children’s story books, personalised door signs as well as comforters, dummies, wooden keepsakes, dressing gowns and so much more. It truly is the gift with a definite personal touch.

Love On The Rocks? Here’s Why Getting A Divorce Can Sometimes Be A Bad Idea

It’s a sad statistic that, in the United States alone, nearly 50% of all married couples will end up getting a divorce at some stage of their marriage. There are all sorts of reasons why couples decide that a divorce is the right decision, ranging from infidelity, lifestyle changes and even for publicity reasons (celebrities getting divorced after just a months or even weeks of marriage is becoming commonplace).

Are you married? Is your love on the rocks? If so, you might be thinking that divorce is the only way out of an unhappy marriage. But have you thought about working at your marriage rather than just giving up? You might surprise yourself to learn that there are actually some practical steps both of you can take to improve things. Here are a few reasons why divorce can often be a bad idea for unhappy couples.

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Photo via Flickr (image credit: saintpo798)

It will affect you more than you realize

The thing about divorces is that many couples often end up thinking that they hate each other, but as time goes on after their divorce, they realize just how much they are in love with one another.

This is because the time apart has made them think about the reasons why they got together in the first place, and the subsequent reasons for their relationship malfunction. Many divorcees often end up resolving their differences and getting back together again, and whilst this is a good thing, it’s bad that they had to get divorced first before they found out what caused their marriage breakdown in the first place, costing them both a lot of time, heartache money in the process!

It will devastate your kids

I know that some people stay together “for the sake of the kids”, but ultimately you cannot sacrifice your happiness for your offspring. If one or both of you truly feel unhappy with your marriage, it would be more beneficial to see marriage counselling and to work on why things are going bad rather than admitting defeat and having to deal with the onset of a messy divorce.

Writing this blog post has actually made me recall my younger days, and how my parents had decided to get a divorce when I was around 10 years old.

My dad wasn’t really around much if I’m honest, and my mom seemed somewhat angry towards me as time went on – simply because I was the product of their union, and I was a “reminder” of her ex-husband, as she explained to me when I was old enough to “understand”.

Quite often when I was growing up, I used to envy my friends simply because they had two parents that were willing to share in their child’s life together.

Sadly, a lot of kids end up on the receiving end of divorces like that, when really their parents could have at least attempted to make an effort to work together in an effort to determine what the causes of their relationship breakdown were.

Divorces are expensive

Regardless of whether you get a divorce in Florida or in Ohio, one thing you will soon realize (perhaps to your horror), is that divorces are usually expensive!

In my experience, the only times a divorce is ever “cheap” is when both parties mutually agree to divorce, there are no children involved, and each party does not wish to stake a claim for the other person’s assets.