lifestyle

How to Create Your Dream Backyard This Year

If you’re like most people, you’re already looking ahead to spring and summer. As the days are getting longer and warmer, it’s the perfect time to start planning for a backyard oasis. Whether you have a small apartment balcony or acres of land, there is something special about having an outdoor space to call your own. In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at key tips on how to create your dream backyard this year.

Planning Out Your Backyard

When it comes to designing your dream backyard, the possibilities are endless! It all starts with an idea and some sketching—what kind of look do you want? Are there specific elements you would like to include? Answering these questions will help you create a vision board that serves as your guide throughout the design process.

Procuring the Materials

Once that’s complete, it’s time to start measuring and gathering materials. And remember to have fun with it! You don’t need expensive materials or fancy tools to make impactful changes in your outdoor living space. But if you are doing something like a water feature or a pool, be sure to get your RIW toughseal protective coating too. You’ll need that to finish everything off.

dream backyard

Choose Your Plants Wisely

When selecting plants for your backyard paradise, consider what type of climate you have and what kinds of plants might thrive best in that climate. Research native plants in your area so that you can choose ones suited for long-term success—no one wants their money going towards plants that won’t last more than one season! If you live in an urban area where outdoor space is limited, opt for low-maintenance plants like succulents instead of high-maintenance flowers like roses. Also, consider non-plant elements such as water features (like fountains) and bird feeders if they fit within the scope of your project and budget.

Keep It Sustainable

Finally, when creating any outdoor living space it’s important to keep sustainability top-of-mind at all times. This means using natural resources responsibly while also considering how waste impacts the environment around us. The materials used should be safe for both humans and animals alike—including any fertilizers or pest control products used on the plants—and should not pollute water sources nearby such as rivers or lakes when it rains heavily. This is especially the case when creating your pool.

Bringing it All to Life

Creating a dream backyard may seem daunting but with patience and dedication, anything is possible! With some careful planning, research, and creativity anyone can turn their plain old backyard into an incredible retreat just waiting to be enjoyed by family members or friends alike this summer season! Take advantage of the fresh air outdoors this season by investing some time into making changes around your home – no matter how big or small – because there is no better feeling than being able to enjoy nature while spending quality time with loved ones just steps away from home sweet home!

dream backyard

5 Ways to Make Friends as a Single Parent

When you have kids, your social life takes a back seat. There are simply not many opportunities to meet potential new friends who are also parents. But being a single parent doesn’t mean you can’t make friends. As a single parent, it’s even more important to have support and company because the responsibilities of taking care of your kid alone can be pretty challenging at times. That being said, as a single parent, you probably don’t have much time to go out and meet people regularly. You might be worried about how to meet people as a single parent – especially if you don’t know many other single parents in your area already. However, this is precisely why I am writing this blog post for you!

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Here are 5 tips on how you can meet new people as a single parent:

Join clubs for children or families

There are lots of clubs and meet-ups for parents in all areas. Look for clubs in your area that are related to the interests of your child or family (e.g. a playgroup, a parent-teacher association, a school club, a chess club for children, a reading group for parents and kids, a yoga class for parents and kids, a sports club where your kid can participate, etc.). You can also search online for clubs in your area that are open to all people, and not just families. This will give you a chance to meet lots of parents who have interests similar to yours. You can also join clubs for single parents. Starting a club of your own is also an exciting option if you can find like-minded people.

Join online forums for parents

There are also forums for parents. Some are more general, while others are more specific to a particular area of interest. It’s a good idea to do some research and find out which online forums for parents might be related to your interests. There are many places you can find like-minded parents or other single parents who can offer support, such as singleparents. org, Gingerbread, or other sites such as Mumsnet.

Try internet dating

If you’ve been thinking about trying online dating, this is the perfect time! Meeting new people through online dating can be significant and help you develop new interests and hobbies. You can also meet other single parents through online dating. If you’re worried about how to meet people as a single parent, dating websites can be an excellent way to get started. In the first instance, you only need to meet people if you’re ready to, as you can communicate via the app. While there are many horror stories about online dating and people being scammed, there are also success stories; you need to be careful and always trust your instincts when talking to new people or sharing real-life details of who you are and where you live.

Be active in your local community.

Another good idea on how to meet people as a single parent is to be active in your local community. This can be an excellent opportunity to meet people with your interests. If you have time, consider volunteering for an organisation in your community that interests you. This can be a great way to meet like-minded people, and it can also be a great way to make your child proud.

From helping out at local churches, homeless initiatives or community centres and organising local events or meet-ups, you can find people to talk to, a new friendship group and even find something you enjoy doing that benefits your mental health, your family life and your social life too.

Take up a new hobby

Last but not least, you should also take up a new hobby. Hobbies are a great way to meet people. Depending on the hobby you choose, you might meet other single parents this way, or you might meet people who don’t have children. Regardless, hobbies are a fun way to make new friends. Think about what you really want to learn and then find local classes or clubs that engage in this. It could be as simple as joining a gym to get fit and healthy, learning a language or taking evening classes online to help forward your career or boost your credentials.

Conclusion

Being a single parent can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean you can never meet new people again. You can make friends as a single parent; it just takes a little effort. The above 5 ways to meet people as a single parent should help you get started.

single parent

Is It Time to Renovate Your Child’s Bedroom?

A bedroom makeover is a great way to refresh a space and give it a new look. You can update the look of a bedroom with new furniture, paint colours, and bedding. A bedroom makeover is also a great way to switch up your decorating style and try out new creative ideas. As your children grow, you may also want to make subtle changes to their rooms to suit their age and interests – or even do a big renovation from time to time. The cost of renovating a room can be staggering. But with a little creativity, some smart planning and some help from technology, you can do it for less. Here’s how to get started.

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What are the Benefits of Redecorating a Kid’s Room?

Redecorating a kid’s room can be beneficial for both the child and the parents. A new look for your kid’s room can help them feel more confident and happy. It can also help them feel more excited about their room and their life in general. It can also mean that their room suits them more as they age and will help to facilitate the different life stages that they go through.

How to Prepare for Renovating Your Kids’ Bedroom

There are a few things that parents should keep in mind when planning their kids’ bedroom makeover. First, make sure that the space is big enough for their needs. Second, make sure that they have enough storage space for all of their toys and clothes. Lastly, think about what kind of furniture they need – which type of bed suits them best?

When it comes to decorating a child’s bedroom, it is important to choose the right colours that they will like. For example, if your child likes blue, you should use blues and greens in the room. Parents should also consider adding a few items to the room such as curtains or wall art to give it a personal touch.

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Photo by Allen Taylor on Unsplash

How to Update your Kids’ Room and Rejuvenate the Look Overnight

The best way to update your kid’s room is by adding new furniture that will make it look fresh and modern. Simple and quick changes to a kids’ bedroom can be done with the help of furniture like bedding, rugs, and curtains. You could try out bunk beds at Cuckooland or go with new bedding and accent colours. If you want to see a significant change in your kids’ bedroom, you should invest in new furniture.

What to Keep in Mind When Renovating Your Kids’ Bedroom?

As a parent, it’s important to make sure that your child is safe and comfortable when they sleep. The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house, so it should be decorated with kid-friendly design tips to keep your kids safe and happy. But at the same time, it is important to keep in mind that the design of your children’s room should be tailored to their age and personality. A child’s room should also be designed with safety and security in mind.

Tips for Keeping Renovations on Budget for Kids’ Rooms

Keeping renovations on a budget is a big challenge for many families. It is not easy to find the right balance between what you want and what you can afford. A few tips to help you here include:

– Choose timeless furniture pieces that are versatile and can last for years.

– Don’t choose too many colours or patterns in one room because they will be hard to coordinate with each other later on.

– Try to use natural materials like wood and stone instead of more expensive options like marble or granite.

Is it Worth It to Renovate Your Kids’ Room?

If you are thinking about renovating your kids’ room, you should consider the benefits and drawbacks of doing so. The benefits of renovating your kids’ room include making it easier for them to find the things they need and giving them a space where they can grow into. The drawbacks include spending more money than you originally planned to spend and the time it takes to complete a renovation project.

If you are on a budget, then it might not be worth it for you to renovate your kids’ room at all. But if you want your children’s rooms to reflect their interests, personality, or style, it is worth investing in their future by renovating their rooms.

Planning A House Reno? Here’s Where To Spend The Money

One of the most exciting activities when purchasing a new home is home improvement. It may, however, be incredibly stressful, especially if you are on a tight budget. What steps do you take to renovate your home?

Like most individuals, you will surely have a wish list of patterns, materials, or furnishings that you would like to integrate into your perfect house. However, setting everything up will not always go as expected. Furthermore, not everything needs to have money spent on it, particularly if you need to keep track of your expenditures. It goes without saying that structural repairs from the Cdaniels Foundation are prioritised, but when it comes to other things, you need to know where to spend and where to wait.

Here, we look at where you should flaunt your cash and where you should hold back.

Kitchen

When it comes to kitchen systems, you have the option of buying generic or branded ones. If you want to stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary costs, you may always go for a lower-priced one, but the quality is not assured. It would be beneficial if you maintain quality control while selecting objects for your home, as these items would most likely remain in your home for years. Prioritize quality immovables such as natural stone worktops and sinks before investing in high-end kitchen gadgets such as blenders and coffee machines.

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The lighting

Lighting is critical in your house. It regulates the room’s atmosphere and functionality. You do not need a lot of light sources to build the perfect lighting system for your house; only well-chosen ones.

The restroom

Specialist brands, as opposed to budgeted fittings and fixtures, were designed to be sturdy and water-efficient without losing aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, your bathing experience should be pleasurable. Sinks, bathtubs, and shower accessories can also be difficult to replace since comparable types or sizes must be acquired to match the current design. It will also be difficult to adjust things later without generating more chaos and costing more money.

Flooring

To begin with, if you can salvage the existing flooring, you may save a significant amount of money by eliminating the material and labour expenses of chopping, screeding, and floor finishes. If you do need new flooring, concrete grit, laminate flooring, tiles, and vinyl are all pretty affordable possibilities. Real wood and stone might be costly, but they look fantastic!

Demolition

If you are on a limited budget, you might want to leave the walls alone for the time being, since pulling them down can be quite expensive. While it can be advantageous in some circumstances, examine whether the money would be better spent elsewhere right now. Remember that if you start taking down walls, you may need to consider things like electrical rewiring and plumbing.

Woodwork

Carpentry is usually a component of the house restoration process, although the materials to be utilised are not expensive. If you are on a restricted budget, you will have to settle for less expensive materials rather than more expensive ones. Rather than flourishes and frills, opt for plain wood textures and functional designs.

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Keeping Your Home In Tip Top Condition Is Easier Than You Think

Keeping your home in tip-top condition can be easier than you think, you just need to take the right steps to make this possible. For a lot of people, this sounds like an absolute nightmare because we all hate cleaning and maintenance, but it’s got to be done. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do to make this an easier task for you, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Your Home
Pic Source – CC0 License

Survey Before Purchase

The first thing that you should do is make sure you have a survey completed on the home before you purchase it. While this is something that needs to be done prior to purchasing the home, it’s still very much relevant. The reason for this is that if there are hidden problems in the home that you were not expecting, then you become responsible for them once you own the home and that isn’t fair. That’s going to make your life harder, not easier, and it’s going to cost you more money that you shouldn’t have to spend. So, if you get the survey done, you will know about all of these beforehand and can make a conscious decision as to whether you’re going to take this on, or whether you want to make a different offer.

Keep Your Eye On Things

When you live in the home, you have got to be keeping your eye on things as much as you can. You don’t want problems to start getting out of control, as this is only going to lead to more issues. For example, if you have a leaking pipe and you don’t notice, this can lead to a burst pipe, it can lead to mould, or even wearing away at the material it’s leaking on. You need to get in touch with the most trusted plumber in your area and get them to your home as soon as you can.

Your Home

Clean As You Go

If you clean as you go, then there is going to be less work to do after a couple of days or a week. While you might not feel like you have the energy to do this, do you have the energy to do a big clean every few days either? It makes your life so much easier, and it means that unexpected company isn’t going to be a problem as your home is in the best condition it could possibly be in. It will take a bit of adjusting to, but you will get there if you remain consistent.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should do to ensure that keeping your home in tip-top condition is as easy as possible. While it will never be a completely easy task, these things will make it easier for you, ensuring that you won’t run into as many problems as other people. We wish you the very best of luck with this.

Your Home

Introducing The Gel Wax Melt by Village Wax Melts

PR Productsthese gel wax melts were kindly gifted in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own and I would never recommend something I wouldn’t purchase myself

I was thrilled when Village Wax Melts agreed to send me their new gel wax melts to try. I hadn’t heard of this latest trend, but I am always hunting for melts packed full of fragrance.

Gel Wax Melt

I frequently talk on the blog about using self-care purchases to improve my mental health. Going through a mental breakdown highlighted how much I need this daily self-care. Buying a candle or wax melt and burner, is now on my weekly shopping list. Whilst I am working from home, it brightens my day. And depending on the fragrance, it can also calm stressful moments. What a revelation to try out a gel wax melt. I was also kindly gifted some other products, which I will discuss throughout this post.

Gel wax melts

I was so excited to try these and they did not disappoint. Before trying out this new product, I previously had to put my used burners in the freezer to remove the leftover wax. You don’t have to do this with the gel. It just peels out after use.

They are also more highly scented and you can smell the fragrance as soon as you open the tub. I wanted to take some great photos and videos for the blog, but I was genuinely mesmerised by how it melts. And I found myself sitting there are ages watching the process. Doing this is calming in itself. Definitely, something I would purchase in future, instead of the usual wax melts.

Wax melt selection

Village Wax Melts also kindly sent me a range of normal wax melts to try. I loved the shape and the fragrances. I will be honest and say I was previously put off buying scents which mimic perfumes and aftershave. But I have to say that the savage (wax melt and gel wax melt) was so refreshing. I am sure we all wear perfume for a night out. But having that same smell burning in your home makes you feel fresh. Like you’re on holiday, in a busy bar, living life. The scent isn’t as overpowering as someone wearing it, but it’s lovely to brush past as you walk to the kitchen. I am now sold on perfume and aftershave-related scents and love also loved the Aliens scent they included for me. Scents which transport you to another familiar situation, are excellent.

The scent I loved the most

Out of the wax melts I was sent, my favourite one has to be Aperol Nights. Because I love them so much, I have nearly used them all. I suppose we all have different tastes, but this one is my go-to and I will be ordering it again.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mummyconqueringan/video/7131673436513914118?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7113980612197254661

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed my review of these fantastic products. Please go check out the website.

Gel Wax Melt