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Letters From Lapland This Christmas

This year has been like no other, which is why many parents, guardians and families are keen to introduce as much familiarity and normality as possible.

It is likely that Christmas 2020 will be like no other festive season, but we believe it can still be a magical time. People need and deserve a happy festive season with their loved ones, and this is the ideal opportunity to rekindle the magic of Christmas.

If you received a letter from Santa Claus as a child, you will know how magical it made you feel. This is the spirit of Christmas you want to instil in your child, and we all need something to believe in this year!

Letters from Lapland this Christmas will ensure your family steps into the holiday season in the right manner. Knowing your kids are looking forward to Christmas, and that they have a magical moment tucked away long before the big day arrives will help everyone to make the most of Christmas 2020.

Who Is Naughty Or Nice?

One of the most important things children want to know in the run up to Christmas is whether they have been naughty or nice? We all have opinions on our own behaviour, and of the behaviour of others, but when it comes down to it, there is only one opinion which matters.

At Lapland Mailroom, we will ensure you and your family find out whether Santa has decreed your child to have been Naughty or Nice in 2020. To be honest, very few people have been as naughty as 2020 itself, but with this confirmation from Santa Claus, the kids who have been nice can start to look forward to Christmas Day with greater confidence.

Lapland letters are for all the family

While the personalised nature of the Lapland Mailroom letters are for the youngster in your home, the whole family gets something from these letters. We know at this time, we can’t always be with people directly, but this doesn’t mean we aren’t connected.

A personalised letter from Santa brings so much joy to the recipient, all the family sees this and feels warmer. Imagine the happiness you’ll see on Facebook when you share your child with their letter. This way, you can ensure grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives share in the happy times, even when we aren’t together in person.

It is likely this festive season will be different from the ones you know and love, but not everything is missing. Also, what’s stopping you from starting new traditions that connect your whole family? We know it’s been a tough year, but a personalised letter from Santa Claus has the ability to bring you and your loved ones together, which is surely one of the most important features of Christmas?

At Lapland Mailroom, we appreciate all parents want to do something extra special this year. We love helping parents, guardians and youngsters connect in the spirit of Christmas. If you are looking to add a touch of festive magic to your home this year, a letter from Father Christmas is exactly what you want and what your children need.

 

Simple Things That Will Change Your Home Life

Everyone wants to be living their best life these days, and it’s only natural. While the idea of living a better life can seem daunting, it’s easier than you might think. Instead of one grand gesture, you can take and do a few simple things a day at home to start your path to happiness.

 

After all, your home is literally your home base. It’s where you begin your day, it’s where you come to relax, unwind, cry, laugh, and be yourselves. It’s an extension of who you are, and when everything at home is in order, you can be properly prepared to go out into the world. There are even scientific studies that show how a clean home can impact your mental health.

 

Here are a few simple things you will change your life at home, and have you well on the way to living your own life.

Make your bed

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This quick, three-minute task can drastically improve your day. There have been countless studies that show how starting your morning by taking the time to make your bed can lead to a happy, productive day. It gives you a small sense of pride and accomplishment. So work it into your morning routine, and you’ll soon see the difference in your attitude.

Decorate your space.

You don’t realize how much decorating your space can change your mood until you’ve done it. When you move into a new space or house, sometimes personalizing it to your taste and aesthetics can take a back seat as you focus on getting all the other logistics smoothed out. Plus, no one tells you just how expensive it can be! That being said, you should make it a point to set aside some money to spruce up your place because it will make you feel like you have a haven that’s reflective of who you are.

 

Indoor plants bring the beauty of nature indoors and can improve your mental health. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. There are some hardy houseplants that thrive on a little neglect, such as the dracaena marginata. It’s an excellent plant for beginners and grows into a striking tree. The dracaena will grow to just under six feet when properly trimmed. If you’re looking for popular houseplant that’s inexpensive and easy to take care of, or doesn’t require direct sunlight and lots fertilizer, you’d be surprised how many options there are. Plenty of houseplants thrive in low light and will have your living room feeling cozier in no time.

Make your chores easier and more fun.

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Coming home after a long day of work to a messy house is pretty depressing, and trying to stay on top of cleaning is hard. If you create a simple system for cleaning, it can make it a lot easier. For example, you can eliminate the step of adding a dryer sheet or fabric softener to your load of laundry by getting a set of dryer balls. They save a step, time, and are eco-friendly! Plus they prevent static cling and soften clothes, too. You can also start the habit of straightening each room by picking everything back up and putting it away before you leave the house. It takes a few minutes but you’ll feel less anxious about coming home when you know it’s clean and ready for you.

Make time for the fun stuff.

Society has taught people that if you aren’t busy, you aren’t being productive. This thinking has conditioned people to put things they enjoy on the back burner. You’ve heard the famous old saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” and while old-fashioned anecdotes can be cheesy, this one hits home. But it doesn’t have to be that way — playing is actually very important for letting off steam and relaxing. Schedule that coffee date with your old friend, go to a paint and drink class with your sibling, or finally go sky diving like you’ve wanted to do. Life can become dull and frustrating if you don’t squeeze in things that bring you joy. When you get back to your home after your adventure, you’ll feel even more grateful for the welcoming space you’ve created.

Drink more water.

This sounds ridiculous, but it can significantly improve your life. Humans are made of mostly water, and when you drink more water it can give you clear skin, and a better functioning brain. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning has also been shown to boost your metabolism!

 

Now, don’t you feel better already? Try a few of these things and you’ll start feeling happier and healthier right away.

4 Ways to Beat Boredom When You’re Sick in Bed

Being sick is never fun. You’re so weak you can’t even get out of bed. And staying under the covers in your room can get boring after a couple of days. But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to keep you busy. Here are four fun activities to help you pass the time.

white ceramic mug on white table beside black eyeglasses

Online Gaming/Casinos

For those looking for something a bit more exciting and action-packed you could try online gaming. You can play these on either your computer or your SmartPhone, and they’ll keep you entertained all day long. The best gaming opportunities are no doubt online Poker, Blackjack, Roulette and the slots.

Most online casino sites are safe to play, as long as you find a reputable operator. Read reviews to find the best online casinos in Canada, the US or Europe, so you know you can have peace of mind about where you’re spending you’re time—and money.

Betting minimums online tend to be a lot smaller than at physical casinos, so you usually don’t have to risk too much money to get started. You can also bet on several spots at a time, and the rounds usually go much faster online.

Watch TV

The number one go-to activity for those sick days is watching TV. It’s really the perfect opportunity to catch up on the shows you’re normally too busy to watch. So choose a binge-worthy series and indulge in a TV marathon. With platforms like Netflix, the options are really endless.

If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic, you can also opt for reruns of your favourite classic movies. There’s nothing like an old childhood film to make you feel all warm inside. Or you can look for movies you’ve been meaning to watch for some time.

Do Crafts Work

If you’ve been in front of a screen for too long, you might want to take a break. Try putting your hands and imagination to work by dabbling in arts and crafts. You could string beads into a bracelet or make a necklace, even if you don’t feel like sitting upright at a table. Use these as future Christmas or birthday gifts, saving you time and money in the future.

Why not try painting by numbers? There’s so many kits you can buy that give you all the materials you need. If you know how to knit, make a scarf or beanie. Once again, these can become gifts later in the year.

Play Games

There’s a number of one-person games you could play to keep your mind sharp. For word game addicts you could do crossword puzzles, word searches or even Sudoku. These days, you can also play games online, like Solitaire. Don’t worry! Simply go for multiplayer games if you get tired of playing on your own. Try games like Scrabble, Quadplex or Words With Friends.

Final Thoughts

While it’s never nice to feel sick, make the most of your time in bed. You don’t often get the opportunity to lie around and veg out, so make it count. Plus, with these tips, lying has never been this much fun.

5 Activities You Can Do With Your Kids This Summer

Summer is a great time for kids to try new things and for families to connect. There are countless activities you can try out, from sampling new foods to learning a skill like fishing or knitting. Whatever your kids are interested in, summer is a great time to relax in a low-stress environment.

 

Don’t let summer slip away without doing any of these quintessential activities. Step away from the smartphones and video games so you can focus on these fun experiences.

 

1. Reconnect with nature.

 

It’s easy to get caught up in work and school during the rest of the year, especially during the winter when it’s too cold to go out. However, summer is a great time for getting outside and relearning why you love the outdoors so much.

 

Start by hiking on a small scale: visit your nearby park and see if you can spot any animals or insects. You can use your smartphone to identify them and learn what makes them unique. Then, branch out to state and national parks for more advanced hiking and breathtaking views.

 

If you live in an area with a rainy summer, invest in a Stroller Buzz Universal Rain Cover & Weather Shield so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a stray shower.

 

2. Get creative with arts and crafts.

Without the stress of school, your kids can get creative! This might mean going to an art camp or spending the night with friends painting a masterpiece. Look for ways for your kids to express themselves creatively and see where their imaginations take them.

 

If you want to facilitate opportunities to be creative, check out Paint Loose, which offers DIY kits and craft supplies so you can make your own art. Your kids can even decorate their rooms with the art they created!

 

 

3. Head to the water.

One of the best parts about summer is splashing in cool bodies of water, whether this means heading to the beach or stopping at the neighborhood swimming pool. Grab the sunscreen and floaties and head out to cool off in the nearest body of water. If you are looking to explore new areas, seek out a beautiful lake or float down a river for a change of scenery. These trips will make your kids more confident in the water while giving them a fun afternoon out.

 

 

4. Learn at the community center.

With a little research, learning can be fun and affordable. Many recreation centers and city parks departments offer summer camps or daily activities for kids. Younger kids can attend a storytime event at the local library while older kids can join a youth robotics club. These activities can help kids explore their passions and find out what they like doing.

 

When looking for activities, try to sign up for multiple different clubs or groups. While your child might want to take a dance class, they might decide they really enjoy playing soccer more. You don’t want to overwhelm your child, but you do want to expose them to new ideas.

 

5. Enjoy a night under the stars.

 

Summer means forgetting about your bedtime and staying up late. Let your kids spend a few nights this summer enjoying the night sky, either through camping in a nearby park or simply by watching the moon rise and identifying different constellations. Fireworks offer another great reason to look at the sky at night, so be sure to check out any 4th of July or Labor Day events in your area.

 

The summer always flies by fast, and before you know it your kids will be back in school and worrying about tests and homework. Make sure they enjoy their break and relax with fun activities.

4 Signs Your Older Parent May Require Assisted Living

 

As we get older, it’s not uncommon to start needing more help with everyday tasks. As our bodies become more vulnerable to illness and injury. Moving to a retirement home is something that a lot of older people require doing in order to, and sure they’re well looked after. In order to ensure that the needs of older loved ones are met, assisted living may be necessary.

 

Before making the decision to put your older loved one in an assisted living facility, you should determine that they are showing signs that it’s necessary. Take a look at some of the biggest red flags tight your older parent may need to move into an assisted living facility.

 

Declining Health

 

If your older parent suddenly starts to become noticeably unhealthy, then it’s an indication that they may not be able to look after themselves very well. As older people age, their bodies become more vulnerable.

Many of them require medication, which can be difficult for them to remember to take in their older age. An assisted living environment ensures that someone will always be there to ensure that they’re taking their medications.

 

Forgetting Important Details

 

As you get older, your memory starts to decline. It’s not uncommon to forget where you left your phone or even your house keys. However, in some cases, you may start forgetting important details like birthdays or even paying bills.

It’s helpful to have someone there to ensure that you don’t forget important details. A lack of memory could indicate a more serious problem like dementia. An assisted living facility ensures that you always have someone there to help you remember.

 

Poor Hygiene

 

As seniors age, it gets more difficult to do things that once were quite simple. Something aking a shower can become a monumental task. Older people may find it difficult to be able to look after themselves, and therefore avoid it altogether.

If your older parent starts looking disheveled or even dirty, it could be a sign of a bigger problem period at some point. It’s essential to ask someone to help with hygiene. That way, you don’t have to worry about your loved one looking and feeling their best.

 

Home In Disarray

 

If your loved ones’ home starts looking like it hasn’t been cleaned in a while, or if there are piles of papers that seemed to have no rhyme or reason, it may be time to start looking at retirement homes. A messy living space is often a reflection of a messy mind.

Sometimes details get too challenging for older people to deal with. As a result, they usually start to neglect their home. An assisted living facility will take care of all of the cleaning so that they don’t have to.

Do you have any questions about this article? Click here to contact us today.

 

 

 

Must-Have Fall Wardrobe Pieces for You and Your Little One

When the weather cools and there’s pumpkin spice everywhere, you know you’re officially into fall. And thank heavens! I’m always up for some memorable summer fun with the family, but we’ve been looking forward to saner temperatures and smaller electric bills.

Besides, I personally like pumpkin spice. I know, I know–it’s cliché, but that doesn’t make those fall concoctions any less tasty.

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But speaking of hot, there are some adorable fashion choices out there for you and your little gal! Autumn’s layering look is my favorite. Here’s what we’ve been seeing so far in the fashion mags.

  1. Equestrian-style Boots with Twirl Dresses

Boots up to the knee are always popping onto must-have lists, but this year we’re not seeing them with those skinny minis like usual. Look for thick tights in fall-friendly colors that appear durable enough for an afternoon ride.

Little girl’s boots also go great with little girl twirl dresses by Presley Couture. These absolutely adorable dresses come in just about every color imaginable and are a great foundation for layering. I love the reasonable pricing, too! I want them all.

Women’s dresses in the twirl style also make for a lovely combination with your leather boots and can be dressed up or down for just about any occasion.

Jackets

The word is out–crop jackets are in. Top that flirty dress with a cute crop or a belted jacket for a more professional or tailored look. They’ll keep you and your girl cozy, but also can be shed if the weather dips back into an Indian summer.

Express your own personal style with some nubby fabric, earthy stripes, classic denim or whatever spins your beanie.

Scarves and Shawls

What I love, LOVE about the Riish website is their scarves. They have a lot of to-die-for tunics and accessories, too–and with modest fashion currently à la mode, you can pick up some great pieces. But their scarves are still my favorite.

They’re reasonable, they carry casual or glamorous styles, and they’re large enough to make a chunky knot under your chin that looks great with a fall jacket. Or you can forgo the jacket entirely and drape the fabric artistically as a shawl.

Also, if you’re in a pinch and we’re still in the times of Covid, you can swirl it around as a head covering and form a makeshift mask.

If you’re using the scarf as a shawl, style it with a pretty pin that keeps the fabric in an attractive drape and secures it from slipping off into a puddle on the floor.

What I particularly appreciate about these autumnal fashion must-haves is that they may be hot at the moment, but they’ll also never completely go out of style, either. They’re good basics for your wardrobe you’ll use again and again.

Unfortunately, your girl will probably outgrow the boots before she can use them for multiple seasons, but the twirl dresses are also lovely in spring and summer. Just don’t layer over the dress and pair it instead with some comfy sandals.

Take lots of pictures! These days with your little girl staying little go too fast.

 

Make Your House Awesome, and Then Sell It for a Profit!

Are you looking to make a little bit of extra money? If so, consider that real estate may be just the ticket. And a specific subset of that concept would be that you can make the house that you’re living in awesome, and then sell it for a profit. There are several different ways to approach this money-making opportunity. The more you plan and understand your environment and social circumstances, the better your chance for making a good chunk of change from your efforts.

Take three ideas and start with them. First, there’s the concept that you can sell your house for cash. Depending on where you are in life, this may get you exactly the kind of profit that you want quickly. In another method, perhaps you buy a house just to flip it. There is a science behind maximizing your value in this process. And third, you can look at DIY design ideas that will give you a great return on investment when establishing your house as something that you want to sell soon.

Cash for Your House

If you currently own your home and are looking to make a profit, one of the best ways to do this is to sell your house for cash. There are several different ways to make this happen. You can sell your home to a private owner for cash. Or, you can find a company that buys houses for cash and create a way for them to give you an offer. When it comes to housing, cash transfers and purchases tend to cut through a lot of the red tape. Because there are not additional loans, interest rates, or other factors in the way, cold hard cash tends to be a hot commodity when moving deeds and titles to property around.

The Purpose of Flipping

If you are a hard charger, consider that getting into flipping houses may be right up your alley. There is an art and a science to this. First, you have to know that there is even a possibility that you could buy a house on a piece of property, fix it, and then sell it for more money. Geography will sometimes get in your way. But, if you have determined that this is a possibility, the next thing to do is figure out how to maintain your best ROI on every stage of your home improvement process.

DIY Design Ideas To Get You Started

Finally, if you want to make money by selling your house, perhaps work your way through a few DIY design ideas. Initially, this may only improve your home’s aesthetics, but if you choose the right project, you can spend $100 doing something that will improve the value of your house by $1000. Get creative with how you intend on doing the math, and then jump right in.

 

3 Tips For Recognizing A Home With Good Bones

With interest rates as low as they’ve been in recent memory, many people are on the hunt for a reasonably priced home that they may not have been able to afford even earlier this year. However, just because a home is within your price range doesn’t mean that it’s going to be a smart purchase for you, especially if you’re planning on taking on a fixer upper.

To help you in making this decision, here are three tips for recognizing a home with good bones that you should buy as a fixer upper.

Love The Location First

When you’re going to be changing a lot of things within the home anyway, you’re going to want to be sure that you absolutely love the things about the home that you can’t or won’t change. And according to Sarah Li Cain, a contributor to Bankrate.com, the all-important factor here is location.

As long as the home is in an area and a neighborhood that you love, any renovations that you do to it will just add to how much you appreciate that property. But if you don’t like where the home is or the lot that it’s on, there’s a good chance that you’ll wind up regretting your decision to purchase that home, even after you’ve made all the renovations that you wanted. So to avoid buyers remorse, make sure you love the location first.

Make Primarily Cosmetic Changes

For a home to have good bones, the main structure of the home is going to have to be sound and able to remain intact. According to Jeffrey Rothfelder, a contributor to This Old House, this means that you’re going to want to pick a home that primarily only requires cosmetic changes.

When you’re looking at the property, try to find a home that has hardwood flooring that only needs some refinishing, walls that only require minor patches or repairs, lighting that could be updated with some new fixtures, and a kitchen or bathrooms that don’t need to be completely gutted. If you can’t find these things in the home you’re looking at, the “bones” of the home may not be as good as you think.

Consider The Windows

There are usually a lot of things within a home that you can change without having to knock everything down and start from scratch. But according to Kate Reggev, a contributor to Architectural Digest, one thing that isn’t always easy to mess with is the windows. Because windows often have to do with the structure and layout of the home, you should try to find a home that already has windows that face the direction you want and are in the location that you want.

If you’re wanting to find a home with good bones that you can renovate to make your dream home, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find the right property for you.

How To Ship Fragile Goods Without Fear

Shipping products can be demanding, but shipping fragile items can be even more stressful. Extra care is required because if anything gets broken or damaged, you may have to bear the loss and if you are shipping it to a customer, you may be faced with an unhappy one.

Fragile items are things that that can be easily broken, such as glassware, antiques or more.  These delicate items can be made of any material such as crystal and ceramic, and they need extra attention before shipping.

So, if you plan to ship fragile items in your eCommerce business, be prepared to pack and ship them properly.  Do read on to find some tips on the best packing materials to use, how to protect them for shipping and what is the best shipping method for fragile items.

Best Packing Material for Fragile Items

Choosing the best packing material is of ultimate importance when it comes to shipping fragile items.  Some of the top materials to use are:-

  • Packing tape for securing boxes.
  • It is important to have a properly-sized box. The item should be packed snugly in a box but leaving enough room for packaging materials to help safely transport the product.
  • Be sure to use multiple layers of bubble wrap to wrap the delicate item for extra protection.
  • Airbags are great for filling the empty space left in the box as well as for items with sharp edges.
  • Packing peanuts can also be used for filling in any voids in the box. The best is to layer the box with some packing peanuts on the bottom, place the item in and fill the rest of the box in with the remaining packing peanuts.
  • Another simple but effective material for filling in gaps in your shipping box is crumpled craft paper.  Place about two inches of crumpled paper between the fragile item and the wall of the box.
  • You can also use corrugated inserts to strengthen the package and increase its durability.
  • Close the box and tape it securely. Tape the box multiple times to ensure it stays safe during transport.

How Do You Ship Fragile Items Without The Fear of Breaking It?

It is a question we hear every day. To begin shipping fragile items, be sure to do the following:

  • Carefully pack the object in a shipping box with sufficient amount of packing materials.
  • Research couriers and choose the best one based on factors like cost, delivery time and best value.
  • Obtain shipping insurance to minimize risks during transport.
  • Schedule a pickup for your package or drop it off at the courier location.

Before selecting the best shipper for your fragile items, you need to know where you want to ship it and who offers the best value shipping solutions at the most affordable rates. Searching for the right shipping service to move fragile goods can be time-consuming.  This where Shiply, an online shipping marketplace can help.  Simply fill up a few simple details about your fragile goods and the rated shipping companies from their platform will send you personalized quotes that is often 75% cheaper than normal rate.

  • Shipping fragile items either locally or internationally requires special care. Remember to always protect your items with proper packaging materials and take extra care when packing them up.

Do you have any questions about this article? Click here to contact us today.

 

3 Tips For Packing Food For A Hunting Or Camping Trip

If you’re planning on taking a hunting or camping trip, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re hoping to get some of the food that you’ll be eating during your trip while you’re out in the wild. But if you don’t get your sights on that deer you were hoping to tag or the fish just aren’t biting that day, it’s good to know what you’ll have some safe and delicious food to come back to once you get to camp.

To help you with this, here are three tips for packing food for a hunting or camping trip.

Do As Much Prep At Home As You Can

Although there’s plenty of convenient foods to bring with you when you’re out in the wild, nothing can replace a good, home cooked meal after a long day of hiking or trekking through the brush. However, you also don’t necessarily want to prepare an entire meal when you’re tired at the end of the day.

To combat this issue, Jessica Lempe, a contributor to OutdoorGearrLab.com, recommends that you try to prepare as much food at home as you can. If you’re wanting to have a meal of meat and vegetables, make sure you’ve cut everything at home and even assembled it all together in some tin foil. This principle can work for a ton of different meals. So as long as you know what you’ll want to eat before you get out into the wilderness, you can prepare it at home beforehand and have it ready to cook and eat at your camp.

Bring Some Electrolytes

The physical toll that hunting, hiking, and camping can take on your body will require you to constantly be replenishing with water. But if you’re sweating a lot and working hard, which you likely will be doing, you’ll need more than just water to give your body what it needs.

Because of this, Ben Romans, a contributor to Field and Stream, recommends that you bring some electrolytes with you to stir into your water and give yourself some additional vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. These packets are light and easy to take with you, along with bringing in some flavors to brighten up your water.

Eat Your Perishable Foods First

Depending how long you’re planning to be out for your hunting or camping trip, you’ll want to be strategic about how you eat the food that you’ve brought along.

If you’ve brought anything that’s perishable, the USDA advises that you eat those foods first. Especially if those foods need to be kept at particular temperatures, be it hot or cold, you’ll want to ensure that you consume that food when it’s still safe to eat. Otherwise, you could wind up getting sick or wasting the food you packed in.

If you’re going to be taking a hunting or camping trip in the near future, consider using the tips mentioned about to help you pack in the right food for your adventure.