Megan's Blog

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

 

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are a considerable amount of misconceptions out there surrounding plastic surgery. All it takes is a few page flips through a magazine to read the latest rumors about which celebrities are suspected of what procedures. Often plastic surgery is associated with being shallow and unnecessary.

However, you might be surprised to find that a lot of these stereotypes surrounding plastic surgery aren’t as true as you might think. The benefits of plastic surgery can extend far beyond just the way that you look in the mirror. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about plastic surgery and some alternate perspectives for you to explore.

#1 Plastic Surgery Is Only For Improving Your Ego

While there’s no denying that many plastic surgery procedures are done to improve the way that you feel about yourself, there are plenty that are done to help the way that your body functions. For example, some people may have been born with birth defects, which leave them requiring a procedure at some point.

Not every surgeon offers the same surgical procedures, however. It’s important that you find the right surgeon for what it is that you’re looking to do. As a result of plastic surgery, many people are able to live a normal life whereas they weren’t able to prior to their surgery.

#2 Only Women Get Plastic Surgery

Most of the time, when you look in gossip magazines you only see speculations about women getting plastic surgery. However, you’d be surprised to find how many men also go under the knife.

Men can also benefit from plastic surgery. Some of the most common procedures are calf augmentation, pictorial implants, and even hair transplants. Some men even go as far as getting cellulite treatment. There is no discrimination when it comes to who is eligible for most plastic surgeries.

#3 Plastic Surgery Procedures Don’t Require Touch-Ups

Many people might like to think that the procedure that they pay for will last forever. However, the truth is that many procedures will require further surgeries down the road. For example, a breast augmentation will require a touch up at some point. Expecting a plastic surgery procedure to last forever isn’t realistic. Since your body can often change over time, it will require a touch-up.

Before getting plastic surgery done, you should talk to your plastic surgeon about whether you will require further surgeries down the road. If so, you may want to ask yourself whether it realistically fits into your budget.

Once you start your first procedure, you’ll be committed to following through with the rest of the procedures, which will be necessary. Make sure that you know what you’re in for before you dive in.

Diamonds are among many women’s favorites because of their brilliance. Imagine wearing diamond jewelry and stealing the spotlight because of how your jewelry sparkles. There’s no surprise why the demand for the stone continues to rise.

But, how do diamonds get their sparkle? Which one is the most brilliant of them all?

A Diamond’s Brilliance

Diamonds sparkle when they reflect light.

Every cut can reflect light and sparkle in different light conditions. However, specific cuts tend to make the diamond more brilliant–and it could significantly affect its value. The more a diamond can reflect white light, the sparklier it gets.

The key to making your diamond sparkle more is to cut it into a specific shape with more facets. The more facets, the more surface white light can bounce from. That means it tends to be more brilliant than other cuts.

What Cut Provides the Best Brilliance?

The best way to cut a diamond is the classic, round brilliant cut. This type of cut is done to achieve 58 facets. And it’s not surprising that it’s the most brilliant diamond of all cuts since it was apparently engineered to have the strongest sparkle possible.

The brilliant cut was achieved in1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky. Now, it’s the most popular cut because of how sparkly a diamond becomes.

However, round diamond cuts also tend to be more expensive. You might want to consider that when you are looking for a diamond ring, and you’re on a budget.

But, you can always check out diamond engagement rings Vancouver BC has to offer. They have alternative cuts and settings that can bring out the beauty of diamonds despite your budget constraints.

Alternative Cuts

If you really can’t find a round cut diamond ring that works with your budget, you can try other cuts that provide almost the same level of brilliance but are cheaper. Some of these are the princess, radiant, and cushion cuts.

The princess cut provides a beautiful sparkle combined with a shape that is perfect for symbolizing elegance. It’s also a modern-looking cut, so it’s great for a modern bride-to-be.

Meanwhile, the radiant cut is a lot similar to the emerald cut but offers more shine like that of a round cut diamond.

Lastly, cushion cuts offer almost the same brilliance as round cuts, but at a lower price per carat, which is perfect if you’re entirely on a tight budget.

Conclusion

Diamond engagement rings are incredibly popular, and it’s no surprise that you’ll want nothing but the most brilliant stone for the love of your life. Remember, the cut can significantly affect the brilliance of a diamond. If you have more questions, you can always get the help of local jewelers in Vancouver.

One of the things that you are going to have to think about when it comes to planning your wedding is the interior decorations that you are going to have. You don’t have to go for something simple, but instead you can opt for whatever you want and there are numerous options when you go with a known brand like FNP Gardens. Here are just some of the best interior decorations that you can enjoy for your wedding no matter where you book.

Attractive Interior Decorations

The decorations that you are going to use for your wedding are important and something that you are going to want to think about when it comes to how you want the space to look. You should think about how much space is going to be available to you for the area that you have booked and then start to make your plans. Some of the top options for decorating inside includes:

• Flowers – You are going to want to make sure that you are picking the right flowers that would suit the inside of the hotel like Udman Hotel. Think about what the colours are going to be for the other décor so you can get the right coloured flowers and you can pick from a huge array of blooms.
• Seating – There are also going to be numerous options that you would be able to pick for seating, including for the bride and groom. You should also think about the seating arrangements for the guests and how you are going to decorate the tables and even the chairs.
• Lighting – There will also be plenty of options that you can pick for lighting and you can opt for fairy lights that go around pillars or lights that would highlight the seating area for the bride and groom based on what you want the space to look and feel like.
• Stage – There is also going to be a stage that you can decorate and you should think about this when it comes to the venue, including the Opulent Hotel from FNP Gardens. Think about what this would be used for and what would need to be set up near it, especially if you are going to hire a band or if you want to use it for something else.

Go ahead and ensure that you are using these ideas to ensure that you are getting the right décor for your wedding space no matter where it might be held.

Ensure that you are dreaming about what you want your wedding and reception space to look like and that you are creating that in real life. Think about what flowers you are going to use and what colours you want to have showcased in the area. You are also going to want to think about what type of seating you are going to use as well as the lighting that would be placed around the entire space. The stage is also something to consider, especially if you want to use it for your reception or for another reason altogether.

The Christmas sales season is coming upon us, and it is time to get ready for Christmas shopping 21^st century style. Unlike our parents and grandparents that had to wait in line at local stores or malls to find that absolutely perfect gift for their loved one, we have technology at our fingertips. No more stressing if the store has run out of that ideal kid’s toy or if that ugly Christmas sweater comes in the right size. Now we pop online, armed with a few handy apps.

Online Christmas Shopping Lists

Out of the perfect Christmas gift ideas? No worries. You can quickly zoom online and find handy lists and photos of the best gifts for mom, dad, or your kids. These usually link to online stores that sell these holiday products and may provide helpful videos. Not only that, with a few clicks of the button you can find the same item in different sizes or at a better price. Don’t underestimate the power of Top 10 Christmas Gift lists.

Coupons Coupons Everywhere!

Love shopping? Love saving money? Then install a coupon app on your phone or computer. These handy apps will send you a helpful alert when the holiday gift you are buying is a little less expensive on another site.

Sign up for coupon sites to receive helpful customized coupons in your inbox. Even social media sites will include great store codes to save ten, twenty, or even fifty percent off on certain items! If you are worried about spam, just be sure to unsubscribe after the holiday season. Some favorite sites include PricePal, Honey, Smartsaver, and SwagBucks. And don’t forget the power of the rebate – getting cash back for buying great products!

The Power of a Good Review

Before you click on that gadget or book, check out the customer reviews. Not sure what home appliance or tool to buy your loved one? Then take a moment to check out the ratings and customer reviews online. While some of these reviews can be fake reviews, the vast majority of them will be legitimate comments, ratings, and complaints from genuine customers. Check to see if there is way to verify the review on the site. Then look over the reviews. It can be helpful to group the reviews from Best to Worst ratings, or vice a versa.

If an item has seventy-five great reviews, four stars or more, and ten bad reviews, it might be the item for you. However, always read a few of the bad reviews. Sometimes an item, like a child’s toy, may be a great toy for a toddler or boring for a twelve-year-old. Or maybe there is a problem with the product that doesn’t affect most customers, but might affect your loved one. For example, a product is best for those that are very active, but might not be ideal for someone with physical limitations or limited eyesight. Be well-informed before purchasing the gift.

As Easy as 1-2-3

The best part about Christmas shopping online is that it saves you time! No more wasting gas and money driving around town looking for that perfect gift. Instead you can search for it quickly. And if you want to find unique handmade presents for Christmas, you can search any number of sites of artists, writers, and artisans who create beautiful handcrafted items like scarfs, handbags, poetry books, portraits, and more. Enjoy the ease of modern shopping this holiday season.