Simple Tips For A Super Clean Home

Maintaining a clean and tidy home doesn't just happen overnight. We tend to spend a good few hours a week cleaning our houses in order to keep them habitable and welcoming enough for guests. However, having a clean home can also be beneficial to your health, not just your aesthetics. There are, in fact, many places in your home that are harboring unseen dirt and grime that you could be missing.

The bathmat

Bath mats are a classic example of somewhere that can get extremely dirty, but we don't clean them enough. As they are located in the hottest and steamiest room in the house, they are in the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. You also have plenty of dirty feet, and even shoes, stepping on it day in day out. There are two ways you can tackle this problem. Either buy a number of bathmats which you can rotate easily - for example, one whilst another one is in use. Or, consider investing in a rubber bath mat, which you can easily clean with various products.

Image source

The kitchen sink

We would never consider not disinfecting our toilet. But you may be surprised to learn that the average kitchen sink can contain even more bacteria than a family toilet. Food debris that is left in there can start to mold and dangerous bacterial viruses such as E.coli can arise as a result. Most of us just tend to wash our sink out with regular water a few times every week - but, it can actually be worth properly disinfecting your sink every so often too.

The air

This is one most people don't really think about that often. But, do you really know how clean the air is in your home? Many of us now live in large, industrialized cities, where the air quality is lower. If this sounds like you, it can be worth buying something to fight the smog as inevitably, it will get into your home. Be careful about what you leave around the home too, as certain products can give off dangerous fumes. Paint and solvents are a classic example of this, so make sure you keep any products like this in your garage.

Image source

Your keyboard

Your computer keyboard may be your own, or it may be a family computer. Either way, it may be harboring germs and diseases that you had no idea about. In fact, a study from the University of Arizona found that some keyboards actually had more bacteria on them than a toilet seat. A separate study also found that MRSA is able to live and thrive on keyboards. Therefore, it is imperative to your and your family's health to keep your keyboards sanitized. Shaking them upside down over a bin once a week can help remove any dust and dirt debris that could have gotten between the keys. Wipe with an antibacterial cloth every week too to help kill any bacteria that could be lurking on there. Or, if you want to be able to clean your keyboard more thoroughly, consider buying a sealed keyboard, as they are much easier to clean.

Looking After Children Doesn't Have To Cost A Fortune With These Top Tips

We all know that starting a family is expensive. Children need a fair bit. Somewhere to sleep, something to wear. It starts when they are born and carries right through to adulthood. But raising a family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are some simple things you can do to keep those inevitable costs down. I thought I would share with you some of the top tips to consider. Whether you are just starting out or in the full throws of parenthood, I’m sure some of these will help.

Source

Circulate their toys

From birth through to starting out the teen years you accumulate a lot of toys. Be that gifts throughout the year, toys from meals out or just general stuff. It piles up, and you find that you have boxes of toys, and no one seems to be playing with them. So instead of investing in new toys you should circulate your existing ones. It require a lot of time and effort but once you have organized everything it makes a huge difference. Keep some toys around and put others away. When your children are getting a little bored, then switch them around. Keep on with this cycle and you will find yourself spending a lot less throughout the year. It also enables your children to use their imagination more.

Source

Be savvy when clothes shopping

Children grow at an alarming rate, so it’s inevitable that there is a cost to keeping them in clothes that fit. However, changing your shopping habits could help keep the cost down. A great tip is to utilize shopping codes and coupon. Things like Amazon coupons and reductions can help. A versatile site like that could allow you to stock up on a lot of essentials without it costing nearly as much. Another crucial tip is to utilize store sales. You can stock up on the next size ahead for up and coming seasons. Making sure you always have a stockpile of clothing that will fit in the next age category.

Utilize birthdays and Christmas

Christmas and birthdays are a great time for you to refresh your children's toys or get them things they want and need. A lot of family and friends will ask you what they should gift your children. So make sure, if you, of course, want them to buy a gift, that you let them know something they want or need. This helps keep the costs down. While it’s not all about gifts, it’s important to make sure your children are aware that these occasions are special. Gifts are not something that they should expect throughout the year.

Source

Eat as a family

Food bills are one of the biggest outgoings a family can have, especially if you find yourself cooking different meals. Or even buying different food items for each member of the household. Children specifically can develop bad eating habits and fussiness in their early years. An excellent way to combat those spiralling food costs is to eat the same thing as a family. Cooking one meal to feed everyone instead of several can save you quite a lot on your food shopping bill.

I hope this helps you bring those costs down.

Updating Your Home on a Shoestring Budget: Is it Really Possible?

Do you love your home? If the answer isn’t yes, then there’s a problem. Your home, whether you own or rent it, should be yours’ and your family’s little retreat. The place that you look forward to coming home to and love spending time in. However, if you’re not keen on your home, then the chances are, this isn’t the case.

Perhaps you hate the layout of the property? Maybe the decor isn’t to your taste? Or, could a lack of storage space be to blame? Whatever the reason, if you dislike your home, then you need to do something to change that. After all, living in a place that doesn’t make you feel happy, can’t be good for you, or your family.

Of course, the number one reason many people choose to live in spaces that they dislike is because of money. You see, a lot of us make the mistake of thinking that we can’t update our homes on a budget. However, that’s not the case. Believe it or not, it’s possible to do up your home on even the smallest of budgets - here’s how:

Go DIY with your update

Image credit

Simple Tips for Packing a Carry-On

image credit: pixabay

Travel can be equal parts taxing and relaxing, though there's no denying that the stress quotient rises as journeys become more complicated. One of the easiest ways to enjoy not just the destination but also the journey, is simplification. And the first step in traveling simply is packing purposefully, whether that means packing more of what you need in your carry-on or forgoing checked bags altogether.

Downsizing to a single carry-on for domestic and international travel isn't just about enjoyment, however. More airlines are charging for all checked luggage, and thanks to vigorous behind the scenes bag checks, more travelers want to keep their valuables close at hand. Sure, a lot of travelers prefer to take a number of shorter trips throughout the year (so packing light is a no-brainer), but it's also entirely possible to travel the world with nothing more than a carry-on bag.

Whether you're going away for the weekend or setting off on an epic round-the-world voyage, here are smart tips for stress-free carry-on packing.

Find a Do-It-All Bag

Cute carry-on bags are a dime a dozen – what's much rarer is a carry-on bag that is comfortable, durable and light. Structured rolling bags may be convenient but soft bags have give, which means if you accidentally over pack you can still stuff them in the overhead compartments.

This weekender by Henri Bendel has a bottom zippered compartment that's the perfect spot for a pair of flats when you're traveling extra light. But for longer trips, try the large weekender from LeSportsac. Just don't forget to check the size and weight requirements of the airline you’ll be flying! Skip this step and your carry-on could end up in the luggage hold.

Pare Down Toiletries to the Bare Essentials

Thanks to TSA restrictions, most of us are used to bringing travel size bottles but if you're feeling adventurous, consider packing only those cosmetics, lotions and cleansers you absolutely can't live without. Plan to stop by a supermarket or drug store for the basics once you arrive, or just use whatever your hotel provides. Don't forget that any and all liquids still need to be packed separately. While you could just use a plastic zipper bag, a clear TSA-compliant AirQuart travel bag will let you fly through security stylishly.
Design a Capsule Wardrobe
Packing an outfit for every day and every night is old school. A modern capsule wardrobe that is based around a dark color like navy or black with a few light accent pieces and accessories can be put together in dozens of ways. Always bring a classic pair of sunglasses (to make napping easier and hide jet-lagged eyes), and a statement watch. Choose tops and bottoms to mix and match, and try to find a pair of shoes that works for everything you plan to do. Surprisingly, Crocs (if you can believe it) makes ballet flats and wedges that are amazingly comfortable for long days of sightseeing and look nothing like gardening shoes.

Lay out Everything You'll Need

Do a packing test run to make sure your carry-on bag will comfortably hold everything you'll need en route or for your entire trip. Don't forget:

·         Your flight documents

·         Wallet, ID and passport

·         Phone, tablet and laptop plus chargers and headphones

·         Clothes (or an extra set of clothing in case your checked bag is lost)

·         Makeup for touch-ups on arrival and other must-have toiletries

·         Medications you might need while traveling

·         A light sweater because it gets chilly in the air!

Pack What You Don't Need First

If your carry-on bag will be the entirety of your luggage, it makes sense to layer your extra clothes on the very bottom. That way, you're not digging through socks and undies to find your allergy medicine and your clothing acts like a cushion to keep fragile things like your laptop safe and sound.

Don't Forget Your One Personal Item

Though a few airlines no longer allow passengers one personal item in addition to the allotted carry-on bag, most still do. What that means is that you can stash everything you'll need on-hand (e.g., tickets, wallet, phone, book, snacks, etc.) in a purse or small backpack and everything else in a weekender that stays in the overhead compartment for the duration of your flight.

Beyond these tips, packing is something every traveler needs to figure out for herself. The guidelines above will help you find your own carry-on packing style, so thoughts of lost luggage never stop you from setting out on that next great adventure!

Managing a Budget for Future Family Fun

You already know that starting out is tough when you first have kids. Learning how to budget for a family takes some time and effort, but it is well worth the reward. Luckily, there are many ways to make additional income in your spare time. While you may be chuckling at the idea of free time, there are plenty of options that can be done from the comfort of your home or after the kids have gone to sleep.

Try Your Hand at Entrepreneurship

Take on a side job as a sales rep or brand ambassador that only takes up 10 to 15 hours of your time per month and brings in a substantial amount of income to your household. Companies such as Amway give you the power to start your own business and be your own boss. There are no scheduling restraints to abide by, allowing you to work as you please.

Some companies recruit brand ambassadors that are only needed intermittently during special events and festivals. Typically being a brand ambassador allows you to bring your family along with you to help out at the company's booth to help entice others to come and learn about them.

Get a Move On

Uber allows anyone with a clean driving record and a car newer than a 2004 model to become a taxi driver. This opens up a new set of working hours that won't butt in to your family time. Uber drivers work whenever they want to, sometimes only working for a couple hours on the weekend to bring in a few extra dollars for a future family vacation.

Put Your Skills to Good Use

If you have a special talent or skill, put it to good use to make some extra cash. For example, if you're a good writer, find freelance websites that are looking for copywriters and copyeditors. If you're crafty, set up a shop on Etsy to sell your goods. If you're the world's greatest baker, cater birthday parties or sell your treats at festivals and farmers markets. There are plenty of ways to monetize your skills in the age of technology; you just have to put in a little effort to find them.

Evaluating Your Need

You may not need to take on another source of income if you're properly managing your money. Take a look at your household income and your monthly expenses to get a better sense of how much expendable income you have to use for vacations, entertainment and so forth. If that amount is not substantial enough to fit your family's desires, consider one of the above options to meet your family's goals.

However, if you're close to your goal, you may be able to cut back on other expenses to save for something you really want. For example, eat at home rather than a restaurant one more day out of the week to save money. You also should consider meal prepping as a way to save on your grocery bill, carpooling to save on gas and repurposing items instead of buying new ones.