Author: Family Fun

During a divorce, court battles for child custody can be a huge issue, perhaps because one partner is not playing fair. It is prudent to hire child custody lawyers to ensure your child’s interests are considered.

This video highlights five common mistakes that people make in custody court cases.

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The first one is forbidding your partner to see the children. Often, one partner forbids or makes it difficult for the children to see their other parent. Such actions only hurt the child and could lead to you losing your court case.

The second is bad-mouthing your partner. It is a costly mistake to make your former partner look bad in front of your child. If this comes up during your case, it could negatively reflect on you.

The third is making allegations without evidence, if you make claims in court about your former partner, be ready to provide evidence.

The fourth is allowing your children to call other people names such as “mom” and “dad.” If your partner is still alive, you shouldn’t try and teach the child to start placing the ‘parent’ title on other people.

Not being active in your child’s life. Engaging in a court battle when you do not engage actively in your child’s life will most likely help you lose the case.

Getting ready for the unrelenting cold weather is overwhelming. It is always rewarding to have timely preparedness for the winter. Think of what may be affected by the cold weather. For instance, in windy weather in winter, trees and branches could fall off; the strong winds could carry shingles and cast iron gutters if they are not well fitted. Children’s toys, garden furniture and trampolines can fly away in strong winds to pose a danger to the surrounding. Frozen pipes could burst to cause floods. All these attributes may help tackle all family projects to do at home and make sure that all is set for the winter. You have to make sure that you guard your sanity, health, and home by observing the following precautious measures.

Finish Up Yard Work

when you’ve already stacked up your winter boots and puffy coats ready for the winter, your yards also require some attention. Good preparation for winter helps ensure that your lawn endures the harsh winter weather and that it will have enormous sprouting when spring comes back. It is effective to have notable family projects to do at home to ensure that lawns and flowers are well kept for the winter season. Some grasses could continue to grow when winter kicks in. So it would be necessary to maintain the mowing schedules until they completely become dormant. By doing this, good landscaping attributes are maintained all year round. Prepare your garden and lawn for winter using these informative tips.

The fallen leaves during autumn should be used to your advantage. Leaves can be used for composite after you have removed them from the lawn. The composite can protect your grass and provide nutrients during the cold winter. Additionally, it is essential to aerate your lawn before the cold seasons start. Aeration helps to open up the soil and enhance a better environment for root growth. You can opt to use fertilizer to fill up the holes or composite. Pruning should not be ignored when preparing for the winter. The process helps stimulate sprouting and offers tree trimming services in shrubs. Hanging and dead branches that could fall during heavy storms and cause damage ought to be removed.

Refurbish Any Chilly Areas

Before the weather turns cold, it is essential to identify the chilly areas that would need some repairs. Having all family members winterized in a room that is not well ventilated could pose a health risk, thus the need to have the right conditions for winter. It is a good idea that you have a checklist of all the areas that are normally chilly and find our various family projects to do at home that would help improve the temperatures. Adequate insulation helps to keep out cold air. However, the amount of insulation entirely depends on the heating systems around you and the region you live in.

Winterizing the basement and chilly space areas helps to protect against potential damages and reduce high energy costs. It doesn’t have to be an expensive affair as you can introduce some DIY measures that can work on your budget. Rim joists are a major contributor to air leaks and heat loss in the basement. It would be best if you considered adding rigid or spray foams to protect the area. These materials help to seal air leaks and provide insulation. Cracks In the foundation walls can allow melting ice to get inside your basement. It is important t to introduce crack injection to keep out moisture and water. Other basement finishing that you might consider includes sealing the ducts, crawling space vents, and sealing basement windows.

Acknowledge the HVAC

HVAC system plays a vital role in ensuring warmer temperatures in the room for winter. The main objective is to control how air moves in and out and how it is distributed on the premises. You would not imagine having an HVAC breakdown, thus the need to keep it functional as you wait for winter. Plan out family projects to do at home to ensure that the ACS has a full performance life. Ice on the HVAC system can result in poor airflow. Do not forget to shovel the ACs after the heavy winter period.

You should make sure that your furnace works perfectly. By firing it up regularly before winter, you can detect a fault with the system and repair it where necessary. Any window AC Units should be removed and stored properly for summer. Additionally, working with a faulty thermostat can make it uncomfortable to live on the premises. It would also cost you a lot of money regarding the energy used. It is necessary to ensure that all your thermostats work perfectly. If it takes longer, consider having the necessary ac maintenance plan and repair to ensure they work efficiently. The air filters ought to be replaced to ensure that you will have good air circulation over the winter.

Change Up the Kitchen

When seasons are about to change, it is essential to keep your kitchen in check for the winter. Whether the kitchen is small or big, ensure that it reflects the style you desire and that you can find the peace you are looking for in the kitchen. You will likely spend more time cooking up different feasts over the festive season, thus needing the best environment. To add to that, you ought to take all the precautious measures to ensure that the kitchen is protected from harsh weather conditions.

Below are some of the family projects to do at home you can consider; You can introduce a burst of colors to your kitchen. This gives you the complete transformation of the kitchen look and feel. Introducing a pop color on the windows and cabinet finishing can make a difference. You can consider using vinyl wrap if you want a brief look. Another notable attribute to look into is the flooring. Depending on the kitchen’s layout and size, you will need something good-looking and long-lasting throughout the period. Hardwood flooring would need a bit of maintenance, but it is the best flooring system. They give out value for money and also guarantee a warm feel throughout the season.

DIY Something Together

As the cold weathers start to kick in, it is necessary to find better ways to keep all family members engaged throughout the day and fight seasonal boredom. Spending all day on electronic gadgets and playing video games can be boring.It only takes a little bit of creativity to find out fun activities that you would indulge in to make life more interesting. Below are some family projects to do at home that ought to be introduced in the family to keep everyone entertained and engaged throughout the season.

You can introduce paper crafting to help fight boredom. Simple arts and crafts are a friendly option to entertain and keep everyone engaged. It is more appealing when you use items no longer in use to get creative as possible. Papercraft is the best idea because it covers people of all ages. Additionally, it is an admirable way to pass the time while allowing everybody to be creative. Painting is another hobby that you can introduce to the family during winter. It is the best time to do creative painting. Freshen up your home with fresh coats to create more life indoors. You don’t need to employ professional home painters as you can do it on your own.

Stay Up to Date With Checkups

As soon as you notice that winter is coming, preparing yourself health-wise for the cold weather is essential. During winter, flu, strep throats, cold and other illnesses that affect the nose, ear and throat are rampant. You should always be in consultation with the doctor for the best advice on how to cope with the cold weather. Additionally, you can identify family projects to do at home to minimize the risks of flu and cold. They include washing your hands and wearing a mask every time you step out in the cold weather.Doing regular checkups may also help to detect diseases early and take the necessary measures to prevent their spreading.

Cold weather can adversely affect people with health issues such as hypertension, heart diseases, pre-existing respiratory conditions and seasonal viruses. In these cases, you are recommended to have a yearly flu vaccine to help reduce the attacks in winter. Cold weathers affect mental health, thus the need to stay connected and make as many new friends as possible. We should not ignore dental health during winter. It would be best if you visited the dental office near you to regularly have the necessary adaptive measures for dental issues and ensure that you stay healthy.

Make the Bathroom More Homey

Preparing your bathroom for the cold weather is vital as winter approaches. Thorough preparation is important for preserving the physical aspect of the premises and offering comfort. A bathroom is a special place that you would use multiple times a day, thus the need to keep it warm, easy to use and comfortable. Below are some family projects to do at home that can enhance the bathroom to create a good environment for winter. Warming up your bathroom should be the most important factor to consider. This can be done using the right insulations and radiators on the walls and the carpet.

You might think that preparing the bathroom for winter is hard, but it is necessary to consider specific things like adding a quality bath mat. No one likes the feeling of bare feet on the freezing floor, thus the need to introduce mats. It would be best if you did not ignore the color scheme in your home when choosing the color of the mats. It would be best if you also sealed all the cracks around the window to prevent the draft. It is necessary to clean up shower doors to create a spa-like atmosphere and give life to the bathroom.

Keep Everything Insulated

Living in a poorly insulated room is expensive because you will likely spend a lot of money on energy bills during winter. In poorly insulated walls, the inside of the external walls is a bit colder than the internal wall’s air, making you feel cold. It is vital to consider family projects to do at home to ensure that you have warmer temperatures over the season. You can check on the condition of your walls, floor, roof and around the windows. You can introduce insulation materials either by yourself or call a professional.

when insulating the rooms on the premises, it is important to choose conventional materials like mineral wool or fiberglass. You can also opt for DIY materials like paper and cardboard to ensure room insulation. Another unique idea is the use of aluminum foil on the radiator. This method helps to reflect heat away from the walls to the room. Window cleaning can not be ignored. Clean windows offer more natural light to the premises allowing you to use less power and reducing power bills.

In conclusion, you should strive to stay active in winter to assist in keeping fit and healthy and generate as much heat to keep you warm. If it is not as cold, engage in a short run during the day. You can also be creative by spreading and engaging in different daily chores. Additionally, include a good diet to ensure the body is well nourished over the season. Eat hot meals and drinks regularly to keep you warm in cold temperatures. Keeping up with the cold weather should not be expensive as you can orient simple family projects to do at home to ensure that you have the best environment for winter. The goal is to take care of yourself to ensure that you survive to see the next season.

Parents provide their children with food and shelter. They also have a role in raising them to be productive members of society. While this seems daunting, it becomes significantly easier if you focus on teaching your kids specific skills and activities from an early age. There are various skills in life that you can teach your kids. For example, you can consider teaching them how to sew or perform HVAC repairs. Below is a list of skills in life to teach your kids.

1. Survival Skills

There are simple skills in life that can help children survive any emergency. In anticipation of societal collapse or an extraterrestrial invasion, it’s worth considering teaching your child a few survival skills. The cost is minimal. You only need to spend time teaching your kid saving money, and avoiding unnecessary trauma in case of emergencies. It is possible to teach your kid a fresh way of thinking about survival with a few simple steps.

By teaching your child various survival skills in life, you are preparing them for the future. You will reduce the chances of unnecessary disturbing situations. For instance, suppose you live in an area that experiences snow. Here, you can use your commercial snow removal service to teach them how to go about snow removal.

The first thing a person should do when facing an emergency is to seek shelter or go to a safe place. Your children must know their safety zones, including their home and school. Parents should their children some survival skills so that they can survive to see their grandchildren grow up. Also, it is best to equip your child with first aid skills. You can easily do this by enrolling them in CPR certification courses.

There are many ways to engage your child in learning activities and skills in life. On top of this, there are also many valuable things you can teach them for survival. Children learn by doing. By instructing children in activities like performing garage door repairs, you will offer your children valuable knowledge and skills. You can encourage your children to learn by doing the activity, among other vital tasks. Try to set aside time to help them learn some survival skills.

Boredom is an enormous factor in children’s education. Children these days are growing up with technology and foreign languages in their pockets everywhere they go. As a result, it may challenge for parents to teach traditional skills unless they have time to carve out a particular activity or event. There is no better way to deal with this than introducing some survival skills to kids.

2. Important Refining Skills in Life

There are plenty of skills in life that all parents would hope their children would have by the time they grow up. First, kids should learn the ins and outs of the English language. The sooner they understand it, the better. When children are old enough to start preschool, parents should have them working on basic language skills. These skills include reading and writing letters, words, and small sentences as a bare minimum.

You can even add simple math skills like counting. With this, you will give kids a head start before they begin formal schooling. Once kids get older, say five years old, parents should them to classic games like checkers or chess. Kids who learn to play these games at a young age will be much more familiar with them when they hit high school. The familiarity could come in handy during lunch or study breaks.

Parents should also think about teaching financial responsibility. Kids will probably get their first taste of this during their teen years. Still, it’s never too early for parents to introduce children to budgeting. You can start by making them aware of the family’s budget. The best way to do this is by educating them on following it. Doing this will help kids stay out of financial trouble later on down the road.

Adults need money for several things. For instance, you may wish to invest in suspended concrete slabs or other home projects. Engaging your kids in creating a budget during such investments is beneficial. Kids also must develop specific social skills to get along with others. Teaching kids financial management skills in life will help them know how to use money wisely regardless of the expense.

Children should also learn to get along with friends and classmates and deal with bosses, teachers, and siblings. Parents can work on these skills by having their children practice these interactions in the home or at the park. Equipping children with refining skills in life will come in handy as they grow up. It will give them a massive advantage over those who lack this knowledge.

3. Crafting Skills

A child accumulates many skills in life while growing up. It can often be hard to decide which are essential. This is especially the case when the needs of a child change as they grow. Still, children learn many things naturally. With this, it’s easy to forget how much your input matters. Parents can teach kids life skills through crafts and activities. These skills, from cooking on the stove to playing guitar, might not seem practical for everyday life.

It’s prevalent for parents to want their children to grow up with a solid head on their shoulders, with a strong work ethic. But all too often, parents don’t know where to start. The strange choice of material can make it difficult for some people to figure out how they want their children to develop as human beings. Regardless of this, there’s no denying the importance of crafting skills in our world.

Parents desire to see their kids grow into successful adults capable of giving back and contributing something worthwhile to society. However, many children grow up knowing no practical skills such as rote memorization or handcrafting artistry. Parents teach these skills in life to their children when they’re young. You should help them build on these skills into functional adult skills.

It’s essential to understand the difference between learning how to sew versus how to make a lovely quilt. It is not about spending money on materials. There is value in the fundamentals of education as it relates to some of the more expensive crafts. It is not uncommon for people to buy used boats, cars, and even household items.

Purchasing new materials and supplies may seem like a good idea for crafting projects. However, buying recycled materials can be just as inexpensive. The list of used items you can buy is endless. With some effort and research, you may get almost anything you need, including racing parts. Using recycled materials also helps build a person’s skill level because they must figure out new ways to use old materials.

4. Useful Researching Skills in Life

Children can learn many practical skills in life from parents, from fixing a leaky faucet to unclogging a drain. Teaching some of the most in-demand skills at home may be difficult. That’s why you should invest in teaching your children to do research and understand different points of view. Many options are available, whether you want something relaxing like painting or more challenging like origami. There is no shortage of topics to choose from for activities and hobbies.

A good thing to remember is that you should still research your options. It is advisable first to determine which activities or skills are best. Before buying anything, it’s a good idea to find out the positives, negatives, and controversies about the product or topic. It is also beneficial to gather details about a business or service provider before signing a contract. One scenario researching skills that may be useful is in the search for aftermarket truck accessories.

It’s not a secret that the internet has made research more manageable than ever. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can find all sorts of information about topics like activities and skills. The only downside is that there could also be plenty of misinformation online. Finding information about activities and skills doesn’t have to be stressful. Still, it’s important to read multiple sources before drawing any conclusions.

Many websites have testimonials and reviews about specific products and services. Researching will help you better understand if the product is worth your time and money. It will also help determine an ideal bulk organic soil supplier, among other businesses and companies. Google has become a one-stop shop for most topics. Use this as one of your resources. Of course, you can also try searching on Facebook and Twitter.

Also, there could be many people who have information to share. Start with doing a general search for your choice. You can also try searching for related keywords in Google’s search bar to narrow down your results. For example, if you want to learn about windows, try typing something like the kinds of windows in the market in the search bar. If you want to learn how to make bows and arrows, try searching bow and arrow or lathing bow.

5. Analytical Skills

If your household feels like a lecture hall, try incorporating analytical skills into your kids’ daily routine. Once they’re old enough to understand what’s happening around them, teach your children the analytical skill of picking up on patterns. When picking up on patterns, kids can better assess how best to proceed with their own lives. Analytical skills in life will serve kids well in college, the workforce, and more.

Teaching children to analyze the relationships between events can help them understand cause and effect. The skill will help them recognize patterns when they see them. It will also teach them how to identify future problems and figure out ways to solve those problems before they arise. Teaching analytical skills can be easy. First, identify a pattern of behavior that needs some change in your kids’ lives.

Don’t nag. Just try offering suggestions on how they can solve the problem themselves. One of the best ways to introduce analytical skills to your kids is through numbers. When your children can see how one number relates to another, they can better understand the world around them and how it works. The understanding will translate into success in any field. Start teaching your kids the analytical skill of analyzing possibilities now.

Teaching your kids to analyze trends in data can help them decide more effectively. Doing this will help them recognize patterns that may be important down the road when they’re older. Analytical skills are helpful regardless of their profession or job type. It is best to ensure your children understand the data points they’re seeing now reflect what will happen in the future.

Teaching your kids to read their environments can help them process information more quickly and effectively. They’ll know what to look for when evaluating a situation. As a result, they’ll have a better chance of making better decisions than they would have otherwise.

Teaching children analytical skills in life will help them decide how to proceed much more quickly. Training your kids to make predictions can help them understand their environments better. Be sure your children can predict upcoming events based on their experiences. With this, they’ll better understand what’s happening around them and influence those events.

The key to a happy life boils down to how well you can manipulate the world around you. The ability to master new skills in life rapidly marks people’s lives. Despite this, not all skill sets are equal. There are some significant activities, and skills adults should their kids. Teaching children relevant and valuable things will hit home for you and your kids more dramatically than other skills. And that extends, of course, to the activities you can share with your partner.

Every kitchen is different. The best way to layout a kitchen should include creating one that serves your specific cooking habits. However, adding new family members may mean you need to rethink your kitchen’s design. Eventually, your prep area may need to accommodate activities such as homework, entertainment, or multiple cooks. You also need to consider safety, storage, and traffic, among other things. How your appliances, countertops, and storage areas are arranged can make or break the efficiency of your kitchen. This article will discuss tips on the best way to layout a kitchen for growing families.

Hire a Qualified Remodeling Company

Getting professional help when you’re figuring out the best way to layout a kitchen is tip number one because it drastically reduces the chances of something going wrong. Your kitchen remodel will go much smoother when you enlist the help of a professional remodeling company. To that end, consider hiring a design-build remodeling company that can handle the entire remodeling process, from design to completion. It reduces the number of people you have to deal with and simplifies the remodeling process. However, you must do your research before committing to any company.

This means asking friends and family for referrals, looking online for reviews, and visiting kitchens where they have worked on. A kitchen remodel is a big investment (according to Home Advisor, the average kitchen remodel cost is $25,837), so you need to get the right people to articulate your vision. Along with reputation, ensure that the firm holds the necessary licenses from state and local municipalities. Associations such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), and the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) will have this information.

Your contractor should also be able to show you particular certifications (e.g., Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler or Certified Remodeler by NARI), demonstrating that they have years of experience and the capability to meet industry standards. Confirm that they are insured because this will protect you against possible damages or accidents that occur on the job. Once you’ve picked out at least three companies you are happy with, ask for bids and take your time to consider each proposal when working on the best way to layout a kitchen.

A proposal should be detailed and include items such as costs, warranty, and timeline of the project. Don’t pay for everything at once. The contract should tie payments to the completion of various stages or tasks of the projects and not dates. This avoids a situation whereby you’ve paid for 80% of the work, yet only 20% has been completed. Lastly, choose a company you feel comfortable with. A typical remodel will take between three weeks to four months, depending on the complexity, size, and scope of the project – good communication between all involved will go a long way to creating a marvelous kitchen.

The Right Layout

As mentioned before, the best way to layout a kitchen comes down to the kind of environment you want for your kitchen. A growing family means that there is more cooking to be done which requires larger prep areas and more storage. If your ideal kitchen is one that keeps out the kids, consider building a U-shaped or peninsula kitchen that constricts access at one end. It creates a more private space that is also safer for cooking. If your preference is the popular open plan arrangement, an island or L-shaped layout would be better suited. That way, the whole family is welcomed into the kitchen, which makes for a bustling and lively family gathering area. Today’s most common layouts are the L shape, U shape, and one-wall kitchens. Peninsula island arrangements are falling out of favor as people prefer true floating islands. Here are the three best floor plans you ought to consider:

The U-Shape

A U-shape design is as the name suggests. The user is surrounded on all three sides by cabinetry and workspaces, meaning you get plenty of storage and prep area. The U-shape layout is considered the most versatile layout, and you can throw in an island in the center as the kitchen centerpiece. This has the effect of freeing up space around the perimeter where you can instead have even more cabinetry. Heavy cooks and large families will appreciate the extra storage and extensive prep areas. You can add interest by sprucing your kitchen with unique custom kitchen cabinet designs. If you want to engage freely and openly with your family, adding a range or sink on the island will make it so that you frequently face the living area. You can also bring the family closer to you by adding casual seating areas for the island. The U shape is very efficient for small and open-plan homes, and it even makes it easier for two cooks to work simultaneously. In addition, the U-shape makes it easy to achieve the kitchen triangle.

The L-Shape

The L-shape comprises countertops installed on two adjoining walls to form an L shape. Like the U-shape, it is a popular layout that is great at offering lots of counter and storage space. Speak to your kitchen remodeling company about the ideal length for either countertop, but a length of less than 12 to 15 feet on either side is efficient. The L-shape design also makes it easier for two cooks to navigate and can be enhanced by adding an island.

Peninsula

The best way to layout a kitchen that connects an island to one end of an L-shape layout is with a peninsula, which essentially converts to a kind of U-shape. They function like islands and work well in homes that don’t have the space to accommodate an island. If it seems that adding an island will be a hindrance, consider the peninsula layout. An island offers better traffic flow and is accessible on all sides, but if you’ll be bumping into it constantly, let it go. Keep in mind that an island requires between 42 and 48 inches of clearance around its perimeter for easy movement. A peninsula offers many of the benefits of an island, including storage and counter space. For your counters, speak to a marble, granite, soapstone, or quartz countertop installer to get ideas on which durable material is best for you. If you choose to have cabinets atop the peninsula, ensure they are high enough, so they do not close off the kitchen.

Galley and One-Wall

These are most commonly used in smaller homes, studios, and loft spaces. The galley consists of two parallel countertops with a walkway in between, while the one wall has all its cabinets and appliances fixed onto a single wall. This type is the best way to layout a kitchen for a single cook and may not be as useful for families as the three above.

What Is the Kitchen Triangle?

The kitchen triangle is a rule based on the arrangement of a kitchen’s three main work areas: the sink, stove, and refrigerator. According to the rule, these three work areas should be loosely laid out in a triangle shape to allow the user to perform their cooking and cleaning tasks efficiently and without obstruction. The measurements of each side of the kitchen triangle should be between four feet and nine feet at the maximum. The perimeter of the triangle should be between 13 and 16 feet. Its goal is to create a space where everything is within comfortable reach while allowing the user to move freely but not so far that it gets tiresome.

But the kitchen triangle is just a rough guideline. The triangle has been replaced instead by kitchen zones. As kitchens have gotten bigger and more open, it has become harder to create a strict triangle. Furthermore, the triangle came about in the 1940s when they were fewer appliances and women prepared meals mostly by themselves for their families. Instead, think about the layout in terms of work zones, e.g., the prep area, cooking area, cleaning area, and storage area. Kitchen design experts recommend focusing on the workflow whereby activity is done in its respective zone. For example, the prepping area may have a trash can nearby, so it’s easy to dispose of scraps. Having work zones also helps you avoid bumping into someone else who is in the kitchen yet doing something different.

Consider Current Kitchen Trends

The kitchen is beloved as the heart of every home, making it the most popular room to remodel. As such, there are many remodel ideas to delight, and even better, many are practical. An example is a move away from the popular all-white kitchens, which are high maintenance and can feel cold or unfriendly. Instead, many opt to pair neutral tones with strong colors such as deep greens and rich reds. Darker colors are being embraced, especially on appliances. Black kitchen ranges create a dramatic focal point that can make a room feel sleek and elegant. If a pop of color doesn’t sit well with you, use different materials that bring different textures, e.g., new stones such as travertine and quartzite or flat panel doors. Hiring an interior designer will help you get a handle on all the current kitchen trends so you can choose what you like or don’t like.

Strategize Storage

Any growing family will appreciate copious amounts of storage to ensure that the kitchen cabinet installation service installs enough storage. As the family grows, so will the need for more food storage, storage for child-related items, e.g., bibs, bottles, baby food, as well as more cooking utensils. In addition, anything dangerous or breakable must be kept from reach. A bigger fridge is also a must-have. It’s a worthy investment; if it breaks down, a fridge repair is still less than the replacement cost. You may even want to consider getting a walk-in pantry when considering the best way to layout a kitchen for your family.

Upgrade Your Appliances

New and smart appliances reduce the time spent doing routine tasks and make cooking a breeze. This is great for anyone who has to cook for many people. Have the local electrician install your smart appliances to function intuitively at the click of an app. Ensure they are also efficient, which is good for the environment and saves money.

Flooring and Lighting

Whether you call the tile, vinyl, laminate, concrete, or hardwood floor service is up to you. They are all excellent choices, each with its pros and cons. Don’t forget the lighting for the best way to layout a kitchen. Call a window replacement service if you want to achieve a more modern look and employ the tried and tested rules of layered lighting to create a well-balanced, well-lit kitchen interior. From pendants to a track lighting installation – there are many ways to illuminate a space.

How Much Should You Spend on Your Kitchen?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), you should spend 15% to 20% of your home’s value on a kitchen remodel. That means the budget for a $300,000 home would be $45,000 to $60,000. Here’s their guide on how the money will be divided:

• Cabinetry and Hardware – 29%
• Installation and Labor – 17%
• Appliances – 14%
• Countertops and Backsplashes – 10%
• Flooring – 7%
• Lighting – 5%
• Walls and Ceilings – 5%
• Design Fees – 4%
• Doors and Windows -4%
• Faucets and Plumbing – 4%
• Other – 1%

When budgeting for a remodel, determine your priorities. As this is likely your forever home, focus on creating a space that fits your unique needs. On the other hand, if you think you’ll be moving out in a couple of years, recouping your investment is something you should think about. Speak to a realtor about which upgrades increase the resale value of your home in your area. According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value National Report, a major mid-range kitchen remodel has an ROI of 56.1%

Before your remodel, prepare well and write everything you want in your new kitchen, from asking residential plumbing services to install a deeper sink to creating a hidden trash area. Ideally, all the work should be completed during the remodel. Also, take some pictures before remodeling so you can appreciate the transformation. If you need assistance with finding the best way to layout a kitchen, contact a contractor today.

A family picnic is one of the best recreational activities you can jointly do. It allows the families to bond, relaxes, and break from the monotony and the rat race of everyday life. It is also a good way to give your lawn some tender loving care by allowing the grass to grow back undisturbed, especially after spending good money on commercial lawn services for that perfect outdoor environment in your home. Furthermore, going for a picnic away from home may allow you to spread that organic or inorganic mulch on the grass in your compound in tough weather to protect it from drying up. This way, you provide sustainable home lawn care without incurring costs.

If you want to have a great picnic, ensure you do adequate preparation and know where to set up your picnic. It makes all the difference. The trick is to pack what is necessary and less bulky. It is why you need to know what to pack on a picnic.

6 Key Things to Consider When Deciding What to Pack on a Picnic

1.Weather

The weather is key when deciding what to pack for a picnic. Picnics are outdoors by nature. The perfect experience; is guaranteed by the right items in your picnic kit for the conditions. The weather will determine whether you need warm or light clothing and how heavy and warm the blankets you need to carry should be. An umbrella is always a good idea to include because even the most perfect weather can turn around without warning.

2.Location

The location determines what you need to carry. Some picnic locations will offer you part of the required items for a shelter or even cooking. It is especially true for establishments that provide picnic venues at a fee. A beach picnic will require you to carry very different items from a nature trail or mountain climbing picnic. Before you pack anything, consider where you are going for a picnic. You may need to find a tent for hire if you are going for a camping experience at a bush picnic and you don’t have one to keep the family sheltered at night. Shop for a reliable canopy rental service provider to have this sorted.

3.Activities

The activities you want on the big day will determine what to pack on a picnic. The clothes, type of shoes, and even other gaming accessories like balls, a book, or a chess board are determined to a greater degree by the fun activities you have planned to engage in during the picnic. Parking without considering the activities will end up with unnecessary items that add no value to the picnic experience while straining you with unnecessary baggage for no reason.

4. Traveling arrangements

You need to carefully consider if your picnic will require you to travel, how long you have to travel and the means which can be either by road, air or water. Consider if you are paying for travel or using your means. The idea is to be as light as possible for you to move around easily. In cases where you are paying commuter costs to get to your picnic venue or within the venue, you will pay for a certain amount of extra luggage. Others may specify that you are not allowed to come along with your pet or certain items. Consider your mode of transportation to help you determine what to pack on a picnic.

5.Picnic basket or bag

A picnic bag or basket is the first thing you must consider when planning the items to carry on your family picnic. It must be availed before anything else to make your work easier and the decision process defined. The size will determine how much you can carry and help eliminate items you cannot carry. It holds everything in place to ensure you can have a quick setup at the site. With this basket, you know exactly where to find what when looking.

6.Budget

The budget is important when deciding what to pack on a picnic. It is important to stay within a reasonable budget to have fun without much stress. Your budget will guide you on the quantities, the alternatives, and the limit on what you can pack when going out for a picnic. The budget provides for renting items you don’t necessarily need to carry. You may ignore a portable toilet if you can hire it on your way to the site so that you move about fast and conveniently.

Vital Items You Must Pack When Going on a Family Picnic

Are you considering going out for a family picnic? Do you find it difficult to choose what to carry with you for the picnic? Here is a list of 13 important things that will guide you on what to pack for a successful outing:

1. Pack some easy-to-carry healthy food for the picnic.

Food must be on top of the list of what to pack on a picnic. It brings people together to bond so they can have fun while living healthy. Picnics are not military training camps where you starve yourself. Food will give you the much-needed calories and the energy to enjoy the activities at the picnic.

Pack fresh vegetables and fruits for the perfect picnic with a healthy twist. Sandwiches and cheese add the extra quick snack as you chill out. Store your food in an insulated bag if you will spend more than an hour or two outdoors at the park or in a picnic cooler to preserve the freshness. If that is too much work, you can buy already packed food from Mexican food distributors along the way, and it will serve you just fine, though at an extra cost.

2. Pack some good food covers

You will suffer shooing away bugs from your food outdoors. They secure your food from bugs as you comfortably eat or leave it to attend to something else without worrying. Consider using kitchen towels if you don’t have a mesh food cover to save money, which is another plus.

3. Pack in some refreshing drinks

Drinks are a perfect complement to food. Drinking water is among the essential drinks on a picnic. Make your picnic extraordinary by including banana smoothies or apple and strawberry juice. Drinks keep you well hydrated and add the extra nutrients beneficial to your health as you have fun. Pack drinks in individual containers if you can, for easy serving, or carry cups and bottles for the same. Using disposable cups may be the best idea so that you don’t have a lot of things to carry back after the picnic.

4. Pack in insulated or plastic top seal bags or a picnic cooler

Going for a picnic is not an excuse to waste food. Insulated bags help to preserve food and drinks by keeping out unwanted micro-organisms. A picnic cooler keeps your drinks well-cooled and refreshing. Leftover sandwiches are ever present when you take your kids to the pack. A top-sealed plastic bag prevents food waste because you can pack that leftover sandwich inside for later. These bags also allow your kids to carry memorable souvenirs they collect from the park at the end of the picnic.

5. Pack in some plates and utensils

You need plates and other utensils to eat your food comfortably at the picnic. They are an essential part of what to pack on a picnic to avoid inconveniences. Paper plates and plastic folks will save your day because they are light, but you can also use shatterproof picnic utensils if you have some already. Provide for cleaning dirty dishes afterward. Ensure everything is carefully packed back after the meal.

6. Don’t forget to pack in a trash bag

It is one of the easiest things to forget when planning a picnic. As you have fun outdoors, there will be trash that you must clean up at the end. You will hate to have a picnic next to a trashcan next time, irrespective of who left it there, so clean up. Put away everything in a trash bag and go with it for proper disposal at the end of your adventure.

7. Pack a complete first aid kit

Major and minor accidents can happen at the picnic while you are having fun and without warning. You better be safe than sorry, so ensure you have a complete first aid kit with disinfectants, painkillers, bandages, and everything you need in case emergencies arise that need immediate medical attention. This kit is the insurance of safety you need when things go wrong.

8. Don’t forget to pack a hand sanitizer

A hand sanitizer is as easy to forget as a first aid kit when looking at what to pack on a picnic. It does hand cleaning before eating to maintain hygiene. No one wants to end up in hospital after a good picnic because of avoidable infections caused by contaminated hands. Sanitizers will also save you from using the water you carried or the need to carry a soap-based hand washer that is cumbersome.

9. Pack a disposable table cloth

You don’t want food spilling on your blanket, and you want the clean-up after meals to be easy. A disposable table cloth takes care of that. Fold it into a neat square and place it in the middle of your picnic basket before you leave.

10. Pack a picnic blanket

Having a picnic on the grass is the ultimate thrill. Kids will prefer eating on the ground outdoors than on a park table or any other modified picnic table option. A large blanket for the whole family that can hold the food in the middle is something you must never leave home without when going for a picnic. You can also create an artificial privacy fence around you as you take your meal for an intimate moment with your family without prying eyes from outsiders. There are several easy-to-set-up options to choose from online for picnic lovers.

11. Don’t forget to pack paper towels and baby wipes.

You need hand sanitizers to clean your hands before eating, but paper towels will sort you out after the meal. They are versatile and work both for cleaning up and as napkins. Pack them compactly in a roll so that they don’t fly away when there is a breeze like napkins do.

Baby wipes are unavoidable for a mother even if the child no longer uses diapers. They will come in handy when you need to wipe the tiny sticky hands and faces or an unwanted drop on your blouse.

12. Don’t forget to pack a bug repellent and sunscreen

Bugs can be a nuisance when you want to enjoy your food because they also turn you into food. Find a natural repellant without a strong harsh smell and include it in your basket before you head out. The repellant provides a perfect fence between you and the bugs you want to keep out.

Sunscreen is as important at the picnic park as when you go to the beach on a summer day. Protect yourself and the kids from harmful UV rays as they bask long hours in the sun with sunscreen. Remember to reapply sunscreen if you spend more than 2 hours in the sun after the initial application. You can’t ignore a repellant and sunscreen when considering what to pack on a picnic.

13. Carry some extra clothes for the baby and toys for games

You may think it is unnecessary, but an extra pair of clothes for your little child is one of the best things you can consider when you want what to pack on a picnic. It will save you when spilling accidents happen during the picnic. As you add extra clothes, include toys like a ball that can be used by all ages so that none of you misses out on the fun.

You can pack many other things not mentioned in this list for the perfect picnic. For instance, you can include a lightweight tray for holding drinks on uneven surfaces or carry a camera to capture those special moments for the future, though even a smartphone can get the job done. Pack up, get out and have yourself a nice family picnic now that you know what to pack on a picnic.

Are you working on a DIY home improvement project? If so, you’re going to need to install new cabinets at some point. What if you make it another fun activity to do as a family? Keep reading to learn how to involve your kids in your home renovation and build your cabinet set together.

You want to start by measuring the space for your cabinets, and then cutting the wood to the exact size. This first step can be done before your kids become a part of the project.

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Otherwise, they might get a splinter or get cut. After everything is shaped to the right size, invite your kids to join! Painting the cabinets might be tedious, but is the best way for your kids to contribute. They’ll probably love it, too.

Want to learn more about involving your whole family in your new kitchen renovation project? Watch the video linked here! It gives great examples for DIY cabinets and provides some great guidelines for you to follow. Call a carpenter in your area to ask about sourcing plywood for your project. They’ll be ready to help you get started!

Did you know that pressure washers with 3,000 PSI can remove the toughest dirt and stains? Pressure washers also have the ability to scrape paints, mud, and oil quickly and effectively! If you don’t own your own pressure washer, it’s smart to utilize the services of a professional pressure washing company that has experience in pressure washing residential homes.

When you hire this type of service, your home’s curb appeal will be refreshed. In the video below, you can see that the home’s driveway and sidewalk needed some cleaning. After the pressure washing company came through, these features of the home look fantastic!

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Pressure washing can also help your home’s siding, roof, and other outdoor elements that have become dirty, stained, or chipped over time. When you do this, all of your neighbors will be jealous of your super clean curb appeal!

It’s also a good idea to hire a pressure washing company to improve curb appeal if you’re planning on selling your house and need to show it to potential buyers. Whether or not this is your situation, improving your home’s curb appeal will make you feel fantastic about your biggest investment: your home!

Are you preparing for a big move with your kids? There are several things you need to do. Apart from the regular moving preparations like packing and decluttering, you must prepare your kids for the move. So how do you go about that? Read on for some tips on how to prepare for moving to a new house with your little ones.

Prepare Your Kids for the Move First

Depending on the ages of your kids, they will understand the move differently. For some, it might be enough to promise them their separate bedroom. Younger kids can even enjoy the thrill of packing their bags. Unfortunately, older kids might find the move a bit daunting. Older kids usually have more ties to society and friends they may not want to leave. Whatever the case, here are several things you need to do as part of how to prepare for moving to a new house.

Have a Family Meeting

As part of how to prepare for moving to a new house, ensure that you avoid surprises. After you have dealt with realtors and home builders and made sure the move is certain, the next thing should be to sit your kids down and have a family meeting. During the meeting, avoid dominating the conversation. Instead, allow all your kids to share their thoughts. You must also keep several do’s and don’t in mind. For instance, it might not be a good idea to make fake promises. You must always be truthful regarding the information you share with your kids. It’s also crucial to allow them space to ask what they want. This will let them know that they are part of the process.

To ensure they don’t feel left out, make sure you also ask their opinion on certain things, including how they think you should decorate the new house and things like home security. Even if you are stressed during the meeting, never let the stress show. Children generally look up to their parents for emotional guidance. So if they notice that you are upset or nervous about the move, the children will be nervous too. To get your children’s imagination going, play some games, act out the move or draw pictures. Make it so that the move starts looking like an adventure.

Avoid Stressing the Kids Out

While some kids will greatly benefit from distractions, you will find that moving houses is generally not the best time to introduce new things that are not part of their usual routine. Where possible, pause these until you are now settled in your new home. This will give the kids time to adapt and feel like they are home again.

Explore the New House and Neighborhood

Another great way to prepare your kids is to explore the new neighborhood with them if possible. Even if you cannot physically visit the new neighborhood, you can still browse the internet and look at pictures of the area. It would also be a great idea to show them photos of the new house. If the area is close enough, the best you can do is to take them to the new house or neighborhood so they can get a feel of what the environment is like.

Involve Your Children in the Process

This is a great way to make kids feel better about the move. They mustn’t feel like you are making all the decisions. There are several ways to make kids feel like they are part of the process. Talk to them about their belongings and find out what they will need in the new house. Help them decide what will fit and what they can buy when they get there. It’s important to give them reasonable freedom to pick through their belongings. Even if their favorite items are heavy things like television sets, you should do things in such a way that the kids don’t feel like they are being punished because of the move. If they feel like they are giving up too much, they will start feeling that way. If you end up having a garage sale, give your kids some pocket money, especially if they sold their belongings.

Let the Kids Say Proper Goodbyes

Children usually build strong emotional connections to places and people. Whether it be interstate moving or even going to the other side of town, chances are your kids won’t get to see their friends as often, or sometimes at all. This is why allowing them to have a proper send-off is crucial. That shows you recognize the amount of time and effort they invested into building connections. You can even host a going-away party. Apart from that, when you talk to them, remind them of the possibility of keeping in touch with their pals over the phone.

Make a Moving Checklist

Once you have taken the time to ensure that your kids are ready for the move, you should start planning the logistics. The first thing you will want to do is come up with a moving checklist. Doing this might seem tedious, but it actually works. You will find that writing things down helps you commit them to memory. After all, if you keep the checklist, you can refer back to it if you forget something. That way, you won’t have to waste precious time trying to remember something that needs to be done. This is quite important if you are going far away from your current location or if you are moving overseas.

Here are some of the things you may want to put on your how-to prepare for moving to a new house checklist:

• Getting in touch with utility companies to arrange to shut off services
• Setting up mail forwarding services
• Purchasing packing materials
• Hiring a mobile moving storage unit

Include any tasks that you must not forget on this list. As you complete each item, you can then cross it off your list.

Set Your Budget

Moving can be quite expensive. This is why you need to set aside time to set a budget. That can go a long way in helping you save money. By trying to come up with a budget, you will be able to see whether you can afford a full-service move or you need to do some things on your own. A moving budget will also help ensure that you don’t spend more money than you can afford. Your to-do list will help you create a detailed moving budget. As you are creating a budget, make sure you check the prices of the goods and services you need for your move. For instance, you will want to know the prices charged by moving companies and the prices of things like boxes and such.

Plan a DIY Move or Hire a Moving Company

Once you have a moving budget, you will know whether it’s a good idea to hire professional movers or do things on your own. This is an important part of how to prepare for moving to a new house. If the budget allows you to hire movers, the next step would be to try and find the best movers around you. You can do this by asking any of your friends or family members if they know any good professional movers. Ask them what they appreciated most about the movers they recommended. If you fail to get any good recommendations, your next stop should be the internet.

A simple search with the right words like moving and storage service can help you find the moving companies near you. If there are lots, you will need to come up with a shortlist. The first thing to check is the reviews on their websites and social media pages. Are their past clients happy with the service they provided? If there are lots of complaints, it would be a good idea to move to the next company.

Once you have filtered out the ones with bad reviews, it will be time to call and ask things like how much they charge. This doesn’t mean that you should go with the cheapest movers. Apart from the cost, you should look at things like experience. Working with movers who have been in the business for a long time will give you peace of mind knowing that there is no guesswork involved. If you are going the DIY route, you will need to get prices for van rental and other moving equipment. You should also invite friends and family to come to assist with the packing and loading. Don’t forget to make lunch and dinner for those helping you out.

Declutter

There is no perfect time to declutter than when you are figuring out how to prepare for moving to a new house. Take time to go through all your belongings and identify everything that you don’t need. This will save you a lot of time and space, so you don’t pack things you will never use. To ensure you don’t spend excessive amounts of time decluttering, do it systematically. A room-by-room approach will help you move faster.

You should also encourage the kids to do the same. They should identify clothes, toys, and other things they no longer need so you can leave them behind. Before you start, keep in mind that you will need a plan for the things you want to leave behind? Are you going to throw them in the trash, send them for recycling, or you will have a garage sale? To not end up confused, you need to actively group everything in real-time. This means you will need different bags for each of the classes of items.

Get Packing Supplies and Pack

Now that you are left with only the things you are moving with, it’s time to go get your packing supplies. You can either buy moving boxes or find a wooden moving crate company. If you are buying boxes, buy more than you think you need. You don’t want to end up having to go buy more boxes because you have too many things than you anticipated. Packing is generally the most time-consuming part of moving. To ensure that you don’t waste too much time packing, you need to plan the process properly.

The first thing you might want to do is pack an essentials bag. In most instances, the packing day will be quite chaotic. The essentials bag should contain things that you may need to access during the moving process. It must also have things that you will want to use soon after your arrival at the new house. This includes things like medications, important documents, chargers, changes of clothes, and basic toiletries. Once the essentials bag is packed, you can then move on to the rest of the items.

When packing, do things in a way that saves time. For instance, if you have a chest of drawers with clothes in it, it might not be necessary to remove the clothes. You just have to pack it like that so you can offload it and not have to repack clothes. You should also remember to take pictures of any complex wiring in your old home. This will ensure you get the appliance and gadget connections right when you get to where you are going. Moving can be tricky, but if you do your things in an organized manner, you should be alright.

What to Do on Moving Day

Moving day usually goes by super fast. However, it might present its own stressors and challenges. To ensure you don’t end up too stressed, stay hydrated and make sure that you eat well. You may want to pack a cooler with some easy-to-grab drinks. You should also pack some foods that will help you maintain your strength during the day. Keep the cooler in a position where it won’t get in the way. You should also remember to ensure that it doesn’t end up getting packed in the truck with the rest of the items.

Now you know some tips for how to prepare for moving to a new house. Moving with kids can be a tricky process. However, if you take the time to prepare them for the move, things should go smoothly. Always get help with things like truck rental when you need some.

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If it’s time to send your child to preschool, there are a few things you’ll want to know. Especially if the child is your first, you may feel nervous about sending them to preschool. Ask the right questions so that you can have peace of mind and a preschool that truly cares for your child.

One thing to consider is the price. It is a bit obvious, but if this is your first time enrolling a child in preschool, you may be surprised at the different price ranges different preschools offer. Some may ask for $100 per month, and others may charge $250 per week. Figure out what fits with your budget before moving further.

The second thing you want to pay attention to is the curriculum and methods of learning. It isn’t supposed to be a university lecture, but preschool needs to prepare your child for kindergarten and beyond. A common teaching method today is “play-by-learning”, but it’s important to move beyond just the name. Ask them specifics about how the curriculum works day to day to make sure it’s right for your child.

It’s also important to take a tour of the preschool. So much is done digitally these days, and preschools will have photos of their facilities all over their website. It still doesn’t compare to on-the-ground experience. Go to the preschool and make sure it’s a place you feel comfortable sending your child.

For more information, check out the video above.