Guest Post

Sweltering Style – Switching Up Your Patio For Summer Vibes

May 21, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

After the colder winter and the associated hibernation, many of us welcome the return to warmer climate through extended stays in outdoor entertaining areas.

If your home’s outdoor space is in need of a bit of a spruce-up, the following ideas may help you create a space which is ripe for summer enjoyment, right in the nick of time.

Gimme Shelter

Although the warmth of summer sun can be pleasant and relaxing, the full heat of Australian summer can also be both dangerous and uncomfortable. If you’re looking to get the more use and enjoyment from your outdoor entertaining area, it can be a good idea to install adequate shade and sun protection.

Outdoor blinds are an ideal way to block out direct light and to control the temperature and glare of an area. They’re also available in a wide range of designs and colours, meaning that you can find a solution for your patio which will enhance the area while providing you with much needed comfort.

Another excellent solution is shadecloth. Shadecloth can be directly installed to overhead wooden beams to partially block out overhead light and dim the area, without completely shading the space.

For a tailored and comfortable solution, combining methods of sun protection is a great way to ensure you get the most from your space.

Light It Up

Outdoor lighting is another key consideration if you’re in the process of revamping your outdoor entertainment area for summer. With longer evenings and warm nights, the temptation to entertain and remain outdoors grows, and so it becomes necessary to provide a source of outdoor lighting.

Solar lights provide a cheap and environmentally friendly way to illuminate your social occasions. They can be installed in a number of ways, including lanterns, spotlights and fairy lights – meaning that you can light the area in a way which suits your space and your occasion.

LED lights are another low cost alternative and are able to be installed to a level of brightness which suits your needs.

Consider providing a lightsource which will deter bugs and pests, such as a bug zapper or a citronella candle. These light sources can keep you comfortable throughout the mosquito prone months.

Taste The Outdoors

If you’re spending more time outdoors socially, it makes sense that you may be considering outdoor cooking facilities. The barbeque is a much loved and time tested outdoor cooking apparatus, and can be used in summer with great gusto.

For a high-quality change, consider installing a wood fired oven or an outdoor cooker to really create a foodie heaven. A wood fired oven can make more than delicious pizza. It can also cook cakes and roast meats and vegetables. An outdoor cooker is like an indoor stove – without the restriction of walls. These are great for preparing high dexterity and high heat dishes such as curries, stir fries and deep fried dishes.

Outdoor cooking solutions provide you with an extra way to cook at all times of year – even in the cooler months. You might find them particularly handy when cooking particularly pungent or less welcomed foods (eg; cabbage soup or kimchi).

Pump Up The Volume

Speakers. Music. Action! An outdoor entertaining area isn’t complete without a little bit of entertainment. An easy way to integrate some fun into your outdoor area is through the installation of speakers or a sound system.

Clever positioning of speakers will allow you to enjoy music outdoors without incurring the anger or wrath of any neighbours. It will also allow you to enjoy streamed indoor content or radio broadcasts without the need for a clunky, static-filled boombox.

Setting up your outdoor entertaining area for summer as easy as preparing in advance. Get your climate and shade sorted, figure out your cooking methodologies and choose a playlist. Then it’s time to get the party started!

3 Benefits of the Montessori Method for Children with Autism

May 21, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

The Montessori method is an education method developed by Italian educator, physician, and innovator, Dr. Maria Montessori. It is based on self-directed activity, collaborative play, and hands-on learning. It has become a very popular method of education since then because it helps children develop independence, coordination, order, concentration, love for learning, and other things.

Because of these known benefits of the Montessori method, many are also using it on children with autism. The Autism Spectrum Disorder affects around 1% of children and adults globally. Those who are within the autism spectrum often have communication and language impairments, socialization difficulties, hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, resistance to change, and uneven gross motor skills.

If you are thinking of using the Montessori method for your child with autism, here are some benefits you can look forward to:

Your child will not feel anxious because he will be in a prepared environment. The Montessori method promotes a prepared environment for educating the child. It supports Maria Montessori’s idea that a child’s environment should be calm and ordered to help the child maximize independent learning and exploration. Children with autism thrive better with structure, routine, and organization. A prepared environment similar to a Montessori classroom will be comforting for children with autism because they prefer routine and organization.

Your child can learn at his own pace. One of the principles of the Montessori method is that children learn at their own pace. Although any child will benefit from this principle, it is even more essential when it comes to children with autism. Your child will set his own pace and he can move on to the next Montessori activities when he is ready. Also, your child will be allowed to do countless repetitions to be able to master skills and concepts, and as anyone who has a child with autism knows, repetition or repetitive movements/activities is one of the characteristics of someone in the autism spectrum.

Your child will learn practical life skills. A big part of a Montessori education is the practical life activities. From buttoning, zipping, folding, and pouring liquids, to carrying, lifting, dusting, sweeping, and mopping, your child will get the opportunity to learn these at his own pace and by observing others doing it. These practical life skills are very important for children with autism, not just because they have a bigger struggle at independence than other kids, but also because it helps them improve their motor skills and coordination and boosts their confidence.

Whether you want to use the Montessori method at home for your child with autism or you want to send your child with autism to a Montessori school, the important thing is to make sure that you or the school stay true to the Montessori ideas and concepts. Be aware that there are schools that claim to be Montessori schools even if they do not stay true to the methods developed by Maria Montessori.

Author Bio:

Rana Tarakji is an entrepreneur and a contributing writer at One SEO, a digital marketing agency, who lives in Beirut, Lebanon. Rana Tarakji is passionate about digital marketing, startups, helping entrepreneurs grow, and empowering them to live their dreams. She has worked as a marketer, a technology co-founder and business developer, and a writer.

7 Mental Health Benefits of Flowers You Didn’t Know

April 24, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

If you’ve been under the burden of stress and anxiety and don’t know why or how to help yourself, perhaps you should think out of the box and order some flowers for yourself. Few people know the immediate positive impacts flowers have on our minds, so it’s well worth considering. Given below are seven leading psychological benefits that flowers have on us, so don’t pooh-pooh the idea. Instead, go ahead and try it.

Flowers’ fragrances can be stress-busters: Floral fragrances or aromatherapy is the science of using flower oils and essential oils f you’ve never heard about aromatherapy, here is a quick intro to the topic. This kind of therapy is basically a practice of using flower oils, including essential oils, for physical and psychological well-being. It’s been scientifically proven that oils of some flowers can provide significant health benefits if used correctly and safely. It is believed that the oils of such flowers as rose, jasmine, lavender, and chamomile are especially good for the task.
Flowers boost memory and concentration: When flowers oxygenate the air, our brain cells are boosted so that we are more energized and alert. It really doesn’t matter which flowers you choose, but according to experts, it’s better to use bamboo or succulents to get these effects. For one, these are fast-growing plants but they also need the minimal care. And the most overriding benefit for our minds is that they supercharge our brains.

It’s not uncommon for people to lose their train of thoughts or not know why they’ve entered a particular room or what they wanted from their cupboards. Instead of worrying about being subjected to such experiences, it would help vastly if you have plants in your home as this would boost your memory and concentration. When plants oxygenate the air, your brain cells get an extra boost and you feel better than before. Choose a long-lasting plant or go in for a mix of bamboo and easy care succulents. These plants need to be watered just once a week, they grow quickly and they energize your brain immensely.

Flowers are mood-uppers: To know the connection between mental health and flowers, notice the effect on you when you are gifted a bunch of them. Your mood improves immediately and you feel happy suddenly. According to studies, flowers also give you an extra boost of creative solutions and ideas. By having flowers near you when you’re blue, you can experience a better mood, which can help you cope better with your problems, and perhaps find solutions to them too.
Flowers relieve anxiety: For some people, anxiety is a part of life. Anxiety dogs their every step–whether it is family tensions or work stresses. But there’s an easy way out. All you need do is to buy flowers or grow them and have them in your midst. The colours and fragrance of flowers can help you get rid of anxiety and bring tranquillity into your life.
Flowers reduce depression: Few people know that the link between one’s satisfaction level and flowers is extremely important, but a Rutgers University study proved this. By having flowers around you in your home, your happiness increases, your depression vanishes and you are less anxious. Flowers also help enhance your emotional connect with your family and friends. At work, you’re more energetic and productive and your problem-solving skills and creativity are at an all-time high

1. Flowers stimulate the brain: Research proves that those who grow flowers or have them in vases at home did much better in memory tests than others. When flowers are placed on employees’ desks, it is known to stimulate them mentally and help them concentrate better and be more productive. According to studies, flowers play a great role in easing depression and anxiety and enhance compassion towards others, including animals.
2. Flowers help you relax: When people are generally stressed, they often turn to gardening. Why? Because, watching something come to life right before you can be cathartic and often, floral scents reduce stress and help you relax. Try this with a sprig of rosemary and watch your tension melting away.

Other flowers that have a calming effect on you include violets that calm the nerves and mind; daffodils stimulates the nervous system and aids memory; orange marigold is known to make you optimistic, and blue hydrangea can bring you the peace and calm you want in your life.

Conclusion: One of life’s miracles is that beautiful flowers have a beneficial effect on one’s mind and body. And the glorious truth is that they aren’t just effective but non-toxic and do not have any side effects. Now that you know this great truth, appreciate flowers as gifts of Nature and benefit from all that flowers can do for your peace of mind and better productivity, among other things.

A Splash of Color Makes All the Difference

April 16, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

The decision to paint your home is not one to put off. While you may believe that painting your house is a cosmetic treatment that can wait for another day, you might be surprised to discover exactly how a bad paint job can impact your mood. If your home is in need of a fresh coat of paint, then now is the perfect time for you to start exploring all of the reasons to get on top of this goal as soon as possible. You simply need to take a look at some exciting reasons to get a move on.

Explore some of these suggestions and see how acting now can transform your home in the most exciting ways. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to welcome a brand new look for your home.

Mood Boost

Right away, you need to understand how the appearance of your residence impacts your mood and psychological state. On the surface, it might seem like painting is a simple matter of aesthetics. In truth, the condition of your home says a lot about you as a person. When guests come to your house and notice the paint on the exterior has been cracking, flaking, or fading, they might assume you do not have the care or desire to improve the appearance. It can also create a number of problems when it comes to attempting to sell your home.

One of the best reasons to consider painting your home is to increase the curb appeal. Whether you are looking to sell your house in the near future or you want to consider the option in a few years, you need to make sure the outside is appealing to those who decide to pass by. When the exterior has fresh and appealing paint, it can draw attention and cause people to take notice. If you want to get the results you’re looking for and improve how people view your home, then now is the time to contact the experts.

Increased Protection

You also may want to think about painting the exterior of your home as a preventative measure. Time and the elements can easily take a toll on the appearance of your space. The longer you have lived in your home, the more likely it is that your house has taken a beaten from wind, sunlight, and other forces. By painting your home every few years, you are giving yourself the chance to add an increased layer of protection against any harmful agents that might be blowing about in the breeze.

There are plenty of simple reasons to think about hiring professional painters to take on the task of adding a new coat to your home. If you want to make sure you are always doing your part to improve the way your home looks to others and handles during intense weather, then reach out and contact the experts as soon as possible to get the process started. Explore your options and see how a little bit of paint can go a long way when it comes to how you feel about the place where you live.

Micro Managing – 5 Reasons a Microfinance Loan Might Be Right For You

March 19, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

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More people than ever are finding it increasingly hard to access bank loans. Perhaps you have a bad credit score or inconsistent cash flow, in which case, very few banks want to work with you. It could simply be because banks have moved away from small and personal loans ever since the 2008 financial crisis – which is probably for the best. Microfinance can be a better alternative to banks and unscrupulous payday lenders when you find yourself in need of cash in a hurry. Here are five scenarios where microfinance might be the right solution for you:

Car Trouble

Most people make use of their vehicle for their daily commute. A large segment of the population also relies on them for their very livelihood. But if that car were to break down suddenly and public transport wasn’t a viable option, a small loan would be a great solution in a tight situation. Likewise, if your car is totaled or you’re purchasing your first car, low-interest microcredit is likely what you need.

Home Improvements

Our homes can be a significant drain on our resources. Investing in energy efficient improvements can save you a lot of money over the mid and long-term. By simply replacing the five most frequently used light fixtures around the house with energy efficient light bulbs, you can save $75 per year. Plant several trees on the sunny side of your home, and you can reduce your annual air conditioning costs by as much as 50%. Alternatively, when things go wrong, repairs and maintenance can put a horrific dent in an already tight budget. Access to a ready source of cash can ensure that you can keep your home in shape without plunging yourself into unmanageable debt.

Life Cycle

The US, like most of the rest of the world, is experiencing an all-time low in the number of marriages per year. Primary amongst the reasons cited for couples delaying or deciding not to embark on marriage altogether is the spiralling costs, coupled with stagnant or shrinking real wages. Even modest weddings can still cost thousands that young couples simply don’t have. Accessing a small loan can allow you to have that wedding about which you’ve been dreaming.

Education Expenses

Spending money on your education is always a sound investment, no matter the age. Statistics show that the average college graduate with a 4-year bachelor’s degree earns twice as much money throughout his or her life as someone with a high school diploma alone. However, starting school does require some initial financial investment which can be prohibitive. This is one of those times when microcredit might just come in handy by helping to get you into the system so that you can pursue your goals and achieve your potential through higher education.

Unforeseen Expenses

Just like your car breaking down in the middle of the road, or a mind-numbing toothache in the middle of the night, or even a pipe bursting when you’re not at home, all can bring on some unforeseen expenses for which you might not have planned. And if you don’t have a rainy-day fund put aside, like 78% of all working Americans, then something seemingly as insignificant as a twisted ankle or a broken fridge can turn into a financial struggle.

Microfinance has been around for a very long time and with good reason too. Many are nonprofit organizations looking to help out the little guy wherever he may need some assistance. Do your research, and you may find that you qualify for that leg up that will help get you on financial track without trapping you in the high-interest debt cycle.