Guest Post

5 Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful

July 10, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

You’ve finally found the right house in the right neighborhood with the right schools, and the best mall in the state right next door. You navigated the mortgage minefields and managed to get a fairly decent interest rate on your loan without completely destroying your credit score. The negotiations were tough, but you finally got the seller to agree to fix the heat pump and the compressor and knock 15% off the price because of the roof that hadn’t been changed in 22-years. Now, you are ready to make the big move from apartment dweller to homeowner where instead of calling the landlord to fix the garbage disposal; you go to a big box store, buy an In-Sink-Erator and watch the YouTube how-to about 5 times before you finally call a plumber to install it. But, at long last, it’s time to move in.

1. MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

If you are moving locally, say within a 15-mile radius, you want to plan very carefully so that you get all of your ‘stuff’ out of one home, and into the other, within one day. This is definitely doable – if – you plan your day carefully and intelligently. This also means that all of the pre-packing of boxes, and labeling of said boxes, has been done beforehand. That way, you’ll be able to estimate pretty accurately how long it will take to pack the moving van. Unpacking it will take about one-third to one-half less time than packing because you aren’t mentally organizing the various objects to fit inside the truck.

But if your new home has narrow or complicated entryways and elevators to deal with – those impediments could increase unpacking time significantly. That’s why it’s a good idea to actually visit your new home, with a representative of the moving company, if possible, days before the actual move, so that you can both survey your new home’s location and pre-plan for any impediments that might be there.

2. KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING

Another benefit of surveying your home before your moving day would be to take the time and effort during this scout day to discover the very best route between your old house and your new home. That means driving the route at approximately the same time that your moving van will be doing so on your moving day so that you have some idea of what the traffic will be like. For example, it might be wiser to use surface streets for part of the drive, instead of a freeway because a factory near that freeway changes shifts at the time your van will be traversing that part of your route. Google Maps or Mapquest can be very helpful in your route planning because of their ability to help you change the route and offer alternatives.

3. PAINT BEFORE YOU MOVE IN

If scheduling allows, it is always a good idea to do repair, paint and remodeling tasks before you move into your new home. Also, paint takes many hours to dry completely and the odors and chemical residues during the drying process can be nauseating. But a good paint job is so important not only for the beauty of your home, but also for its durability.

If you are going to paint your home before your moving day, why not consult with a professional stylist to help coordinate your home’s colors to give it a coordinated look. The money you spend on a designer could be more than made up for if you end up changing your mind and re-painting several rooms multiple times.

4. WATCH OUT FOR THE HIDDEN COSTS

Different moving companies use all sorts of different methods for determining the costs of your move. Make sure you pin the company sales rep down on his/her estimate before your moving day commences. It is always a good idea to get an Outline of Moving Costs from any moving company that you involve in the bidding process for your move. You don’t want a big $urprise at the end of a day in which you have been going full-force for 12-to-14 hours and are, consequently, too tired and stressed to even consider haggling about prices.

5. BE PREPARED

In spite of all of your pre-planning, moving days, by their very nature, can be filled with unexpected disruptions. We can all certainly apply Murphy’s Law to any enterprise, like a moving day, that utilizes so many people and consists of so many moving parts. So, be prepared for the ‘wheels to come off’ some time during your moving day. If you’ve anticipated this, and planned prudently, you’ll be able to handle that disquiet with composure and poise so that it doesn’t spoil your day and you can eventually get back on track.

Judy Lees is a super-connector with Photographers In Islamabad who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, Photography, branding and networking. He frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing, digital photography.

Make Your Roof Last As Long As Possible

June 20, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Because you likely can’t see it in its entirety without a ladder, you might not take as good care of your roof as you should, and that’s perfectly understandable. If you’re in the market for a new home, you might use a roofing check list before you buy or sell a property. With that in mind, know that it’s better to take steps to maintain the performance and appearance of your roof over the years to help it last.

Perform Regular Inspections

Just because you don’t have leaks in your ceiling or missing shingles blowing off your roof doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is in order. Have a roofing expert come out and take a close look at your roof at least once a year, especially before the winter season if you live in a place where it snows a lot. That way, you’ll be informed of minor issues that can come with a major cost the longer they go unattended.

Keep Up With Roofing Maintenance

Besides regular inspections, tending to roof maintenance is another vital step in helping your roof last as long as possible. Specifically, you’ll want to keep your roof’s surface free of any debris that might blow onto it, keep your gutters and downspouts clear and look for indications that water might be seeping its way through your roof and into your home.

Know What You Need to Do to Take Proper Care of Your Roof Type

Depending on what your roof is made of, there are certain care tips you’ll want to make sure you follow to take the best care of it. For example, regular maintenance is key to making an asphalt roof last, and having a metal roof installed by experienced professional boosts longevity. No matter what material your roof is made of, it’s always best that you opt for a reputable manufacturer and brands to avoid problems later on.

Keep Your Gutters Clean and Repaired

Going back to your gutters, it’s vital that they remain clear and clean. This is because clogged gutters don’t drain water well, which can lead to leaks and pest infestations. Poor drainage can negatively impact the foundation of your home, and a pest infestation is an unnecessary expense for you to bear. Another reason to focus on keeping your gutters clean at all times is to avoid ice dams in the winter. Standing water that’s allowed to freeze on your roof can work its way underneath your shingles and cause damage.

Be Proactive

Don’t wait until there’s a problem before you take action; instead, you’re better off being proactive. For instance, you can keep your roof in good condition and your energy bills low by making sure your attic is properly insulated so your HVAC unit isn’t working harder than necessary, and so you aren’t losing air through your roof. Proper ventilation is something else your roof needs to better ensure humidity doesn’t cause damage to your roof.

A little time, effort and research are all you need to take superior care of your roof, no matter if you plan on buying or selling a home in the near future. Be sure to keep these tips in mind now and in the years ahead.

Top 10 Essentials For The Modern Kitchen

June 20, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

The ten essentials for the modern kitchen are important because they provide you with the things that are needed to cook well. You can cook anything that you want if you have all ten of these things, and it is very nice to have them in the drawer so that you can reach for them and get to cooking.

1. The Cleaver

The cleaver that you have in the kitchen helps you take bones off your cuts of meat, and it also helps you be certain that you have the meat cut easily. You can cut through these things without any trouble, and there are a lot of people who forgo the cleaver because they have never cut big portions of meat before.

2. The Peeler

You need a peeler so that you can get your vegetables and potatoes peeled. You also need to have your apples peeled when you are trying to have your apple pie look perfect. If it is very simple for you to cut anything when you have a peeler that is easy to hold and swipe across anything.

3. The Pizza Cutter

A pizza cutter is something that you can use on a lot more things than a pizza. This makes it much easier for you to have all your dough cut, to cut a pizza, or to just have the something that van cut in long strips.

4. The Chef’s Knife

Just one chef’s knife could be used to cut all the things that you want, and you will find that there are many people who want to use the knife so that they can cut out anything. You could slice anything, and you will find that the knife is easy to clean because it is more than long enough to handle just about anything.

5. The Towels

You actually need a lot of tea towels for the kitchen because they help you make certain that you have something to help with cooling cakes, with cleaning up, or to help pick up a pot. This makes it very easy for you to get all your work done if you have a few towels hanging around the kitchen.

6. The Serving Utensils

You need serving utensils for your kitchen so that you can make all your food easy to serve in helpings. It is very easy for people to use these utensils because they can help you serve your family or actually make the meals like mixing a salad.

7. The Mixing Bowls

You need a couple metal and glass mixing bowls so that you can mix up anything that you like. You will find that the bowls help you make salads or pull dishes together without any trouble.

8. The Measuring Cups

The measuring cups that you have in the house must have all the different measurements from the smallest all the way up to a cup.

9. The Mixer

A mixer helps you bake, and you could prepare a lot of dough and other things in the mixer so that you do not feel so out of place.

10. Mandoline Slicer

You might have asked yourself what is a mandoline slicer?, these slicers can do a lot for you, and they make the slices very thin for all your dishes.

Home Grown – 5 Secrets to Building a Successful Home Business

June 4, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Advances in technology have had profound impacts on virtually every aspect of our lives. The advent of the internet, e-commerce, cloud computing and numerous other developments has opened doors for enterprising people from all walks of life to explore new opportunities that would have been unthinkable even a generation ago. For modern women, the changes have been revolutionary. Traditionally faced with the options of family, career or struggling to juggle both, technology is facilitating a new breed of female entrepreneurs building successful businesses from their own homes. The benefits in terms of work-life balance can be extreme. However, operating a home business has its own set of challenges. Here are a few secrets to making it work:

Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash

The Right Impression

As convenient as it may be, working out of your garage or basement may not instill great confidence in potential clients or partners. It’s crucial to use the resources available to create an impression of stability and professionalism. Simple strategies like building an impressive website, utilizing a virtual office to present a prominent address, hold meetings and other business support services, developing stunning, eye-catching branding a logo are all strategies that can give you instant credibility.

Right on Time

One of the most lethal threats to any home business is the presence of distractions that eke away at your productivity. The TV is within easy reach; the laundry isn’t going to do itself, and dinner still needs to be cooked. There might be any number of potential excuses to stray from your desk and attend to that one task that you need to do. Make no mistake, your ability to resist these temptations can be the difference between success and failure. Block out designated work times and stick to them like glue while blocking all those other things out so you can maintain productivity.

Space Invaders

In addition to protecting your time, it’s crucial to create a space that is comfortable, positive and conducive to working efficiently. Choose a quiet, relatively out of the way part of the house to establish your base and ensure that the furniture, equipment and décor are appropriate to for your needs. A well-designed workspace can help you bring a professional approach and attitude with you every time you start to work.

Out and About

Notwithstanding all the above, being in the same place all day every day for both work and family commitments can drive any girl a little stir crazy. Sometimes a change of scenery is the perfect way to rediscover your focus. Most coffee shops have wireless internet these days, so grab your computer and head down there to work while sipping a latte. Wherever possible arrange business meetings to be held face to face at a 3^rd location. Getting out of the house now and then can help refresh your mind, stay focused and contribute to better output over the long-term.

Digital Dreaming

A great idea or product will not be enough if people don’t know about it. Fortunately, online marketing techniques can be incredibly effective in presenting your business to a wide, yet targeted audience. A well thought out social media presence that communicates your core values, SEO and search marketing campaigns can all drive traffic to your website and potential clients to your door without the exorbitant costs of traditional marketing techniques.

Few things can be as satisfying as building a successful business. With all the resources at your disposal, you too can join the legion of moms doing amazing things in the business world from the comfort of their homes.

5 Amazing Tips to Choose the Best Dining Chairs to Add Grace to Your Dining Decor

May 30, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

The dining room is the ideal place to enjoy your meal times and share memorable moments with both friends and family. Being a multi-functional room that hosts daily dinner time with your family, hosts regular Sunday dinner meetings with your extended family or hosts the ever-so-occasional special dinner parties, it’s important to decorate and make the place as beautiful as possible. It is crucial to make sure your dining room furniture matches your exceptional personal style to reflect your way of life, and ensure it is both functional and livable.

Among the most important components of a dining room is your chairs. You should make certain that chairs in your dining space are of the right height for the table, comfortable, and made of durable fabric. There are many questions you should ask yourself before getting the right chairs for your dining room. Luckily, the following tips will guide you to choosing the best dining chairs to add grace to your dining decor.

Buy easy to move chairs

You should consider choosing dining chairs that are easily movable around the house. Portable dining chairs can serve double duty as they can be used as extra seats in the living room when hosting guests. Furthermore, movable dining chairs enable easy change of your dining room design and appearance.

Consider mixing up the dining table chair designs

Acquiring dining chairs of different designs for the same room offers a complementary rather than a matching feeling. Mixing up the plan for your dining chairs provides a mismatched geometric setting brought about by painting the chairs in different colors or when decorated in the same fabric. If you are a fan of a particular style and material, say bucket seats, you should consider acquiring dining chairs that come with diverse backrest designs.

Settle for comfortable and high-quality fabric for your chairs

Comfort and quality are among the main factors to consider when choosing the best chairs to add to your dining room. Consider going for the best fabric that will offer high comfort levels to your guests. Having comfortable chairs in your dining room ensures you get the most value out of the products you have purchased.

Choose the best size for your chairs

The dining room is a busy place that requires clear and clean movement area. Selecting seats that are 18 inches in height provides the much-needed space as they can easily slide under the dining table. Your chairs should offer a minimum of 12 inches space between the dining chair surface and the tabletop to ensure comfortable seating while providing enough legroom.

Seek the services of professional interior designers

Professional interior designers and home decor experts will advise you on the best dining chairs to go for. Their experience in decoration will be vital in helping you choose the best chairs to add the much-needed grace in your dining room. Furthermore, you may consider exploring websites such as the Modern Dining Chairs for Sale at Modern Digs, which offer dining chair for sale.