Creative Christian Mama

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Miriam Dunning

3 Ways You Can Add Value to Your Home

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Are you looking to up sticks and move to a new location in the foreseeable future? If you want to ensure that your prospective relocation goes off without a hitch, you need to start putting plans into place regarding the move now. The earlier you start preparing for this massive milestone in your life, the easier you will find it to avoid any problems that come your way.

There are a number of tasks that you should be performing in your attempt to prepare yourself for your move, one of the most important being to add more value to your current property. You don’t want to leave this all-important task to the last minute, simply because it might disrupt your move and, in turn, give you something else to worry about as your relocation deadline draws closer.

If you want to enjoy a stress-free move and subsequent financial freedom, you need to add more value to your current abode today. To unearth the secrets of what you must do to perform this crucial task, be sure to read on.

Enhance your bathroom

Your bathroom will have no doubt been blighted by instances of wear and tear over the years. To ensure that this damage doesn’t impact the overall market price of your property, you simply must make an effort to enhance this room in your home.

Not got any prior experience when it comes to enhancing bathrooms? Don’t worry, there are plenty of external sources of help out there that are willing to provide you with some assistance in this instance, one of which being Beautiful Bathrooms. As stated at beautifulbathroom.net, this team of specialist designers have the experience and knowhow required to transform any old bathroom into a luxurious wet room. With them by your side, you will no doubt find it easier to turn your design dreams into a reality and, as an added bonus, you will also be provided with some much-needed support when it comes to sourcing cost-effective bathroom equipment.

Add more living space

If you want to appeal to potential buyers that have big families, you should make an effort to create more living space within your property. You can introduce this additional space to your home in a number of different ways, a few of which include:

  • Converting your loft
  • Transforming your garage
  • Changing the use of your cellar
  • Building a conservatory
  • Knocking down walls that separate small rooms

Split your house into flats

Splitting your house into flats is another route that you can take in your attempt add value to your property. There are a whole host of people out there that want to rent small, compact living spaces, and embarking down this renovation pathway is the perfect way to appeal to this niche audience.

Of course, if you take this route, you will automatically become a landlord. To find out what you must do to succeed in this money-making venture, be sure to check out this helpful article on the matter.

How to Revitalize Your Home

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Whether you want to update your living space for your benefit, or you’re trying to get the house into good shape before you put it onto the market, there are many things you can do to revitalize your home. Some projects will require more time and money than others, but they could be worth it if you want to transform your house into a new and improved home. Below are some suggestions on how you can refresh your living environment and increase your property’s value.

Check for Structural Repairs

A good place to start when trying to refresh your home is checking for any structural repairs. These are essential things to look out for when you’re a homeowner, and it’s important to keep up with this kind of maintenance to make sure you and the other people living in your home are safe. Furthermore, keeping on top of these repairs will help you add to your property’s value.

Tidy Your Garden

Garden’s do take a lot of work, and if you haven’t been paying attention to yours recently it’s time to give it some TLC. The appearance of your garden can affect your property a great deal, which is why keeping the weeds at bay and your plants in good health are important. To give your home a new look, think about hiring a landscape gardener to redesign your garden, or plant some new flowers to add some more color.

Add New Features

A great way to revitalize your home is by introducing some new features to it. For example, installing a fireplace in the living room would add a new and dramatic focal point. A lot of models are easy to install, and you can even purchase reproduced fireplaces like the ones at stonewoods.co.uk. If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, then consider other features like smart tech for your kitchen or bathroom, or perhaps convert your attic or basement into a bedroom or study.

New Décor

Even a new coat of paint can make a big difference, and this is the most common option for people who are looking to update their living space. If you have the budget and want a professional finish, think about hiring a decorator to do this for you. If you want to be even more glamorous, an interior designer could help you revitalize your entire house for a fee!

Declutter

For a simpler way to refresh your home, take on the task of decluttering. It’s easy to gather a lot of unwanted or useless items over the years, and eventually, they will start to take over and leave your home feeling messy all the time. You can sell your unwanted clutter online if you want to make some extra money or donate it to a local charity store. Once you get rid of your clutter, you will be surprised at how much space you have at home!

There are many things you can do to revitalize your home whether you have a big budget or not. If you think your house could do with a few changes, consider the points above for your next home improvement project.

7 Reasons to Get a Dog

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When it comes to choosing a new pet for the home, the dog is one of the most popular options, and it’s easy to see why. In fact, there are around 90 million household dogs in the US. Whether you’re a single occupant, a couple, or a growing family, there’s always a place for a faithful companion.

If you’re considering getting a dog and are wondering exactly why you should, here are 7 reasons why a dog could be the perfect pet for you.

1. They Help Maintain an Active Lifestyle

Dogs are ideal if you want to get out more and have more discipline when it comes to exercise. With a dog, you’re guaranteed at least one good walk a day and there’s always more opportunity to explore new places outdoors. There won’t be any excuses not to take a walk if you have a faithful friend waiting to explore.

2. They Are Great for Companionship

Dogs also provide a comforting presence in the home. For those living on their own in particular, dogs can combat loneliness or simply provide extra company.

3. Dogs Provide Unconditional Love

There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home after a long hard day and having your dog absolutely ecstatic to see you. Dogs will love you and care for you in the same way that you do for them. This unconditional love is a rewarding experience when it comes to a new family member.

4. Their Health and Wellness is Easy to Keep on Top Of

With a dog, all the information you need is out there. You won’t need to find a specialist for any treatment or advice, as regular vets like veterinarianmidlothianva.com will always be able to provide every treatment your dog needs on a regular basis.

This means you can easily plan their health and wellness schedule without having to worry about where you’re going to source specific items from or where you can find a vet which specializes in your specific pet (such as if you went for an exotic animal, for example).

5. They Can Help with Positive Mood

When you’re feeling low or you’ve had a bad day, all it takes is a cuddle or play time with your dog to perk up your mood. Furthermore, stroking a dog can actually help to combat stress and anxiety, as the stroking movement can be very soothing for both of you.

6. Dogs Provide Structure

Dogs will require a very structured routine for feeding and walking, which in turn, means your routine will need to be structured, too. This can help with those who want a little more organization and like to have a day which is well planned out. It gives you a reason to get out of bed at a certain time and be home for a certain time, too.

7. They Help to Teach Responsibility

Lastly, dogs help to teach responsibility. This can be ideal for growing children who need to learn or even for an adult who has never had to care for anything else before. Dogs help to encourage responsibility and a focused routine.

Tips On Shipping Your Pets Safely

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Some events in life can be as stressful as moving house, both on people and their pets. Shipping pets should be approached with a simple understanding that pets are precious cargo. Pet owners should act as if they were transporting their own children. Making the transition as stress-free as possible for your pet can have rewarding benefits, including reducing the risk of anxiety-based house soiling, excessive meowing / barking and crying, hiding, escape attempts and aggression.

Moving with pets can be a delicate process. Whether you’re moving pets abroad, across country or just to a new place in your same town, your pet will feel the sense of upheaval just as much as humans do.  Here are some tips that you can follow to ensure your pet’s safety, health and happiness during the packing and moving process. Before we get into it, remember that flying with your pet can be extremely dangerous and difficult, so spending a bit more on a private jet charter can be the best path for you and for your pet. Visit this site for the best charters of 2020.

Introduce the carrier or kennel: The move will be an unfamiliar and intimidating experience for your pets. But there are ways to make your fur kid more comfortable. If your pets will be traveling in a kennel or carrier, encourage them to sleep in it before the trip and reward them with treats. Put their toys in there too.

On moving day –  ensure that your pet dog or cat is safe and placed in an empty room that will not be disturbed. If this precaution is not taken, your fur kid would be in danger by getting into open boxes or in the way of movers. It also prevents them from hiding and not being located when the time has come for them to be moved. Also, place their toys, food, water, and bedding in their temporary room for comfort.

On moving day – For dogs.  Once the movers have left, let your fur kid make the rounds inside and outside. Walk him on a leash during this initial introduction so he feels safe and secure by your side. The sooner he gets used to the new smells of his new environment, the sooner he’ll feel at home.

For cats. Ensure that your feline friend is safe and placed in an empty room that will not be disturbed. If this precaution is not taken, your cat would be in danger by getting into open boxes or in the way of movers. It also prevents them from hiding and not being located when the time has come for them to be moved. Also, place their toys, food, water, and bedding in their temporary room for comfort.

Find your inner Zen: Dogs and cats have this uncanny ability to sense their owners’ feelings. When you are stressed out and throw a fit, your tantrum will add to your pet’s anxiety.  So stay calm and try to achieve your zen.

Many people choose to hire a pet courier or relocation service to handle the safe transportation of their pets. Their expertise can be helpful in ensuring your furry friends have a stress-free journey. From temperature-controlled transport to pet-friendly airlines and custom crates, a good pet courier should know the best way for your pets to travel in comfort.

You can book a Shiply pet transportation service for ease of mind of moving your beloved pet to your new home. All it takes is to fill out a simple online form and the quotes will be emailed to you for you to compare rates to ship your pets.  There are numerous pet transportation services on Shiply’s platform who are ready to bid on your job, often at up to 75% less than typical rates.

All the best in your move!

What You Need To Know About Buying Silver And Gold During The Coronavirus Pandemic

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Many investors are concerned that the global economy will be seriously affected by the global lockdown caused by the spread of the coronavirus, and they are therefore moving their wealth into safer commodities, and gold is at the top of their list. Gold has a fantastic track record in times of financial pressure, and some experts are predicting the $2k per ounce mark will be reached sometime in 2020, and bearing this information in mind, perhaps the time is right to convert your wealth into gold bullion.

Online Solutions

When looking to acquire gold bullion, it is important that you source a reputable gold bullion dealer and the Internet offers the best way to make contact with such a company. As an example, the best way for you to buy gold is simply Google an established bullion dealer and make an appointment to visit their main offices. Then, you can carry out the transaction in a secure environment and should you have any queries about gold investment, the experts are happy to advise on every aspect of precious metal investment.

Taking Physical Possession of your Gold

It is essential that you actually take possession of your gold, for obvious reasons; if, for example, the global economy were to collapse, you might be left holding a worthless piece of paper, so it is always wise to receive your gold bullion and store it somewhere safe. You could rent a safety deposit box at a local bank, or have a concealed safe installed at home, which is a safer alternative to hiding your gold under the bed.

Social Distancing

Of course, any reputable gold bullion dealer’s offices would be suitably prepared for safe social distancing, and you can inspect the gold in a secure area and would not break the 2-metre rule. City Gold Bullion is one of the trusted gold buyers in Adelaide so make sure to check what they can offer. You can make an appointment via their website or on the phone, and they would have secure indoor parking, making your visit convenient.

Analyse the Market

Prior to making a gold purchase, look carefully at current trends. Indeed, many experts would say that this is the time to move into gold as prices are forecast to increase in the coming months, as more and more people sell of their fiat currency and buy gold. If you look back at the Great Depression and other big recessions, you will see that the price of gold increased, and you can expect that trend to be evident in this pandemic which is a strong indicator that now is a good time to switch your wealth into a commodity that is stable.

Whenever you wish to buy or sell precious metals, you are advised to visit the offices of a reputable gold bullion dealer, as they would be able to facilitate your acquisition in a safe manner, with social distancing measures in place.

Top Tips for Parents of College Kids: How Can You Enhance Their Success?

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Getting into college is one of the most critical moments of a teenager’s life, and for many parents, the lead-up of getting into a good institution can be a stressful time. Each year, more than 17 million people embark on their college journey, which is an experience that shapes them to become young adults and leads them into their desired career.

Students must make the most of their college life to enhance their future success, so it’s only natural as a parent to wish to be well-equipped with the necessary information to steer your child in the right direction.

Here are some useful tips to make a note of, if you’re a parent about to send your child off to college:

Talk them through the admissions requirements

Before applying for colleges, your child must be aware of which institutions they have a chance of being accepted into. Some colleges have higher grade boundaries than others, which means carrying out research beforehand is essential in finding out what is realistically achievable. Typically, college entry at Ohio state GPA, amongst many others, is based on the individual’s SAT score, ACT score, and GPA. It is a great idea to sit down with your child and calculate their average scores to determine which universities may be an option for them. This will give them goals to aim for and a clear focus when sitting their exams. 

Don’t pick your child’s course – but offer advice where possible 

Your child should be able to choose their course, so it wouldn’t be a good idea to overrule their course decision. They must pick a subject they are comfortable with and plays to their interests to succeed. It’s perfectly reasonable to voice your own opinion to help them make the best decision for their future goals, but they should have the final say on which course they wish to choose.

Encourage them to see their professor

Once your child has been accepted into college, they will be assigned a professor who they can turn to if they have any queries or issues. Many students ignore the opportunity to have regular meetings with their professors, which can be a huge mistake for their educational development. They may be struggling with lesson topics in the early days or find difficulty building on friendships with other freshmen, which is making them feel socially isolated. Encourage them to make an appointment with their professor to talk about any issues they have as soon as they arise. After all, you are paying the fees, so they have every right to make the most of this resource.

Do be aware that it is never good to phone the professor yourself. Unlike school where parents were entitled to get involved with their child’s education, this is very much discouraged in college. Students must stand on their own two feet to pursue their goals. In some colleges, there is even a ‘dean of parents’ with the principle aim of limiting parental interference.

Do I Have Tooth Abscess? Know The Signs And Symptoms

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Tooth abscesses are surprisingly common and will affect most people at one time or another over the course of their lifetime. The good news is they are easily diagnosed and generally easy to treat. The abscess itself is best described as a small balloon of pus, think of an external blister inside your mouth for context but one that needs treatment to fully go away. If you visit your dentist early enough, you will usually be examined and treated in a matter of minutes.

Symptoms to Look Out for

There are few signs you can look out for that may indicate a tooth abscess. In the vast majority of cases, you will need to make an appoint with your dentist as soon as possible. Generally speaking, in normal cases, you may not need to utilise the out of hours services of an emergency dentist Robina locals rely on unless you think the symptoms really warrant it. If you do have any of symptoms detailed below, you should make an appointment with your regular dentist. If you mention you think you have an abscess, many dental practices will try and find you an early booking. Symptoms that may be present in the event of a tooth abscess include but are not limited to:

  • Fever
  • Facial swelling
  • Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Painful or swollen lymph nodes around the neck or jaw
  • Pain when chewing or biting
  • Sudden foul liquid in mouth

You may experience one or two of the symptoms detailed above, some more likely to display in more serious cases. Many people can actually feel the abscess in their mouth without experiencing any of the symptoms detailed above, particularly an abscess directly above the teeth on the gumline.

Causes of Tooth Abscesses and Risk Factors

An abscess occurs when bacteria enters the dental pulp through a cavity, cracked tooth and causes swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.

Unsurprisingly, the root cause (no pun intended) of many dental abscesses is substandard dental hygiene. Irregular brushing and flossing can lead to many dental conditions in addition to abscesses including tooth decay and gum disease. Diets that are high in sugar are also a contributory factor in the occurrences of tooth abscesses. The message is clear, if you want to minimise your chances of getting a tooth abscess, watch your diet and maintain a regular oral care routine.

Conclusions

A tooth abscess will not disappear on its own, some medical or dental intervention will be needed. A smaller abscess may come and go. You may feel it rupture and drain inside your mouth, but it will come back again. Your dentist will probably prescribe you a course of antibiotics and advice as to how to avoid them in future. He might even recommend some type of root canal treatment to fix the issue permanently if it keeps reoccurring, you can’t take antibiotics indefinitely.

How To Pay Off a Bridge Loan

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Homeowners who relocate may find that selling an existing property can become a top priority. If you’re relocating for a job, downsizing or going through probate, a bridge or an estate loan could help you get through a potential liquidity crunch.

Payment arrangements made through residential bridge loan lenders often coincide with the sale of your existing home or inherited property. The timing of the loan’s repayment schedule provides the convenience and flexibility to pay it off when your property transaction occurs. 

Payment plans that match your closing schedule

Because creditors expect borrowers to come into a large sum of cash when an existing property sells, a bridge loan payment plan will typically follow your closing schedule. This offers a great deal of convenience. When your first property is still on the market trying to attract a buyer or waiting for a closing, you may not otherwise have the money to purchase your next home.

To overcome the funding gap, many residential bridge loan lenders create affordable monthly payment plans that include a larger balloon payment that’s due when the sale of your current property is complete.

Short-term payment options

Bridge loans give you the freedom to purchase a new property when you need to do so without committing to a 15- or 30-year stretch of mortgage payments. If you’re leveraging your current house to fund an urgent move, waiting until after your existing property is sold could result in a lost opportunity. A short-term bridge loan, however, provides you with sufficient funding to afford your new home and also maintain your existing property until it’s sold. You can get the payment flexibility you need to make this work. This gives you the freedom to move on your terms while you fulfill other obligations without a need to commit to large mortgage payments.

Bridge loan payments and inherited properties

Obtaining financing through hard money lenders Los Angeles residents can trust in helps when it’s time to overcome a short-term funding predicament. Acquiring property through an inheritance, for example, may come with unexpected expenses that you may not have been prepared for.

For a variety of reasons, heirs may not want to hang on to an inherited property, especially when its upkeep is too close to its current market value. If you decide it makes more sense to sell an inherited property, a hard money lender’s estate loan may help offload it.

Maintaining a house typically requires structural repairs, property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. Unless the deceased included sufficient financial resources to cover these expenses, your monthly budget may become overwhelmed by the inheritance.

It could be to your benefit to look into residential bridge and estate loan programs that offer short-term funding and payment arrangements to help dispose of an unwanted inherited property. You can then pay off the loan after the property is sold.

Flexible payment scheduling

A bridge loan provides the cash needed to move into a new home without worrying about an existing home’s sale. An estate loan offers relief from an unwanted property so that you can purchase a more suitable home or unload an unwanted inheritance. Both hard money bridge and estate loan programs can provide more affordable and flexible payment schedules than traditional long-term mortgages.

Conversations With Your Girlfriend That Will Make You Closer Than Before

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Everyone deserves someone to spend the rest of their life with, and it is always sad to be that guy who is alone and lonely. Getting in a relationship may be easy for many, but staying in one is quite challenging. To have a good relationship with your girlfriend, you are required to work for it. Nothing good comes easy. In a relationship, what tends to determine the kind of relationship you are in is communication. Without constant communication, you might end up not having what you imagined your relationship with your girlfriend would be. You may find the need to talk to your partner but you lack an idea of what to talk about, and this is quite common sometimes and you should not get frustrated by it. Here are the topics you should consider when talking to your girlfriend.

What You Have in Common 

What attracts people in relationships at first are the things that you both have in common. Many may argue that the physical aspects like beauty are what made them attracted to their girlfriend, and though this is right in many cases, common interests tend to enable those involved to know that they are compatible. If you would like her to feel more connected to you, you should talk about what you both have in common and the things you like together. They may include habits, dislikes, or beliefs. Doing so will bring you closer than before.

What You Like About Her

Just like everyone else, your girlfriend likes it when good things are said about her. You should make it a priority to always remind her of the things you enjoy about her, and this will help her feel positive about herself. Do not only talk about the things you first loved about her but also the things you currently like about her. Doing so will make her see that you appreciate her, so she will end up being closer to you. Happymatches and many online sites are playing a significant role in aiding lots of people get their life partners, so it would be best if you try it, too. 

Embarrassing Moments 

Having the same conversation can be boring, which is not good for any relationship. You should make it a point to spice up the conversations you have with your loved one. Talking about embarrassing moments can be surprisingly fun and end up being what your relationship needs. Talking freely about some embarrassing moments means that you feel comfortable with the person you are talking to. So fellas, if she freely talks about those moments one wishes to have never encountered, you should know that she is feeling closer to you.

Your Future Together

When many hear about the topic ‘future together’ regarding those in a relationship, marriage is the first thing that tends to stand out. Talking about the future does not necessarily mean both of you being married, it can simply mean her plans for the next day. 

Conclusion

Communication is very important for any relationship to work, and knowing the right things to say and talk about may make the difference. It is vital to always listen when she talks to you because girls like the attention.

A Guide to Some of the Best Home Remedies

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The world of home remedies can seem overwhelming to those who aren’t familiar with items and ingredients which work the best for specific ailments. Embracing home remedies can help if you’re looking for more natural solutions, and want to use what you have around the home to avoid over the counter medication or visiting the doctors for illnesses which could be improved on your own time.

Here is some home remedy guidance for general health and any specific issues you may be struggling with.

  • Ginger Extract: To Target an Upset Stomach, Nausea and to Tackle Inflammation

Ginger is a common recommendation if you’re suffering from a cold or the flu, and warm ginger tea is highly encouraged to shift mucus build-up and to ease an upset stomach. You also have the option to use grated ginger in your meal preparation, too.

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties also mean you can ingest to target headaches or any pain of the body caused through inflammation, such as joint paint.

  • CBD Oil: For General Use and a Variety of Health Improvements

CBD ingredients have fast become popular for a variety of health improvements, including sleep improvement, anxiety relief, and decreasing inflammation, to name a few. CBD products can easily be incorporated into your lifestyle, and CBD oil is one of the easiest to incorporate, as you can easily add it to your cooking or beverages, for instance. Safe and dependable products found on sites like CopeCBD.com mean safely accessing CBD oil has never been more available.

  • Eucalyptus Oil: Perfect for Tackling Congestion and Aiding Pain Relief

If you’re a fan of vapor rub when you’re suffering from congestion, then you’ll already know that eucalyptus can be your best friend. However, you can avoid the need to seek out store-bought branded vapor rub, and add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of steaming water will aid decongestion.

You can also have this essential oil as a fragrance in your home. Just remember to be careful as some essential oils are more harmful to pets than others, and even people can react badly to them.

  • Avocado: Promotes Healthier Bowel Movements and Alleviates the Pain of Constipation

Avocado has become a very on-trend food item in recent years, with avocado on toast becoming a very popular breakfast dish. As well as being a healthy general addition to your diet, avocado can help the natural flow of digestion in your body due to its magnesium properties. These properties act similar to a laxative, which means consuming avocado is a good idea if you’re suffering from bowel pain or discomfort when going to the bathroom.

  • Epsom Salts: For Healthier Skin or to Target Injuries

Epsom salts are a great supplement to your bath if you have a particular physical injury, or if you would like to improve the health of your skin. This is because when dissolved in water, Epsom salts release magnesium and sulfate, and it is believed these particles can then be easily absorbed into your skin.

Soaking in a bath with Epsom salts can also help to alleviate pain associated with muscle injuries.