My blog

Alicia

3 Design Tips To Make Your Bedroom Feel Cozier

by Leave a Comment

If there’s one place in your home that you want to feel cozy and comfortable, it’s your bedroom. Without having this safe haven to seclude yourself to at the end of each day, you may not get the rest and relaxation that your body and mind desperately need to function to the best of their ability.

So if you feel like your bedroom isn’t quite meeting the appropriate standard, here are three design tips to make your bedroom feel cozier.

Install A Fake Fireplace

Nothing is cozier than curling up by a fireplace or watching a fire burn down as you unwind. However, most bedrooms don’t have their own fireplace in them. Not only this, but many homes don’t even have the option or capability to install a fireplace there.

If you’d love a fireplace to make your bedroom cozier but don’t or can’t have one, Keri Sanders and Farima Alavi, contributors to HGTV.com, recommend that you look into putting in a faux fireplace. By adding a mantle and some framework to create the look and feel of a fireplace in your bedroom, you can get a lot of the coziness that a fireplace brings without having an actual working fireplace.

Choose The Right Window Treatments

The way you use or cover up the windows in your bedroom can have a big impact on how cozy your space feels.

According to Antonina Jedrzejczak and Gabriela Ulloa, contributors to Architectural Digest, leaving your windows bare, or even just keeping them with the blinds that they originally come with, can be detrimental to having your bedroom feel as homey and cozy as it could. Rather than going this route, you should consider covering your windows with a treatment that diffuses the light but doesn’t completely block it. Also, when choosing the materials for your window treatments, you should try not to pick a fabric that’s too busy. Otherwise, the pattern of the fabric could make your bedroom feel unbalanced and cause the space to be less comfortable.

Use Wood Features

For many people, bringing in wood accents to a bedroom is a surefire way to make the space feel cozier. Take, for example, framed textile art, which adds a touch of traditional art with ambiance.

According to Sienna Livermore, a contributor to HouseBeautiful.com, decorating with wood in the bedroom, be it as exposed wood on the walls or beams or even just bringing in wood furniture or accent pieces, can make a bedroom feel much more in touch with the natural world as well as helping the room feel fresh and clean. So if those are attributes you want reflected in your bedroom, using more wood in your design and decor will help.

To help your bedroom be the oasis of your dreams, consider using the tips mentioned above to create a space that’s welcoming and cozy.

 

How to Get the Best Ecig Deals

by Leave a Comment

Over the past decade, the vaping industry has grown exponentially. That said, there is a wide array of vaping products on the market. This means that you have a lot of options concerning quality and price. New brands are coming into the market and the growing competition puts you as the customer in an incredible position. However, all e-cigs are not created the same. While some boast of the finest quality, other devices are made to get the job done. Luckily, there is something for everyone, and what seems cheap may be expensive for another person. In this piece, we will show you how to get the best e-cig deals.

The Best Ecigs

While focusing on cheap e-cigs, you have to also consider the quality because sometimes cheap is expensive. An e-cig could be simple and cheap but still perform wonderfully. When looking for one on the market, ensure that you are looking at renowned brands. These are brands that make reliable products at an affordable price. Given that the e-cig market is vast, finding the best ecig deals should be easy.

Compare Prices

Like we said earlier, there are many stores both online and offline that sell high-quality vape products. Before you settle for a particular brand, compare products from other companies. For instance, if you have already identified the brand you want to buy, compare prices from different stores. You may be surprised to find that one vape shop is selling the same product cheaper than the others.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Offers

Like everything else, vape products may also be on offer during various seasons such as Black Friday. At this time, you are likely to find the best deals on ecigs. Most stores will be competing for customers. Therefore, they will try to outdo each other by offering hot deals on vaping products. Black Friday comes in November, right after thanksgiving. Try purchasing ecigs during this time and you may get the best deals.

Scour Social Media

Social media has revolutionized human connection. From a business point of view, most stores want to have a social media presence. Stores post their best vape product deals on various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and so on. As you embark on getting the best deals on ecigs, see to it that you score their social media first.

Go to the Store

Most people make the mistake of walking into one vape store and buying what they need immediately. When you do this, chances are that you will not be getting the best deals. By doing this, you miss out on good deals. Change this approach by checking what different places have to offer and settling on the best price. There is more value in looking and touching the vaping device you would like to buy before paying for it.

With plenty of ecig brands now available, you should not limit yourself to one supplier. Explore the market freely and you will find a lot of exciting vape products. With the tips we have mentioned above, you might get some of the best ecig deals.

5 Signs You Are Ready to Take a Job Overseas

by Leave a Comment

Think about it, why are you thinking about working abroad? It may be that you are about to finish your studies and you are waiting to embark on your new adventure. On the flip side, it may be that you are bored with your life right now and want to make a change. Either way, this guide will help you to find out everything you need to know about moving abroad so you can make the best decision overall.

Every Time you Visit another Country you Get Excited about Living There

If this is the case, then you may be ready to take another job. You have to remember that it doesn’t need to be forever either. You could easily take an internship for a few months if you want. When you do, you will soon find that you can make enough to try out a few new experiences so you can see what works for you.

You’re Joining International Groups on Social Media

Do you spend half of your time on Facebook, trying to find expat groups? Maybe you have looked into an overseas pension in the past but you are a bit timid about taking that next step. Either way, if this sounds like you then you may well be ready to take things to that next level. Find the city of your dreams and also find out everything you need to know about it as well. When you do, you will soon find that everything comes together nicely for you.

You Need a Change to Be Happy

Sometimes, in life, you may feel as though you need a change to be happy. This is understandable, and a job overseas could be just what you are looking for. It may be that you are bored of the 9-5 grind or that you just seek something with a bit more adventure. Either way, now is the time for you to make a change. Sometimes a new job could be just what you need to feel happier on a day to day basis, or it could be that you just need a new environment. Of course, if you feel as though you’re ready to take that next step and make a big change, then go for it.

You’re Always seeking Job Opportunities Abroad

There are so many job opportunities all across Europe. If the idea of working in another country with new and different people excites you, then this would indicate that now is the time for you to make a change. When you do, you’ll be happy you did.

You Want to Be Challenged

Working abroad can be a challenge, but if you feel as though you want one in your life then this could indicate that it’s time for you to take that next step. When you do, you will soon find that you are able to focus on the future and that you can also look forward to that next stage in your life.

 

3 Tips For Planning A Vacation As A Retiree

by Leave a Comment

While planning a vacation is never necessarily an easy task, especially during the current global pandemic, if you’re a senior citizen, planning future trips can get even more complicated. But luckily, there are some things you can do to simplify this process, use your time spent on the road to create lifelong memories, and maintain your finances for future adventures.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for planning a vacation as a retiree.

Use Social Media To Help You Plan

Although technology isn’t something that many retirees are super familiar with, when it comes to planning a trip, tapping into social media can be extremely helpful.

According to Patricia Doherty, a contributor to Travel and Leisure, using social media can help to influence the decisions you make during the planning phase of your travel. For example, you can use social media to help you uncover places that you’ve never thought of traveling to before, find restaurants that you might not have tried, and learn from other people’s experiences as they have traveled to the same places previously.

If you’re unsure of the best way to use social media to your advantage when you’re planning an upcoming vacation, you may want to start by asking your Facebook friends for the recommendations or by looking on platforms like Pinterest or Instagram until you find images of places or food that strikes your fancy.

Take Multiple Trips At A Time

For many retirees, having enough time to travel isn’t really an issue. But despite this, it’s wise to use your time as best you can, as you never know when health or other conditions will make it so you can’t travel anymore.

With this in mind, Craig Stephens, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, suggests that you try to take multiple trips at a time when you travel. If you’re going to be close to an area that you’ve always wanted to visit, it could be well worth your while to add on a few more days to your trip in order to experience these things now rather than waiting for a future vacation that you may or may not actually take.

Find Ways To Stretch Your Budget

Growing old can get expensive. What with medical bills, the cost of assisted living facilitates, and other expenses, it’s a good idea to save as much of your money as you can while still enjoying the years you have left.

To help you with this, Michelle Ullman, a contributor to Investopedia.com, recommends that you consider some budget-friendly travel options. In many cases, things like cruises, volunteer trips, or switching homes with another retiree can make for a great vacation without the huge vacation price tag.

If you’re having a hard time planning a vacation as a retiree, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you with this.

 

6 Bucket List Items that are More Affordable than You Think

by Leave a Comment

‘There’s no time like the present’. We all know the saying but how many of us apply it to our daily lives? Are your ready to take out that old bucket list you made when you were 15, 25 or even 50 and realise that it’s still possible to make yourself proud of what you’ve achieved in your life? You can start now, because not everything requires a fortune—or even a lot of free time—to achieve.

See if your bucket list items appear on our list, go make them reality, or use our ideas to get creative about achieving your own life goals.

text

Own Your Own Business

Does this seem a bit far fetched? You’ll be surprised how easy it is to become a business owner by simply using today’s online shopping phenomenon. Thanks to features like dropshipping you don’t even have to buy property or own stock to become your clients’ new favourite supplier.

Learn a New Hobby or Language

The online universe is handy for many types of bucket list items, such as providing you with endless learning opportunities. No need to book a class that will rob you of your weekend! Simply view videos online whenever you’re at home. Learn about anything from cooking to woodworking or a new sport. With videos and apps you can even learn a new language without paying a lot of money.

See an Exotic Animal

If you imagine yourself looking for an anaconda in the Amazon, you may have to save for a few years before you can pack your bags and go. But there are many other ways to see remarkable animals, without even putting your life in danger.

In game reserves in KZN, South Africa—a very affordable destination—you can take a drive and try to see the Big Five between the trees. Or, why not raise a unique pet like a chinchilla or a bearded dragon? Just make sure you obtain your new pet from a legal supplier and that they weren’t taken from the wild.

Have Something Named After You

Fancy your name on a billboard or a building? Why not keep it simple, create the most interesting cocktail your friends ever tasted and name it after yourself? If future generations of your family also enjoy it, your name will be called for decades to come—and always make people smile.

Leave a Legacy

A legacy? Isn’t that meant for the wise and rich among us? No! Your life has taught you may valuable lessons. You simply need to find a way to pass them on and thanks to a personal blog you can share it with the world. If you don’t like to write, record your thoughts and post vlogs that may go viral.

Have 15 Minutes of Fame

If it’s fame rather than a legacy you’re after, simply look for opportunities in cities where movie and TV crews work. They often need extras on set and you may even get paid for the few seconds you’re in the background of a scene. Your entire family is sure to watch that episode and you’ll have your 15 minutes!

In Conclusion

It’s all about getting started. Write down your bucket list wish and then look for original ways to make it happen. It’s not too late!

 

5 Tips on How to Make Cute Dollhouses for Children

by Leave a Comment

C:\Users\Mechanika\Downloads\jason-leung-sZZy9GKrJ18-unsplash.jpg

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

You may think that dollhouses aren’t as popular as they used to be. However, it’s the mass-produced items that are made with cheap materials that aren’t popular. If you go through YouTube or TikTok there are myriads of videos of people building dollhouses.

Making dollhouses has become a popular pastime again and there’s something magical about handmade toys. So if you want to start making your own dollhouses you’ll enjoy today’s article. Keep reading to find out more.

1. The Best Way to Cut Out Spaces for Windows and Doors

Hand making a dollhouse takes time because there are a lot of small intricate parts you have to cut out. You want to make your dollhouse look as authentic as possible, therefore you’ll need windows and doors. The best way to cut out spaces for windows and doors is by using a laser cutter.

You can program a laser cutter to slice the exact shape and dimensions you want out of any hard material such as wood or plastic. The laser cutter will get the job done quickly which will give you more time to work on other parts of your mini house.

2. Epoxy for Windows, Basins and Bathtubs

Epoxy resin is used to make plastics, sealers, primers and adhesives. On the other hand, arts and crafts enthusiasts use epoxy to make jewellery. You can use epoxy to make clear or stained glass windows for your dollhouse.

Add colourants to your epoxy so you can make other mini items such as bathtubs or basins. Windows will be the easiest to make because they’re simply flat panels. Bigger items may be more challenging, but if you have a mould of the item you want to make it will be easier to craft.

3. Use Old Clothes and Linen to Make Curtains & Bedding

You don’t have to spend a fortune buying meters of materials from shops. Simply clean out your cupboards and put all the clothes & linen you don’t want in a pile. Select the colours and textures of the fabrics you want to use inside your dollhouse. Use the fabrics to make tiny curtains, cushions, rugs, bedding and more.

4. Wallpaper for Floors and Walls

Painting the interior walls and floors of your dollhouse may take some time. To save the hassle of painting and messing up the details of your interior you can use real wallpaper to cover your walls & floors.

5. Polymer Clay for Utensils and Details

Polymer is soft pliable clay that will harden when you bake it. The clay is the perfect product to make small plates, utensils and details around your dollhouse. You can even use it to make bricks and roof tiles.

Final Thoughts

You can make all types of themed dollhouses using the tips in this article. If you make your dollhouses look as authentic as possible you could make a lot of money from your craft by selling them. Or you can simply make dollhouses for fun and show the world how you make them through YouTube.

6 Reasons Why an iPad is Better Than a Laptop

by Leave a Comment

black iPad

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

Has it recently become necessary for you to work from home? Would you like to work on the move, taking your work with you and catching up when you can? The only hiccup is: you’re not sure if you want to carry a bulky laptop around with you wherever you go or whether you prefer something a little lighter.

Have you considered iPad hire? With the right accessories, you can use an iPad for all your office or entertainment needs. And with hiring you can see if this device is really what you need. Here’s why we think you’ll love it at first unboxing.

6 Reasons why an iPad is Better than a Laptop

If you’re not all that familiar with the ins and outs of Apple’s iPad range, you can be forgiven for thinking that they’re primarily used for entertainment. While they are top notch devices to watch movies and play games on, they’re also well equipped for some work functions as well.

Here are a few reasons why getting an iPad, whether it is via purchase or rental, is a good idea.

Portability

iPads are so much more portable than your average laptop. The iPad Pro barely measures a quarter of an inch thick and barely weighs 1.6 pounds. This makes it small and lightweight enough to put in handbags or small work bags. It’s also easier to maneuver an iPad while you’re working on the couch or in bed.

Accessorise to Simplify

If your work involves a lot of typing, it’ll be easier to use a portable keyboard. Durable and magnectic, it simply attaches to the iPad without the need for cables or pairing. You can also use an iPad stand which will elevate your iPad. That, together with your keyboard, will create a useful little work station.

Extended Battery Life

Like all other Apple products, every iPad has a longer than average battery life. Able to function for 10 hours of average use without needing to be recharged, you’ll easily get a day’s work done without the hassle of your battery running low.

App selection

iPads have a wide variety of the usual applications such as calendar, alarm, web browser, note pad among others. Apple has also gifted new iPad users with its handy iWork suite. This adds options like spreadsheets and presentation software. Design applications such as OmniGrafle are also quite popular.

Step-up from E-Reader

iPad’s iBooks has been labeled as one of the greatest e-reader apps on the market. A free Kindle reader is available in the App store, making this feature a plus point for anyone loving a good read.

Simple Presentation Tool

If you’re considering renting the iPad for work related presentations, you won’t be disappointed. A high quality screen display and optional HDMI adaptor cables allow you to connect your device to large TV or projector screens, which comes in handy during scenarios like product presentations.

In Conclusion

iPads give you more ease of use and with all the added features, applications and accessories you’ll find it much more suitable than a bulky laptop. Enjoy what technology can do for you!

7 Most Common Poker Questions Asked By Beginners

by Leave a Comment

If you’ve never played online poker before, you obviously have a lot of questions regarding the game. Well, obviously the first step would be to find the right gaming site.

Fortunately, there are many reputable sites and it’ll be easy to find the best online casino Canada, Australia or any other country has to offer, depending on where you’re located. Here are a few of the questions most beginners ask before diving into the fun world of online poker.

Poker, Online Poker, Casino, Gambling, Sweepstakes

Question 1: Why is Poker so Popular?

Aside from the fun factor, various versions of online poker are immensely popular because it tests your intellect. Unlike casino games such as slots which rely solely on luck, poker demands actual skill. Combined with the right hand, the winnings can be huge.

Question 2: Is it Necessary to Pay a Sign-Up Bonus?

While it’s not a formal requirement, it’s advisable to use a sign-up bonus. Experienced players advise that it’s a brilliant way to earn some free money when you’ve reached the stipulations of the bonus terms.

Question 3: Is Online Poker More Fun Than Table Poker?

The good news is, the game is the same whether you play online or at a real table. So, you don’t have to learn new rules. But, online poker plays at a much faster pace. For instance, in a live game, you may be dealt approximately 30 hands in an hour whereas online you could see at least 60 hands per hour. The faster the game, the higher the thrill factor and the sooner you’ll start winning.

Question 4: Can I View a Game Before Playing?

Another advantage of online poker is that you can watch games before sitting down to play. It’s common practice for players to view tables where popular or noteworthy professionals are playing. It’s an easy way to pick up some tips!

Question 5: What is Multi-Tabling?

Here’s yet another instance where online is better than live games. In a live game you can obviously only sit at one table at a time, but online platforms allow you to play at various tables at once. This is known as multi-tabling. The more you play, the more you can win, right?

Question 6: What is an Avatar and do I Need One?

The term avatar is used to define the character that represents you in the game. Some sites give the option of creating your own avatar by uploading any image you choose. There may also be sites that only offer a standard built in avatar.

Question 7: What Does the Term ‘Bad Beat’ Mean?

Knowing the lingo and being familiar with the phrases used form part of learning the game. One of the most common terms is ‘bad beat’. A bad beat refers to an instance where you lose a hand, despite being a massive favourite.

Ready to Start?

If you’re looking for something to do that not only tests your skill but is also fun and accessible in the comfort of your home, then a game of Texas holdem is just what you need.

 

How To Ship A Boat Cross Country

by Leave a Comment

So you are a boat enthusiast and has just purchased your dream boat and are wondering how to ship it back over land. Boat owners often go to great lengths to buy the vessel of their choice, even if that means the boat must transport from one side of the country to the other.

A boat is an expensive investment that can be problematic to transport if you do not have a vehicle and trailer capable of hauling it. Therefore, you will need the service of boat transportation that is designed for those who want safe and efficient shipping. Boat transportation is a complicated process involving expensive cargo.  As such, boat owners will want to make sure their boats are protected.  It is important to seek a reputable and reliable boat transport company to ship their boat. Scroll down to learn more on how to ship your boat.

Planning

Transporting a boat requires careful planning, proper preparation, and attention to detail by the parties involved like the owner, boatyard, and transporter.  A good boat transport company will offer good advice as well as look over the preparations performed before heading out on the road to ensure nothing was missed.  It is important to choose a transporter that has the knowledge and experience on how the boat ought to be supported, balanced, stabilized and secured. With its extensive knowledge of the interstate highway system for transporting boats across the state will avoid unnecessary stress.

The Cost To Transport A Boat

The cost of shipping your boat depends on the size of your boat, pickup and delivery location, and the distance it is going to travel.  The average cost to transport a boat short distance can cost between $150 to $300 while longer haul journeys can cost anything from $600 to $1,000.

A boat that only needs to be transported domestically will be cheaper than international travel. Standard size boat can be transported using enclosed containers while larger boats cannot.  The ease of accessibility to the pickup and delivery locations can also affect pricing as well.  The season of the year when the boat is being transported is another thing that can affect pricing. Wintry condition can affect road conditions which can alter the routes available for transportation.

Finding a boat shipping company should be approached in the same way that you would searching for a moving company.  You have to be cautious and compare multiple companies before choosing the best one for your situation.  Boat transporting companies are harder to come by so searching for one can be a rather tedious process.  This is where Shiply, an online shipment marketplace that connects shipping companies and customers can help.

Types of Services for Boat Transport

  • Roll On/Roll Off – This option is the cheapest way to transport your vessel. The boat is securely fastened to the top of a trailer and delivered to its destination.
  • Shrink Wrapping – This will protect the boat from moisture and salt.
  • Interstate Boat Transport – State to state transport.
  • International Yacht Transport – Delivery of boat outside of the U.S.
  • Full Service Moving – Transporting of boat along with other vehicles or items.

 

3 Tips For Preparing For A Hunting Trip

by Leave a Comment

With the summer coming to a close, many hunters are starting to get ready for the opening of hunting season. Depending on the type of hunting you like to do, the seasons will open at different times and last for different lengths. But regardless of this, there are things you can and should be doing to get yourself prepared and have a fun and successful hunt.

To help you with this, here are three tips for preparing for a hunting trip.

Start Your Prep Early

According to Stephen Spurlock, a contributor to GoHunt.com, avid hunters can find ways throughout the entire year to prepare and get ready for their preferred hunting season. From staying in shape to doing target practice and brushing up on your field skills, there are activities you can always be working on that will make your hunt more successful.

But if you’re not wanting to spend an entire year preparing for a big hunting trip, you should at least start planning and preparing about a month in advance. This will give you the time to learn about the area you’ll be hunting, get all of your gear ready, and make sure everything is in place so that you can spend your entire time out on your hunting trip solely focused on filling your tags.

Plan To Keep Your Gun Dry

Despite all the planning you do, one thing you’re not going to have any control over is the weather. And if the weather is bad, it can make for one miserable hunting trip.

To hedge your bet against this, it’s wise to get gear that will stand up well to rain, snow, or high heat, since there’s really no telling what kind of weather you’ll be facing. Along with this, HuntersHandbook.com reminds hunters that the worst enemy of their gun is moisture, so make sure you have a plan in place for keeping your gun dry so you can safely hunt throughout your entire hunting trip.

Realize That You’ll Be Uncomfortable

Not only should you be preparing physically, but you should also prepare mentally before you take off on a big hunting trip.

According to Tyler Freel, a contributor to Outdoor Life, one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself mentally is to give up the false notion that your hunting trip will be a comfortable experience. From having to wake up early to being cold and wet and potentially hungry, it’s fair to assume that most of your time will be spent being at least partially uncomfortable. But if you can tough it out, you can still have a great experience.

If you’re wanting to take a hunting trip this fall, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare for this adventure.