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Alicia

Tips on Building Your First DIY Shelf

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If you enjoy taking on DIY projects around your home and are confident that you can build a sturdy yet chic looking shelf, simply continue reading to discover a few helpful tips on building your first DIY shelf.

Tips on building your first DIY shelf:

1. Consider installing modern floating shelves

If you want to add shelves that suit a home which boasts a contemporary, modern aesthetic, you may want to seriously consider installing modern floating shelves in your home. As floating shelves don’t feature brackets and are designed to give the illusion that your shelves are simply suspended in the air against your wall.

2. Think about creating a pegboard shelf

Pegboard shelves are a creative option, which may interest you if you’d like to have the flexibility to change the width and size of your shelves, over time, to incorporate items which boast varying dimensions.

As an example, while you may originally use your pegboard shelf as a bookshelf, with small shelves, you’ll be able to move some of the large wooden pegs which make up your pegboard shelf in order to fit larger items on your makeshift shelves such as a tall vase or a pot plant.

3. A frame shelves

If you like the idea of installing A frame shelves without being an expert carpenter, you’re in luck as you can easily build A frame shelves for your home using a couple of A frame ladders. Which you’ll use as the basic frame for your A frame shelves. Once you have three A frame ladders, you’ll be able to balance wooden boards between all three of your ladders to create a simple A frame ladder based shelving unit.

4. Fun rope shelves

If you love whimsical looking decor items, you may be interested in installing DIY shelves which hang from ropes, like a swing. Just be sure not to overload your rope shelves with heavy items. If you don’t have much experience with DIY projects, you may find that this particular project may be ideally suited to your skillset. As it’s hard to mess up building a rope based shelf.

5. Corner shelves

If you want to make use out of the space in the corners of your room, you may want to find out how to create handy corner shelves. Which you may want to decorate with your book collection or some of your favorite plants.

6. Crate based shelves

Did you know that you can repurpose unwanted used crates as brand new shelves that are guaranteed to be a great conversation starter?

As an example, you may want to place three crate based shelves on top of one another, in your bathroom to hold your toiletries. If your bathroom has a color scheme such as a predominantly white aesthetic, you may even want to spray paint your crates white, before you hang them up on your wall.

So if your home could do with a couple of new DIY shelves, it’s well worth selecting the DIY shelving project listed above, which best suits your home’s requirements and your DIY skillset.

3 Amazing Travel Destinations

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If you’re in need of a dose of travel inspiration, continue reading on to discover 3 amazing travel destinations to add to your bucket list.

3 Amazing Travel Destinations:

1. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a large cosmopolitan city in Argentina which boasts a population of boasts a population of over 2.8 million individuals.

If you’re interested in attending cultural events such as Opera, it’s well worth booking a ticket to a live Opera at the Teatro Colon, a stately Opera house which was built in 1908 and which houses over 2,500 seats.

Alternatively, if you’re a self-confessed art lover, you may want to head to the MALBA Museum, which is a world renown art gallery which specializes in featuring artwork from the most prestigious Latin American artists in the world.

As Buenos Aires is football mad, it’s also a great idea to book tickets to a Boca Juniors home game. If you are unfamiliar with Boca Juniors, it’s Buenos Aires premiere football team and was founded over 100 years ago. If you’re interested in the Boca Juniors home stadium is the Estadio Alberto J. Armando, which can comfortably seat 49,000 spectators.

Lastly, whilst in Argentina, you may want to take an Argentinian tango dance, from a professional instructor. For an amazing, once in a lifetime experience.

2. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, which is located in Belgium, is an underrated tourist destination as Brussels is a picturesque, charming city which features beautiful historical buildings. Should you visit Brussels, the first destination which you should head to is the Grand Palace. Which is a 14th-century city square, which functioned as a bustling marketplace and now is home to some of the most stunning, well-preserved buildings in Brussels.

Examples of which include the King’s House, which is also known as the Breadhouse and which now houses the Museum of the City of Brussels and the Brussels City Hall.

While Brussels features countless historical buildings, it’s also worth viewing the Atomium. A 92-meter tall, contemporary stainless steel building and art installation which was originally built for Brussel’s World Fair and looks like a stainless steel Ferris Wheel.

3. Ankara, Turkey

If you’re not afraid to get off the beaten tourist track and are a self-confessed history buff, it’s also well worth booking a plane flight to Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

Whilst exploring Ankara, you’ll get to visit Ankara Castle which is a hilltop castle which boasts 360 views of Ankara as well as Kocatepe Mosque, which is located in Ankara’s city center and which is the most recognizable structures in Ankara.

Another of Ankara’s famous structures which is well worth visiting is the Anitkabir, which is an Ottoman-inspired mausoleum, which was built to house the body of the first president of the Republic of Turkey.

If you’re interested in viewing ancient artifacts from various eras such as the Paleolithic era and the Ottoman Empire, it’s well worth spending a couple of hours touring the Museums of Anatolian Civilizations.

So while the majority of tourists who visit Turkey head straight to Istanbul, it’s definitely well worth uncovering Ankara’s gems.

Hopefully at least one of the three amazing travel destinations listed above piqued your interest.

DIY Home Decor Tips and Tricks

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If you’re handy with a paintbrush and super glue and love DIY home decor projects, continue reading to discover a list of fun DIY home decor projects.

DIY Home Decor Tips and Tricks:

1. Decorate plain photo frames with small pieces of glass in order to create mosaic photo frames

If you want to give your old, tired photo grames a new lease on life, you may be interested in using tiny pieces of different colored glass in order to create eye-catching mosaic photo frames. Just be sure to be careful with your hands when you try to DIY your own mosaic photo frames and to use a super glue which dries clear, in order to ensure that your finished products look professionally made.

Not only can you use DIY mosaic photo frames to decorate your framed photos and your artwork but you can also use DIY mosaic photo frames to decorate the frames which hold your important documents such as your degree or your wedding license.

2. Fill empty light bulbs with flowers, which you can hang around your home

If you love displaying fresh flowers in your home, you may be interested in filling empty light bulbs with single stem flowers, which you can then hang around your home. As an example, you may want to hang a line of six flower filled light bulbs from strings attached to a series of hooks, in your home office.

If you’re feeling particularly creative, you may also be interested in filling the bottom part of each lightbulb with decorative pebbles or gemstones. The latter of which are sure to sparkle in the sun. Alternatively, you can also use crystals to fill the bottom of your decorative light bulbs.

3. Place pump bottle lids on old bottles to create fun, makeshift soap dispensers

Instead of purchasing new soap dispensers for your master bathroom and secondary bathroom, simply place inexpensive pump bottle lids, which can be found on cheap spray bottles onto decorative glass bottles. As an example, you can turn a Jack Daniel’s bottle into the base of a new soap dispenser. Simply by placing an inexpensive pump bottle lid onto your washed out Jack Daniel’s bottle.

4. Display candles in mason jars

Another DIY decor idea which won’t negatively affect your bank balance is to choose to display pretty candles in mason jars. Which is a whole lot cheaper than purchasing candlestick holders.

5. Alternatively, consider placing pretty candles on vintage saucers

If you’re not a big fan of mason jars, you may be more excited by the idea of placing your candles on pretty vintage saucers, which you can pick up for a couple of dollars from your local thrift store or a nearby yard sale. As an example, if you love floral prints, you’ll be able to place a rose scented candle on a saucer which boasts a beautiful rose print.

So if you love making your own DIY home decor items, it’s well worth spending a few weekends handcrafting all five of the ideas listed above.

4 Worthwhile Lifestyle Tips

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If you want to learn how to save money, how to double the items in your closet and how to motivate yourself to work out on a regular basis, simply continue reading to discover a few fun lifestyle tips.

4 Worthwhile lifestyle tips:

1. Don’t be too shy to ask to borrow items from close friends and family members

If you want to be able to save more money to meet your goals such as embarking on an overseas adventure, it’s well worth asking trusted friends and family members to borrow items which you may only require once or twice.

As an example, if you’re booked flights for a business trip and don’t have the right sized suitcase, you may want to ask a close family member such as a sibling, parent or aunt or uncle if they have a suitcase which you can borrow. Alternatively, you may want to borrow books from friends, instead of purchasing them.

As often you can save hundreds of dollars, if you borrow items from your contact network, instead of purchasing items which you may only use a couple of times, for full price. Just be sure to return all the items which you borrow, in the same condition which you received them.

2. Swap your unwanted clothes with friends who are the same size

If you’re looking to update your wardrobe or simply make well-needed space in your closet, it’s a great idea to swap your unwanted clothes with friends who are roughly the same size. As a benefit, some of your friends may be willing to part with some items, which are just your style or which come from one of your favorite brands.

3. Purchase presents when major sales are on instead of paying full price for your gifts

Instead of waiting until the last minute to purchase gifts such as wedding gifts, Christmas gifts, anniversary gifts, and birthday gifts, it’s a great idea to put aside money to purchase gifts when major sales are taking place such as Black Friday. As that way, you’ll be able to purchase high-quality gifts for a fraction of the price, that you’d usually expect to pay for each item!

As an added bonus, if you purchase your presents, well in advance you won’t have to stress about finding gifts when important occasions such as family member’s birthdays approach. Which in turn will decrease your stress levels.

4. Get into the habit of wearing athletic outfits on a casual basis

Instead of saving your athletic outfits for your workouts, it’s also a great idea to wear your favorite athletic pieces such as shorts, tank tops, and leggings on a regular basis. As you’ll be far more likely to be motivated to complete a workout if you’re already in your workout clothes.

As let’s face it, on some days, it’s far too hard to get changed out of your everyday clothes into your workout clothes. Just be sure not to wear your favorite workout clothes to work!

If you follow the tips listed above, you’ll be sure to save money, double your closet and to work out on a regular basis.

Fun Budgeting Tips

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If you assumed that sitting down to create a monthly budget has to be a negative experience, think again! If you’re interested in making budgeting a positive, fun experience, simply continue reading to discover a few invaluable, fun budgeting tips.

Fun Budgeting Tips:

1. Try to see how much money you can save by trying to find generic versions of the items which you purchase on a regular basis

As an example, you may want to see how much money you can save at your local grocery store by purchasing unbranded versions of your favorite food items. As you may be surprised at just how much money you can save each money, if you stop purchasing overpriced branded items, in favor of high-quality generic brands.

2. Try to find free events and activities in your area to keep yourself entertained

One simple way to spend less money each month is to try and find free activities and events to keep your household thoroughly entertained. As an example, you may find out about free festivals in your city or free movies in your local park. Finding free activities and events in your area is a wonderful idea as you’ll start spending more time getting out of your house and exploring your town, city or community!

3. Choose a few new recipes to try out each week

If you’re interested in cutting back on your food budget and the number of meals which you eat out, it’s a fun idea to select a few new recipes to try out each week. As an example, instead of going out to a fancy restaurant for your weekly date night, you may want to try cooking a pumpkin risotto for your partner. As generally, it’s a lot cheaper to cook at home, than it is to eat out.

4. Pack exciting homemade lunches

If you’re looking to save money by packing a homemade lunch, instead of eating out on a workday, it’s also worth trying out new recipes, instead of eating the same sandwiches every day. As there is no reason why you can’t pack exciting lunches on a budget such as nachos, stir-fried rice, kebabs, hummus and crackers, and fruit salad.

As if you pack exciting, fun, lunches you’ll be far less tempted to purchase an expensive lunch from a cafe or takeaway restaurant.

5. Create a collage of experiences you want to have and items which you’d like to own

If you create a collage of the experiences you want to have, such as embarking on your first cruise or purchasing your first home, you’ll be far more likely to stick to your budget. As you’ll be reminded every day of why you’re trying to cut down on your expenses and to increase your savings.

Also be sure to add pictures of the items which you’d like to save up for too such as a new car or a new piece of clothing.

If you follow the five creative budgeting tips listed above, you should find that budgeting becomes a little more bearable.

How To Be An Entrepreneur

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If your business goal is to become a successful entrepreneur, continue reading to discover a handy guide on entrepreneurship.

How to be an entrepreneur:

1. Write a list of business-related tasks which you need to complete each day

If you find it somewhat challenging to keep on task and to work productively from your own home, it’s a great idea to compile daily lists of business tasks, which you need to complete. In order to ensure that you get closer to meeting your business goals, each day.

Just be sure to keep your daily lists realistic as if you put too many items on your to-do list, you may lose your motivation to complete your to-do list. Or may become overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks to complete.

Also make sure to start each list off, with the top 3 tasks which you want to prioritize. To ensure that your most pressing tasks are completed first.

2. Don’t be afraid to be flexible and to adapt your ideas

It’s well worth ensuring that you’re flexible and willing to adapt your ideas. As an example, if after releasing a new product, you receive feedback from your clients who all make the same suggestion, you may want to make the suggested change to your product. As it always pays to listen carefully to what your customers or clients have to say.

3. Consider finding yourself an experienced business mentor

Many successful businessmen and women, volunteer a few hours per week to act as business mentors for promising, up and coming entrepreneurs. So it’s a wise idea to see if you can get in contact with a business mentor who has at least a decade of experience in your chosen industry!

As an experienced business mentor will be able to share their wealth of business knowledge with you and to look over your business plans for you. Which is great as it’s always great to get a second opinion on your business plans!

4. Make sure to jot down any new ideas which you come up with, straight away

It’s well worth carrying around a pocket-sized notebook in order to write down any new business ideas or concepts which you may come up with. Alternatively, you can also text yourself new ideas to your own phone’s number or to write down your ideas in your smart phone’s note application.

If your smartphone doesn’t have a note application, you’ll be able to download a free note application, in just a few seconds. So there’s no excuse not to write down your business ideas.

5. Make sure to invest your initial profits straight back into your business

It’s also a great idea to invest all of your fledgling business’ initial profits straight back into your business. As the first few months and years of your business, will determine whether your business will last the test of time.

If you have your sights set on becoming a successful entrepreneur, it’s well worth using the handy guide listed above, to help you get started!

Amazing Travel Tips For Female Solo Travelers

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If you’re an adventurous solo female traveler and are looking for valuable tips on how to make the most out of your solo trips, continue reading to discover a few invaluable tips which have been designed specifically for solo female travelers.

Amazing travel tips for female solo travelers:

1. Research each destination before your scheduled departure date

It’s well worth spending a few hours researching each destination which you plan to visit before the departure date of your next overseas adventure!

As an example, it’s well worth trying to find out which neighborhoods, areas, and districts are generally safe to explore on your own and which areas you may want to avoid exploring, for your own safety.

Before you set out on your next trip, it’s also well worth researching safe ways to get around each destination. As an example, some cities may offer world-class public transportation, which you may feel comfortable using. While other cities may be safer to navigate by rental car.

2. Consider hiring a rental car, from time to time, to give yourself extra freedom

If you’re looking to get off the beaten tourist track and to explore attractions and sites which are a little off the beaten tourist track, it’s far more convenient to rent an inexpensive rental car than to try and catch public transportation or a cab, to the destinations which you plan on visiting.

Another major benefit of renting your own car is that if you ever feel unsafe in a particular area or situation, you’ll be able to leave straight away. Without having to worry about waiting for a bus or train to take you back to your accommodation.

3. Try to stay in popular, centrally located hotels

Instead of staying at a cheap hotel on the outskirts of an unfamiliar town, it’s a far wiser idea to opt to stay in popular, centrally located hotels in brightly lit areas. As if you return home late night from a festival, show or dinner, you’ll be able to safely and confidently make your way back to your hotel.

4. Place your keys or key cards in two different pockets

Most hotels will give you two keys or key cards, in order to ensure that you don’t look yourself out of your accommodation when your hotel’s reception desk closes for the night, it’s a great idea to place each of your keys in a different pocket.

As an example, you may want to place one key in a concealed pocket in your jacket and your second key in a pocket inside your backpack, wallet or handbag.

5. Don’t meet up with strangers who you met online

While you can opt to meet a stranger in real life, who you’ve met online if you have spent years talking to them and feel comfortable meeting up in real life, it’s a great idea to avoid meeting men who you’ve met on dating apps in real life. As you don’t want to meet a dangerous stranger in a foreign city, that they know and which you won’t be able to navigate as well.

Hopefully, you’ve found at least one tip which will make your next solo adventure a little bit safer. As it’s important to take extra precautions to stay safe when you travel on your own!