Author: Lila Adams

Contributing Writer

Typical Sunday Health Routines We Get From Our Parents

Parents instill many values, ideas, and habits in their children. Whether you’re actively aware of this or not, as you grow up, sometimes you end up being quite similar to the people who raised you. With this in mind, the typical Sunday routine is different for every family, but it’s likely that you picked up some habits for this special day of the week from your parents along the way. Here are just a few Sunday habits that many of us picked up from our parents.

Going to Church

One habit that many pick up from their parents is heading to church on a Sunday morning. As children, lots of families get up on Sunday morning and put on their best clothing to go to church with their families. It makes sense that if religion was a big part of your upbringing you’ll bring that aspect of the weekend into your adult life, too. If you’re looking for other ways to get back into this habit during the pandemic, consider adult Sunday school. Through this kind of Bible study, you can study Scripture, attend class from the comfort of your home, and still fellowship with your faith community like you always have. An adult Sunday school class is your way of becoming more connected with your spiritual health and God’s grace over the weekend.

Neve Missing the Football Game

One incredible memory that many have from their childhood is sitting around the tv cheering on your favorite football team. Nothing was more exciting as a child than putting on your team’s gear, surrounded by your family, and watching Sunday football. When it comes to our health, family time is a great way to strengthen bonds and care for your emotional well-being because you’re making time for relaxation and time for those you love. Though watching football might not seem like a dedication to health, it’s a simple way to promote family bonding for the entire family.

Preparing Your Medication and Supplements

In regards to your health, this is something you might’ve seen your parents do every Sunday. Many folks get their medications, vitamins, and supplements prepared for the week ahead, and maybe you picked up this habit as well. If you take prescription drugs throughout the week, you should look into getting prescription savings. Everyday health services already rack up many costs, so it’s helpful to find discount programs that alleviate the out of pocket costs of your prescriptions. One of these discount companies for prescription medications is America’s Pharmacy. This incredible tool can cut your costs at the pharmacy by up to 80%. All you have to do is sign up for a free discount card and show this at your to get the discounted price. This way, you can save money and continue this healthy and necessary habit which makes taking your medication during the week easy.

Cleaning and Organizing

For many families, Sundays are a day to reset before the week and everyday life comes barreling in again. For many, this means tidying up around the house before the week. When you were younger, it’s likely you had chores like putting away all of your laundry, helping prepare meals in the kitchen, or assisting with some yardwork. No matter the chore, getting in some physical activity and getting prepared relieves stress during the week, which also helps your mental health. In fact, it’s reported that feeling prepared for the week is one of the key factors in feeling more relaxed as the days pass. It’s kind of like starting on the right foot for the week, instead of starting feeling bogged down and stressed about what will need to get done. By following through with this healthy Sunday habit your parents instilled in you, you’re sure to feel calm and collected to take on the rest of your week.

6 Ways to Transform an Old House Into a Home

Whether an old house is simply more affordable than a new one, or it is just more exciting to fix up, there are plenty of homeowners looking to transform their properties into the home of their dreams. Learning how to do a great job with a fixer-upper can be quite difficult, though, especially if you don’t have years of experience renovating houses. If you have an old house that needs to be remodeled to transform it into your vision, here are six ways to transform an old house into a home.

img

From a House to a Home

1. Clear Out Debris and Pests

There is a major difference between an old home and one that has been abandoned or neglected for a number of years. In either situation, the best way to get started is to focus on clearing out debris and dealing with pest problems, such as insects like cockroaches and earwigs and larger pests like rodents. Clearing out your house of any trash or dirt can help you get into the right mindset as you prepare for some of the bigger projects that you will be tackling later on.

On the other hand, pests can be a major hassle. You may find yourself dealing with a small but problematic pest infestation that could include the following pests:

  • Centipedes or millipedes
  • Mosquitos
  • Silverfish
  • Spiders
  • Cockroaches
  • Wasps
  • Bed bugs
  • Termites
  • Ants
  • Fleas
  • Rodents

If you find yourself with any of the above home pest issues, reach out to a residential pest control company who can successfully clear your house and provide you with the peace of mind you need in your new home.

2. Focus on Improving Worn-Down Areas

While some large renovations may make your list, you may only need to touch up some areas that show signs of wear. Whether this is a certain area of flooring within the house, areas like baseboards or the wood on staircases, or peeling paint and wallpaper, show these sections some love and spruce them up to make them look like the other areas of the house. The extent of these repairs will depend on how much of the old design you want to keep and what you want to change completely. With every improvement you make, your old house will begin to look and feel like a home.

3. Repair or Replace Old Appliances

Appliances are arguably some of the most impactful assets in a house, as changing them out will completely change the look of your kitchen and other areas. For example, if you have the original oven or stove (in good condition) and can find a matching refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher to go with these old appliances, you can easily keep sections of the house as-is. Additionally, you may be able to hire a technician or appliance repair company in your area like Oregon Appliance Repair to help you restore older appliances to working condition.

4. Tackle the Biggest Projects Before Starting on the Small Details

Each room of the house will most likely require your attention; however, long before you begin going from room to room working on them, you should tackle some of the larger projects that may get in the way. For example, taking care of the roofing, replacing the windows, or removing portions of the house will take precedence over smaller projects you may have. Make sure to handle these projects before you begin working on the inside of your home. Just make sure that you take overall aesthetic into consideration when you are redoing these larger areas.

5. Give Your House a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint brings color and life to whatever wall it is placed on. Unless you need to keep a certain set of wallpaper in a room, look for swatches that would either bring new life to the original color or completely reinvent the room to meet your personal needs. With just a little bit of paint, you can have a whole new room by the next day.

6. Make the Most of Your Space With New Furniture and Decorations

The furniture that you choose to fill your home with sets the tone in each area. For some sections, you may want to redesign a room with a modern look to improve both its style and its functionality. In other rooms, you may want to match the style that was in the original house by filling it with antique furniture and decorations. Take some time to build a vision of what you see for your new house and how you can make that vision possible.

Taking an old house and transforming it into a dream home is no easy feat, but it is possible. If you are looking to renovate your old home, use the six tips above to get started!

What’s the Best Way to Pay for Home Improvements?

If you are ready to make some improvements to your home, the cost is likely at the top of your mind. Some improvements may be cosmetic things that you have saved up for. However, other home improvements, such as foundation repair or a new roof, are vitally important to your home and can prevent you from having more expensive repairs or updates later on. If you are stressed about funding the project, it may cause you to put the needed repairs off until it is too late. If you want to learn about some of the best ways to pay for your home improvements, keep reading for some options to consider. 

Look into getting approved for a loan

One of the easiest ways to finance your home improvements is to apply for and get approved for a loan. If your credit score is high, you should have no problem being approved for a home improvement loan with a low-interest rate. Although, you still have options even if you do not have a great credit score. There are some installment loans with no credit check in Canada and other countries. Always do your research to see what is out there for your country. These types of installment loans are best for smaller amounts of money, typically under $1000. Getting a loan for your home improvements allows you to pay for needed updates, repairs, or additions while maintaining flexibility with your money.

Putting the total on your credit card

While not an ideal option, you have the choice of putting your home improvement costs on a credit card. Be careful with this option, though, as credit cards often have higher interest rates than most traditional loans. However, the benefit of using a credit card is that you could accrue mileage points or rewards, and you do not have to fill out any applications, which could cause a hard pull on your credit report. If you choose to use a credit card, always make sure to do your research and make sure it is the best option for you.

Using your savings for interest-free payments

If you have the assets, it may be in your best interest to pay for your home improvements using the money in your savings account. If you pay out of pocket, you avoid any interest you may end up paying with a credit card or home loan. This means that you will pay less for your home improvement than you would otherwise because you will not be charged an additional percentage each month. This could be especially beneficial if you do not have the best credit history because you avoid having to get an interest rate at all. Interest rates for loans are typically better for those with excellent credit than they are for those with poor credit scores. 

Investing in cost-saving home improvements and updates

Something you may not have considered when thinking about your upcoming home improvement projects is how to actually save money long term by making certain updates or substitutions to your home. Consider researching some energy-efficient options for your home so that you can save money on energy bills in the future. For instance, if your household’s monthly energy bill is more than $75, you may be a good candidate for residential solar panels. Not only are solar panels energy efficient, but they also produce a cleaner energy alternative to traditional fuels. You may also want to consider “low flow” faucets, bettering your home’s insulation to maintain temperatures, and weather-stripping your windows. All of these things will help you save money on your utility bills, which is more money in your pocket for the future.

5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer in 2019

You’ve turned on the alarm. Triple-checked the locks. Left a few lights or the TV on to trick potential intruders into thinking someone’s home. The house is safe now, right? 

Yes, it might be. But let’s think outside the box a little: home safety, for the most part, is linked to warding off burglars. While that’s the main reason why homeowners do all of the above, they should also remember that their own home is where the greatest accident risk is—even when there’s no thief visible. 

Truth is, there are more great ways to watch out for your home’s security, some of which you haven’t yet considered and could save your family from harm. We’ve listed a few of them below:

Substitute Blind Cords For Motorized Windows

You’ve probably heard: if you have children, blind cords can be deadly. 12 percent of kids can get caught in blind cords and the consequences are lethal. Even if you’re a stay-at-home mom, it’s improbable that you’ll be able to watch your kids without interruption. 

In this case, your best alternative is to consider motorized window treatments instead of blinds. They not only eliminate dangers for small kids but also reduce the accumulation of dust, making them an ideal choice for little ones and those susceptible to allergies. 

Choose Railings Made Of Stainless Steel

Whether on staircases or balconies, railings are undoubtedly the best way to prevent falls. Depending on the material you choose, you could also be preventing your family from toxin exposure. Let us explain:

When giving your home a paint job (and that includes railings), the characteristic strong paint smell shouldn’t be your only concern. Traditional paints release certain volatile chemicals—also called volatile organic compounds—that remain in the ambient even years after a paint job, contrary to the odor. These compounds can be harmful to the health of whoever’s in the house. 

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is durable and rust-proof. That means it’s your best choice for indoor or outdoor railings, regardless of weather conditions. You can do your best research by googling “stainless steel railings company near me”.

Have A Comprehensive Fire Escape Plan

Preventing home fires can be tricky. Even if you have installed smoke alarms, the fact that they’ll work when you need them the most isn’t a certainty seeing that, in a period of three years, 23 percent of fire-related deaths happened in homes where fire alarms didn’t work correctly. 

Of course, alarms are essential and so are fire extinguishers in strategic places. Speaking of strategy, you should create an uncomplicated fire escape plan for the whole family and conduct a monthly fire drill—this will make sure everybody knows how to escape in the case of a real situation, especially children. 

Automate Your Home

Just like smartphones, we can now have smart locks and smart lights in our homes. 

Home automation can put simple yet easily forgettable activities in the palm of your hands. You no longer need to wrack your brain trying to remember if you locked the front door—when in doubt, just check an app on your cellphone. If it’s unlocked, solve your problem with a click. 

Noticed suspicious activity in the backyard at night? Don’t put your life at risk by going out there. Simply turn on the lights without leaving where you are. If there’s an intruder, they’ll likely panic and go away.

Learn Everything You Can About Personal Safety

It doesn’t matter how convinced you are that nothing bad can happen in your home; taking some time to learn CPR and the Heimlich maneuver is always a good idea. You need to be prepared for life-threatening situations such as witnessing a loved one choking or drowning in a pool. These kinds of problems require fast thinking and acting, therefore you should already be aware of what to do to save a life. 

The only way to create a truly safe household is to see safety issues from all angles. From fending off intruders to avoiding tragic accidents, be sure to prevent all concerns from the inside out.

Lucrative Business Ideas to Start in 2020

A new year usually comes with a renewed spirit, new expectations, and new opportunities for growth. And for someone starting a new business, this is a great time to begin—a time when the resolution is still fresh, leaving a burning desire to begin. If you are in this category, then you’re in luck, this article talks about just that. 

Before you begin, you have to decide what type of business you wish to start. Some businesses are evergreen and can be adopted at any point, while others are seasonal or outdated. Here is a list of lucrative business ideas that you can start in 2020.

eCommerce

New technologies and progress in internet facilities have made e-commerce easier and more effective than it was before. You can now reach a wider audience, and sell anything from mainstream products to custom and vintage antiques, and even digital products like e-books. When it comes to digital products, you don’t have to store inventory or ship anything, and you only have to create your product once and sit back and watch it make money for you even while you sleep.

You can also sell physical products but skip the hassle of inventory, storage, and even shipping—it’s called dropshipping. Dropshipping has grown massively popular over the past few years because of the many benefits the business model offers over regular e-commerce stores. Once you have suppliers all you need to worry about is marketing and customer support.

Your e-commerce store could also offer services. If you do not offer them yourself you can partner with local stores that do. For example, if you sell phones in your e-commerce store, you could partner with a phone repair service to fix phones in the local area. You can then optimize your site to come up whenever a potential customer Googles “iPhone repair near me.” 

Automobile Retail

This may sound like a scary one, but the retail of automobile cars can prove lucrative if you know what you’re doing. The first trick to avoid huge startup costs is to sell used cars. Used cars are more frequently bought than new cars both in the US and several other countries. With used cars, you get to skip all the extra costs and conditions associated with the sales of new cars.

Another great trick of this industry is that you can find businesses that sell cars used cars wholesale at dealer prices (which means lower than usual) to get a steady supply from. Some of the better wholesalers like Auto Auction mall can even help ship a car from USA to Nigeria. That’s how far their reach is. You can be a business in Australia, England, Canada or Nigeria and still access this service.

Virtual Call Center

As long as there are businesses there will be customers who have complaints and who need help. You can cash in on this by starting a virtual call center. All you need is a good laptop, a stable internet connection, a wireless receiver, and call center software. You can handle customer care for businesses, inbound or outbound sales calls, and other customer-related problems.

The call center software you use is important in this line of business as its features could either make your job easier or frustrating. For example, Bright Pattern’s call center software enables you to run an AI call center. They do this by combining the power of artificial intelligence with their cloud services to automate tasks that you would normally have to do, thereby increasing speed and the number of customers you can attend. All this results in higher productivity which means more money in your pocket.