Why Is There No Room In My Kitchen?

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in a home. It can be irritating to feel as if there is barely enough room to turn around. Below are a few inexpensive ways you can make this area of the home seem bigger and more open.

Minimalist Living

Cluttered countertops and every conceivable kitchen gadget is the nightmare of every minimalist. Cramped spaces are the worst areas to add a bunch of items to. It makes it seem even smaller and less user-friendly. Maybe it is time to become less attached to stuff and sort through what is really necessary. Finding eighteen serving spoons and three cutting boards might be why you feel so cramped in the kitchen.

Getting Rid of Redundancy

Having a toaster and a toaster oven is almost funny. They can both make toast. A 12-cup coffee maker sits next to a single cup brewing machine. Which do you use more? Two drawers full of utensils might be a bit much if you have a family of fewer than 20 people. You see the picture developing. Making more space will mean getting rid of a few things. Donate the extras to a charity thrift store, or hold a garage sale.

Switch to Smaller Appliances

Large double door refrigerators with in-door icemakers are nice if you have a lot of people at home, but it is taking up valuable space for one or two person homes. Having the biggest microwave on the block does nothing but eat more energy and take up incredible amounts of counter space. Little ways of trimming back on appliance size can make the room seem more spacious.

Wall Ovens and Cooktops

Get rid of a traditional stove and go with a quality cooktop and wall oven. You will add a decent amount of square footage to the room. You can add the cooktop to a kitchen island. You will have a lot of versatility in where these are placed, which can provide the prime opportunity for giving the room a more open feel.

Trim Down and Add Countertop Space

Once you have eliminated all of the unneeded items and downsized the appliances, if possible, you can use the extra space to add storage and countertops. Your kitchen will be nearly unrecognizable without clutter and stuff. It is an inexpensive way to completely give your kitchen a facelift.

Contact specialists like Sub Zero Service Center for all of your Miami Sub Zero repair and to find out about durable smaller appliances today!

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Help Your Baby Stay Comfortable and Secure

Comfortable babies are happy babies. They tend to sleep better and fuss less when their stomachs are full, diapers are clean, clothes are soft, and blankets are cozy.

Comfort and Communication

When babies are uncomfortable, they let their caregivers know. They cry, fuss, whimper, and whine until someone comes along and provides comfort. It’s nature’s way of protecting them. An infant’s ability to communicate her discomfort allows her parents to provide timely care, which promotes trust and helps prevent illness and injury.

While parents want their babies to let them know when something’s wrong, most would probably prefer to prevent their children from becoming upset in the first place. This isn’t always possible; babies are going to wet their diapers and get hungry.

However, parents can sometimes ward off fussiness and upset by dressing their babies in snug clothing and using soft, cozy blankets. A baby’s skin is delicate, so it’s important to use fabrics and materials that won’t irritate it. Itchy, inflamed skin will keep an otherwise happy baby fussy, sleepless, and miserable.

Organic Materials

It’s smart to use blankets and clothing made from organic cotton.

Organic cotton is breathable, soft, smooth, and pure. Organic fabrics may help alleviate eczema symptoms and other skin conditions.

Choosing organic fabrics is environmentally responsible. Many of the pesticides and fertilizers used to treat cotton pollute the air and water supply. Organic cotton is grown without the use of these pesticides and fertilizers. This helps sustain a healthy environment. Buy baby comforters and other items made from organic cotton to help ensure a healthy future for your child.

Self-Soothe

Infants don’t have the ability to self-soothe when they’re born. They’re reliant on their caregivers to help them settle. As they grow older, they learn ways to calm themselves. Some of them suck their thumbs. Others rely on a comfort object, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, to relax.

Gaining the ability to self-soothe is an important developmental milestone, and it gives parents a much-needed reprieve because it helps babies put themselves back to sleep at night.

Comfort Objects

There’s a surprising amount of controversy surrounding the use of comfort objects. Some people believe young children shouldn’t use them at all. They fear they’ll become too reliant on them. Others think they should only be used at home and not at daycare or in other social settings.

However, there’s plenty of research that says there’s nothing wrong with allowing children to use a blanket or stuffed animal to self-soothe. In fact, children that use a comfort object may be better able to self-regulate even when they don’t have access to the object than children that don’t use one.

Takeaway

Keeping babies comfortable isn’t always easy, but there are things you can do to help them stay happy and calm. Other than making sure their diapers are clean and stomachs are full, you can supply them with blankets and clothing free of chemical irritants that may aggravate their skin. Encouraging them to carry a small, soft blanket can help them learn to self-soothe, which is an important developmental milestone. Providing babies with the care and tools they need for healthy development leads to a strong child that will thrive in almost any environment.

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The Five Benefits of Visiting a Pet Spa

There are many pet owners who schedule regular appointments at their local pet spa in Plymouth MI. You may be thinking of scheduling an appointment for your own pet. A pet spa offers a day of cleaning, grooming and relaxing for your four-legged friend. Here are five benefits of visiting a pet spa with your dog or cat.

Keeps Their Coat and Skin Healthy: The Spa Bath, Spa Groom, Hypoallergenic Treatment and Shed Reducing Treatment are designed to keep their coat and skin healthy. You can have their nails trimmed and ears cleaned to prevent an infection. A visit to the pet spa can also lead to a flea or tick treatment.

Early Detection of Health Issues: A regular visit to the pet spa can result in early detection of issues with their skin, ears and teeth. Your groomer can spot signs such as skin lesions, bald patches and gum discoloration. You can schedule an appointment with the veterinarian before their condition becomes too serious.

Releases Stress and Promotes Relaxation: Your pets do feel stress, tension and anxiety, and a day at the pet spa can help reduce those negative feelings. The staff uses pet-friendly products to massage and clean your pet, and the treatment may include aromatherapy or moisturizing bubbles to help them relax. A bath or grooming session may include a massage, but you can also schedule a separate massage session for your pet.

Uses Pet-Friendly Treatments To Deodorize Your Pet: It is no secret that some pets develop an odor after a day of playing and grooming themselves. A pet groomer can eliminate those odors with pet-friendly treatments such as the Spa Bath. The pet spa may also offer a de-skunking treatment to remove the odors from an unpleasant situation.

Your Pet Looks and Feels Great: Your pet is sure to feel great after a day at the pet spa. Their hair is untangled, teeth are brushed and nails are trimmed. The treatments also repair a damaged coat, remove dirt and reduce tension. Your pet looks amazing with clean ears, healthy skin and a shiny coat. 

A visit to the pet spa involves more than just bathing your pet and styling their coat. The staff uses pet-friendly products to deodorize your pet, help them relax and detect health issues. It is important to schedule regular appointments with your local pet spa.

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Why You Should Dump Low-Quality Computer Chairs

Being tied to a computer and desk all day might be fine if the chair available did not cause more pain and discomfort than what is often tolerable. Making a dramatic change to a more comfortable, back-friendly version could be all it takes to improve the health of your existing employees. 

How many hours are spent sedentary?

Many types of office jobs require an employee to be stationed at a desk for hours at a time. Sedentary lifestyles are shown to bring about a whole host of bad health problems. It can be anything from increased risks of heart disease, to type 2 diabetes. Having the right equipment around will help your employees feel less stressed. Decreases in stress help boost the immune system.

Poor Back Support and Increased Pain

When the back is not properly supported, especially during tasks that require large amounts of time sitting, this can lead to chronic pain. There is no way to gauge exactly how many hours of work are lost each year to chronic back pain due to poor sitting posture. The number would most likely be an eye-opener. Guarding the health of your employees will help build employee loyalty.

Low-Quality Computer Chairs and Poor Blood Circulation

Computer chairs of extremely low-quality are hard to adjust and can cause leg cramping, muscle pinching, and poor blood circulation. This is another set-up for lost work days for employees that feel the effects of poorly selected office equipment. Investing in more comfortable chairs can improve performance and attendance.

Increased Energy from Adequate Body Support

Eating healthy and getting plenty of rest is beneficial to improved health and work performance, but there is much that can be gained by providing adequate body support with desk jobs. Employees tend to feel more energetic and enthusiastic about their job. 

Better Savings Through Wholesale Pricing

You can get high-quality wholesale computer chairs at the most competitive prices by buying in bulk quantities. You can begin to reap the rewards of happier and healthier employees right away. It might be time to sump the old chairs and start fresh, with a product that is designed to keep people comfortable for hours on end.

Contact computer chair specialists like Office Furniture Direct and get a quote to replace your worn out versions today!

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Golden October - Autumn Is Here!

With October comes the fresh, crisp, chilly breeze of Autumn. Trees begin to tranform in color in wonderful hues of yellows, oranges and golds, very apt for the Germans term "goldener Oktober".

In October, we still get to enjoy some sunny weather, perfect to enjoy the colors of the autumn season outdoors. So while the weather is still nice, a day out with the family is definitely a must! So grab those hiking boots and walking sticks, warm drinks and happy spirits and enjoy the golden landscape.

Because when November comes, the cold winds will blow the golden colors away, bringing with it rain and dark skies, making way for the winter that is to come.

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Five Types of Gift Baskets For That Special Occasion

Birthdays, anniversaries and milestones are great reasons to surprise your recipient with a gift basket. Every gift basket comes in a theme to fit their interests, occupation or the occasion itself. The delicious treats and fun items work together to create the perfect theme. Here are five types of gift baskets to buy now for that special occasion.

Gourmet Gift Baskets: A gourmet gift basket is full of products ranging from cheese and crackers to tea and coffee. The gourmet baskets come in themes such as baking, pizza or wine and cheese. One example is the First Class Gourmet Gift Basket, which includes crackers, cheese spread, pretzels and hot cocoa mix. 

Wine Gift Baskets: You can find products such as wine glace, coasters and snacks inside a wine gift basket. The Wine and Cheese Gift Basket is full of tasty treats and practical gifts, including the seasonal drinks, wine glace, crackers, cheese spread, coasters and cheese board.

Corporate Gift Baskets: Corporate gift baskets include the necessities your recipient needs to get through the work day or celebrate a milestone. One example is the Ritz Corporate Gourmet Gift Basket. It is full of high end treats such as tea, cookies, cheese spread, caviar and crackers.

Kids and Baby Gifts: A gift basket is a fun way to surprise a child who is celebrating their birthday or recovering from an illness. You can also surprise expectant parents with a gift basket at their baby shower. Cheer up a sick child with the adorable Plush Doctor's Kit with Bear Patient. It features the kit, plush teddy bear, sugar cookie and bag. The Neutral Baby Shower Clothesline Baby Gift Basket is perfect for baby showers, and it includes a burp cloth, terry bib, wrist rattle and clothing for the baby.

Care Packages: A care package is a great way to let your recipient know you are thinking of them. Give them a smile and full stomach with the Pizza and Munchies Care Package. It comes with the pizza crust mix and classic pizza sauce to make a delicious dinner. The basket also includes five bags of chips, such as Doritos and Fritos.

You can add a personal touch to your basket with a hand written message. The gifts are arranged at the time of your order to ensure everything is fresh, and the contents are arranged inside a reusable container. Your recipient is sure to smile when they receive a basket full of snacks and gourmet treats.

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Professional Property Management

If your business is seeking commercial property management Phoenix area locations or any Phoenix Valley neighborhoods, an experienced full service management company can take either full control of the property handling all the day-to-day activities including coordinating maintenance and repairs, or they can just market and lease the property for you and have whatever other part-time duties you assign them. 

You can self-manage what you want to personally handle.  However, if you want to free up your time or want to expand your purchase of other properties, hiring a property management company will prove to be a smart, time-effective, and cost-effective investment.

Choose a property management company that is specifically dedicated to and well-qualified in commercial property management or which has a team devoted only to commercial projects. Contact those that interest you for descriptive details as to what they provide and ask for a free quote. 

They will tailor a services package to fit your specific property's needs, no matter what size and type it is. Once hired, they will inspect the property, do comparative market analyses and take photographs, have a thorough screening process to find the right tenants including credit and criminal background checks, collect rents and make direct deposits of rents to your account, handle lease compliance and enforcement as well as legal action and eviction if needed, comply with any regulatons, do the accounting and provide financial statements, help with asset management, and other important services.

When you review the contract, make sure you understand what tasks and exact costs are included in the  fee, be sure there are no excessive additional potential charges, and discuss that your goals and the goals of the team are aligned with each other. 

Also, make sure that the management team is known to be friendly and attentive as well as  professional in the treatment of your tenants because the members of the team will be representing you. You want to keep those tenants happy, so use good interview techniques on the people on that team.  

Paramount Property Management and Realty is a fine example of a company that you can depend on. It has a mission to provide  the most trusted and dedicated property management in Phoenix and its surrounding cities and to insure the clients' complete satisfaction.  

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Passport Renewal at the Philippine Embassy

Last week, we received a letter from the Immigration Office reminding us that our daughter's passport is about to expire and that we are obliged to submit a copy of the extension of the existing passport or furnish them a copy of the new one.

Oh no! I totally forgot about this! Good thing they reminded us because we have only less than two month's time to get a new passport and we are also travelling to the Philippines in a few days. Whew! That was close!

I prepared the documents that they will be needing beforehand to facilitate a speedy processing. The official website of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin also lists the requirements. 

For a simple renewal of passport, without name change, these are: 

1. Filled-up passport application form (Download form here.)
2. Current passport and photocopy of passport information page 
3. Current German residency permit (Aufenthaltstitel) and photocopy of the permit 
4. Photocopy of valid visa page (if any) of the passport 
5. Passport fee €54,00 payable only in cash 
6. For applicants who wish to collect their new passport by mail: A self-addressed return envelope with €3,95 in stamps for registered mail. I bought the stamp online via the Deutsche Post eFiliale website and printed it on sticker paper since I had no more time to buy one at the post office. 

Because it takes about 8 - 12 weeks before the new passport will arrive, we also had my daughter's existing passport extended. For this, we had to fill up an additional request form and pay €18,00. The form can also be found at the Embassy's website.

And so off they went to Berlin last Thursday to renew the passport. It was quick. It took them only less than an hour to submit the application, her my daughter's photo and biometrics taken and she had her old passport extended until 2019.

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Investing in Recycled Materials for Your Business

Scientific studies continue to prove that industries of all types today take their toll on the environment.  Manufacturers, factories, construction crews, and many other types of businesses leave behind large footprints in their bid to serve their clients each day.  

When you cannot help the impact that your own business takes on the environment, you may want to do your part to minimize the damage by investing in recycled materials and supplies.  You can take a small yet meaningful step by purchasing recycled fixtures, wholesale wiping rags made out of reclaimed fabrics, and up cycled products to use in your everyday operations.

High-quality Rags

Even the smallest and most insignificant of supplies like cleaning rags can impact the damage you inflict on the environment.  If you purchase new rags that are made out of resources like cotton, you inadvertently leave a bigger eco footprint.  After all, the production of cotton comes at the expense of soil and water that otherwise could be left alone or put to better use.

However, when you invest in recycled or reclaimed materials, you avoid putting that kind of stress on the environment and instead leave behind a less noticeable footprint.  The rags for sale on the website help you accomplish that eco-friendly goal.  They are also made from the highest quality reclaimed materials so they give you a good return on your investment.

You can find wholesale wipe rags in plain white or an assortment of colors.  You can select the color, size, and style that best accommodate the function of your business.  They are built to last for weeks or months without wearing out and having to replaced.

They also are priced lower than new wiping rags because they are made out of reclaimed material.  You avoid overspending your budget and also have more money left in your cash flow at the end of the month.  You can find out more about ordering and pricing by visiting the company's website today.

The website also sells other products that can benefit your company.  All of the products are designed to enhance the eco-friendly nature of your business.

The smallest of gestures can have a big impact on how your business impacts the environment. When you want to avoid wasting resources or negatively impacting the soil and water, you can maintain your operations by choosing up cycled reclaimed materials for your company today.

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Missing The Mountains

It has been a while since we as a family went on a hiking trip. I miss smelling the fresh air, the grass that would gently graze our legs as we pass through narrow trails amidst green fields, the surprising and sometimes challenging ascents and descents that we encounter along the way, the breathtaking view at the summit or at our end destination, how it allows us to just empty our minds of the mundane and busy world that we left behind and just enjoy the presence of one another despite the occassional whining and complaining. :) Walking trails always gives us that sense of stillness and peace, leaving us in awe at the majesty and beauty our eyes can behold. 

Following the king's trail during a hiking trip
a couple of years ago in Schwangau, Bavaria.

However, due to circumstances beyond our control, traveling for this purpose at the time being is difficult to make. But I remain hopeful and positive that one day, all shall be well again... things will go back to normal and we could once again help ourselves to a day or two of hiking in the mountains.

The mountains beckon... and we will be there, SOON!

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6 Fun Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for Holidays

The big holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, are lumped together towards the end of the year, which gives you minimum time to prepare. However, if you love planning for ALL holidays, this short guide offers up some fun tips to getting your home celebration-ready. 

Pick Your Favorite Holidays to Celebrate

There are dozens of great holidays to choose from, such as Valentines, Memorial Day, and of course, Halloween. However, each decorator has their own preferences, so you need to realize and decorate for the ones you love. 

Decide What Makes Each Holidays Great to You

Do you love Saint Patrick’s Day? Or, how about Easter? Whichever holiday is a go-to, you should create a list of the things that make these holidays great to you. For example, if you love a more obscure holiday, like the Summer Solstice, deck your home in summery colors, breezy fabrics, and DIY sunshine crafts [courtesy of your kiddos].

Change the Temperatures for an Inviting Environment

Holidays correspond with the changing seasons. For instance, it’s always cold for Christmas in the United States, so fill your home with welcoming warmth from a heater or fireplace. Or, in the case of a hotter-than-hot Easter Sunday, crank up the AC for a chilled home atmosphere. Always keep ahead of your home atmosphere by investing in foundation repair services Cleveland Ohio at least once a year. For your holidays to be happy, your home needs to be in tip-top shape. 

Bring Nature Indoors

For every holiday, there is something in nature to go along with it. Example? Snag some pumpkins for Halloween, bring on the apples for Thanksgiving, and pick some beautiful flowers for Valentine’s Day. Decorate with elements of nature, because these components are natural mood boosters and atmospheric enhancers. 

Use Peel-Off Window Clings and Glass Door Decals

Window clings are available at almost any retail store, especially around the holidays. Kids love them! Grab a couple of sheets of holiday-themed window clings, pick a smooth, clean surface, and stick em’ where you can. They peel right off again when the celebrations are over. 

Throw a Themed Party or Two

For party-throwers and party-goers, holidays present a new chance to get together with friends and loved ones. Pick a holiday, and throw an epic bash with the people you care about. Break out the punch bowls, make fun themed snacks, and invite your guests to wear holiday-appropriate attire, like costumes for Halloween. 

Holidays can be so much fun for those that love both celebrations and interior décor. Make sure your next holiday is celebrated in style with methods taken from the aforementioned design tips. 

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The Many Rewards Of Hiring An HVAC Technician

Heating, ventilation, and cooling technicians are readily available with a quick phone call. The majority of technicians make themselves available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week because that's exactly when heating and cooling problems might occur. This type of equipment doesn't break down on a schedule or during business hours. There's a good reason that these types of services are considered important enough to offer them 24-hours a day. When a problem happens with heating, ventilation or cooling, health can be at stake.

Take for example a household that has people who are very old or very young. Infants and the elderly often have bad reactions to extreme hot or cold. Heat strokes are a real possibility on very hot days for people who are elderly. A heating or cooling unit malfunctioning is an actual health emergency and most HVAC technicians view it as such.

Some people try makeshift solutions or try to do their best to work through a malfunctioning unit, but that is only doing more damage in the long run. When you have a good HVAC tech on-call, you have a valuable ally in the war against discomfort at home. If you have very young or very old people in your household, or people with certain health conditions, you have someone who is willing to come into your home and immediately fix something that could be a health hazard. HVAC jobs in Hampton Roads keeps people in that area safe, sound, and comfortable in their own homes.

It's best to establish a relationship with a licensed HVAC tech and to make sure that they have all the education they need to be up to date on the latest equipment and maintenance necessary for those systems. Most HVAC techs have a portfolio that will highlight the work they've done in the past and emphasize why they're the right person for the job. They will detail their education and let you know exactly what they're passionate about in the field. 

Most of all, they will be personable and pleasant to deal with, with up front quotes and plenty of willingness to negotiate on price, depending on your circumstances. They'll assess the situation and get the job done quickly. The reward of having a good HVAC technician on call is that you know you always have someone willing to fix your heating and cooling unit and make sure your family is as safe and comfortable as possible.

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Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

One of the most photographed places in the world, Riomaggiore is indeeed a postcard-perfect place with its multi-storied colorful houses sitting on a cliff, overlooking the Ligurian Riviera. Painted in the tones of red, orange, yellow, violet, every building has its own charm.

Taking the train from La Spezia, our first stop was Riomaggiore. A wider (than standard "Cinque Terre street") main street  leads you through the village down to the sea. A numerous variety of shops, restauranrs, bars, cafes and gelaterias line up the streets. Colorful boats on the docks are a typical sight, and there are also local boats that do tours, taking you from one village to the next.

The food - with its selection on fresh seafoods, was something that we really emjoyed. It was a bit pricey but it was worth it nonetheless. In the peak seasons, expect long lines - better reserve in advance so you can enjoy your meal. :)

We just basked in the sun after our sumptuous lunch, enjoying watching the many throngs of tourists as they rush and squeeze in to have their photos taken. All of these while enjoying our gelato until it was time to move on to the next village.

Ah, Riomaggiore... we will come back again!

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How to Baby-proof Your Homes

Most parents would be shocked to know that the biggest threat to the safety of their babies and small children are the threats found in their homes. Stranger abduction and violence pale in comparison. The best thing any parent can do is to address those seemingly harmless threats that lurk around the home and fix them before they become dangerous.

Take a Look Around

Your baby or small child doesn't view life at your eye level. In order to better understand the threats that your little one faces you must view the world the way the little one does. Get down on all fours and look around. What do you see? Paper clips, bug spray, assessable cabinets, they all represent grave dangers to a child. Locate the dangers at your child's level and rectify them.

Furniture, Fixtures, and Outlets

The things you least expect to be dangerous represent real threats to your little one. Furniture and bookshelves can tip over and outlets can shock curious little fingers. It's important that you stabilize these items so that they are no longer a threat to a small person. Purchase outlet covers to keep little hands safe, Bolt heavy bookshelves to the wall if possible, or place heavy items down low to prevent them from falling. Floor lamps and other items that can be easily knocked over should be removed or placed out of the direct way of an exploring little one.

Use Safety Gates

There are times when more drastic measures are necessary. You may need to keep a little one completely away from a particular area of your home. Safety gates make this possible because they can be moved wherever you need them. Childproofing your home is easy to do. You won't be required to take court approved domestic violence classes online, or anything like that. It doesn't take much more than investing in a few safety gadgets and looking at your home from a little person's point of view. The sooner you take the safety of your home and your little one into your own hands the better. You will create a much more child-friendly home and prevent serious accidents from taking place.

Children count on us to keep them safe and it behooves every parent to protect them. Take a look at your home and search for areas of possible concern. Buy any gadgets that will make child-proofing your home easier. Purchase the safety gates, outlet covers, cabinet and door locks, and stabilize furniture or fixtures that could present a risk as well. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure.

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Ah, Cinque Terre!

We went on a short trip to Italy last Easter holidays and we just fell in love with Cinque Terre - five picturesque, idyllic villages on the Ligurian Riviera. From Stuttgart, we drove via Switzerland through the Gotthard tunnel and then past Lugano and Milan towards the South. The drive takes 8 hours on normal days but if you go in the holiday season, it could take longer - a good five hours for us because of the heavy traffic en route to Gotthard tunnel. There are of course alternative routes and passes that will take you there faster. Unfortunately for us, the passes were closed during our travel dates.

We stayed at an Air BnB host in Carrara, an old town most well-known for its Marble Alps. It is also a good starting point for different excursions to neighboring towns and villages.

We went twice to Cinque Terre as one good day is not enough to explore these beautiful villages. Since no cars are allowed inside the villages, we started off at La Spezia and took the trains from there. Be warned: the train station is packed especially in the first half of the day so expect long queues at the ticket machines and tourist information center.

There are five villages namely Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. With its colorful houses on steep slopes, small docks with colorful boats, winding alleys and stairways, it definitely has its romantic charm. It has fantastic, and sometimes very narrow and steep, hiking trails. The landscape, seemingly untouched by modernization, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, Because of this, it is teeming with tourists from all parts of the globe.

Each village has its own charm and character. The food, although pricey, is really very good - with fresh seafood served in restaurants or at take-out stands.

I will post more about our trip in the coming days so stay tuned for it. :) 

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Organize Your Entire Home into Three Simple Categories

Clutter can take over in no time at all. The trick is to clean it up and then stay on top of the stuff that enters your house. De-cluttering can appear to be an overwhelming task, but if you sort your things into three easy to manage categories, tidying up will be quick and painless. The following are the three main categories and what you should place in each one. 

Keep 

This is the pile you will be putting back into your drawer, cupboard, or closet. It should include anything with sentimental value or that you use on a day to day basis. For example, your current clothing, household items, and family photos would go in the keep pile. If you have larger items that you want to keep but don’t have room to store them, you can take advantage of storage units Boston has available such as those at On Demand Storage. 

Donate 

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Clothing you have grown tired of, furniture you just don’t use anymore, and household items that are collecting dust can be put in a donation bin. Once you’re done cleaning, this bin can be taken to your local collection site such as Good Will or the Salvation Army. There are people who will enjoy these items and appreciate finding them at a bargain price.

Trash 

You will be surprised at how much trash you’ve been hanging on to. Throw these items away. Worn out shoes and clothing, broken appliances, and busted furniture are all examples of things that are simply taking up space in your storage areas. Some of your stuff will have you stumped. Think about when you last used it. If it has been over a year, you probably don’t need to keep it. Once you have sorted through all of your belongings and placed them into three distinct piles, you can easily organize every cupboard, drawer, and closet in your home. Keep the systems going by placing a bin in the garage labeled “donation.” Every time a new item comes into the house decide where it goes. Put it away, toss it in the bin, or pitch it before it adds to your in-house clutter.

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Creating "Pauses" In Our Lives

We all lead busy hectic lives that often lead us to burn out if we don't take the time to rest and regroup.  This rest, or pause, is a necessary part of creating peace and order in our lives.  It is also an essential part of self-care that has the innate ability to create restoration and energy needed for the next moment or day.  Learning how to schedule pause within our day is something that we all must do so that we avoid losing clarity and becoming overwhelmed.

You Can't Press Stop

Unfortunately, life is not like a conveyor belt that can be stopped when things start to move too fast.  Instead, we must learn to step away from the conveyor belt of life at strategic times in order to regroup and reserve energy for the next push or hurdle in our lives.  The next push may be something as simple as getting your children to all their different events on time or managing the demands of your customer service job for wood utility poles suppliers.  Whatever your stress or struggle is it is imperative that you learn to manage it and control it as much as possible.

Self-awareness is Key

More than anything, you have to understand how all the unique events and obligations in your life come together in your life in particular to create stress and overwhelm.  It is not until you understand these pieces to the puzzle that you will be able to address these factors effectively.  When we approach a problem without self-awareness, it's like trying to clean up a mess in the dark.  You don't know where to start or what to do because you can't see anything.  Find out what the issues are and then determine why the issues are a problem for you.  Once you've solved those two pieces of the mystery, finding a solution will not be nearly as difficult.

Doing Something About it

Once you have determined what the problem is, a solution always looms on the horizon.  The solution can be as unique as you are.  It may require that you reduce the time you spend doing certain things to create more space in your life for relaxation and pause.  Conversely, the solution could even consist of doing particular things more.  Whatever the answer to the problems is, become committed to doing what needs to be done once you see the truth.  Many people can see what needs to be done but lack the commitment and strength necessary to make practical changes.

Creating effective pause and quiet in our lives requires self-examination, a commitment to change, and understanding that we can't control many things in life but we can control how we react to them. Working within the confines of our unique situations allows us to create personalized ways to create pause and rest in our lives. 

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Bike As a Wall Deco?

My husband is a hobby - triathlete. He started three years ago and I admire his discipline and passion for the sport. He trains regularly at the sports club where he is member in and also goes to the fitness studio to do his strength training. He finds the sport challenging as it tests his endurance.

Of course, this sport requires equipment and gear. The swimming and running gear are just small ones that you could easily store in a box, but for the biking gears, that's another story. He has at least 3 bikes, one he uses for his triathlon races, one for off-road and the other for longer distance bike marathons. One that he keeps inside the house is his Argon. So I have been looking for solutions on how to integrate it into the home without making it look out of place and at the same, very easy to access once he needs to use it. And also, I want it off the floor!

And here are some ideas that I found:

Perfect for those who love white!

There's a storage for the helmet too!

There's a shelf for other stuff where he can put it other bike stuff.

This one is available on Etsy!

Very minimalist style... Also a good idea.

So which one design you like best?

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Upping Your Game with Supplies and Accessories

The game of golf can take its toll on your footwear.  After so many times of walking over the green, climbing up and down out of sand pits, and getting in and out of golf carts, your shoes may end up worse for the wear.  When it is time to replace key elements of your gaming wardrobe, you may wonder where you can get the style and pricing that you want.  You can shop for discount golf shoes, athletic wear, and more by going online today.

Size, Style, and Brand

You may have hesitated shopping online for golf apparel in the past because you feared not getting access to the widest array of brands, styles, and sizes possible.  When you go to the website, you will find footwear for both men and women available in a wide array of sizes and colors as well as those made by your favorite brands.

They are categorized for your convenience so you can click on the picture and immediately find shoes that may satisfy both your sense of style and price limits.  You can then place the order and have it shipped directly to your home.

Other Golf Gear

Along with shoes, you can find other apparel and supplies that can help you play a better round of golf each time.  For example, if your shirts and pants have long served their purpose, you can step out in style by selecting some of the apparel that is for sale online.

You can also find accessories like gloves, bags, grips, and more that help you swing and hit better while letting you play comfortably out on the green.  These items are made by your favorite brands so that you can be assured of the quality and style even before they are delivered.

Saving More Money

When you want to save the most money possible, you can sign up for a membership on the website.  People who sign up and pay for a membership can get 10 percent off their purchases.  This discount could help you save big money on golf essentials that you want to wear and use during each round.


Your footwear, clothing, and accessories are important to your golf game.  You can shop for new shoes, apparel, gloves, grips, and more by using the links found on the website.  Signing up for a membership also saves you money.

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Renovation Projects that Add Value to a Home

Are you entering the real estate market to flip homes and make a profit? If you are, you probably have already been told that every dollar counts. Flipping a house is a risky proposition if you don't know what you're doing. Flipping a home is the process of buying a damaged or run down home and remodeling it to increase its value. In theory, this should bring come great returns to the new homeowner.

Each renovation project has a different value. In fact, some won't increase the value of your home at all while some may actually bring down the value if you have something done that is considered out of style or not fashionable. For those that are preparing to flip a home, here are some renovation projects that are proven to add value to any house no matter what market it is in.

Four Renovations that Add Value

1. Siding - Many people only think of the inside of their home when considering what renovation projects to undertake. This is a mistake because, after all, the first thing people see when they are shopping for homes is their exterior. Adding new siding is a great idea because it adds value in both style and function since the siding protects your home from the elements. The material that brings in the best value is vinyl. Sometimes, vinyl siding doesn't need to be replaced and just needs a good thorough cleaning.

2. New Garage Door - The garage door is another thing that someone uses every day and you can be sure that everyone that tours your home is going to check it out before they decide to make an offer. A new garage door is a fairly inexpensive fix that adds considerable value.

3. Flooring - When it comes to flooring, what is in style seems to be always changing. Flooring is something that you may be able to do yourself. There is nothing like walking into a home with brand new hardwood flooring.

4. Roof - Back to the exterior, the roof can completely change the look of a home and is the house's first line of defense against the elements.

The most important thing to do when flipping a house is to find the right contractor. A bad one can cost you a lot more money than you want to spend, so consult with a company like web.com contractor services for a list of contractor leads to find the right person for your job.

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Five Months and Still...

It has been five months since we moved into a bigger apartment. Since moving in, I only managed to unbox a number of our moving boxes. I still have loads of boxes that need to be opened and put way. This has been a dilemma because I find myself always stuck in doing other things instead. 

What has been keeping me from unboxing them? There are a number of reasons really. 

First, I find myself always pressed for time. This is because my workhours have increased. I now work more hours in a day, which only gives me enough time to be able to fetch my daughter on time in school or be at home to open the door for my little girl who is coming home from school. And you know how it is with kids. They would, more often than not, ask you you to be with them once they get home from school. I try to spend time with her as much as I can. And if there's after school activities. I would also have to prepare with her so that we may be able to leave on time. And then it is almost dinner time. Being a Filipino household, we always eat a warm, Filipino meal. Once dinner is served and we have eaten, I am already too tired to even clear the table. And so I would have to set aside again the unboxing tomorrow. And this would go on and on like vicious cycle. So there, there just isnt's enough time. 

Second, lack of furniture. We still need to procure book shelves and cabinets for the living room so that I will finally have a place to put in all the books and files that are inside them boxes. It is not as simple as you think because it will require budgeting, measuring, choosing the right furniture and putting them all together so that it will have a unity with the other furniture pieces that are already in our living room.

So yes, it has been five months already since we moved in and still, I still have a room full of boxes waiting to be unboxed. But of course, I have already set a deadline for myself on when this should be accomplished. My target date is by the end of May 2017. Why in May 2017 you would ask?

Well, that is another story...

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Locating a Qualified Electrician

Owning a home means that you will have occasional problems that you will need to deal with. It is only a matter of time until you have a serious issue with the electrical system in your home. Obviously, this is not something that you should attempt to fix on your own. It is much too dangerous. You will need to contact a professional electrician to sort out the problem. A short glance at your local phone book will show many electricians for you to choose from. Obviously, not all of these people will do the same quality of work for you. How do you sift through all these choices? Here are some ways that you can go about finding a terrific Ponte Vedra electrician.

1. Hire a company that has been operating in your local area for many years.

The first thing you should do is limit your search to electricians that have established a great reputation within your community. Talk to people in your neighborhood and find out the electricians they have used in the past. Ideally, you should only hire an electrician who has been in your area for no less than four years. It says a lot about a company if they can stay in business for that long. It basically means that they have continually done great work for people. Therefore, they have received a ton of repeat business.

2. How quickly can the electrician come to your home and start working?

Obviously, you do not want to wait a long time for an appointment with an electrician. You want the electrical problem in your home to be fixed as soon as possible. Therefore, you should only hire an electrician who can come to your home within 48 hours of when you call to make the appointment. A company that makes you wait longer than 48 hours is not serious about getting your business. 

3. Does the electrician have a current license and insurance coverage?

Both of these things are absolutely essential for an electrician to have. The license is important because it shows that the electrician has successfully completed his training and passed all of the exams mandated by the state. Insurance is important because this will pay for any damage that the electrician might accidentally do to your home or possessions while he is working. Ask to see his proof of insurance and license.

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Decorate Your Own First Communion Candle

An essential in your child's first communion is the communion candle. It symbolizes Christ, who lights our way and guides us in our journey as Christians. 

For my daughter's first communion candle, we decided to decorate it ourselves. We found a colorful design on the internet which suited our daughter's personality and used it as our reference. 

In decorating the communion candle, it is important to keep the following in mind:

1. Leave at least 13-15 cm space on the top so that the decoration will not immediately melt away while the candle burns. Also allow a 15 cm distance from the bottom so that your child will be able to hold the candle easily without covering the decoration while handling the candle.

2. Signs of the eucharist and Christ such as the chalice, the host, grape vine, fish, alpha and omega, sun, cross, etc. are just some of the symbols relevant to first communion. Explain to your child what each symbol means and allow them to choose the symbols that they want on their candle.

3. Materials: you will need candle (we used 35mm x 500 mm, with 10% beeswax), wax sheets in various colours, crafter's scalpel, cutting mat, templates for the symbols, wax paper.

3. Don't forget to also place your child's name and the date of the first communion so you will always be reminded when your child first received the body and blood of Christ.

4. Have fun decorating. This is also another chance to spend quality time with your child and sharing with them your faith.

Self-decorated candles are also great gifts for your loved ones. You can easily customize the design according to the occasion.

Happy crafting!

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Things to Consider When You Need Refrigerator Service

When a refrigerator quits working, it can cause problems that must be dealt with right away in order to minimize the losses that could be suffered as a result. Not only do you have to worry about the refrigerator itself, you want it fixed before the food inside starts to spoil. When you look at it from the financial perspective, the cost of the refrigerator is only part of the problem. The cost of replacing any lost food can be an issue. In addition, if the refrigerator is leaking water from something like an ice maker, you could have some water damage to contend with if the problem is not taken care of promptly. 

Fortunately, there are companies like Sub Zero Refrigerator Repair that can come to your rescue when these unexpected events happen. When looking for a refrigerator repair company, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. One of them is the ability to respond whenever you need them. Ideally, you will want a company that has the capability of responding 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The problem with equipment breakdowns is they do not happen according to schedule. In fact, it seems like they occur at the most inconvenient times. This is why you want to a choose someone who can respond regardless of when the problem occurs. 

Another thing you want to consider is the availability of parts. It will do very little good to have a repair person come out in the middle of the night only to have to go back to the office during business hours and order the parts. Having the right parts on the truck can get you going again without delay. 

In addition to times when a refrigerator completely quits working, there are certain other times when you may want to have it checked before it completely quits. If it starts making strange noises, there is likely a component that is nearing the end of its service life. Calling for help when you first hear the noise can prevent the sense of urgency that goes along with a breakdown. Another sign that it needs help sooner rather than later is the presence of oily residue on or under the unit.  If the refrigerator is getting hot around the edges, cycling on and off too often, or sweating on the outside, you may need help as well. Keep in mind that knowing ahead of time where to turn for help can make things much easier when issues occur. 

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DIY Baptism Favors

We welcomed another beautiful angel into the Christian family last November. As a little token for the guests of my godson who came to witness his baptism, I made these little glass jars filled with chocolate kisses. I found this great idea featured on Pinterest and proceeded to make something similar to it. Instead of the candles, I put in Hershey's kisses. Yum! :)

The materials are readily available in any craft shop or paper supplies store. The small glass jars (Mini Einmachgläser mit Deckel in German) and Hershey's kisses Cookies and Cream and Milk Chocolate, I bought online (via Amazon) because they are cheaper.

My ever so helpful little girl was also very happy to do her part in cutting, gluing and putting things together. Unfortunately, I lost the photos I made to document how to make these baptism favors on my old Samsung when it went kaputt last month so I only have this single photo of our crafts day. :(

So what do you guys think?

And oh, my little girl's first communion is coming up so I will have another opportunity to do some crafts, specifically on how to decorate your own communion candle. Will be sure to make photos to share with you all.

Until then!

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