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Contributed post. Your day unfolds with little moments that shape family life. You know the feeling when you wrap a child in a warm bath towel or share a quiet laugh over breakfast. You want more of those moments. This blog shows how to turn every day into memories. It looks at practical ideas for family life, travel, food, and well being. You will find inspiration that fits your routine. You will see how simple routines can bring joy. You will get food ideas that bring everyone together. You will discover ways to make travel easier with kids. And you will learn how to stay grounded while juggling work and family. This space is for you, the parent or caregiver who wants more connection without adding pressure.  The tips here are direct, real, and ready to use. Let us explore how to live fully with the people you love. Building Morning Rituals Mornings set the tone for your day. Try starting with soft music or a favorite family song. Let that play while everyone eats or gets ready. Add a shared moment. Read a poem, share one thing you are grateful for, or plan one fun thing for the day. Keep it brief, just two minutes. That small pause brings calm and connection. Over time, kids look forward to it. It becomes your family anchor. Use it to redirect stress or worry before it grows. You can switch it up weekly. Maybe a silly joke or quick drawing together. It does not need elaborate prep. It just needs your presence. You do not need to be a morning person to make this work. Just pick a consistent moment and lean into it. Those few minutes ripple into better moods and smoother transitions. It might become your favorite part of the day. Simple Travel Tips with Kids Travel can feel daunting with kids. But good planning can ease stress. First, pack essentials in clear bags. Snacks, wipes, and a small activity. Lay them out within reach on the car seat or plane tray. Next, involve kids in planning. Ask them to choose one stop or activity. It creates ownership and excitement. Avoid tight schedules. Aim for one major activity per day plus rest time. Block midday for naps or quiet time. That lets you recharge, too. Always plan a comfort stop. Cafes, parks, or a scenic view break. Use apps that show family-friendly routes or playgrounds nearby. You can set picture moments where everyone takes a photo or sketch. That becomes part of the story later. Finally, pack light but smart. One outfit per day, plus an extra. Use a fabric tote as a laundry bag. It keeps things organised without bulky organisers. With these tips, travel becomes more of an adventure than an ordeal. Nourishing the Family Table Mealtime is more than food. It is memory time. Keep menus simple. Build dinners around a protein, a vegetable, and a grain. Involve kids where you can. Stirring, washing, and plating. Let them pick one meal a week. It gives them a choice and builds confidence. Share stories while eating. Talk about one good thing from the day. Turn off screens and aim for eye contact. Use convos that spark curiosity. What would you do if you were mayor? Or what animal would you be today? It becomes your family mini ritual. Make it fun. Try theme nights. Taco Tuesday, Picnic Friday, Breakfast for Dinner Sunday. Serve dishes that let everyone build their plate. It brings joy and variety. And it is a great way to sneak in colorful veggies. If you are craving something special, check out this recipe for Maine lobster rolls. They are a treat for a change-up or weekend splurge. It is an easy way to bring a taste of the coast home and make mealtime feel like an outing. Screen Time and Real Connection Screens are everywhere. It is easy to let phones or tablets take over. But you can carve out space for real connection. Set clear limits on daily screen time. Use tools or simple timers. Let kids earn extra time through chores or reading. Make screen breaks active. Mini yoga, dance sessions, or quick yard games. Use screen time as a treat, not a default. Also, aim for device-free zones. The dinner table, bedtime hour, and car rides. Those spaces help you stay present. Replace screen time with microhabits. Stargazing before bed, a five-minute chat about highs and lows, or bedtime story swaps. If screens are part of homework or social life, focus on the mindset. Talk about healthy habits and the reasons behind limits. Teach them to self-monitor and pause when they feel oversaturated. Over time, it becomes natural. Family members ask for a device break. You will feel the shift when you start noticing more smiles, eye contact, and connection without the buzz of notifications. Self-Care That Fits Self-care is not a spa day. It is small habits that recharge you. Begin with five minutes a day. Drink water when you wake up. Stretch before you sit to work. Perform a breathing exercise while brushing your teeth. Keep a gratitude prompt by the bedside. That way, you start or end with calm focus. Find pockets of rest. It might be a walk while kids ride scooters. Or play music during lunch prep. Swap stories with your partner while doing the dishes. If solo time feels rare, team up with other parents. Take turns watching kids for a meetup or walk. You all deserve a break. Write down a wish list. Read, game, nap, jog. Tuck it where you see it daily. It reminds you that small choices help. Plus, modeling self-care shows your kids it is normal to care for yourself. It sets an early example of balance and self-respect. Conclusion Your family life does not need big gestures to feel rich. Morning rituals, simple meals, smart travel, screen limits, and self-care fit into everyday flow. Each habit takes little time. But they combine into stronger bonds. They help you focus on what matters. You do not need perfection. Just intention. Pick one idea now. Try it tomorrow. See how it changes your family rhythm. Adjust. Drop what does not fit. Build on what brings connection. These are tools to help you shape the life you want. You will see the difference not in grand moments, but in smaller ones that matter.
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Contributed post. Living with ADHD presents a lot of unique challenges in daily life. The challenges come from staying organized and focused to managing time and emotions. While treatment options very many individuals explore a range of strategies to find what works best for them. Some adults and teens, for example, consider medical marijuana as part of their treatment plan, especially for symptoms like restlessness or sleep issues. It's always essential to do this under medical supervision, however, and alongside other approaches that support long term focus and well-being. Here are some of the things that you can do to manage ADHD effectively.  1. Establish structure and routines. People with ADHD often thrive with structure but find it difficult to stick to it. Creating consistent routines can help to reduce decision fatigue and minimises the chance of forgetting important tasks. Start by developing morning and evening schedules and setting specific times for meals, work breaks and rest. Visual cues like calendars, checklists, or sticky notes can reinforce those routines. 2. Break tasks into smaller steps. Large or vague tasks can feel too overwhelming and lead to procrastination or executive dysfunction. Breaking them down into actionable steps makes them less intimidating and easier to start. For example, instead of writing down a finished report on your To Do List, break it into outline key points, write an introduction and edit the final draft. Celebrate every small win because it builds momentum and boosts your sense of accomplishment. 3. Use tools that can support your focus. There are plenty of tools available to help people with ADHD to stay organised and on track. Time blocking planners, reminder apps, Pomodoro timers and noise cancelling headphones can make a difference. Experiment with what works best for you, whether it's a paper planner or a digital productivity app, the key is to create an environment that reduces distractions and supports sustained attention. 4. Prioritise your sleep and nutrition. ADHD symptoms often get worse when you're sleep deprived or eating poorly, try to keep a consistent schedule, aiming for 7 to 9 hours a night. Limit screen time before bed and create a calming bedtime routine. Nutrition also plays a large role because a balanced diet with protein, complex carbs and healthy fats can help to stabilise energy and mood. Avoid excessive sugars and caffeine, which may increase hyperactivity or worsen those focus issues. 5. Seek support through therapy or coaching. Working with a therapist, especially one trained in ADHD specific strategies, can make all the difference to your impulsivity, emotional regulation, and negative self. ADHD coaching is another valuable option, focusing on practical tools and goal setting. You don't have to manage ADHD alone. While treatments such as medical marijuana may play a role for some individuals, managing ADHD is not linear. There usually is the requirement of a combination of behavioural strategies, healthy habits, and support. With the right tools and a proactive approach, it's entirely possible to thrive with ADHD and even turn the ADHD into something functional and a personal strength. Contributed post. The morning arrives in a rush. Socks that match, toast quietly burning in the background, and the clock yelling at you before you know it, chaos shows up early. Amidst that haze, it’s all too easy to misplace yourself. And yet, there’s something comforting about being a little bit put together, even if just for the grocery store cashier or the school drop-off line. You want to glance in the mirror and feel, well, yeah, she’s still in there.  It Begins With Skin That Breathes (And Glows a Bit) Forget those tedious 12-step regimens. Keep a tinted moisturizer within easy reach of your toothbrush. Dab, blend with your fingertips, and that’s it. A cream blush is a quiet multitasker: apply a dab to your cheeks and a smidge on your eyelids. Suddenly, you’re not just awake. You’re glowing in that maybe-I-do-drink-enough-water kind of way, whether it’s true or not. Hair Fixes: Quick But Not Lazy The messy bun is a fine staple, even, but sometimes you need a touch more. A twist with a claw clip takes seconds and still looks considered. Dry shampoo isn’t just for skipped washes; it adds volume and texture fast. Keep a wide headband tucked in a drawer. It’s the kind of no-fuss upgrade that hides a lot and flatters just about everyone. Clothes That Don’t Judge The best pieces live somewhere between cozy and clean. Think drawstring trousers that whisper “tailored” more than “pajamas,” and cotton tops with a neckline that flatters without squeezing. Save yourself the mental load by having three go-to outfits, always ready, ones you’ve already worn and loved. That way, you’re not starting from zero every morning. You’re just getting dressed. Small Things, Big Impact: AccessoriesSome days, the earrings do the heavy lifting. A plain hoop, a dainty stud, or even that pair you’d been saving for some imaginary special event, they all work. One effortless win? Slip on your trusty aviator glasses. They cover up tired eyes, add style to any outfit, and make you look ready even when the coffee’s gone cold again. A Signature Scent That Grounds You No need for a full perfume display. One scent that feels like you is plenty. Maybe something citrusy, maybe something soft and powdery, the kind that lingers just enough to remind you you’re more than a scheduler of snacks and playdates. Tuck a mini roller into your bag. Swipe. Inhale. Move forward. A Signature Scent That Grounds You No need for a full perfume display. One scent that feels like you is plenty. Maybe something citrusy, maybe something soft and powdery, the kind that lingers just enough to remind you you’re more than a scheduler of snacks and playdates. Tuck a mini roller into your bag. Swipe. Inhale. Move forward. The Kindest Style Tip? Be Gentle With Yourself Most of us aren’t aiming to become fashion icons. We’re just trying to feel a little more human by 9 AM. Give yourself credit for showing up, even when dry shampoo is doing more than its fair share. Beauty, health, and lifestyle routines aren’t meant to be rules. They’re there to support you. And what works best is what makes you feel good. Contributed post.  If you really want a calming bedroom, you must make changes with plenty of intention. So many bedrooms possess chaos. From clothes draped over chairs to lighting that does nothing to our moods, the way things are set up can chip away at our focus and rest. It can even seep into the way we start our day. If you decide to change things and eventually possess a space that is thoughtfully arranged, it changes more than just the aesthetics. If you decide to switch up your bedroom, things will suddenly fall into place for you in many different ways. Many classic design ideas can shine as they will not rely on trends or excess. If you opt for something like this, you will prioritize function and balance over unnecessary aspects. The good news is that you don’t need a massive budget or a complete renovation. It’s just a case of making a few small adjustments and simplifying the space. Here are a few smart fixes that can create a calm and clear bedroom: Use Your Bed As The Anchor You’re bad should set the tone for the entire place. Some people like it in the corner, but it’s good to keep it scented and clear of visual clutter. Avoid using it as a makeshift shelf looks so many tend to do. Even a simple and well-made bed can naturally make the rest of the room feel neat and tidy. Plenty of room on each side if available. By doing so, you will automatically create symmetry and ground the space. Eliminate Chaos On The Floor It’s very easy to simply leave things on the floor. The mess you make pulls focus very quickly. Create under-bed storage for things that you do not use often. The idea is to clean floor space at all times so that you are comfortable from the moment you walk in. Elevate Storage Solutions Any visible storage should add to the room. It’s common for some solutions to actually subtract from it. If you possess a solid chest of drawers with clean lines, you will be able to hold everything from clothes to extra clutter. It will do so while blending into the space quietly. Think about storage pieces that match the tone of the entire room. Metal can add a sleek look and wood can possess a bit of warmth. A lot of the clutter in your room tends to come from not having a place for it all. Giving all items a home makes everything calmer. Adjustable Lighting For Different Times The feel of your bedroom should be different at different times. You shouldn’t expect the area to be the same at 7 am and 8 pm, for example. Lighting will help you to set the right tone here. You can use layered sources in order to help this along. For instance, a warm bedside lamp is perfect for evenings and natural light is great during the daytime. Dimmable bulbs can be used to soften the transitions between the two. Be sure not to use too much overhead lighting. With the lighting matching the pace, your body will follow suit. Contributed post. Let’s Talk About the Silence No One Mentions. It’s not always a dramatic moment that makes you notice a loved one is struggling to hear. Sometimes, it’s more subtle—like the way your dad nods politely during dinner but seems just a little too eager to change the subject. Or how grandma laughs a second too late at a joke she probably didn’t catch. Hearing loss doesn’t show up all at once. It sneaks in gradually, often disguised as tiredness, distraction, or even stubbornness. But behind that quiet nod or forced smile, there might be a genuine sense of isolation growing. The good news? There are gentle, simple ways to help someone tune back into the world around them—without awkwardness or pressure.  It’s Not Just About Volume—It’s About Belonging Sure, hearing is physical. But the effects of not hearing? Those run deep. Missed punchlines, forgotten song lyrics, or an inability to follow a conversation at a family barbecue—it adds up. People start to withdraw. Not because they want to, but because staying silent feels easier than asking someone to repeat themselves for the third time. The result? A slow fade from connection. And for many, it happens without anyone realizing what’s really going on. That’s why recognizing these early signs and gently opening up the conversation can make such a big difference. Forget the Stereotypes—Hearing Help Has Had a Glow-Up Let’s be honest—when most of us picture hearing aids, we think of something clunky, beige, and ancient. But that’s not the scene anymore. Hearing support has joined the modern world, and it's sleek, smart, and way more accessible than it used to be. This is where otc hearing aid options come into the picture. These devices don’t require a prescription or a trip to a specialist. They're designed for everyday people with mild to moderate hearing challenges, and they can be found online or even at your local pharmacy. Translation? They're discreet, affordable, and can make a real difference—especially for someone just dipping their toe into the idea of hearing support. No pressure. No white-coat intimidation. Just options. How to Start “The Talk” (Without Making It Weird) You don’t need to launch into a dramatic intervention. A casual comment can do the trick. Maybe something like, “Hey, I noticed the grandkids were chatting away and you seemed a bit out of the loop—should we check out what’s new in hearing tech together?” Framing it as a team effort or an experiment, rather than a problem to be “fixed,” helps ease defensiveness. Plus, if you’ve done a bit of quiet research ahead of time (maybe bookmarked a few cool new gadgets), it’s easier to pivot from awkward to empowering. Little Sounds, Big Wins The ding of the oven timer. The rustle of leaves outside the kitchen window. The way a toddler’s voice rises in excitement when telling a story. These aren’t grand, cinematic moments—but they matter. They’re the textures of life. And when someone starts to hear them again, really hear them, it’s like they’ve been let back into a world they didn’t even realize they’d left. Don’t Wait for Total Silence Helping a loved one reconnect with sound doesn’t have to be overwhelming or dramatic. It just takes noticing, caring, and starting the right kind of conversation. You’re not just helping them hear better—you’re helping them feel more present. And that? That’s everything. Contributed post. Periods, that monthly “gift” that just keeps on giving, cramps, bloating, mood swings, and the always-welcome surprise attack that shows up precisely when you’re wearing white jeans. Whether you’ve been menstruating for decades or you’re still figuring out your flow, dealing with your cycle is just one more thing on the never-ending mom to-do list. But with a little planning (and some solid support), it doesn’t have to completely derail your week. Let’s talk about how to manage the big three: your mood, your pain, and your timing.  When PMS Turns You Into a Fire-Breathing Dragon You know the moment, it starts with someone breathing too loudly and ends with you sobbing into a half-eaten chocolate bar because there’s no almond milk left. Hormonal fluctuations during your cycle can wreak havoc on your emotional state, and for moms already juggling 1,000 tasks and two sticky toddlers, it can feel like too much. While we can’t make the hormones vanish, we can find ways to soften their impact. Staying hydrated, limiting caffeine and sugar (we know, we know), and squeezing in a quick workout or walk can really help. So, you can simply acknowledge what’s happening: you’re not losing it, your hormones are just temporarily driving the bus. For many women, natural supplements offer a gentle way to take the edge off. Products from CBDistillery have become increasingly popular among moms looking to smooth out their mood without feeling zoned out. CBD may help promote calm and emotional balance during that lovely PMS window, no side-eye required. Managing the Pain: Cramping Your Style, Literally Let’s talk about the cramps. The dull ache that builds into full-on war drums in your abdomen, often accompanied by lower back pain and the general sense that your uterus has turned against you. While some folks breeze through their cycles pain-free (who are they and how do we become them?), most of us need to take a proactive approach to feel human. Heat pads, stretching, yoga, and steering clear of salty foods are all good go-tos. But long-term pain relief often starts with overall wellness. Eating whole foods, moving your body regularly, and embracing a balanced lifestyle can actually help reduce painful period symptoms. When your body feels supported, it tends to treat you a little better, even during that time of the month. If your pain feels extreme or disruptive every cycle, don’t ignore it. There could be more going on, and your OB-GYN can help figure that out. Managing the Timing There’s nothing quite like the panic of realizing your period started in the school pickup line, with no supplies and a toddler yelling about snacks. The good news? Your cycle doesn’t have to be a mystery. Tracking your period can help you plan better, understand your mood shifts, and even spot patterns that might signal a bigger issue. There are plenty of period tracker apps that are simple, free, and surprisingly accurate after a couple of months of input. Some smartwatches now track cycles, and even old-school calendar apps can get the job done. Knowing when your period is coming gives you the upper hand, mentally, emotionally, and wardrobe-wise. Managing menstruation isn’t about becoming some magical cycle-controlling goddess. It’s about making small changes that help you feel a little more in control, a little less cranky, and a lot more like yourself. Contributed post. If you are thinking about carrying out some home renovations then you need to get all this planned out beforehand. You will also need to work out your budget for these projects and know exactly what you want the end product to look like. If you are in need of home improvement tips then take a look at the article below.  Budget One of the first things you need to work out is your budget and how much you have available to spend on your home renovation. Without money, you won’t get very far into your list of projects. You may not realize just how much these things can cost until you start asking for quotes, for instance, a loft conversion could cost you upwards of $30,000. Make sure you write everything down, including prices and go from there. If you don’t have this money to hand then you could always apply for home improvement loans. Make sure you are able to make back the repayments otherwise you could find yourself in trouble. Materials On top of understanding what tools you need, you also need to consider the materials you will be using. It’s possible that there may be many different materials that you can choose from - each affecting the budget and having different properties ranging from durability to ease of cleaning. For example, when building a swimming pool, you can opt for a concrete pool or consider a vinyl pool or even consider a fiberglass pool. Compare material properties so that you choose the right material. You can order these materials yourself or allow a contractor to order them for you. Supplying your own materials could save you money, but you need to make sure you’re choosing the most suitable materials for the job and ordering them in the right measurements. Tools When you are planning home renovations, you need to ensure you have all the right tools for the job. This includes things like saws, hammers, and more of the obscure ones like wood planers. You may be wondering what is a wood planer? This is a tool designed to smooth down the thickness of wood, great for if you are trimming down doors or furniture. If you don’t want to buy the necessary tools for your renovation project then you could always hire them. Weigh up the pros and cons, including which one is more cost effective. Help Can you carry out your home renovations on your own? If not, then there is a load of help out there. You might already have people who have volunteered to work with you on your renovations, these could be friends or family members. However, you might need to hire some people to carry out specialist jobs around your renovations such as electrical wiring and gas works. If you are hiring people, be sure to check out reviews before you get yourself a quote. You don’t want to be dealing with cowboy builders who will take your money and not complete the job they came to do. Goals Finally, know what you want the final product to look like. You may already have an idea of what you want it to look like, you just need to make it become a reality. Your renovation goals need to be realistic and timely, otherwise you can quickly find yourself in over your head. The last thing you want to do is to get halfway through a renovation project and then not want to carry it on, or run out of time. You might want to speak to an architect who can draw up and design plans especially for you. We hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some ideas on the best way to go about your home improvements. Planning and preparation is the best way to go about home renovations. Contributed post.  Your smartphone is an amazing multi-purpose tool. It can do everything from taking pictures to telling you the time. When traveling, it’s important to embrace the many features that your phone has to offer. Simply by using the right app, you may be able to get yourself out of many common tricky travel situations and even potentially prevent disasters. Below are 30 examples of ways to put your smartphone to use when traveling. Planning and navigating 1. Navigate with GPS GPS can help guide you to your hotel or attractions without the need for a map. It’s very useful on road trips, but also useful when navigating a new town by foot or even identifying public transport links. 2. Check the weather forecast Should you wear shorts and a t-shirt? Will you need to wear sunscreen? Being able to check the weather each day while traveling can be very useful for preparing what to wear and also planning your activities. Weather apps can help to do this for you - including alerting you of extreme weather. 3. Look up attractions Using your smartphone, you can also research local attractions while traveling - including everything from restaurants to museums. You can use Google to check opening times, busy periods and reviews to help influence your decision. 4. Find local gas stations When on a road trip, your phone’s GPS function can help you to find local gas stations when your tank is running low. There are also apps like GasBuddy that can help you shop around for the cheapest gas prices in the area to save money. 5. Check train and bus times Being able to look up train times and bus times online can be very useful when planning to use public transport. It can save you having to trudge down to the station and prepare for any delays or route closures. Tickets and documentation 6. Access travel documents Many types of travel documents like travel insurance policies, hotel booking information and visa receipts can be accessed in digital form online. It’s worth downloading PDFs of these documents onto your phone so that you can access them even if you can’t connect to the internet. 7. Store digital tickets Tickets to attractions can also be stored on your smartphone. When going on a city break, apps like My CityPASS are great for booking and storing tickets to multiple attractions in one place. 8. Record useful information Your notes app can be a useful place to store all kinds of information such as room numbers, parking spaces, luggage locker codes or hotel addresses. You may even be able to take photos of signs or train maps to help you remember them. 9. Check into your flight early Some airlines allow you to check in early via an app. If you’re only traveling with hand luggage, this can save you having to queue up at the check in desk when you arrive. With some budget airlines, checking in early via the app may even prevent additional hidden charges. Managing your finances 10. Convert currency Need to work out how many yen are in a dollar? Being able to accurately convert foreign currency pricing into US dollars can help you to get a better idea of how much you’re spending and whether you’re getting a good deal. There are sites and apps that you can use to quickly convert currencies. 11. Check your bank balance If you’re paying by card while abroad, it could be important to be able to access your bank balance in real time to check how much you’ve got left to spend. It could also be important to check currency transfer fees and also make sure no fraudulent payments are coming out of your bank. 12. Pay by phone It’s even possible to make contactless payments using your phone’s wallet app. Not all vendors will be able to accept mobile payments, but in many major cities a lot of stores and restaurants will have the technology. This could save you having to carry your cash and card everywhere. Staying entertained 13. Stream movies and TV shows Keep you and the kids occupied on long coach and car journeys by streaming your favorite movies and TV shows on your phone. A tablet is likely to be better for this, but a phone can be a useful backup solution. Downloading TV shows and movies could be useful for times without the internet (such as flights). Be wary that some countries may have restrictions on certain content, preventing you from streaming certain movies or TV shows abroad. 14. Listen to music You can also use your smartphone to listen to music while traveling. You can queue up a playlist of your family’s favorite songs to play on a road trip through the car speakers, or listen to your own private playlist on your headphones while on public transport. 15. Read an ebook/listen to an audiobook While some of us love the feel of a physical book, they can be heavy and can be easily damaged in certain environments. By switching to e-books, you can reduce luggage weight and not have to worry about pages falling out. Audiobooks could also be an option for listening to in the car or on headphones. 16. Play online games Online games can be a great way to occupy you and the kids. On top of many of the modern games available, you can also play traditional games like Scrabble or Solitaire on your phone, or try an online pool game. Puzzles like sudoku and crosswords are also fantastic for occupying oneself when traveling. Breaking language barriers 17. Translate signs and menus Did you know that you can use Google Translate and apps like iTranslate to decipher foreign text? These tools both allow you to use your camera to scan the text and are able to then translate the result into English. This is useful for navigating yourself around using signs or for ordering food on a foreign language menu. 18. Translate voices There are also apps that you can use to translate voices. Some of these are designed for traveling - a person can speak into the app and it will translate what they are saying into English so that you can understand them. 19. Use language learning apps There are many apps like DuoLingo that can allow you to learn a foreign language. You may even be able to search up words and phrases using these apps, helping you to communicate in foreign speaking countries. 20. Listen to language learning audiobooks There are also audiobooks you can listen to that can teach you foreign words and phrases. While hiring a car abroad, you could stream one of the audiobooks and the whole family some of the foreign lingo. Interacting with your environment 21. Take photos and videos An obvious way to use your smartphone while traveling is to capture memories by taking photos and videos. Modern phones allow you to easily tag and edit photos and videos so that you can create the ultimate vacation photo gallery. 22. Set up a wi-fi hotspot You can also use your phone’s data to connect other devices like laptops and tablets to the internet. This is useful when you haven’t got access to wi-fi. Just make sure that your mobile data plan isn’t too expensive - data roaming charges may apply to some contracts when traveling abroad. 23. Use as a flashlight The flashlight features on your phone can be useful when exploring places after dark. It’s particularly useful when camping. 24. Open QR codes Some attractions and restaurants may have QR codes that you can scan to access online menus or other information. You can scan QR codes using your phone’s camera. 25. Identify landmarks, plants and animals The Google Lens app can help you identify landmarks, plants and animals by scanning them with your phone camera. If you stumble across something you’re uncertain of and you want some extra information, try out Google Lens to see if it has the answer. Communicating with others 26. Talking with family and friends Let’s not forget the most traditional function of a phone: being able to call people! Phone calls and texts may come with extra fees abroad, so consider using the likes of Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp instead. 27. Book a taxi/Uber Smartphones are a great tool for booking taxis and Ubers while traveling. You can compare prices beforehand and choose a trusted driver. 28. Share your live location Need someone to meet you at a certain location? Or want to let a relative back home know you’re safe? Certain apps also allow you to share your live location with friends and family members. 29. Share photos and videos on social media Using your smartphone, you can also directly upload photos and videos to social media. You don’t need to wait until you get back home to share your vacation snaps. 30. Make emergency calls Finally, your smartphone can be a useful tool for making emergency calls in a crisis. If you have an internet connection, you should be able to look up the local emergency number. It may even be worth storing this in your notes in case you need it in an area where you haven’t got wi-fi. So, there you have it - 30 ways to use your smartphone while traveling! Make sure to look after your smartphone and to keep the battery charged up if you want to be able to access all of these amazing functions during your travels. At the same time, make sure that you’re not constantly glued to your phone screen - it’s important to take things in with your own eyes and immerse yourself in your new environment. Contributed post.  One of the biggest setbacks you’ll deal with during this time is selling your current property, a process that can often take several months. However, you can ensure you’re packing that moving van as quickly as possible by getting your current home ready for the market. This means that you’re more likely to capture the attention of potential buyers while also adding to your home’s value, meaning that this work is truly a win-win. With that in mind, here are some simple steps that you can take to prepare your home for the market. Work on your curb appeal. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see (both online and in person). As such, working to improve your curb appeal is essential, whether you achieve this by applying a fresh coat of paint to windows and door frames or gardening. Aim for a neat, clean finish in order to make your home look as presentable as possible. Get rid of your junk. Buyers attending viewings or open houses are unlikely to be blown away by homes that are full of junk and clutter. As such, you can speed up the sales process quite considerably by removing this from your home ahead of time. This will also save you a lot of time and energy on moving day, as you’ll no longer have to pack this up and take it with you. Generally speaking, the easiest way to remove junk from your home, such as dated and bulky furniture, is to work with a company that offers junk pick up services. Deep clean the space. Deep cleaning your home will also ensure your home is market-ready. This is because it means it will look as attractive as possible on listing photos, and whenever somebody stops by for a tour. Remember, buyers are encouraged to be particularly eagle-eyed when looking for a new home, which means they are likely to pick up on issues such as dust and dirt build-up, no matter how minor that may seem to you. This is because they often suggest that the previous owner was not the most diligent when caring for the home, meaning they’ll expect to encounter maintenance issues, too. Deal with maintenance issues. As mentioned above, potential maintenance issues will quickly deter buyers or cause the value of your home to plummet. In both cases, this means that your home will spend a lot more time on the market than necessary. As such, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress by dealing with them beforehand. Final thoughts. Preparing your home for the market ensures you can move to your new home (and life) as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can make your home as attractive as possible, from getting rid of junk and clutter to dealing with maintenance issues.  Contributed Post. When it comes to the different tasks you have around the home, you’ll often find that it can be really hard to manage everything. Looking after your home can often be a full-time job in itself. But when you have a million other things to manage, trying to make it work can feel like a difficult balancing act. This is where the idea of calling for help comes in. Not only can this help you to manage everything, but it also ensures the job is done well. Because when it comes to your home, it won’t always make sense for you to do everything yourself. So in this blog post, we’re going to take a look at what sort of things you might want to take on yourself and which you might want to call the experts in for! Cleaning First up, we have cleaning. This is one that you can do in two ways. Firstly, you may want to take on some of the basic daily cleaning chores yourself. It can make you feel like you’re staying on top of things. But at the same time, if you know that you’re finding it hard to manage, you can hire a cleaning company to come in and do the bigger cleans for you. It’s all about finding the balance that works best for you. Specialist Cleaning However, there are also some elements of cleaning that you may not want to tackle yourself. For any specialist cleaning jobs, it’s much more appropriate to call in the experts. Here, you’ll find things like polishing up old floors, cleaning your chimney with someone like JCS Home Services, and even cleaning carpets is best left to the experts. Plus, it saves you from having to take on some of the bigger jobs. Landscaping Then we have your landscaping. This is one that you could look to do yourself if you’re handy with a lawnmower and you enjoy a bit of gardening. It can actually be an enjoyable hobby and be a great way for you to unwind and relax on the weekends too. Installations Up next, we have installations of specialist products or anything that requires a trade. Here, unless you are a skilled tradesman yourself, it’s best left up to the experts. Things like carpentry, plumbing, and electrics should be left to the people who know how to do them well. If not, you may find that you harm yourself or you do a subpar job on things that are important around the home. Pest Control Finally, we also have pest control. This is one that you could mix it up with. While there will be some pes-related issues that you might not want to take on, many others should be totally fine. It could be spraying insect spray or leaving out traps. If you’re okay with them, you should certainly go for them. But if you have a bigger worry or you know you’re pretty squeamish with pests, then you’re going to want to call in an expert to eradicate the issue! |
 
About ME:I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above! 
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