Time Saving Tips For Busy Moms

All Moms feel like they could make use of a few extra hours in the day, at least occasionally. Most of us have packed to-do lists and too much to do. While we can add hours to our day, we can try some clever tips and tricks to save ourselves some time. Try some of these ideas to claw back some precious time for yourself to keep you happy. 

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Keep Spare Trash Bags In Your Trash Cans

Instead of having to search for a clean trash bag when you’ve emptied the trash can, keep a few spares in the bottom of the can. This trick makes an annoying job a little bit easier and saves you a little bit of time. 

Turn Clothes Right Side Out When Changing

When you’re doing the laundry, it’s annoying when you have to stop and sort out a shirt that is inside out, or scrabble around trying to pull out a sleeve or a pant leg that has been shoved inside the piece of clothing. 

If you can get in the habit of turning your clothes the right side out when you get changed, and persuade the family to do the same, you can make the laundry go faster. You can even straighten the clothes out as you’re carrying them to the hamper so there’s no time wasted at all. 

Keep An Ongoing Shopping List

Always keep a shopping list on the go, whether on a notepad, whiteboard on the fridge, on your phone, or in an online shopping basket. As soon as someone uses up the last of the milk or the ketchup, they’re responsible for writing it on the shopping list. 

This is a good way to cut out having to make an emergency rush to the grocery store because you’ve run out of something important. It will also save you time when you need to shop, as your list will be mostly ready to go. 

You can save even more time by doing your groceries online. You can even order other essentials online, like medicines and painkillers, through Simple Online Pharmacy.

Make A Donation Box

Put out an empty box. Whenever you find something you don’t need, put it in the box. Whenever you know you’ll be passing a thrift store, you can drop the box off and declutter quickly and easily, with minimal effort. 

Cook Once, Eat Twice

Double up on your favorite recipes. You can eat the same thing a couple of times a week, or put the extra portion in the freezer for an easy dinner another week. 

Do this with ingredients too. When you cook chicken for one recipe, cook extra, dice it, and then freeze it to use in something else, like a soup. If you’re frying hamburger meat for tacos, add extra and once you’ve browned it, freeze it to make meal prep another day faster and easier. 

Have A Home For Everything

Try to live by the old saying, ‘'a place for everything and everything in its place". If everything has a home to go back to, it can be a huge time saver. If everything goes back in the same place, you won’t have to waste time searching for your car keys or for a hair clip, or whatever else you need. You’ll already know where they are. 

Deal With Mail Straight Away

Instead of looking at the mail and then dumping it on the kitchen table to deal with it later, take care of it straight away. Toss out any junk mail, open and file any bills, and put magazines they should go. You’ll keep the house tidier, and save time by only dealing with your bills once instead of several times. 

Rinse And Soak Your Dishes

Nobody has the time to stand at the sink scrubbing dishes that have stuck-on food. When you finish using a bowl, spatula, or mug, get in the habit of giving whatever you’ve used a quick rinse before you add it to the stack of dirty dishes waiting to be washed. 

Put the dishes in the sink, then whenever you use the water for something else, the extra water will collect in the dirty dishes and allow them to soak, which means they will be easier to wash up. 

Never Leave A Room Empty-Handed

When you leave the room, grab something that needs to be put away in the room you’re heading to. This saves time and helps to keep the house in order. If you’re heading upstairs, take up a pair of shoes or clean towels from the laundry that needs to go away up there.

Dish Up Some More Exciting Desserts at Home

At the end of your meal, finishing off with a fantastic dessert is always appreciated. Whether you're hosting guests or just making food for your family, a sweet treat afterward is the perfect way to finish your meal. But if you're bored of just taking out some store-bought desserts or serving the same old things, it might be time to do something a bit more exciting. You don't have to be a genius in the kitchen to make fun and interesting desserts, and it's easy to mix things up and do something different now and then. Try these ideas for some new desserts.

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Master Some Classics

Classic desserts are classics for a reason. They're old favorites that people love, whether they're very traditional or they were invented a little more recently. Another bonus is that the classics span different cuisines too. Whether you want an apple pie, a creme brulee, cannoli, or a lamington, you have a huge range to choose from. Mastering some of the classic desserts can be a great way to expand your repertoire and maybe impress some people too. Just because they're classic, it doesn't mean that they're easy. You could learn some new skills by tackling a beloved dessert.

Make Your Own Ice Cream

Making dessert at home can be a lot of fun, but one thing that a lot of people avoid is making their own ice cream. You can get plenty of flavors from the store, and it might feel like a lot of effort to make it yourself, especially if you don't have an ice cream-making machine. But homemade ice cream opens up even more possibilities, and you don't even necessarily need a machine. You can often use a blender instead, which enables you to try out anything from a pistachio ice cream recipe to chocolate fudge brownie. There are so many ways you can put your own twist on ice cream at home.

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Put a Twist on a Favorite

If you have a favorite dessert that you love to make, why not try it again but do something a little different? Once you've mastered a recipe for something, playing around with it and trying out new flavors, textures, or ways to present it can be fun. For example, maybe you like to make a basic vanilla panna cotta. Next time you make it, you could add a fruity flavor like mango or strawberry to turn it into a new dessert. There are plenty of ways to do this for your favorite desserts.

Put Some Effort Into Presentation

Sometimes, it's all about what your dessert looks like. You could make the same old dessert that you usually do, but make it look prettier than ever. Not only will it look impressive, but it can make your dessert taste different too. If you love an apple pie, why not give it a twist by making a rose apple pie. Or you can quickly jazz up a cake or pie by adding some decorative bits, whether it's frosting, edible flowers, decorative pastry, or just some sprinkles.

If you're bored of your usual desserts, do something different and make dessert exciting again.

Top 7 things to look for when buying a new house

The housing market can be a complete minefield if you do not know what you are looking for. You might have an idea in mind, but you do not know anything about the actual process of buying a house. Well, this guide will make it easier. These are the top 7 things to look for when buying a house. 

House Size

The first thing you need to decide is the size of the house you need. If you have children, you will need a lot more space than someone buying a house for themselves. However, the larger a house, the more expensive it will be to buy and maintain. Also, do not fall into the trap of buying the biggest house you can afford. The maintenance and upkeep costs could send you over the edge. 

The Ideal Yard 

First-time buyers often overlook the yard when choosing a house. However, the yard is one of the most important places for home improvements. Choose a house with a yard that has a lot of potential and you could end up increasing the value of your house significantly. 

The House’s Exterior 

When you arrive to view a new house, you should take a good look at the house’s exterior. This can tell you a lot about the history of the house. For example, if the windows look weathered and broken, the house has probably been neglected. If the exterior needs a lick of paint, this could be an opportunity to quickly increase the value. Also, look for any surface cracks and damaged areas on the exterior. 

Roof

Whilst looking at the exterior of the house, you should inspect the roof carefully. In most cases, a roof will not need to be replaced for around 30 years. However, some people will sell a house without investing in a new roof because it makes more sense financially. You should contact a roofing company, such as D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal, to get an idea of the price if it does need replacing. 

Heating And Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling systems are expensive to replace. That is why it is important to inspect them carefully before you decide to buy a house. The first test is to make sure that they work properly, then you need to check the age and service history. If you do not feel confident about inspecting the quality of the heating and cooling systems, ask a professional to look for you. 

Basement

A house with a large basement is worth more than one without. Basement space can be used as storage or ultimately converted to increase the space in the house. Basements are also incredibly important in areas that are prone to tornadoes. 

Attic

If you find a house with an attic that has not been converted, you could find a huge opportunity to increase the value of the house. Attic conversions add significant value and are excellent for growing families. However, you will need to inspect the state of the attic before you know if it can be converted. It might be more work than you would expect.

How to Save up for your First Mortgage Deposit

In this day and age, the cost of renting is almost as high as paying for a mortgage. If you want to get on the property ladder, then you may find that you have an uphill struggle on your hands. You may find that you are struggling to save up for your deposit and this is the last thing you need. If you want to put an end to your money worries, then this guide will help you to take more control of your finances.

Stop Renting the Place you Have Now

Renting a place can leave you with very little money to put down for a deposit. If you can survive for the next 12 months living with your parents, then this should be a consideration. Moving home with family can be much cheaper than renting your own space and it may even give you the boost you need to put more money down for your deposit. If you have friends that have a spare room or two to let, then it may be worth renting from them. When you do, you may find that you can make things much easier on yourself when it comes to saving up.

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Try and Trade and Use the Stock Market

Another thing that you can do to generate more money would be for you to try and trade. You need to make sure that you do everything you can to invest in the right product for you, whether it’s cryptocurrency or even stocks. If you want to make the most out of your experience, then it is a good idea for you to explore CFD as well. Either way, investing is a great way for you to make sure that you are going to get a way bigger return on your money so that you can put a bigger deposit down, faster. Getting a financial advisor is always a good idea as well as they can advise you on the amount of risk tolerance that you have when it comes to your investment so you can stop it from affecting your deposit too much.

Get a Lodger if you Live Alone

If you live alone and you have some space then taking in a lodger can be a brilliant way for you to subside the cost of renting. You may even find that you have some extra money to save up for a deposit as well. Before you even begin the search for a flatmate, you have to make sure that your landlord is happy for you to share your home and sublet a room.

Look into Government Schemes

There are usually quite a lot of government schemes out there that are designed to help people to get a boost on the property market. If you want to make sure that you make the most out of your deposit, then you need to try and explore them. It may be that you don’t need to save up as much as you think and this can work in your favor.

How to Improve Your Homes Exterior

 It's important to take care of your property, not only for your comfort but also to make sure it doesn't lose any value due to poor maintenance. Although you might be more aware of the interior issues to look out for in your home, don't forget that there are things to take care of outside, too. Making sure your home's exterior is in good condition will not only keep it a safe and comfortable living environment but can also boost your home's curb appeal and value. Here are a few things you can do to improve your home's exterior that will always be worth the investment.

The Driveway

If you do have a driveway attached to your property, making sure it is well-maintained is key. Not only will this be better for your car's tires, but it will make your property look much better as well. Rather than dull, cracked tarmac, consider getting some gorgeous brickwork or stone slabs put down instead. You can use gravel which does look good, but be wary that those little stones might bounce up and scratch your vehicle. 

Fencing/Walls

Fences or walls are what will indicate your property's boundary line, but they can also help to keep your home private and secure. If you want your home to look good, take a look at the current fence or walls that surround your property and see if they need replacing. After a time, they will get worn out, so if you haven't changed these since you moved in, this might be one of the first improvements you want to make. You can see a range of fences at eComposite Products. 

If you have a wall, then contact a bricklayer to discuss repairs. Or consider knocking down your wall entirely and replacing it with one of the fence options available online. 

Keep Your Garden Neat

Having a neat and tidy front garden will make your home much more attractive to people walking by, but your back garden should not be neglected either. Many stunning garden designs will certainly increase your property's value, but it's important to remember that gardens do require maintenance work, so if you're not someone who has a lot of time to dedicate to this or you're not that keen on gardening full stop, keep your design simple. This can still look very effective, but it will be much easier to keep tidy and your home's exterior looking great.

Paint the Walls

If you want to make a bigger change to the appearance of your property, you could always paint the exterior walls in a different color. You will need a specific kind of paint that can be used on brick or wood, depending on what your home is made from. It will also need to be durable enough to cope with various types of weather. Painting your house can make it stand out on the street and can look brilliant, especially if there is a pretty garden in front of vines growing up the walls.

If you want to boost the value of your home, don't forget to pay attention to the exterior of your property. Think about the suggestions above and which ones you think could help make your home look more attractive.

How to Take Care of a Large Garden

 Having a huge amount of outside space is a plus, both for your lifestyle and property potential. Of course, most people will covet a garden of some sort, but a large garden means more opportunities for socializing, having space for outdoor hobbies and interests, and implementing some interesting features into your outside space. 

Despite the key benefits, taking care of a large garden and maintaining everything within it can be a very demanding job, especially when you are contending with the changing seasons and your garden being exposed to the elements. 

To make it easier, here is how you can take better care of a large garden in an easier way.

Go Minimalist

Having a large garden and lots of outdoor space doesn’t mean that you have to fill every corner of it. If your style is more on the minimal side and you are looking for as little maintenance as possible, a minimalist garden can still offer an attractive and useable outdoor space for relaxing in.

For a minimalist garden, think about only what you want and need. For example, you may not even want any plants or flowers if you would simply enjoy a small seating area and a tended lawn. 

The less you have, the less you have to maintain. 

Invest in the Right Garden Equipment

The right garden tools are going to make the maintenance of a large garden significantly easier. You do not want to be constantly contending with cheap tools that break, do not work, or do not get the job done the way you had hoped the first time around, meaning you have to waste time doing the same thing again. 

Investing in higher grade tools and machinery which can do more, like a zero turn mower for your lawn, means that garden maintenance won’t be more stressful than it needs to be. 

Make a Yearly Schedule 

With so much to think about when it comes to a large garden, there will be many areas you need to check and stay on top of. A schedule and list can help you to know what you need to do and when about months and weather. 

An annual schedule is just a suggestion, but you can make a schedule based on any time frame you like depending on what works for you.

This schedule could include:

• When it’s usually time to trim hedges back
• When any machinery is due for maintenance or may need replacing
• When your lawn needs feeding
• Which protective measures need to be put in place, such as covering furniture in winter

Final Thoughts

To enjoy your large garden to the full, it needs to be properly taken care of and maintained. If you’re already a lover of the outdoors and green-fingered anyway, then a lot of care and maintenance will all be part of the enjoyable experience — and if it gets you out in your garden on warm summer days, there’s nothing lost!

Are You Ready To Learn About Solar Panels?

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There are plenty of trustworthy and reputable companies out there that offer solar energy. In this case, you can start to look into the benefits of it, once you have found a company that resonates with you. You may want to look at a company such as https://www.choosesolar.com. 

The sun has been shining for four and a half billion years. But people have known about solar energy only since 1830 when Alexander Edmund in Carl discovered the photovoltaic influence. Yes these terms are completely scientific, but when you understand the facts about solar panels, you understand their immense power. In this article we will talk about solar panels, and who is best suited to using solar energy. Solar power harnesses the sun's natural energy to generate electricity. Individually, solar cells capture certain wavelengths of solar radiation and convert them into electricity for the home, industrial use, appliance operation, and plenty of other electronic uses, which are possible without a connection to the electrical system.

The installation process

The installation process is very simple (although a little less maintenance - more on that below). Choose a good company, contact them, and get things planned! The installation takes several hours and does not interfere with the occupants of the house for the agenda. There is no drilling or destruction of roof or walls which makes the process much easier. Along the way, the installation company is also responsible for some of the maintenance and service activities. This is very similar to ordering and operating a new solar water heater - when you order a solar water heater, the installer actually installs a solar panel on your roof, which is connected to a water tank. On a hot day with the sun, instead of turning on the boiler and using electricity - the solar panel absorbs the sun's energy, converts it into electricity, and heats the water in the adjacent tank instead of using electricity for that purpose. A solar system on the roof is exactly the same, only of course it is only solar collectors without attached water tanks, and it is a matter of quantity - not just one solar collector but many, side by side. It is a great way to save the planet and can be used either at home or at work if you own a business. You are contributing to a better world. 

Who is it for?

Naturally, installing a solar system and solar panels on the roof is something that is more suitable for private homeowners with good roof space, but certainly not only for them. A solar system can be installed on the roofs of condominiums and high-rise buildings on the roof, assuming all tenants agree to it, as well as if you have unnecessary space unused or needed on the ground (extra large yard you want to sacrifice part of its area, field or plot of land belonging to you), it is also suitable for installation on the ground and not just on the roof, as long as there are no tall buildings around that will hide the sun from the solar panels.