Author: Rebecca Alston

5 Tips For Volunteering at Your Child’s School

Every parent wants their child to succeed. Any parent who says otherwise is either crazy, lying, or didn’t hear the question.

It hurts whenever we see our kids struggle with homework or school in general, but you know that’s a large part of life. You try to help out as much as you can and be as involved as possible.

One of those ways of being more involved is to help out or volunteer at your child’s school. If you’re a stay-at-home-mom, it can be a way to occupy your time as well as meet other moms or parents at the school.

Below are five different ways that you can help volunteer at your children’s school. It’s not only beneficial for the school but can be beneficial for your long term physical and mental health. Of course, these are just five quick ideas and there are plenty more out there!

See What Fits Your Schedule

When it comes to volunteering, there are going to be a myriad of opportunities around. You’re going to want something that fits your schedule and something you can commit to on a regular basis.

It does no one any good if you’re being wishy-washy with your time commitments and you don’t show up to anything. See what you are physically able to do and make a plan to stick to it.

See If You Can Use Past Skills

Many schools are looking for volunteers to help students with reading, their homework, or helping with math drills. If it’s elementary school, you’re going to be more likely to help out as opposed to helping high school students with their organic chemistry products.

Some preschools and elementary schools need volunteers to help their students with various crafts or even cooking skills. You don’t have to be a Master Chef finalist, but every little bit will help and you’re bound to have a great time as well.

Of course, you may be asked to do something completely out of your comfort zone and that’s OK! If they need you to help pick out promotional items for the Homecoming dinner, then that’s great too.

Be Involved With the Big Picture

School events, such as open houses, book fairs, Grandparent’s Day, etc. always need plenty of volunteers to help out. See what you can do on those days to help out.

It’s also a great way to see what exactly is going on at your kid’s school. You might have a silent type or feel like you may not be as “in the know” as you would like, but this is a surefire way to see what’s going on in your kids’ lives. It can also be a great way to spend some quality time with your children or see how they interact with others.

Attend Parent-Teacher Events

The best way to network with teachers and be involved in your kid’s life is to make sure you’re attending and volunteering at these parent-teacher events. It could be something as simple as helping set up food before hand or cleaning up after.

It will give you a good chance to not only speak with the teacher, but to maybe get a more personal approach with your child’s teacher or those that work at the school. You can develop a positive relationship with them which can only help in future parent-teacher conferences and other events.

Volunteer With Others

It always helps to be more involved in the community and school if you know more people in that certain community. One you start going to more and more events, you’re going to start meeting more parents. Some of them may have children that are classmates with your child, while some may not.

These can also be fantastic networking opportunities or the chance to make new friends for yourself.

It can also be a chance to volunteer as a family. Make sure you talk with your child about your level of involvement and see how they would react with you being at their school on a regular basis. Younger ones might be happy to have you in the halls while your older children may greet you with a cursory wave from far away.

Health and Beauty – Make-Up To Avoid

Health and beauty practice is often linked with make-up, and there are literally thousands of products out there that range in both price and quality. Quality and value are two of the most important factors when it comes to choosing make-up, but there’s also another important factor that many people overlook when it comes to their make-up and toiletry products, and that is the chemicals used.

Due to the often international nature of make-up products, a competitive marketplace and sometimes a lack of clear regulations, some common makeup products in your home could be far more dangerous to your long-term health than you realize. We have created a shortlist of some of the dangerous chemicals you will commonly find in a supermarket near you. Check out your make-up cabinet for any of these names and choose products that use safer alternatives.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

This common chemical is often found in shaving creams, shampoos and conditioners as it is a synthetic foaming agent. Recent studies have linked this chemical with skin irritation, eye irritation, and most alarmingly cancer. On top of this, this chemical has been found to contain other contaminants also linked to cancer, such as 1,4 Dioxane.

Phthalates

This is often found in perfume products and nail polish products, and unfortunately, due to legal reasons related to company formulas, you may not even see this toxic chemical on the label (often it will be hidden simply under the term fragrance). It’s linked to birth defects, thyroid problems and problems involving sperm count and genital development in men.

While this product is banned in Europe, it’s still commonly available, and it is worth researching your make-up, health and beauty products to make sure it doesn’t contain this chemical.

Parabens

Parabens are commonly found in deodorants and products with high water content. They often have the prefix methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, and they have been found to create problems with hormone function in the body. This can lead to cancer, tumors and a suspected range of other problems. Look for products branded paraben-free when you next shop for health and beauty products.

Diazolidinyl and Imidazolidinyl Urea

These chemicals, along with a host of others, are linked to the formaldehyde family, which are known to be carcinogenic and can cause a range of irritations and allergic reactions. They can be found in everything from shampoo to sunscreen, and the use of these chemicals is banned in Europe. Mascara, make-up remover and nail polish also have been known to feature these chemicals. Source: https://wordmaze.net/

Amine Family – Triethanolamine (TEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Amonoethanolamine (MEA)

These are foaming agents are found in a range of different make-up and beauty products. From hairspray to facial powders and much more, this chemical is currently under review in the USA, UK, and Europe. This chemical has been linked to cancer and when mixed with other common chemicals have been known to produce carcinogenic results.

This is just a small list of the common chemicals you will find in everyday products. For more comprehensive information, you can search one of the leading cosmetics databases at cosmeticsdatabase.com.

Things You Can Do That Will Improve the Quality of Your Life

As we all already may have figured out, the decisions we make can have a huge impact on our lives in general – which is particularly true when we have any kind of disability. Of course, this goes for all the individuals in the people in the world, and every day and our every move can have an impact on the quality of our lives, so be sure to keep on reading if you want to learn about things you can do to improve it.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

 

Invest your time in a hobby you love

Our hobbies play a very important role in our lives, making them more meaningful and fulfilled, which is exactly why you need to invest your time in a hobby you love. So, if you’ve always loved to read but you haven’t had time for it lately, it’s about time you changed that and started reading your favorite book once again. The same goes for any other hobby such as painting and pottery, which you can take up or resume any time in your life. On the other hand, hobbies such as gardening are more time consuming and require more dedication, so make sure you understand every aspect of that and to be well informed before you decide to take it up.

 

Start saving your money 

Photo by Elliot Banks on Unsplash

If there’s something that’s a little bit out-of-range financially, but you’ve always wanted to have it, now is the perfect time to start saving for it. No matter if that’s a brand new bass guitar or a big-screen TV, trust us when we say that nothing is too expensive when you want it so bad for a long time. All you need to do is to devote a small section of your bank account specifically to that one thing and start setting aside a small portion of your paycheck for that thing. You can do it either on a weekly or a monthly level, but remember one thing: if you set aside only $50 a month, you’ll have $600 by the end of the year. That’s quite amazing, isn’t it?

 

Surround yourself with friendly faces

Our overall attitude inevitably has a big impact on the quality of our lives, and the influence of people around us is just as important. This is why surrounding ourselves with friendly faces is crucial, and it’s particularly true if we’re living with a disability. So, if there’s anything that prevents us from feeling our best at the moment, we should start thinking about the ways to overcome that obstacle. Finding a disability support worker who can help us out whenever we need it is one of the options. These people could have experience in domestic assistance, nursing services, social support, personal care, and many other fields. In addition, meeting with friends more often is highly important and relationships we build throughout our lives make us up as individuals and are essential for our wellbeing.

 

Make a list of everything you’re thankful for

Sometimes, we all need a little reminder of how lucky we actually are, which is why making a list of everything you’re thankful for should be your next task. This is absolutely essential, no matter if you’re a man or a woman, disabled or not – practicing gratitude is a fantastic way to boost your spirits and help you instantly feel much better and more energized. So, take a pen and a piece of paper and start writing down everything you’re thankful for. It’s the small things that count most, and the sooner you realize that, the better.

 

Spend more time in nature

Last but certainly not least, spending time outdoors, breathing the fresh air and enjoying the wonders of nature is another amazing activity that can improve the quality of your life. Cycling in the woods nearby is a great idea, as well as taking a long walk around your neighborhood. Having a picnic is also a good choice, so pack a cozy blanket, some healthy homemade snacks, a bottle of water, and your favorite book, go outside, and appreciate nature. Just relax, soak it all in, and you’ll see a fantastic improvement shortly.

There indeed are a lot of wonderful things that can improve the quality of your life, and these five are definitely the best ones out there. So, if you want to change something for the better and live your best life, all you have to do is to stick to our tips and guidelines. Once that’s done, you’ll undoubtedly make your dreams come true.

Measuring The Out Chairs Is Essential To Get It Properly Covered

You will have to consider a whole lot of things when you want to buy covers for your outdoor chairs. This will make your investment high yielding as well as ensure that your outdoor chairs are well protected against the environmental and natural elements, especially during the winter months. 

As it is, it may be an overwhelming task to consider the types, the material, the color, and most importantly the size of the covers to ensure it fits onto your chairs well. Measuring the garden chairs can be the most difficult part of all because chairs cone come in different shapes and styles. 

  • Some may have straight back while others may be inclined and
  • Some may have larger seats while some be designed for a single person to sit. 

All these factors will really make it difficult for you to determine which particular type of chair covers you should buy and especially how exactly you can measure the chairs.

Tips to measure

All outdoor chair covers are designed to fit in a large variety of chair shapes, sizes, and styles. In order to ensure that you get the correct size of the covers and a good snug fit, you should measure your chairs by following these tips and instructions:

  • Start with measuring the height of the chair. This is actually the straight line from the top of the back of the chair to the ground, whether the back is straight or inclined. 
  • Next, you should measure the width of the chair. You can do this by measuring the back of the chair from one end to the other. Make sure that it is a straight line. 
  • Follow it up by measuring the depth of the chair. This is measured from the front of the seat of the chair to the backrest of it. 

This will give you the exact measurement of the chairs in your garden that you want to cover properly to protect it from the natural elements and the harsh sun rays that contains harmful UV rays.

Tips to buy

Ideally, the chair covers will come with a set of unique strap and buckle system. This system will ensure that the cover is secure on the chair and will not be blown away in a stormy or windy condition.

Though you will get a lot of cheap covers on the market that may seem very enticing to buy these are not usually worth spending your money. 

  • All cheap covers are highly unlikely to last long, not even to the first winter because these are made from low-quality materials. 
  • These cheap materials may not be waterproof as well which is the prime requirement for outdoor chair covers. 

All these will eventually cost you more than you save. Therefore, always choose the expensive ones, preferably the branded ones to make your investment worth. 

Look for the range of outdoor chair covers and select the right one for your type of chair. Give some time to it and research well to protect your garden furniture and make it look best for a long time to come.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun Every Day – Follow These 5 Steps

Even though the majority of people enjoy spending time in the sun, the truth is that a large number of them don’t take proper care of their skin in order to protect it from the sun on a daily basis. If you’re one of those people, too, look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here are five essential steps you should take, so check them out!

Keep your skin as hydrated as possible

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but let us say it once again – keeping your skin as hydrated as possible is an absolute must, so don’t wait any longer and find the best moisturizer for your skin type. If your skin is normally very dry, you should opt for thicker creams that will lock the moisture in and keep it nourished all day long. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, you should certainly go for lightweight serums and gels that will instantly absorb into the skin, without making it greasy and sticky. Serums with hyaluronic acid are a good way to go as this ingredient prevents moisture loss and boosts your skin’s natural moisture content.

When in doubt, re-apply sunscreen

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of sunscreen during hot summer months, but you know what? Applying sunscreen simply isn’t enough, and that’s because it gradually wears off – especially when you’re spending a lot of time in the water, at the beach, or by the pool. Well, this is exactly why you need to reapply your sunscreen a few times a day – every two hours if you aren’t swimming, or immediately after you go out of the pool or the sea. As for the amount of sunscreen you’ll need, a teaspoon will be more than enough for the face, whereas a shot glass is fine for the body. Just stick to this rule and you’ll do a great job!

Treat skin issues caused by sun exposure

In case you weren’t aware of it, the sun can harm your skin in more ways than you can imagine, and sunburn is the first and the most obvious of them. Did you know that the sun can also speed up the process of aging by damaging the elastic fibers that keep the skin firm and allowing wrinkles to develop? Besides that, spending too much time in the sun can result in brown spots which are also known as melasma. These can be treated in numerous ways, and you should know that you can remove brown spots easily if you start using products that contain fruit acid, lactic acid, and kojic acid. These will do wonders for your brown spots caused by the extensive sun exposure!

Eat your SPF

Yes, we know that it sounds a bit silly, but trust us when we say that there are particular foods that can prevent sunburn. First of all, we must mention foods rich in vitamins C and E, so make sure to incorporate these into your everyday diet. For example, one serving of strawberries has more vitamin C than a medium orange, whereas avocados are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from free radical damage. On the other hand, sweet potatoes feature a specific kind of vitamin A called beta-carotene which will shield your skin against the sun. Just eat them this summer and you’ll see what we were talking about!

Soothe over-exposed skin properly

You haven’t really listened to our tips and you managed to get your skin burnt by the sun? Unfortunately, the damage is done and there’s nothing you can do to fix it, but the good news is that you don’t have to suffer in pain. There are so many amazing, super soothing balms and creams that can reduce redness and inflammation while speeding up the process of recovery at the same time. All you need to do is to apply those cooling balms generously onto your sunburnt skin as soon as you notice the first signs of a pink glow. This is the best way to soothe your over-exposed skin without any pain!

Protecting your skin from the sun has never been easier – as long as you’re sticking to our tips, of course. So, if that’s your ultimate goal this summer, all you have to do is to follow our guidelines and you’ll make it happen, without a shadow of a doubt!

How to Prepare for Any Kind of Medical Treatment

 

Any medical treatment and procedure, no matter how routine it might be or not, can cause stress. This is a perfectly normal thing, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. All of us have to go through that once in our lives, and even if it is not the most comfortable thing, we can get through it. However, there are ways to prepare for these kinds of medical treatments, and thus help yourself get through this whole process in a faster and perhaps more effective way. But what does actually preparing for this medical treatment mean? How can one prepare for surgery or another type of procedure?

 

Talk with your surgeon

One of the most effective ways to make yourself feel comfortable about the whole situation is to talk to your surgeon. The doctor(s) who will be handling the situation should be very helpful, and they will gladly answer all of the questions that you might be having. They will do anything they can to show you that you are in good hands and that there is nothing to worry about. This is not something that they are doing only because of you – this is a win-win scenario, as it is the doctor’s advantage to make you comfortable and relaxed before the surgery. In order to prepare for this, make sure to write down all the questions you might have. 

 

Do your research

 

If you are reluctant to talk to your surgeon at this point, or if you don’t feel prepared enough to do so, then you might want to do a bit of research online. Bear in mind that googling your symptoms and the process of the surgery might not give you the right information, so it is always good to find reliable sources. You can search and find if your doctor has an online journal or any videos or articles that you might find helpful. If not, you can always turn to other doctors who do, and go, for example, through the journal of Dr. Timothy Steel who is a pro in spine and brain surgery. You might find very helpful articles and videos on such websites, and this is one of the best types of research you might be conducting for your own health. 

What the recovery includes

Since we all love to see what the future has in store for us, it is quite logical that we need to know what the recovery of the medical treatment or procedure we are undergoing includes. Is it some time spent in bed, or does it mean going to the doctor on a weekly basis for a check-up? Be as it may, make sure to ask your doctor about such issues. Not only do you have to know what to expect from your condition in the future, but this is also a great way to learn what you will be doing and thus plan out your recovery accordingly. A detailed recovery plan will also help you out in having your mind at ease, which is crucial in such situations.

 

Be positive and surround yourself with positive people

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

On a final note, it is very important to cut off any negative influences in your life. The medical treatment might not be serious, but a human mind can make anything more severe than it actually is. This is why you need to surround yourself with positive people only and always hope for the best. Negative feelings will not get you anywhere while staying positive can give you that boost in morale that you might need to get through the medical treatment and the recovery process. 

Everything’s in your head, the whole preparation process. You need to be optimistic, to have all the information and details in your head and to hope for the best. Knowing these things, as well as knowing all the risks and disadvantages, will only put you in advantage to get through this. Good luck!

Random Gift Ideas for Your Husband

Your husband’s birthday is coming up or he’s just been promoted and you want to get him something to show how much you appreciate his presence in your life. It’s said that it’s much easier to buy a present for a man than a woman, but that really doesn’t have to be the case. Men are known to be very specific, with a particular taste when it comes to gifts and getting them something they’ll really love can be very difficult. That’s why you have to consider a wide range of gifts, be it from BuyersImpact.co.uk or any other site, and to help you choose the best one we’ve prepared the following suggestions.

Smartwatch

Many men simply love gadgets, partly because they find them useful, partly because they see them as toys for grown-ups. Whatever the reason, a smartwatch is definitely worth considering. You can choose from a wide range of products, but make sure it has an option to track heart rate, activity, and sleep. Not only will your husband love this new gadget, but he’ll also be able to monitor his health condition better.

Jacket

If your husband loves spending time outdoors, he most certainly needs a jacket that will protect him from the elements, but allow him to feel comfortable at the same time. Even if he prefers staying at home, he is bound to need a waterproof jacket occasionally, so think about getting him one.

Book on making cocktails

Cocktails have been extremely popular for quite a while now and your husband might like to learn more about how to make them. Find a book he could use to learn the art of cocktail-making and let him enjoy the newly acquired skill. If you yourself love cocktails, you’ll be able to benefit from this gift as much as your beloved husband.

Boots

Although shoes and boots are considered much more popular among women, men are paying much more attention to their footwear than ever before. Depending on how often your husband goes out and for what reason, you can opt for a pair of sturdy hiking boots or some much lighter for casual strolls in the winter. Just make sure you know what kind of boots he likes and that you get the right size.

Whiskey

There aren’t many gifts more masculine than a bottle of whiskey. If your husband is a true appreciator of this fabulous drink, make sure you get him a bottle of whiskey he hasn’t tried before. For example, take a look at this Nikka whiskey offer if you want to surprise him with a drink that comes all the way from Japan.

Dashboard cam

Men are known for their love of cars, so any gift that has something to do with their four-wheeled possession is usually a good choice. With a good dashboard cam, he can record his journeys for fun or in case of a jolt of any kind, refer back to the recording to analyze the situation.

Wireless charging accessory tray

If your husband has made the switch to Qi-enabled electronic devices, he’ll definitely appreciate an accessory that would allow him to charge his favorite gadgets at home or in the office. Such trays come in various shapes and sizes and you’ll definitely find one that he’ll be happy with.

Soundbar

Another gadget, which can upgrade his TV-watching experience, is a soundbar. It produces high-quality sound, which is very important for the overall experience. Most soundbars come with wireless connectivity, while some even have voice assistants built-in.

Leaf blower

Keen gardeners will love this gift, while those who are not so crazy about working in their yards will surely appreciate the help. Find a cordless leaf blower to allow your husband to roam around the yard freely and fell proud of the job he is doing.

Bike

Chances are the last people who bought your husband a bike were his parents a long time ago. Show him that you care about him by getting him a nice bike that he could use to commute to work or exercise. Shop assistants should be able to help you choose the right model and size if you tell them your husband’s height and weight.

Doorway pull-up bar

One more gift that should help your husband stay fit and healthy is a pull-up bar that can be installed in the doorway. It will give him a chance to squeeze in a workout at home just before going to work or in the evening.

The Health Benefits of Green Tea

If you haven’t been hiding under a rock, then you’ve probably read or heard about the benefits of drinking green tea for your diet and overall health. Green tea has been used for centuries as a healing herb that can protect your digestion, prevent cancer, and calm anxiety. Mostly used by the Chinese as a healing drink, green teas come in all different varieties nowadays.

Tea, in general, is used to soothe us when we’re sick, keep us warm in the winter, and can even protect against certain viruses, accelerate digestion, and aid menstrual cramps. Green tea, however, has special properties that make it even more of a healthy addition to your diet.

Many researchers and enthusiasts would say that green tea is by far the healthiest beverage you can drink. Most of this is owing to the high number of antioxidants, and the natural ways in which drinking a cup a day can improve several aspects of your health and body. You won’t want to go back after you see how green tea can help you stay on the right health track.

Which compounds make up green tea?

The reason that green tea is so good for you is that it naturally contains certain compounds that stimulate parts of the body and digestive system in very positive ways. For example, one of these nutrients is called polyphenols. These specifically act to reduce inflammation in the body and can even work toward preventing cancer. If you have a history of cancer in your family, or if you suffer from chronic pain or any other ailment that includes inflammatory side effects, think about implementing green teas into your diet.

Other healing properties in green tea include catechins. These protect free radicals from spreading in the body. They also have a whole range of positives. Catechins act to protect the cells from damage by eliminating free radicals that could potentially hurt existing cells. Free radicals are responsible for any adverse side effects in the aging process and the spread of diseases.

Green tea can improve your brain functioning!

Some more good news about green tea? It doesn’t just help your body in staying healthy. It also helps your brain! Green tea does contain caffeine, which allows the body to stay alert (and doesn’t have as much as caffeine, which can have negative effects on the brain).

Beyond caffeine, green tea also has an amino acid called L-theanine, which acts in crossing the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine increases the flow and activity of neurotransmitter GABA, which also works to calm anxiety. It also increases dopamine! You can be so joyful while sipping your tea.

L-theanine appears in several different products besides teas, like Zach Attack Supplements, which also helps the digestive system for the better.

Make green tea your newest obsession.

Just like “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” a cup of green tea a day can drastically improve brain and body functioning. If you don’t believe us, try it yourself! You don’t have to worry about staining your teeth through frequent tea consumption as you can always get teeth polishing by the cosmetic dentist in Alhambra.

Basement Home Office Every Working Mom Deserves

The basement is usually the space most people don’t use on a daily basis, except for storing their junk. But, if you want to make this space functional and give it a purpose, you can convert it into a home office. This is something all working moms need, especially when they’re chasing deadlines. Most of us prefer working from home and feeling comfortable while trying to solve complex work-related issues. But, working from home also means you’ll have to deal with so many distractions – from your kids to the TV, and everything in between. This is one of the biggest advantages of the basement because it’s secluded and your family won’t be able to interrupt you while you’re working. So, how can you turn your basement into every mom’s perfect home office?

Inspect the space

Many homeowners have serious problems in their basements so it’s important to deal with potential repairs in the beginning. Check the insulation and waterproofing because these two issues can cause serious damage, especially if you redo the space before moving into it. In addition to that, flooring and ceiling are also a major risk if you haven’t been taking care of your basement properly. 

Mold spreads quite easily in the basement, so keep that in mind as well. Since you’ll be spending lots of time here, you need to think about your health and take care of any potential leaks that can cause mold. Even if you get everything fixed, invest in an air purifier just to make sure the air quality is at the highest level.

Insist on comfort and practicality

No matter how big your home office is, you need to remember that comfort is the key to productivity. That means you won’t be able to work unless you invest in some comfortable and ergonomic furniture. Think of it as a necessity for your health because all working moms are exhausted all the time, so sitting for hours in improper furniture might not be good for them.

For starters, think about adding a spacious desk that’s practical and functional. In addition to that, you’ll want to pair it with a suitable chair which will turn into the center of your workspace. If you want, you can even add another cozy chair where you can take a break, read something, or meet your business associates.

Basement entrance

If you don’t have doors on your basement, you need to think about investing in one. There are two possible problems if you opt for an open concept. First, your family will always be interrupting you, thinking you’re free to hang out and spend time with them. Secondly, you’ll be surrounded by so much noise that you won’t be able to focus on your work.

By adding doors, though, you’ll create a designated space which you’ll use only for your work and nothing else. You can always use practical barn doors that will add a stylish note but also serve as a practical room divider. If you have a big basement, it will also allow your family members to use the space without getting in your way.

Think about the lighting

 

The main problem when it comes to the basement is the lighting, especially if you want to give this space a new purpose. You can try sectioning the space and adding different types of lighting which will allow you to have plenty of light wherever you need it. Create one big source of lighting on the ceiling and use that as a primary source that will cover the entire space. 

In addition to that, think about all the parts of the basement where you’ll need light – your desk, the storage area, the reading space, etc. – so don’t be afraid to maximize the lighting when you need it. in the end, be sure to create multiple lighting sources, just to ensure your office is properly illuminated.

Projects like this one will help you utilize the free space you have in your home and make it functional. Having a home office in your basement will give you all the privacy you need in order to get all of your jobs done without interruptions, so it’s definitely an idea worth looking into.

House and Garden Maintenance This Fall!

We all love spicing up our living space and introducing new design features into our kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms, but what about the exterior space? If you’re lucky enough to live in a house with a garden instead of an apartment with no outdoor area, you have to maintain it as well. This sounds like a lot of work, but it actually isn’t. It’s all about finding the right projects that will mean the most to your family in the future, and that’s it. So, if you too are looking for ways to show your exterior space some love this fall, here are a few ideas you should take into consideration.

Fix the curb appeal

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of exterior renovations and updates, you just have to show your curb appeal some love and care. After all, this is what people notice first when coming to your place, and that’s something that could help you make a better first impression. A well-maintained front yard goes a long way, and achieving this goal really isn’t as hard as you may think.

What’s even better is that you have so many options to choose from when spicing up your curb appeal. From planting new flowers and plants to designing a new driveway, you can do basically whatever you want, and it will probably work like a charm. Once you’re done with the front yard, you can focus on your home, and boost its appeal a bit too. Repaint the front doors, replace the windows, add a new mailbox, and install some new lights. These projects don’t require too much time or energy but are quite efficient and practical.

Declutter the backyard

After you’re done with the front of your home, you need to do the same with the backyard as well. Declutter and trash removal is the first thing you have to do. But, since this is the space where your entire family hangs out, including your kids, making them a part of this project isn’t such a bad idea.

What you need to do is give them specific tasks and show them how to do them. First, remove all the bigger things you don’t need here – old appliances, outdated furniture, trash cans, etc. – and then move onto the smaller stuff. Things like your gardening tools and sports equipment don’t belong in the backyard, so either throw it away or store it in your garage. Finally, ask your kids to take care of their toys and other possessions. This way, they’ll appreciate this space even more than before and really consider it their own.

Fix the façade

Now that your outdoor space is spotless, you should shift your attention to the exterior of your home. Fixing the façade is the first thing to do, especially if your home is old or a bit shabby. Fortunately, this isn’t a hard project, and you could probably do it on your own. Even if you have no contracting skills, all you need is some paint and a few friends who could help you out.

Repainting the façade is almost the same as painting the interior walls in your home, so even a layperson will be able to get that done. Still, you might want to look into some reliable scaffolding rental options and thus access all the corners of your façade more easily. These things are quite helpful and could make your job much simpler, so get prepared first and be sure to find amazing scaffolding.