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Designing a Backyard Garden That Could Slash Your Grocery Bill in Half

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The war in Ukraine, the rising cost of gas, and even the avian flu are leaving shopping carts, wallets, and purses emptier than they’ve been in a long time. And it’s unlikely to ease up anytime soon. According to CNN, the cost of groceries is up a whopping 10.8 percent across the board for the year. With so many prices going up so quickly, how can the average American family keep food on the table?

One solution is to grow your own from seed. Even if you have the smallest backyard on the block, there are ways to optimize your space to grow foods such as tomatoes, squash, zuchinni, onions, pumpkins, and eggplants. It may take you a season or two to polish your skills, but within one to two years, you could easily be growing enough produce to slash your weekly grocery bill in half. Here’s how others are doing it. 

Grow What Your Family Enjoys Eating

Before you buy your first bag of seed starter or invest in your first raised bed, think about the types of produce you most frequently buy. Is it lettuce for salads, carrots for snacking, or broccoli for stir-frying? Do you regularly buy pounds of apples or pears? Or are berries more your family’s style? You can easily grow each of these nutritious foods right in your own backyard, but they should be ones everyone enjoys eating. 

Make Good Use of Your Vertical Space

Your garden doesn’t have to be taken over by sprawling pumpkin vines or unruly tomato plants. By training your plants to grow vertically up a trellis or other type of support, you can keep your new backyard garden looking neat and tidy. 

Concentrate on Growing Nutrient-Rich Foods

Grow foods that are satisfying and filling. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, beans, and peas top this list. They also store well. So if you grow enough of them, your family can have healthy sides to eat all winter. 

Learn How to Compost

Good soil is pricey, and you’ll need lots of it to make a go at gardening. So learn how to turn your existing food scraps into rich, dark compost. You don’t need any pricey equipment to begin, just a clear spot on the ground and a working knowledge of the green-to-brown ratio. 

Be Frugal at First

Container gardening is a good way to get started in growing, especially if space is limited. Scour your local yard sales for buckets, baskets, and washtubs to use as planters. You can also score big at the local home improvement stores if you stop by as one season ends and another begins. 

Go online and order a few free seed catalogs to help you in your planning. These are wonderfully inspiring resources for new gardeners. And get outside and walk the area you plan to garden in. Visualize it before you begin digging, and learn all you can about succession planting, and which crops are cold-weather and which are warm-weather. Before you know it, your backyard will have new purpose, and your family will have fresh, healthy food choices freely available — all at a fraction of what they cost at the grocery store. 

Can you make money homesteading?

Posted on by scatty

You’ve been dreaming of homesteading for a while, maybe entertaining ideas of living off the land or being self-sustaining. Then reality hits.

Maybe you quit your job so that you could keep your focus solely on homesteading or maybe you needed to quit your job because you just didn’t have time to maintain your property and hold a job at the same time. Maybe your homestead property is located in an area that makes your commute too long and costly.

Whatever the case, the bills don’t stop. Some bills such as mortgage and property tax as well as daily expenses will not go away. Learning how to make money homesteading becomes a priority.

Why You Might Need to Earn Money Homesteading

If you can’t work, you aren’t likely to have an income stream that is adequate to support your needs. Newly purchased property typically carries a monthly payment and if you have not gone totally off-grid, then you will still have to pay for utilities. If you don’t have a well, then you’ll need to tap into the public water system which also carries a price.

And let’s not forget the government that will most certainly have its hand out for its piece of the pie. Property taxes are relentless.

Add to that equipment and vehicle registration each year, regular maintenance, and eventual replacement.

You will also have your own daily expenses for the things you do not or cannot make yourself such as toiletries, cleaning products, food that you don’t grow, furnishings, cooking utensils, and more. There is the potential for several different expenses that will vary according to your personal level of homesteading and your family’s needs.

5 Ways to Make Money Homesteading

If you put some thought into it, you can probably think of many ways to make money homesteading. But if you’re drawing a blank, here are a few ideas for inspiration.

  • Sell Food Products – Sell extra milk from your cow or goats, eggs, vegetables, poultry, beef, fresh fruit, or homemade jellies and jams, Make homemade dairy products like cheese to sell or homemade baked goods.
  • Make Your Own Products – If you are adept at candle making or soap making, put those skills to work for you. Create your own lotions, cleaning products, and balms then sell them. If you can sew, quilt, or knit, create handmade items to sell.
  • Sell Animals – You can breed animals like goats or sheep for other homesteaders to purchase or incubate eggs and sell the chicks. Sell wool from sheep or alpacas. You can even sell worms to be used for composting or fishing.
  • Teach Others to do What You Do – Get an account on Parler or a similar site and charge a membership fee and publish your hard-earned knowledge. You can also teach classes, write books, or start a blog.
  • Turn Your Homestead Into an Experience – If you don’t mind having other people on your homestead, you can turn it into an experience. Turn a portion of it into a venue for events like weddings or parties. Grow Christmas trees or pumpkins for some holiday profit. Or you can keep a few tiny homes or cabins to rent out.

Look around you and think about what you are capable (and willing) to do to earn money, then just take the plunge.

But Can I Show a Profit?

A single project is not likely to show much if any profit. However, if you find several projects that are the right mix of long and short-term endeavors, you can create a pretty steady income for your homestead.

Some projects require long-term planning, such as a fruit orchard that will take a few years to grow and bear fruit. Other projects can be started pretty quickly such as selling produce from your garden, making your own cleaning products to sell, or selling eggs from your chickens. While these may require a little prep time and probably some investment, they can be turned around pretty quickly and you can see a profit almost immediately.

Proper planning and good research will help to ensure that your homesteading projects will indeed be profitable and serve you and your family well.

The 5 Most Popular Sports In The World

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Sports are something the entire world shares in common. But which sports are the most beloved? Do Americans and Europeans enjoy the same sports? The answer may surprise you! Here are the top 5 most popular sports in the world. 

1. Football

Football is also called soccer and is consistently ranked the top sport around the globe. It has over 4 billion fans! It was codified in the 19th century in England around the time of Queen Victoria. One of the reasons that football is so popular across the world is because of its extremely low cost. You really only need a soccer ball to get started! Other countries where football is popular include Africa, Canada, China, and the United States. 

2. Cricket 

Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world, but many people in America don’t know what this sport is. For those who are unfamiliar with the game, it is a bat-and-ball sport similar to baseball, where players try to score runs. Cricket has 2.5 billion fans worldwide and is most common in Australia, India, and Pakistan. The main difference between cricket and baseball is that a cricket field has a long, rectangular pitch at its center instead of a baseball mound. A pitcher in cricket is called a bowler, whose purpose is to put down the wicket at either end of the field. 

3. Hockey 

Hockey is next up on the list of most popular sports across the globe. At 2 billion fans, hockey is almost as popular as cricket! The two types of hockey that people like to play are ice hockey and field hockey. Ice hockey is very popular in Canada and Europe. The main difference between ice hockey and field hockey is the aggressive body checking seen in ice hockey.  Field hockey takes place outdoors in a field and involves players using a hockey stick to guide a ball down the field and into the other team’s net. Field hockey usually does not allow body checking. If you want to play a safer version of hockey, field hockey is your best bet!   

4. Tennis 

Tennis is the fourth most popular sport in the world with 1 billion fans. This sport requires players to apply both their cognitive abilities and their physical prowess. The most famous tennis player in the world is Serena Williams, followed by Roger Federer. The word “tennis” is derived from the French word “tenez,” which means to “receive” or “take” something. As both a non-contact and low-impact sport, it’s one that many people can enjoy even if they aren’t able to do things like jogging or swimming. 

5. Volleyball 

The fifth and final most popular sport worldwide is volleyball with 900 million fans. It can be played indoors on a basketball court or volleyball court, or on a beach. All you need to play volleyball is a net, a volleyball, and enough players. Volleyball is more popular in some countries than others, like Australia, Asia, and the U.S. This is a very physical sport, with players jumping on average around 300 times every game! In professional or college-level volleyball, the ball can go as fast as 87 MPH! The sport originated in America in 1895 and at that time, the ball was called a “mintonette.” 

5 Special Ingredients To Make Your Dishes Memorable

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Ingredients are the foundation of any meal. With the right combination of ingredients, you can take a meal from boring, bland, or repetitive to a special, unique, and memorable dish. By finding the right secret ingredients for each meal you plan, it is possible to make your cooking stand out.

Truffle Oil

For meals that incorporate mushrooms, truffle oil is a great addition to enhance the taste. Truffle oil provides an earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of meals and food options. For example, you can add oil to the top of pasta or drizzle truffle oil over a bowl of soup before serving it. You can also add truffle oil to butter and salt when making popcorn for an interesting and fun snack.

Coriander Powder

Many dishes and recipes call for cilantro to garnish the meal. While cilantro is a common ingredient, you may not realize that coriander powder is made from the same plant. The powder is made from the seeds of the plant, while cilantro refers to the stem and leaves of the plant. Coriander powder offers a mild flavor that enhances the taste of other spices and is often a secret ingredient in different recipes. Add the coriander powder to curries or spiced dishes to enhance the other spices. You can also add the spice to baked sweets or meals for an unexpected flavor. It pairs well with casseroles and savory baked goods.

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder

Kashmiri red chili powder is often used in Indian dishes to provide a medium-hot taste to the food. While it is ideal for mild to medium-hot dishes, it offers an additional benefit in cooking. The chili has a naturally vibrant red color that makes the food look appealing due to the color. It provides a bright red shade for Indian dishes without using food coloring. Since it is not too hot, the spice is ideal for tandoori chicken or other dishes with a vibrant color.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a sweet bark that adds to many dishes and foods. Since it has a naturally sweet flavor, it helps you reduce the amount of sugar you need in many sweets and meals. It also enhances the taste of other spices. Use cinnamon in baked bread, cookies, pies, or other sweet treats. You can also add cinnamon to curry dishes when tempering your oil.

Cardamom

Cardamom is similar to cinnamon in the way it offers a warming and sweet flavor. The flavor makes it ideal for cooking spicy meals, sweet dishes, and even chai. It is a good option to add a touch of sweet flavor without adding sugar to a meal. Use cardamom with any sweet that calls for milk. It pairs well with rice pudding, ras malai, and black tea. You can also use cardamom in any dish that calls for cloves.

Make your meals memorable and interesting by trying out unique and fun ingredients. Use new spices and oils to change the flavor of your favorite sweet treats, savory snacks, or dinner dishes.

5 Healthy, Easy-To-Make Meal Ideas

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Most people are too busy to spend hours in the kitchen every evening preparing elaborate meals. Fortunately, it’s possible to create nutritious and delicious restaurant-style meals with a minimal investment of time. Following are just five of the many meals you can make in a hurry in your home kitchen without sacrificing quality. 

Salmon Fettucine

All you need for this is a can of salmon, fettuccine noodles, a light Alfredo sauce, and you’ll feel like you’re dining in an upscale restaurant. Finish the dish off with a sprinkling of cracked black pepper and a garnish of fresh lemon. For added flavor and visual appeal, serve it over a bed of fresh bright greens. You can also substitute the Alfredo sauce for pesto sauce. chicken or tuna can be substituted for the salmon.  This dish takes less than 30 minutes. 

Tuna/Vegetable/Rice Mini Casserole for Two

Most people already have the ingredients for this in their cupboard or freezer. All you need is two cans of tuna, a jar of pre-made Alfredo sauce, some balsamic rice, and some cheddar cheese. After mixing all the ingredients but the cheese together, bake in a small casserole dish for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese and serve. This recipe can be doubled or tripled to feed more people. It also makes great leftovers and can be frozen in individual servings for microwaving later. 

Baked Salmon and Asparagus

Besides the two main ingredients, all you need for this is a piece of foil and your choice of sauce or dressing. Honey mustard dressing and lemon butter sauce both work well for this dish. Simply place the salmon and asparagus on the foil, drizzle with sauce or dressing, and wrap it up securely in the foil. This should be ready to remove from the oven and serve in half an hour. You can also substitute steelhead trout or halibut for the salmon in this recipe.  

Steak and Salad

Although many people associate a steak dinner with a night on the town, it’s actually quite easy to prepare in your own home. Start with buying the best quality of steak you can afford. Find a good recipe and follow it closely, especially if you’ve never grilled a steak before. Purchase pre-made salad to minimize chopping, dicing, and slicing. Serve with a roll or piece of garlic bread. 

Lemon Chicken One-Skillet Dinner

Besides the way it tastes, the best thing about this dinner is the easy cleanup afterward. You’ll need chicken breasts, mushrooms, green beans, chicken stock, flour, cracked black pepper, parsley, and thyme. This dish is finished in less than 30 minutes, and the only thing you’ll have to clean afterward is the skillet, a couple of cooking utensils, the plates, and the silverware. 

 

 

 

 

5 Unique International Foods To Try Before You Die

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Are you a foodie always on the lookout for new and exciting things to eat? Would you prefer to visit a market in a foreign country than a beach? Yes? Then this video is for you.
We loaded this list with new twists on old classics and intriguing dishes that you will definitely want to try at least once before you die.

Number Five: Spice Bag.

No matter where you go in the world, late-night food all seems to share the same characteristics. It’s greasy, delicious, and most likely something you would never eat at any other time of the day. When the clubs close in Ireland, lines immediately start forming at takeaways for the famous spice bags. Spice bags consist of french fries, fried chicken strips, fried bell and chile peppers, and lots of different spices. Don’t bother asking which ones. That’s a closely guarded secret. But do yourself a favor and get a drink to go with it. Your mouth will thank you.

Number Four: Pambazo

Do you think that Mexican food is only tortillas and tacos? Well, there is much more to Mexican cuisine than that. Take the Pambazo from Mexico City, for example. Pambazo is a popular type of sandwich stuffed with potatoes and chorizo sausage and served on a soft roll. If that isn’t already spicy enough, the cook then soaks the roll in a spicy chili sauce and fries it until crispy.

Number Three: Martabak Bangka

Don’t worry if you can’t handle spicy food. Our next dish is for those who prefer something a little sweeter. Martabak Bangka, a popular Indonesian street food, is a stuffed pancake made with an egg and flour batter. After cooking, the vendor tops it with various sweet and salty ingredients before folding and slicing. Versions differ slightly, but the toppings usually include peanuts, chocolate sprinkles, condensed milk, and white cheddar cheese.

Number Two: Kokoda

If you ever find yourself on the South Pacific island of Fiji, then you have to try Kokoda. Kokoda may look similar to the more well-known ceviche, but it takes the flavor in an entirely different direction. Most cooks make Kokoda with mahi-mahi or red snapper, but you can use any freshly caught fish. After marinating the diced fish in coconut and citrus juice, it’s flavored with minced chilies, sea salt, shredded green onions, and toasted coriander seeds.

Number One: Welsh Rarebit

It is true. Simple foods are often the most delicious. That is the case when it comes to Welsh Rarebit. Originally the recipe was only toasted bread with a warm slice of cheese and a bit of mustard. However, the recipes that are popular today use a few more ingredients. These days Welsh Rarebit usually consists of a few slices of crusty bread smothered in a rich sauce made with milk, beer, cheddar, and English mustard. Don’t worry. Thumper is safe, as this dish is entirely vegetarian.

5 Ingredients It’s Worth It To Make Yourself

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Sometimes ingredients from scratch are just that much better than store-bought. Here are 5 ingredients it’s worth it to make yourself. 

1. Garlic Infused Oil 

Garlic infused oil is available at most grocery stores and specialty food outlets. It’s delicious drizzled over bread alone or added to soups, salads and pastas. You can use it anywhere you would traditionally use a savory oil. This ingredient is actually very inexpensive and easy to make fresh at home. Simply chop several cloves of fresh garlic and simmer them in oil on low heat until golden brown. Strain the garlic pieces from the oil and cool. Store the oil in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Using fresh garlic really adds an extra punch that makes it better than store-bought infused oil. 

2. Simple Syrup 

Simple syrup is another ingredient readily available at the supermarket but is usually easier and cheaper to make yourself. To make simple syrup, you only need to have water and sugar. Heat the amount of water you want in a pan to simmering or boiling. Then, dissolve the same amount of sugar in the water. Allow the mixture to cool. Store in a bottle in your refrigerator. 

3. Chicken Stock 

Chicken stock sounds hard to make but it’s really not once you get the hang of it. You don’t need to chop any vegetables or cut any chicken to make delicious chicken stock at home. Fill a large pot with water and salt. Then, place bone-in chicken, carrots, celery, and onions to the pot. You can also add leeks, bay leaves, and fresh parsley. Feel free to throw these all in the pot whole, including the stems. Boil until the chicken falls off the bone and the vegetables are soft. Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the broth from the ingredients. Store the strained broth in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to seven days. 

4. Pasta Sauce 

Forget buying a jar of pasta sauce when making your own is almost just as easy. Making your own pasta sauce is definitely the healthier option. Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of sugar to taste. Simmer and adjust your seasonings as needed after the flavors have started to meld with the heat. Then all you need to do is serve it! 

5. Cocktail Sauce 

You can also make cocktail sauce at home with just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Simply mix together a few tablespoons of ketchup with your desired amount of lemon juice and horseradish. Serve with fresh chilled shrimp or your choice of seafood. The great thing about this simple recipe is that you can easily adjust the amount of horseradish you use. Some people like a lot of horseradish while others prefer a more tomato-based flavor. You can also make the sauce more or less acidic and tart depending on how much lemon juice you use. 

Is Crypto A Good Investment Idea?

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Investing is a key part of reaching your retirement goals. The problem is deciding where to invest. Should you invest in cryptocurrencies? What percentage of your savings should you invest? While cryptocurrencies are an option for investment, it may not always be a good choice for your goals.

Short Term Vs. Long Term Investing

Investing in crypto differs from traditional investment strategies. It is a type of currency exchange rather than a brick and mortar business that has specific products or services. Since you are investing in a currency exchange, you may notice that the fluctuations in the market are significant in comparison to other types of investments.

If you are looking for a long-term investment solution, then you may want to avoid cryptocurrencies. Since crypto is a relatively new type of investment, it does not have much long-term data. That makes it difficult to determine the risks associated with holding onto the currency.

Furthermore, the fluctuations in price make it a good choice for short-term investments when you plan to trade at a fast pace. For example, if you are planning for a few months, a year or for similar short-term goals, then it may assist with your plans. If you are planning for 30 years, then opt for safer investments.

High Risk and High Reward

Cryptocurrencies are considered a high risk and high reward investment. That means you are taking a gamble with your money. You may make a high return on your investment; however, you also face a high level of risk. 

Generally, a crypto investment will either rise quickly and make a high return, or it will fall quickly. If you have a high risk tolerance, then it may be a good choice for your investment plans. If your risk tolerance is low, then avoid cryptocurrencies.

Limiting the Investment

Crypto is a good investment idea if you have a high risk tolerance and plan to keep an eye on the market. The key is ensuring that you limit your investment to an amount you feel comfortable losing.

Set a clear percentage of your savings to invest in cryptocurrencies. For example, invest one percent or five percent of your savings. Consider it a part of your overall investment plan, but not a critical part of the overall plan. You want to add it to your portfolio, but continue investing in traditional stocks, bonds, and real estate for a comprehensive long-term strategy.

Keep in mind that crypto is not a good investment if you have a low risk tolerance or do not have time to pay attention to your investments. It requires active trading and attention for the best impact on your investments.

Investing in cryptocurrencies may offer opportunities for high returns. The key is finding the right balance to ensure you feel comfortable with your long-term strategies. By using caution with cryptocurrencies, you will see positive results in your investments. The key is recognizing the risks and taking measures to limit the potential downsides of the investment.

Top 5 Tips To Manage Your Finances Better

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Money management is a significant hurdle for millions of Americans. This is especially true of those who find themselves living paycheck-to-paycheck.

 

But still, whether you need to totally overhaul or financial life or are just looking for ways to free up extra cash, there are a number of important steps you can take.

 

1. Track Your Spending

 

The first tip involves being proactive about tracking your spending. The more you understand about where your money is actually going, the better the chance you’ll have at improving your finances moving forward. Look for things to cut like streaming services or other expenses that you may like but don’t need. Once you have a complete picture of your spending, you’d be surprised by what you’re able to free up.

 

2. Create a Monthly Budget

 

The second tip involves creating a monthly budget that is every bit as accurate as it is realistic. Take a long, hard look at all of your firm expenses. These include things like your mortgage or rent, your utilities and more. Find out how much money you absolutely need every month. Then, you’ll know what you have in terms of disposable income.

 

3. Pay Down Debt

 

Third, make an effort to pay down any debt that you may have – but try to do so in a strategic way. If you have multiple credit cards, focus on the ones with the highest interest rates first. You could even potentially take out a debt consolidation loan to combine all of those balances into one monthly fee that is more manageable with a smaller interest rate as well. 

 

4. Pay Bills On-time

 

Fourth, make sure that you’re paying all of those bills on-time and in full every single month. Make a chart of all your due dates and outstanding balances and do whatever it takes to help pay them when the bill itself comes due. Not only will this help improve your credit, but it will also avoid costly fees and other penalties for late payments as well. There’s nothing worse than having a $200 bill turn into a $250 bill just because you missed a payment.

 

5. Save For Large Purchases 

 

Finally, you should always make an attempt to save up cash to make those large purchases. Yes, those credit cards in your wallet may be enticing and instant gratification is a wonderful thing. But if you save up cash and purchase items that way, you accomplish a few key things all at once.

 

First, you avoid costly interest charges that will make those large purchases far more expensive than you probably realize. Next, you’ll avoid the possibility that you miss a payment on those cards. That could not just again land you with a late fee or penalty, but increase your interest rate as well.

 

In the end, taking control over your finances can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, yes. But it is also more than worth the effort, especially once you consider the types of hassles and stress that it is helping you avoid. This is truly one of those situations where a little bit of effort goes a long way.

5 Mistakes People Make When Learning A Foreign Language

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Learning a foreign language can help you communicate better as you work and travel. For success, avoid five common mistakes people make when learning a foreign language. 

Mistake Number One: Forget to Listen

People may use an educational textbook, online course, or app to learn a language. The study material will include various practice tools like memorization. 

While you can learn a lot through memorization, remember to listen, too. Listening helps you identify patterns, structures,  intonation, vocabulary, and pronunciation. 

In your free time, listen to music, movies, podcasts, and news broadcasts. When possible, select options that feature native speakers. This way, you hear the language spoken in real life.  

Mistake Number Two: Learn Rules but Not Context

Learning vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and other rules is helpful. But a language requires more than vocabulary and grammar. 

Embrace a study approach that starts with context. Hear complete sentences, paragraphs and conversations. Also, learn words you frequently use in your daily life. Later, you can perfect your grammar, pronunciation and other details. This practical approach improves your motivation and boosts your learning speed and accuracy.

Mistake Number Three: Use Boring Learning Material

People may choose language learning tools because they are convenient or familiar. But using dull materials can limit learning and lead to low interest and motivation. 

That’s why you want to use diverse and engaging study materials. Watch cartoons with or without subtitles. Read literature and write poetry. Attend a community gathering of native speakers. Be willing to challenge yourself and expand your learning. 

Mistake Number Four: Study Irregularly

New language learners may spend hours each day practicing vocabulary or listening to the radio. Long study sessions can wear people out, though. And slow progress or daily distractions could dampen enthusiasm. 

Boost your success with a sustainable and consistent learning schedule. Practice for 20-30 minutes a day rather than two hours once a week. Your brain is more likely to retain information when you study in short bursts. Also, commit to studying for a year or more. Give yourself enough time to master the language and gain confidence using it.

Mistake Number Five: Be Afraid of Mistakes

Learning and speaking a foreign language can be scary. To avoid feeling silly or embarrassed, people may avoid speaking the language with a partner or native speaker. They may also refuse to ask for correction or help. 

For success, embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. Also, ask your teacher or language partner to correct you. Then track your errors in order to learn from your mistakes. Note any improvements you need to make and the progress you have made. As you become more fluent over time, you will mess up less often. But continue to permit yourself to make mistakes.  

Have fun learning a foreign language and improve your success when you avoid these five mistakes.