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Category: Lifestyle

5 Reasons to Make Your Own Clothes

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We all know some amazing benefits of making your clothes. Not only do you get to control the fit and the look, but you can also save a lot of money in the process. But what if I told you that there are even more reasons to start sewing than you thought? Here are five compelling reasons why you should consider making your clothes:

1. You’ll save money in the long run.

Like most people, you probably spend a lot of money on clothes yearly. But what if you could cut that expense down significantly by making your clothes? Not only will you save money on the actual clothing items themselves, but you’ll also avoid costly dry cleaning and alterations bills.

2. You’ll have better-fitting clothes.

Off-the-rack clothing is often ill-fitting, especially for people outside the “standard” size range. By making your own clothes, you can ensure that they’ll fit you perfectly, regardless of your body type.

3. You’ll be able to express your unique style.

When you make your clothes, you’re not limited to what you can find in stores. You can sew whatever you like, whether a replica of a designer dress or something completely original that you designed yourself. And because you’ll be the only one with that particular piece, you’ll be guaranteed to turn heads whenever you wear it!

4. You’ll be supporting local businesses and artisans.

If you purchase fabric and notions from local businesses, you’ll support your community while getting high-quality materials for your projects. And if you buy vintage fabrics, you’ll give new life to old items instead of contributing to the growing problem of textile waste.

5. You’ll be developing a valuable skill.

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to have a skill that a machine can’t easily replicate. By learning how to sew, you’ll acquire a valuable skill that will always be in demand. And who knows? You might even enjoy it so much that you decide to turn it into a business!

As you can see, there are many great reasons to start sewing your clothes. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

5 Weird Homesteading Hacks That Will Make Your Life Easier!

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Homesteaders reconnect with the land by living as self-sufficiently as possible. But growing fruits, vegetables and raising livestock on these mini-farms is not always simple while off the grid. Like the pioneers who settled the West, modern-day homesteaders need to use their wits to reduce physical labor, stress, and the need to spend money. These are 5 somewhat odd homesteading hacks that can make everyday life easier.

1: Use Duct Tape Instead of Pesticides

When people say you can do almost anything with duct tape, that’s no myth. Beyond its construction trade applications, duct tape has emerged as a strategic bug killer. Homesteaders deploy duct tape by wrapping it around the base of fruit trees and vegetable stalks with the sticky side out. Crawling pests either get stuck or turn around. While that use isn’t all that weird, some homesteaders take a piece in hand and touch it to bugs gnawing on garden leaves and remove them.

2: Make Your Own Flea Spray

Homesteaders learn that many of the expensive chemicals sold in pet stores are easily replaceable. A mixture of two tablespoons of baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and one teaspoon of Borax mixed with water acts as a flea spray for pets. Keep it away from the eyes and ears when spraying it on your pet. Also, prevent the animal from licking it. After 25 minutes, wash and rinse your four-legged friend and their scratching should cease.

3: DVDs are the New Scarecrow

It’s amazing how the innovative CD and DVD have effectively been phased out of laptops. New car stereos are now Bluetooth-ready and there’s little use for those shiny discs. Homesteaders have a knack for repurposing defunct products and CDs and DVDs are a deterrent to invasive birds.

Gather a pile of discs and tie a string through the center hole. Then hang them like ornaments from the branches of fruit and berry trees. The size and sunlight flashes make birds and squirrels believe a larger creature has staked out the tree. Hanging discs may look a little odd, but some passersby will think you’re artsy.

4: Conveniently Store Gardening Tools in Sand

It may seem counterintuitive to leave your shovel, hoe, and small garden hand tools in the sand. That’s largely because people expect them to rust faster in any type of soil. But dry sand with a few additives leaves them standing handle up for easier access and sparkly clean.

Take an adequately large bucket and place it in a convenient and dry space. Fill it with fully dry abrasive sand and mix in some mineral oil. The oily sand will passively lubricate the tools and prevent rust from accumulating. The setup is also easier in terms of retrieving tools.

5: Repurpose Plastic Beverage Bottle as Greenhouses

Gardeners who worry about an unexpected killing frost can repurpose soda bottles as protection before sending them to be recycled. Carefully cut the tops of the bottles off and place them over your starter plants. This effectively creates a mini greenhouse that helps accelerate growth and could save plants should a late frost take you by surprise. Having clear plastic bubbles across the garden may look weird, but the strategy gets an extra use out of a product that requires recycling.

The Magic of Los Angeles – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

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Los Angeles is known for its glitz and glamour, but there’s more to this fantastic city than meets the eye. There are several unique attractions in Los Angeles that are worth exploring, and here are five of the best.

1:  The Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles, and it’s worth a visit. The sign is located on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills and offers stunning views of the city. You can also get up close and personal with the letters, each around 14 feet tall.

2: Venice Beach

Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, and it’s easy to see why. This beach is famous for its canals, modeled after those in Venice, Italy. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, and you can even take a ride on a gondola.

3: Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is one of the most iconic movie theaters in Los Angeles. This theater is famous for its unique architecture and is also the site of many Hollywood premieres. You can also see the hand- and footprints of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

4: The Getty Center

The Getty Center is a world-renowned art museum in Los Angeles. This museum features a vast collection of art and stunning gardens and views. You can also take a tour of the museum or participate in one of the many events that are held here.

5: Disneyland

Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, and it’s located in Los Angeles. This theme park is home to many popular rides and attractions, and it’s also the place where dreams come true. You can explore different lands, meet your favorite characters, and have the time of your life at Disneyland.

Wrapping Up

These are just a few unique attractions you’ll find in Los Angeles. So, whether you’re looking for a place to take some photos or you want to experience something new, be sure to add these places to your list. You won’t regret it!

How to Become a Travel Blogger

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For many people, travel is one of their greatest passions – and they’d love nothing more than to tell the world about the incredible experiences waiting for them. One of the best ways to do this is by becoming a travel blogger. If this seems like some wild and unrealistic goal, think again. Read on to learn everything you need to know!

Becoming a Travel Blogger: Step-by-Step

So how do you go from wannabe blogger to travel writer extraordinaire? Follow these crucial steps, and you’ll be well on your way.

1. Learn the Basics of Writing – and Practice!

Good blogging requires good writing – there’s no way around it. If you don’t do a lot of writing regularly, you may need to bone up on the basics and finesse your prose a bit before it’s ready for primetime. Plenty of writing courses are available, both online and in-person. Others may find the best way to learn is simply writing as much as possible, figuring out what works and doesn’t.

2. Read Lots of Travel Writing

A crucial part of becoming a quality travel blogger is understanding the genre and the kind of information and presentation readers enjoy. Find well-known writers who’ve written about the regions you’re interested in and study their prose, narrative choices, and more. You’ll want to develop your own style, but an education from travel writing masters is crucial to getting started properly.

3. Develop Your Blog or Business

You can’t be a travel blogger without somewhere to publish your writing! For those approaching blogging as a hobby or looking to build a brand from scratch, you’ll want to create your own blog. This can be done with many simple drag-and-drop website builders, along with more complicated but full-featured programs like WordPress. Take some time to think about the layout, design, and other factors that make your blog uniquely yours.

Alternatively, travel bloggers looking to make a career out of their writing should craft sample pieces and reach out to established travel blogs or other travel media organizations about potential work. This can be difficult to get started, especially for those who haven’t published extensively on their own. Those looking to support themselves on travel blogging should have an understanding of how much they’ll need to earn each month and how they plan to secure enough writing to reach that goal.

4. Get Out and Travel – and Write About It!

It’s hard to be a top-tier travel blogger while sitting at home on your couch. The best travel bloggers naturally need to travel to create the material for their writing. Methods vary, with some bloggers taking extensive notes throughout their journeys, while others take a more relaxed approach and write based on memory afterward. The only requirement is doing the work and getting it out there – after all, all you really need to do to be a travel blogger is blog about travel!

You Can Write the Travel Blog of Your Dreams

Travel blogging is one of the most rewarding ways to commemorate your travels and share them with others. In some cases, it can become a source of income or even a career! Follow these key steps and your travel blogging dreams will be closer than ever.

The Culture Guide: 5 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting Japan

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Japan is a fascinating and unique country with an interesting culture and history. If you’re planning on visiting Japan, there are some things you should avoid doing to make the most of your trip and avoid any cultural faux pas. Here are five of the most important things to keep in mind when visiting Japan.

1:  Don’t be afraid to take your shoes off

In Japan, taking your shoes off is customary when entering someone’s home or certain businesses, such as restaurants and temples. This is done out of respect for the cleanliness of the premises. You’ll often see a row of shoes outside the door of places where you’re expected to remove them. If you’re unsure whether you should take your shoes off, look for a sign or ask someone.

2: Don’t blow your nose in public

Blowing your nose in public is considered rude in Japan. If you need to sneeze or blow your nose, do so into a tissue and dispose of it properly.

3: Don’t point

Pointing is considered impolite in Japan, so it’s best to avoid doing it. If you need to point something out, do so with an open hand or by gesturing with your chin.

4: Don’t shout

Shouting is also considered impolite in Japan and can be seen as aggressive. It’s best to keep your voice at normal when talking to people.

5: Don’t stick your chopsticks into your food

Sticking your chopsticks into your food is considered bad manners in Japan. When not using them, place them on the table or your rice bowl. And never use them to point at someone or something.

Wrapping Up

Keep these five things in mind, and you’ll have a great time visiting Japan. Remember to take your shoes off, blow your nose discreetly, don’t point or shout, and use your chopsticks properly. With some cultural awareness, you can avoid potential missteps and enjoy your trip to this beautiful country.

The Magic of Sydney – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

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When most people think of Sydney, they think of the world-famous Sydney Opera House. But there is much more to this amazing city than just one iconic landmark. Sydney is home to a wealth of fascinating and unique attractions that are well worth exploring. Here are five of the best.

1:  The Sydney Opera House

This world-famous building is an iconic symbol of Sydney and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. The Opera House is home to a variety of performing arts companies, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Australia. It is also a popular venue for various other events, such as concerts, ballets, and theatre productions.

2: The Sydney Harbour Bridge

This steel arch bridge spans Sydney Harbour and carries rail, vehicular and pedestrian traffic between the city center and the North Shore. The bridge is one of Australia’s most recognizable landmarks and offers stunning views of the harbor and skyline. It is also possible to climb to the top of the bridge for an even more incredible view.

3: The Royal Botanic Gardens

These beautiful gardens were established in 1816 and are located on the shores of Sydney Harbour. The gardens cover an area of 30 hectares and feature a wide variety of native and exotic plants. The gardens also offer stunning views of the harbor and the city skyline.

4:  Bondi Beach

This world-famous beach is one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations. Bondi Beach is well-known for its golden sand and surf lifesavers and is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.

5: Manly Beach

Manly Beach is another popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Manly Beach is also home to various cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Wrapping Up

Sydney is a fantastic city with plenty to see and do. These are just five of the many unique attractions that the city has to offer. So why not come and explore the magic of Sydney for yourself?

The Culture Guide: 5 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting Morocco

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When traveling to a new place, it is essential to be aware of the culture and customs of that area. It would help if you did not do certain things when visiting Morocco, as they may be considered disrespectful or even illegal. Here are five things to avoid while in this North African country.

1:  Don’t Take Pictures of People Without permission

In many cultures, taking photos of people without their permission is considered rude, and it is also illegal in Morocco. If you want to take a picture of someone, be sure to ask first and respect their wishes if they say no.

2: Don’t Wear Revealing Clothing

Morocco is a Muslim country, and therefore, visitors should dress modestly. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing such as tank tops, shorts, and skirts above the knee. Men should also avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts.

3: Don’t Display Affection in Public

In Morocco, public displays of affection are not allowed. This includes hugging, kissing, and holding hands, and doing so could result in a fine or even jail time.

4: Don’t Lose Your Temper

In Morocco, losing your temper in public is considered very rude. If you are feeling angry or frustrated, it is best to step away from the situation and calm down before addressing it.

5: Don’t Use Your Left Hand

In many cultures, the left hand is considered unclean, and some people hold this belief in Morocco. For this reason, it is considered impolite to use your left hand when giving someone something or shaking their hand. It is also essential to avoid touching someone with your left hand, as this can be seen as an insult.

Wrapping Up

Morocco is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. Follow these guidelines to avoid offending anyone or breaking the law when visiting. And most importantly, have fun!

4 Ways to Keep Insects Away and Keep Pets Safe

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Organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals report that cats and dogs, among other pets, are highly sensitive to everyday mosquito and bug repellents. What’s particularly concerning is the use of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, commonly called DEET. This compound reportedly causes tremors, seizures, and neurological conditions that may prove fatal to beloved four-legged family members. That’s why it’s essential to talk with your veterinarian about healthy pet-friendly ways to keep pets away, such as the following.

1: Employ Citrus Juice

One of the things mosquitoes cannot stand is the scent or taste of citrus. Pet-lovers can squeeze a ripe lemon and rub a little on their skin to deter mosquitoes from biting. You can also chop up a citrus fruit and boil the pieces in water. After bringing to a full boil, steep the liquid for an hour and use it as an insect repellent spray. If flying pests irritate the family dog or cat, spray a little on their coat and give them the relief they deserve.

2: Put Flora To Work Repelling Insects

There are certain plants that biting flies and mosquitoes dislike. The good news is human beings often enjoy their smell and pets remain comfortable around them. The following is a list worth considering.

  • Citronella Grass
  • Sage
  • Allium
  • Marigolds
  • Lavender
  • Mint
  • Bee Balm
  • Basil
  • Catnip
  • Lemon Balm
  • Rosemary

Strategically placing potted plants on porches, decks, and patios can reduce the number of unwelcome insects. Planting things like basil, marigolds, and mint, among others, also deters bugs and varmints that harm vegetable gardens without impacting pets.

3: Rethink Bug Repelling Home Remedies

There are plenty of so-called home remedies used to rid homes of ants, roaches, and other bugs that pose a health risk to unsuspecting pets. For example, homeowners in rural areas use products such as Borax to reduce the number of crawlers infiltrating kitchens.

Mixing white, powdery Borax with confectioners’ sugar creates an attractive and deadly bait for carpenter ants. Unfortunately, the household cleaning product has a debilitating effect on family pets. Comprised of sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, it causes stomach problems and injures the kidneys if a significant amount is ingested. The point is to check the ingredients in these seemingly effective home remedies and determine whether they are pet-safe.

4: Deploy Alternative Pet-Safe Products

Pet-supporting companies have developed wide-reaching products that help humans get rid of insects without harming pets. For instance, a fossil-based product called Diatomaceous Earth targets bedbugs, fleas, and roaches, among others.

Property owners can sprinkle it on the ground, and insects suffer dehydration when they come in contact with the substance. The product is considered pet-safe, and some reports indicate it can be applied to their fur to deter parasites. That’s a win-win.

There are also effective sound devices that repel biting insects that may be suitable for homes with four-legged family members and citrus-based sprays that can cover your yard’s perimeter. It’s important not to employ popular chemical insect deterrents simply because they are perceived as effective. How they affect pet-life matters.

5 Men’s Fashion No-Nos That Are Actually OK

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Men, we get it–you want to look good, but the rules of fashion can feel constricting. Good news: you don’t have to follow all the rules to be stylish. Let’s take a look a some of the fashion faux pas that are actually ok to break.

A deep v-neck t-shirt is regarded as a fashion no-no by some, but the look can be great if you have the chest for it–and you wear it with confidence. If you decide to rock a deep v-neck t-shirt or sweater, keep the rest of your look simple, and don’t try to accessorize your chest with bling. Keep your look classic (and don’t skip the moisturizer–you’ll want to look fresh and smooth).

Untucked dress shirts are sometimes regarded as thumbs down in men’s fashion. If you wear the shirt right (and you have the right fit), an untucked dress shirt can be a casual, fun look that’s perfect for a laid-back dinner at the beach. You’ll want to be sure the rest of your outfit matches your casual, untucked vibe, and make sure that your shirt fits your form in a way that looks like it was done on-purpose (you might want to hit up a tailor before you give this look a go). Be sure that the venue you’re attending is appropriate for this look (an untucked shirt doesn’t fly at a black tie wedding the way it does at a beachside BBQ).

Sneakers as dress shoes are sometimes thought of as a bad idea for men, but the look as become popular in recent years. With a little effort, you can rock comfortable athletic shoes with even a nice suit. Be sure that your shoes are sparkling clean, and make sure they match the vibe of your suit (you wouldn’t want to wear basketball shoes with a velour suit, for example). Make it clear that the look is intentional–and you didn’t just forget your dress shoes at home.

Our fourth men’s fashion faux pas that can actually work: mixing patterns. When you’re wearing a patterned jacket, a checkered shirt can actually work, if you feel comfortable enough to wear it with confidence. It can be tough to get the look right on the first try–don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns until you find a look that you feel comfortable rocking. Taking a fashion risk requires an air of confidence, so be sure to step out with a smile.

Our final fashion faux pas that you can actually get away with: a thin necktie. Some fashion experts will tell you that this look is outdated, and can make you look older than your years. We disagree. When paired with a clean, crisp suit, a skinny tie is a classic look that can invoke a feeling of simpler times.

No matter what you wear, remember: confidence is everything. When you love the way you look, you’ll pull off whatever style you choose.

5 Women’s Fashion No-Nos That Are Actually OK

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Ladies, we’re here to say it loud and clear: if you rock your look with confidence, you can make anything look good. Here, we’re taking a look at some common fashion faux pas that you can forget about.

Our first faux pas that’s actually fine: bathing suits or dresses loaded with ruffles. A feminine, flirty touch, ruffles allow your clothes to move with you, and provide anyone around with a gorgeous show (not that that’s what your clothing choices are about–but it can be a nice touch if that’s what you’re into). Wear those ruffles with pride, and don’t worry about whether they look bulky, as long as you like the cut of the dress or swimsuit.

Some fashion experts say that animal print patterns are out, but we disagree. If you love the way you look rocking a cheetah print outfit or zebra stripes, wear your look with confidence. Feel like full-on animal print is too bold? Just a hint of animal print–like a scarf or shoes–can add a fun, wild, bold touch to your outfit without calling too much attention to yourself. Animal print accessories can also be a fun way to amp up the wow factor of any outfit.

Mixing gold and silver jewelry is also a no-no according to some fashion experts, but you can actually pair the two metals in a way that works. If you decide that you want to wear silver and gold together, shoot for an even match. Layering your jewelry can help set the look off (for example, layer silver and gold bracelets instead of going with silver for bracelets and gold for earrings). Mixing different tones within one metal family (for example, yellow gold and rose gold) can also be a fun and unexpected look.

Tunics are a comfy, flowing option for every season of the year, and there’s no need to shy away from a billowy look. If you opt for a loose-fitting top, you may want to go with a tighter-fitting bottom (like a fitted jean or legging) to balance out the look. If you choose a patterned tunic, keep your accessories simple. A plain tunic in a natural color (like white or blue) is a fun canvas for accessories, so feel free to glam it up.

Super-high heels are debated in some fashion circles, but we think you should rock any heel that makes you feel comfortable. If you love the way your legs look in sky-high stilettos, there’s no reason to keep your heels on the low end. The key to wearing any size of heel is to walk comfortably and confidently. If you’re struggling to strut around in your heels, be sure to take some time to wear them around the house as you work to get comfortable with your new height. With a few evenings of rocking your heels at home, you’ll be able to walk out like you’re on the catwalk in no time.