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Gardening for Health: How Gardening Can Improve Your Well-being

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In a fast-paced world filled with technological advancements and constant connectivity, there is a growing recognition of the need to reconnect with nature and prioritize our well-being. Amidst this search for balance and rejuvenation, gardening has emerged as a powerful and fulfilling activity that offers a multitude of benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional health. Beyond being a simple hobby, gardening can serve as a therapeutic practice that enhances our overall well-being.

We’ll look at the profound impact of gardening on our health and well-being, uncovering the numerous ways in which this age-old activity can positively transform our lives. From reducing stress and improving mental clarity to promoting physical fitness and fostering a sense of purpose, gardening encompasses a holistic approach to nurturing ourselves and the environment.

One With Nature  

Nature is full of priceless beauty. Gardening brings you closer to nature and closer to the self-sustainable instinct of cultivating your own food from the ground up. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve heart health, boost immune function, and do wonders for your mental health. We are all connected to nature in so many facets. Our species is a huge part of it, after all. It only makes sense that spending plenty of time surrounded by nature can bring us both peace and longevity.

Health Benefits

Surprisingly enough, gardening is a rather active hobby. Tending to your plants requires a certain degree of constant and repetitive movement and core strength. Over time, you’ll find that gardening improves your physical and mental health. The calmness of nature and the act of nurturing living organisms is a fantastic recipe for a healthy state of mind. Whereas physical activity keeps you lean, builds muscle, and promotes good health. Not to mention the lasting health benefits of growing your own produce each season. You can cook up deliciously healthy dishes with lush produce grown in your own backyard that will outdo any grocery store produce in quality and flavor. 

Time to Yourself 

Gardening is a very intimate experience between you and nature. Being out in the garden, sun shining, wind blowing, with plenty of plants to tend to and care for. It’s an experience that’s both relaxing and rewarding. For some, gardening is not only a hobby, but a peaceful activity that leaves them in a more relaxed and zen state of mind. Tending to and caring for your garden brings about a sense of peace, pride, and contentment that lends itself well to your overall state of mind.  

Accomplished  

Putting in the time to plant, nurture, and grow your own garden takes a decent amount of effort and commitment. It will leave you with a strong sense of accomplishment, something that can greatly boost your self-esteem. The act of single-handedly raising a host of living organisms, with each one having different needs, is no easy feat. You’re bound to have your ups and downs when it comes to keeping your plants happy and healthy. The effort you put in and the level of enjoyment you get from gardening are all that matters. 

Fresh Produce  

Gardening offers a multitude of health benefits. Probably the most beneficial of all is reaping the tasty rewards of growing fresh produce. You can cultivate your very own vegetables, fruits, and even edible flowers. Doing so brings you closer to the source and leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the food you consume. As well as ensuring you know exactly what you’re putting in your body and where it came from. With lots of love and care through the use of fertilizer, healthy soil, plenty of sunlight, and an adequate amount of moisture, your produce will turn out better than the stuff you buy at the grocery store. 

Finding The Most Fuel-Efficient Cars For Your Budget

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Gas prices are something that you can’t really predict, but we all remember a time when they were much cheaper than they are right now. Sure, there were major dips in prices during the recession in the late 2000s and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but other than that, you can count on gas prices slowly climbing on a yearly basis. Because of that, we’re all looking to save money at the pump, but it might not be that easy.

While there are plenty of people who are now working from home and don’t depend on fueling their cars on a near-daily basis, there are still many that rely on their vehicles to make the daily commute. With that said, there are a few options that can save you money. Electric vehicles can obviously save a ton on gas, but that’s not always an affordable option. Instead, you may want to look for a fuel-efficient car.

Thankfully, there are plenty of fuel-efficient cars available for any budget. We’ll take a look at some of the best options for your price range, let you know how much they cost on average, and how many miles per gallon you can expect. Note: We’ll focus on cars that only run on gas instead of hybrids for now.

Budget Vehicles (Under $20,000)

For the cars that cost under $20,000, the Nissan Versa is going to give you the best bang for your buck. Assuming that you don’t get any of the bells and whistles, you can get a brand-new Versa for under $16,000 while also getting 36 miles per gallon. In terms of the most fuel-efficient vehicle, then you’ll want to look at the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Mirage doesn’t cost much more than the Versa, either, coming with a price tag of $17,450.

There are two other vehicles under $20,000 that can get you at least 35 miles per gallon on average. The Kia Rio has a price tag of $17,875 and gets 36 miles per gallon while the Versa’s sister car, the Nissan Sentra, gets 35 miles per gallon at $18,495. 

Mid-Level Vehicles ($20,000 to $30,000)

The largest list of fuel-efficient cars falls into the mid-level range, with the cheapest of the bunch being the Kia Forte. The Forte is at the very bottom of the range at $20,815 and gets 34 miles per gallon. Just above it in the price department is the Hyundai Elantra ($20,950), which is actually a better vehicle for the price gas-wise since it gets 37 miles per gallon.

Also coming in at under $23,000 are the Volkswagen Jetta ($22,550) and Toyota Corolla ($22,650), which receive 35 miles per gallon each. There’s quite a jump between these cars and those at the top end of the mid-level. The Honda Civic base price is $27,550 and receives 36 miles per gallon while the Mini Hardtop comes in just $100 short of the high-end while averaging 33 miles per gallon.

High-End Vehicles (Over $30,000)

There are only two vehicles that get more than 32 miles per gallon while following in the high-end range. Both of these vehicles clock in at 33 miles per gallon, with the first being the Acura Integra at $32,500. The second is the Audi A3 which has a base price of $35,400. 

While there are some cars in this range that don’t reach at least 33 miles per gallon, there are some that get at least 30. The most fuel-efficient luxury car is the Toyota Crown at $41,050, which can get up to 41 miles per gallon on the highway. Finally, there’s the Lexus ES, which starts at around $43,000 and averages just around 30 miles per gallon, but does extremely well on the highway.

Cheapest Electric Cars

Of course, there is always the option of getting an electric vehicle, and there may be more available in your price range than you thought. The Chevrolet Bolt EV is the cheapest electric vehicle on the market with a starting price of around $27,500. On a full charge, the Bolt can go for around 250 miles. This is a completely electric vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about ever stopping for gas.

The Nissan Leaf is another affordable option with a starting price tag of under $30,000 but has a much shorter range on a full charge between 150 and 215 miles. Other electric vehicles that fall under the $35,000 price tag include the Mini Cooper SE ($31,900 with a 114-mile range) and Hyundai Kona EV ($34,900 with a 258-mile range). 

Whether you go with a fuel-efficient vehicle or an electric vehicle, there really is no wrong option when trying to save money at the gas pump. These vehicles are all top-of-the-line, and the technology will only get better as the years go on thanks to initiatives to make cars more eco-friendly, which will boost miles per gallon tremendously.

5 Pitfalls To Avoid in the Job Hunting Process

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With over 10 million people looking for a new job in the United States alone each month, it can be very competitive. Not everyone is able to stand out and get the job they want, but even if someone is highly qualified, they still might not get that job. The reason for this is that there are plenty of mistakes that people make throughout the job-hunting process that either keeps them unnoticed or causes them to not make a good impression.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common pitfalls that can happen when you’re in the job hunting process and how you can avoid them, getting the dream job you’ve always wanted in the process.

Resume Mistakes

We could detail 100 different resume mistakes that people make, but it’s easier to just narrow it down to a blanket statement about the more frequently-seen errors. Obviously, there are a lot of people who make spelling mistakes or grammatical errors in their resumes, but it goes much deeper than that. People tend to not keep their resumes updated, which is the biggest mistake that you can make.

Once per month, you’ll want to check your resume to confirm that it’s up to date and make tweaks here and there when you can. Make sure to highlight your accomplishments with your employers rather than go into detail about what your job pertained to, as that’s typically pretty clear from your job title alone. Instead of writing a catch-all resume, try to have multiple resumes, giving your most attention to the resume that’s catered to the job that you specifically want.

Applying To Too Many Places

When you’re starting to get desperate for a job, it can be easy to simply throw out the widest net possible and hope that you get at least a handful of catches. However, there are certain problems that arise from applying to too many positions and companies at once. We already mentioned that your resume should be more focused on the job that you’re applying for, and you may end up sending one that’s completely irrelevant to a different position.

When you have too many applications on file with one company, there’s a good chance that they’ll ignore you in the future because of how many unsuccessful attempts you’ve had. Another downfall is that when you start to receive calls, you might not be aware of which position you’re being called about. It can be awkward when you hear from a hiring manager and you have to ask “Which position was this for, again?” 

Poor Online Presence

There was once a time when you could walk into a company and hand your resume to someone that had the ability to hire you, and possibly get an interview on the spot. Those days are long gone, however, and you have to go through a very vetted process that’s handled almost exclusively through the Internet. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you have a strong and professional online presence while also doing some networking.

LinkedIn is one of the most important tools when it comes to the hiring process and can serve as your resume while acting as a point of contact with recruiters. With that said, make sure to have your job history up to date on your profile and make sure that all of your interactions and comments are professional. Establishing an individual website that showcases your skills can also give you a massive leg-up from the competition.

Unprepared For Interviews

Now that you’ve gotten all of your resumes out to potential employers, you never know when an interview could come. There are a lot of times when out of the blue, you’ll receive a phone call from a hiring manager asking if you’re available for a phone interview right that very moment, even if it’s just a five-minute call.

Because of this, you have to keep yourself on your toes and prepared for an interview at any given moment within business hours. Even when setting up in-person interviews, people can come in unprepared and blow their chances at a dream job, so practice answering any potential questions from employers.

Not Negotiating

We already touched on how people can become desperate when job-seeking and sending out a lot of applications and resumes. The same can be said when it comes to the final salary that’s offered to a potential new employee. An employer will tend to send out what could be considered a lowball offer, and the potential employee is likely to jump at the opportunity just to get the security of a job offer.

You should always know what you’re worth, though, and prepare to get involved in negotiations. Often, the salary range is posted along with the job description, and you should always know that your previous qualifications move you up the scale. Come into a negotiation with your skills and accomplishments, showing that you’re not willing to simply take the lowest number in the salary range, even if it means moving on to a different job.

5 Essential Maintenance Tips For Your Mountain Bike

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Mountain biking is one of the most fun and rewarding hobbies that you can have outdoors, but it isn’t just something that you can pick up and do without thinking about if you want to be a serious rider. Think of mountain bikes the same way you’d think about your car in the fact that it needs proper maintenance to perform at its best and keep you safe. Here are five essential maintenance tips for your mountain bike that every rider should be following.

Keep It Clean

One of the biggest mistakes that new mountain bike riders make is not keeping all of their equipment clean. Most figure that since you’re going to be going through the mud and dirt when biking that it’s always going to get dirty, there’s no point in doing a deep clean every time that you ride. This is sort of the same way of thinking as making your bed every day. However, your bed will still function properly whether or not you make it, whereas your bike won’t.

Instead of giving it a quick spray down with a hose, always make sure to deep clean every part of the mountain bike, making sure that there aren’t any clumps that could hinder its performance. The chains, especially, need to be cleaned thoroughly to prevent any damage. Clogged-up dirt and mud in the chains can cause them to snap while in use, and any biker knows how dangerous that can be.

Don’t Get Tired

Obviously, your mountain bike isn’t going anywhere unless you have tires, and you won’t go far unless those tires work. Before every ride, make sure that your tire pressure is optimized for the trail you’re about to embark on while always checking for any leaks. Some trails will require some lower air pressure, but if they feel too soft, then always add air. Also check to see if there are any dents in your rims, which could be causing air pressure issues.

Every couple of months, do a thorough inspection of your tires to see if there is too much wear and tear. Because you put your bike tires through so much, the tires can end up being worn down pretty quickly. While our cars don’t need their tires replaced every few months, your bike might if you’ve been riding some tough trails. Cornering knob tearing is a good indication that it’s time for a new tire.

Take a Brake

We’ve covered the most important part of any mountain bike, but the brakes aren’t too far behind the tires in terms of importance. You depend on your brakes to keep you safe, and they can end up getting worn down much faster than your tires. Before any ride, always test your brakes to see if they’re up to snuff. If you can tell that they’re cinching hard, you’re fine, but any softness or give is a cause for concern.

When that happens, check your brake pads for wear. It could be time to replace them after even just a few weeks of riding depending on how much the trails have caused you to use them. The good news is that solid brake pads from reputable companies don’t cost that much, and replacing them is easy. Every few months, bleed your brakes so that hydraulic fluid and air are let out.

Don’t Break the Chain

Earlier we mentioned that your chain is what keeps everything running and should be cleaned with great care after every ride. On top of keeping your chain clean, you’ll also want to ensure that your chain is still operating at a high level. One of the surefire ways of telling that your chain is on its last legs is when you start to hear it slap or bounce. When shifting gears becomes an issue, then you know it’s time for an immediate replacement.

While the other aspects of the mountain bike that we’ve touched on so far are more related to time, chains can vary due to mileage and usage. Some chains can get you as far as 2,500 miles before starting to show signs of wear, but others need to be replaced after about 1,500 miles. Keep an eye on your chain and if you can tell that you’re getting to about its last couple of hundred miles, then it’s a good idea to replace it before things get too bad.

Suspension Care

The suspension on your mountain bike requires frequent care and attention as the way you stand up and sit down while taking on tough terrain can do a number to the suspension with each ride. It’s suggested that as little as 30 hours of riding can be cause for suspension service, and it’s also recommended that you bring the bike in rather than do it yourself as it can be tricky to change your own oil and replace important parts.

Test your suspension before any ride, making sure that it goes up and down with your body weight smoothly. If it feels jerky or is giving you any resistance, it might be time to have it looked at sooner than you think. Both the fork and rear suspension are under frequent stress, even if you’re on the lighter side.

The Future of Smart Homes: How IoT and AI Are Changing the Way We Live

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The concept of a smart home, once considered a futuristic idea, is now becoming a reality for many homeowners around the world. Thanks to the rapid advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), our homes are transforming into intelligent, connected spaces that offer convenience, efficiency, and enhanced security. As IoT devices and AI technology continue to evolve, the future of smart homes holds immense potential to revolutionize the way we live.

Connected Devices and Seamless Automation: The foundation of a smart home lies in its network of interconnected devices. From thermostats and lighting systems to security cameras and kitchen appliances, IoT-enabled devices are becoming increasingly common in households. These devices can communicate with each other, creating a seamless automation ecosystem. For example, a smart thermostat can adjust the temperature based on the occupancy detected by motion sensors, while AI-powered voice assistants can control various devices with simple voice commands. This level of integration and automation enhances convenience and simplifies daily routines.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Smart homes are designed to optimize energy consumption, promoting sustainability and cost savings. IoT devices can monitor energy usage, allowing homeowners to track and manage their energy consumption in real-time. Smart thermostats can learn occupants’ behavior and adjust temperature settings accordingly, reducing energy waste. Additionally, AI algorithms can analyze data from various sensors to suggest energy-saving strategies and even predict optimal times for using appliances. By leveraging these technologies, smart homes can contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing carbon footprints and conserving resources.

Enhanced Security and Safety: IoT and AI have revolutionized home security systems, making them more sophisticated and efficient. Smart surveillance cameras, integrated with AI algorithms, can detect and identify potential threats, alerting homeowners and authorities in real time. AI-powered facial recognition technology provides an added layer of security, allowing authorized individuals access to the home while keeping intruders at bay. Furthermore, smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can send instant notifications to homeowners’ smartphones, enabling prompt action in case of emergencies. These advancements in security technology create a safer living environment for homeowners and their families.

Personalized Living Experience: One of the most exciting aspects of smart homes is the ability to personalize the living experience. AI algorithms can learn residents’ preferences and adapt to the home environment accordingly. For instance, smart lighting systems can adjust brightness and color temperature based on occupants’ preferences or time of day. AI-powered virtual assistants can learn individual habits and offer personalized recommendations for entertainment, shopping, and daily tasks. These personalized experiences enhance comfort and convenience, making homes more enjoyable and tailored to individual needs.

Health Monitoring and Assistance: IoT and AI technologies are increasingly being integrated into healthcare solutions within smart homes. Connected wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, can collect health data and provide real-time insights on activity levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns. AI algorithms can analyze this data to offer personalized health recommendations and identify potential health issues. Additionally, smart homes can be equipped with sensors that monitor air quality, humidity, and temperature, ensuring a healthy and comfortable living environment. These advancements have the potential to improve overall well-being and enable proactive healthcare management.

Challenges and Considerations

While the future of smart homes is promising, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Interoperability among various IoT devices and platforms is crucial to ensure seamless integration and avoid compatibility issues. Privacy and data security also remain significant concerns, as smart homes gather vast amounts of personal data. Stricter regulations and robust security measures are necessary to protect user privacy and prevent unauthorized access.

Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancements requires homeowners to stay updated with the latest IoT devices and AI applications. Education and awareness programs will be essential to help individuals understand the benefits and potential risks of smart home technology.

What To Do If You Think Your Partner May Be Cheating On You

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Cheating is one of the leading causes of any relationship ending, though there have been countless relationships where people get away with cheating because their partner isn’t privy to their actions. There are some signs that your partner may be straying, but not always are they obvious. If you start to think that your partner may be cheating on you, here are some tips so that you can go about it the right way.

Recognize New Patterns 

What do you do when you suspect your partner may be cheating on you, but you’re not entirely sure how to go about pursuing those concerns? Well, if there are changes in their behavior and patterns, who better to pick up those changes than you? 

If you’ve been dating for a good while, odds are you’re familiar with your partner’s habits and mannerisms by now. If you question if they’re being faithful, keep a very close eye on any significant changes in the way they speak to you, how they act around you, and if you catch them trying to hide things from you. 

Snoop 

Okay, it’s not the first line of defense when you suspect your partner may be cheating on you, but it might come down to snooping on them. If you’ve confronted your partner and gone through the proper steps to addressing your relationship concerns, but you still have reason to suspect they may be cheating, it’s time to snoop. 

Snooping can be tricky, but if you’re careful and get straight to the point, you should be able to quickly gather the information you’re looking for. Whatever you do, don’t do anything illegal or crazy. You’re already breaking tons of moral laws by snooping, but sometimes you have to dig for answers. 

Talk to Their Friends  

If you suspect your partner is cheating, the best people to talk to may be the people closest to them, besides you of course. You don’t have to confront them with suspicion and worry that your partner may be cheating. You can start with a less aggressive approach if you want to play it safe. Oftentimes when partners cheat, they use the classic “I’m going to hang out with some friends” excuse. 

If you want to fact-check their whereabouts on certain days, casually ask their friends some inquisitive questions about the time they may, or may not have spent together. It’s an easy way to gather information and see how they react to the questions. Unless they’re exceptionally good liars, or just flat-out telling the truth, you’ll be able to gauge their reaction and hopefully get some answers. 

Be Honest About Your Suspicions  

Let’s be real, the best way to deal with your suspicions is you be straight up and honest with your partner. The base foundation of any and all healthy relationships is trust. If you can’t trust your partner, you have a real crisis on your hands. To flourish in a healthy relationship, you need to be able to openly communicate about everything under the sun. That includes the topics that may be difficult to discuss. If your partner refuses, they probably aren’t the right person for you anyway. 

If confronting them about your suspicions didn’t work and you’re still suspicious, it might be time to move on to greener pastures. You won’t always have all the answers and that’s okay. If your gut is telling you something is going on behind your back and you have real reasons to believe it, it’s okay to leave. 

Remember to Relax

One of the worst things that you can do for a relationship is come in hot and heavy with accusations, especially if it turns out that your partner wasn’t actually cheating. For that reason, you’ll want to make sure that the first thing you do is make sure to relax and keep an open mind about what could really be going on as to why your partner is acting differently.

Relationships are built around trust and coming in with accusations is almost a surefire way to break that trust between both parties. Clear your consciousness, do something relaxing like going for a walk, or anything that allows you to collect your thoughts, and make sure that you’re levelheaded before initiating any confrontation.

5 Must-Have Essentials for New Parents

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Having a child is the biggest change that a family will ever go through. Sure, marriage is different than dating, but it’s really only a title while the rest of your life remains relatively the same. When you add a baby to the mix, though, things change dramatically. All of a sudden there’s a small newborn in the house that needs your constant care and protection. Because of the stress that comes with having a baby, it can be easy to overlook the essential items that you need.

When you’re making a checklist of what you’ll need as a new parent, there are certain things that you don’t want to forget. Not only will the baby need some of these items, but they’ll also make your life much easier. Here are five of those must-have essentials for new parents to look for.

Prepared Meals 

This tip will come in handy after you’ve welcomed your new baby home. Prepping meals beforehand will take away one worry from your already newly busy and tiring lifestyle as parents. Buy some disposable pans to make it even easier, with less cleanup. 

You’ll want to try preparing and freezing meals that you can bake in the oven. Be sure to write the date, contents, and cooking instructions on the top of the disposable container. It can be difficult to plan ahead, but thankfully, there are plenty of meal delivery services that cater to newborns if you find yourself in a pinch.

Burp Cloths  

This one is simple. Babies spit up, drool, pee, and poop. They’re naturally very messy creatures. Paper products can add up in cost and aren’t the best for the environment. Reusable cloths will come in handy for the frequent messes you’re sure to encounter as a new parent. 

They’re relatively compact and easy to use on the go as well. Keep a good amount in stock to ensure you don’t run out. The general rule of thumb is that you want around a dozen burp cloths on hand, with a minimum of eight. Of course, the more you have, the better, because you’re going to be going through them like crazy and you don’t want all of them in the laundry at the same time, which leads us to our next item.

Fragrance-Free Laundry Supplies  

Babies have rather sensitive skin in the beginning, some more than others. It’s a good idea to think ahead and wash and dry whatever you have prepared for your baby’s arrival with fragrance-free laundry detergent and dryer sheets. 

Their crib bedding, clothes, stuffed animals, and anything else they come in contact with should be clean, free of harsh chemicals, and gentle on their skin. It can be difficult to tell if your baby is going to be allergic to any type of specific detergent at first. If you notice that their skin is itchy and red for more than a couple of days, switch up the detergent and consult a pediatrician.

White Noise Machine    

Some babies, more than others, are finicky sleepers. Some can sleep through anything and others wake at any sound. Getting your baby used to some background noise is beneficial because it’s nearly impossible to keep a room quiet all day, every day. A white noise machine is a safe and effective way to introduce some comforting and consistent background noise to your baby’s daily sleep schedule. 

They’ll likely startle less easily with small sounds while they’re asleep and you can get stuff done without worrying too much about waking them. When your baby gets a steady night of sleep, that means you can get one, too.

Bathtub 

As we all know, babies are small, and regular bathtubs are big. So, how are you supposed to bathe your little one comfortably? Well, thankfully that’s a problem that’s easily solved. Plenty of baby supply stores sell baby-sized tubs that you can use to bathe them safely. 

They typically are angled in a way that keeps your baby’s head propped up while their body is comfortably laying in the warm water. Remember to never leave any baby or small child unattended in the tub even for a second, as a majority of injuries to children and babies occur in the bathtub.

Baby Monitor With Camera 

Technology is a beautiful thing. The days of audio-only baby monitors are long gone. Now there are baby monitors with video cameras widely available to new and anxious parents to install in full view of their new baby’s crib. Not only will you be alerted when your bundle of joy is crying, but you can also sneak a peek at them from time to time to make sure they’re okay. 

So easily being able to check in on your little one when you’re away will put your mind at ease. It will also save you from having to get out of bed if nothing is wrong and you’re already sleep deprived.

How To Give Your Home a Makeover on a Budget

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Almost every weekend, millions of Americans wake up and feel the need to redecorate their homes out of the blue. The only problem is that not all of us have the money to spend to clear out the Home Depot or Lowe’s for a massive renovation, so we have to look for smaller ways to give our homes a makeover. Thankfully, there are plenty of projects that you can do with a tight budget that will liven up your home and make it feel brand new. Here are 10 of the ways that you can do just that.

Reorganization

Sometimes all it takes to make your home feel like an entirely new place is a little feng shui. Change the furniture placement around in the house and try to get rid of some of the clutter that could be weighing the mood down. You might find that orienting your television or couch in a certain way just feels right. Remember when we were kids and simply adding an extra square foot of space felt like a huge accomplishment? That feeling doesn’t go away as an adult.

Make Your Own Art

It doesn’t matter if you have the artistic skills of Leonardo da Vinci or zero skills whatsoever. If you’re able to create some of your own art, you can place it on the wall or on your tables/cabinets to really spruce things up. When we think of art, we tend to think of painting, but the sky’s the limit for what you can do. Even just gluing together some old junk from your garage could be considered a form of rustic art!

Switch Up The Lighting

The lighting of a home is massively important, and you don’t want it to feel like you’re sitting in a cubicle in some skyscraper. Get creative with the lighting, and even placing Mason jars over the bulbs will give your house a lot of character. 

Get a Green Thumb

Plants breathe new life into your home in ways that you might not have ever expected. You can decorate your front porch or back patio with outdoor plants, or fill the empty spaces in your living room with indoor plants. While not everyone is a plant expert, it’s a cheap way to make things feel better while providing extra oxygen in the home.

Upcycle Your Items

Earlier we talked about how you can simply glue junk together and call it art, but what you can do with your old and unused items doesn’t end there. Upcycling has become a trendy hobby for people who want to repurpose things for furniture that otherwise would have been thrown out. Do you have an old door laying around? You could stain and repaint it, turning it into a coffee table for next to no money.

Get Thrifty

Let’s say that you don’t have much laying around that you want to upcycle, but you still want that feeling that you get from upcycling. With that in mind, you can head to the thrift store to start looking at old furniture that’s marked down to just a few dollars. From couches and chairs to nightstands and tables, there’s going to be a lot available at your local thrift store. You may even find someone’s old upcycling project that you fall in love with!

Window Redux

Windows are your home’s connection to the outside world, and life is too short to simply have plain white blinds for them like you’d have in a drab office. Give your windows a cheap treatment that will really feel like a full makeover, which can include something as simple as cutting up old coffee sacks or bedsheets to place above the windows. There are dozens of ways you can perform window treatments for $20 or less.

Renew Old Furniture

Do you love the furniture that you have in your home but feel like it could use a little sprucing up so that it matches the rest of your house? Upholstering is a cost-effective way of changing the look of your furniture, though it does take a little bit of know-how. If you’re a crafty person who’s good with a sewing machine and stapler, though, reupholstery will be something that you can do in your sleep.

DIY Kitchen Projects

The kitchen is one of the places in the home where people might be a bit afraid to start doing some renovations because they feel like they can be wildly expensive. However, there are some minor changes that you can make to your kitchen that will really make a difference, including painting your cabinets, adding a vinyl print to your backsplash, or even making shelves for your spices. A little work goes a long way in the kitchen.

Brand New Bathroom

The bathroom is the other part of the house that we perceive as expensive for renovating, but like the kitchen, there are some great low-budget changes to make. Replacing the faucet is easier and cheaper than you might think, and the same is true with the showerhead. Even doing something like replacing the towels with a different color or adding a new shower rug will make it feel like a completely new room.

How to Choose the Perfect Plants for Your Garden

Posted on by scatty

Creating a vibrant and flourishing garden is a delightful endeavor that brings beauty, tranquility, and a touch of nature into our lives. However, the key to a successful garden lies in choosing the perfect plants that align with your vision, climate, and gardening skills. With an abundance of options available, selecting the right plants can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why understanding the principles of plant selection is essential for any aspiring gardener.

Each plant possesses unique characteristics, including growth habits, flowering seasons, and environmental preferences. By understanding these traits and assessing your garden’s specific conditions, you can curate a collection of plants that will thrive in their surroundings, resulting in a stunning and sustainable garden. Here are some things to consider when you’re choosing the perfect plants for your very own garden.

Climate

The first thing to seriously consider when choosing which plants are right for your garden is the climate you live in. Every plant has its own basic needs, including which climate they are able to thrive and survive in. Trying to grow plants in the wrong environment will result in a poorly nourished garden that likely won’t survive, let alone thrive. There are ways you can overcome growing a plant in an improper climate, due to weather changes, or inconvenience. With the use of a greenhouse, growing indoors, and investing in plant coverings/protection. Be sure to do your research and stick to plants whose needs you’re able to meet with the confinements of your climate. 

Space 

The amount of space you have available in your garden is another helpful thing to keep in mind when you’re looking to find the best plants to suit your wants and needs. You’d be surprised how large certain varieties of plants can grow and just how much space they invade. Sometimes you’ll find yourself needing stakes and other helpful tools to hold up top-heavy flowers and produce plants. Educate yourself on the dimensions of the plants you’re looking to add to your garden before you get around to planting them. 

Effort 

Before you decide which plants are the best fit for your garden, ask yourself just how much time and energy you’re capable of putting into them. There are a hefty amount of plants that require very little effort to keep alive and thriving. Others need to be tended to consistently and particularly. Not to mention, the more variety you have throughout your garden, the more effort you’ll have to put into tending to each plant’s specific needs. If you want your plants to thrive, you’ll most likely have to spend extra time and energy making homemade fertilizer, setting up irrigation systems, and protecting them during inclement weather. Make sure you’re up to the task before deciding on which plants to add to your garden. 

Aesthetic  

Not only should you think about the practicality of which plants you add to your garden. It’s equally important to consider aesthetics. Most gardening enthusiasts take real pride in the look and theme of their garden. Choose the plants that radiate the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Pair them with plants that add to their beauty and help them shine. You can choose plants that come from the same family, ones that share a similar color scheme, or balance the beauty of other plants in your garden. 

Long-term vs. Short-term

You might have your selections for this growing season all figured out, but which plants will make an appearance next year? Once established, there are some plants that will grow back for many years to come. Then there are species that only flourish for one season and need to be replanted the following growing season. Think about which plants you’ll want to care for long term and how much you want to invest in ones that live in your garden short term 

5 Genuine Life Lessons Straight From Stand-Up Comedy Routines

Posted on by scatty

When we watch our favorite stand-up comedians either on our screens or in person, we typically expect to laugh until our sides hurt. However, not everything is just one punchline after another with a lot of comedians. There are some genuine life lessons that we can learn either about ourselves or society as a whole. From talking about the world’s economic state to mental health, comedians haven’t been afraid to let their voices be heard.

Let’s take a look at some of those life lessons that we’ve learned from stand-up comedians over the years that we may not have given too much thought to at first. Once you go back and watch some of these sets, you might have a higher appreciation for just how in-depth comedy can truly be.

Robin Williams on Being Yourself

Most of us go through life afraid to express our true selves to the world. We all feel this need to conform so that people will like us, give us better job opportunities, or just blend in with the general public. Deep down, there’s that little part of us that wants to let loose and be zany without any regard for how those around us feel about it. Nobody was better at embracing that part of themselves quite like Robin Williams.

The stand-up comedian who would go on to become an acting icon thanks to movies including “Mrs. Doubtfire”, “Good Will Hunting”, and “Good Morning, Vietnam” had this to say about being yourself: “You’ve got to be crazy, it’s too late to be sane. You’re only given a little spark of madness, and if you lose that, you’re nothing. Don’t. From me to you, don’t ever lose that because it keeps you alive…That’s my only love: crazy.” 

George Carlin on Wealth Inequality

George Carlin was well known for some of his acting roles in films including “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventures”, “Dogma”, and “Cars”, but it was through stand-up comedy that he really shined. Early on in his career, Carlin wasn’t really part of the counter-culture, but during the 1970s and 1980s, he became a go-to for political commentary. This was especially true when it came to wealth inequality and how lower-income people are being held down.

“There’s a reason education sucks, and it’s the same reason that it will never, ever, ever be fixed,” Carlin said. “It’s never gonna get any better. Don’t look for it. Be happy with what you got, because the owners of this country don’t want that. I’m talking about the real owners now…the big wealthy business interests that control things and make all the important decisions…They’ll get it all from you soon or later ‘cause they own this (expletive) place. It’s a big club, and you ain’t in it.”

Bo Burnham on Mental Health

When YouTube got kicked off in the mid-2000s, it presented an opportunity for otherwise unknown people to capture overnight fame. One of those people that cashed in during the early days of YouTube was Bo Burnham, who has gone on to become one of the biggest names in comedy. Burnham got into fame at a young age, and it wasn’t always an easy transition to go from a famous teen to an adult that’s constantly asked what his next project is going to be.

During his special “Inside”, Burnham prefaced a song by saying that he quit performing live comedy because he was having on-stage panic attacks. “Which is not a great place to have them,” he said. “So I quit. And I didn’t perform for five years, and I spent that time trying to improve myself mentally. And you know what? I did. I got better.” 

Craig Ferguson on Self-Reflection

Scottish comedian Craig Ferguson got a big opportunity in the United States during the 1990s when he became part of the cast of the hit series “The Drew Carey Show”. After the show’s conclusion in 2004, Ferguson was tabbed to host “The Late Late Show” on CBS which followed David Letterman’s program. Throughout his time, Ferguson has talked about his alcohol use, divorces, and has done a lot of self-reflecting in his stand-up sets.

Many admire Ferguson because of how he’s grown as a person and has truly shown his desire to help others. In one of the more prominent examples, Ferguson has said that people need to do more self-reflection in the era of smartphones in which we live. “People have always been a**holes,” Ferguson said. “What happens is the technology is just faster…ask yourself before you say anything, which is ‘Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? Does this need to be said by me now?’…Three f***ing marriages it took me to learn that.”

Richard Pryor on Thinking

Richard Pryor is frequently ranked among the best stand-up comedians in history and had many profound quotes during his sets. It’s hard to narrow it down to just one.

A quote that really stands out, though, is “I believe the ability to think is blessed. If you can think about a situation, you can deal with it. The big struggle is to keep your head clear enough to think.” It wasn’t always easy for a guy like Pryor, who was a megastar during his peak.