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Cake is a treat we all love now and again, whether you love a good cupcake, kill for a fondant pudding, or swoon over Madeira cake… there is a cake recipe perfect for everyone. 

You can check out some amazing cake recipes available here, but today we want to focus on one type of cake in particular: cheesecake. 

Cheesecake is the ultimate cheat treat and it can be valued up in a whole host of fun ways. Today we want to share a simple cheesecake recipe along with 2 different ways you can spruce it up for success. These recipes are both amazing, easy, and ideal for a party. 

Very Berry Cheesecake 

1 pack gingernut biscuits 

5 tbsp melted butter 

50g dark chocolate shavings

250ml double cream 

450g cream cheese 

50g sour cream 

130g icing sugar 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

Pinch of salt 

1 tbsp brown sugar 

350g mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries) 

1 tbsp orange juice 

1. Create a crust by crushing gingernut biscuits, and mix with chocolate shavings and butter. Press into the bottom of a cake tin and chill. 
2. Add berries, brown sugar and orange juice to a pan and simmer until a soft berry compote is made. Allow to cool. 
3. In a bowl, mix double cream, cream cheese, sour cream, icing sugar, salt and vanilla. Once mixed well pour in half of the compote, gently swirling to create a marble effect. Pour into the cake tin and chill for 3-4 hours. 
4. For decoration, pour the rest of the berry compote over your cake and add a few dollops of cream if you like. 

Indulgent white chocolate cheesecake 

From fruity to creamy, white chocolate cheesecake has to be one of the most indulgent, subtle, but beautiful versions of this classic dessert. 

1 pack digestive biscuits 

5 tbsp melted butter 

3 tbsp chopped hazelnuts 

250ml double cream 

450g cream cheese 

50g sour cream 

130g icing sugar 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

Pinch of salt 

150g melted while chocolate 

100g chocolate shavings (milk and white) 

1. To create the crust, crush digestive biscuits and mix together with chopped hazelnuts and butter. Press into the bottom of a cake tin and chill. 
2. In a bowl, mix together double cream, cream cheese, sour cream, icing sugar, vanilla, salt, and white chocolate. If you want a stronger chocolate flavour, add more. Play around with this until you are happy. 
3. Pour into the cake tin and chill for 4 hours. 
4. Once chilled, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top to serve. 

Cheesecake is a great dessert that can be either baked or made without baking, and to make things easier we decided to create one that doesn’t require the oven. The base of this recipe is super simple and it allows you to add anything you want to it to flavour the cake. Here is the base: 

1 pack biscuits 

5 tbsp melted butter 

250ml double cream 

450g cream cheese 

50g sour cream 

130g icing sugar 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

Pinch of salt 

Both of these easy cheesecake recipes are very different but offer a beautiful dessert for any day of the week. Try these ones or even take the simple mixture and create your own variation! 

Image by Anja🠤-#helpinghands #solidarity#stays healthy🙠from Pixabay

As the Coronavirus pandemic has given many of us lots of time at home and the weather has been kind to us of late, it’s the perfect time to get on with some jobs around the house. While you’re spending so much time there anyway, you want your house to be in it’s the best possible shape, somewhere you want to be, and somewhere you are happy to spend lockdown. So, what summer DIY and cleaning jobs should be on the agenda right now that are not only important for your house but will also keep you busy? Always keep in mind though that any big projects may need a certified contractor, for instance, you may want to look for a ‘deck builder near me‘ if you are planning on re-doing the outside, as long as you follow the guidelines of social distancing and cleanliness, you should be okay to have someone help with any construction outside.

De-clutter and deep-clean

While it’s important to do your regular cleaning and you’ll probably need to be doing it more often now that everyone is at home all the time, but why not have a huge clean of the whole house and start with throwing out all those things that are cluttering up your home. Do it room-by-room so that you don’t get overwhelmed, you can even do a room a day. Whether you’re sorting out your wardrobe or the kids’ old toys, generally clearing things and getting organized will not only give you more space in your home but your mind too.

Once your house is free of clutter, it’s time for a deep clean, from curtains to carpets, get rid of all the dust that’s been building up. It’ll make your house smell great, reduce allergies and coughs and colds by making the air cleaner, and you’ll be set up for the summer. Cleaning can also help to clear your mind and organize your thoughts – it’s very therapeutic.

Clean your drains and gutters

Getters and drains can easily get blocked over the winter due to debris, so now is the time for some serious drain cleaning and gutter unblocking. There’s not a lot you can do to prevent this, but keeping on top of blockages will stop any problems from getting worse.
Apart from the drains, you might also need to inspect your home’s overall plumbing system to fix any problems, like a blocked or burst pipe, that may have manifested over the winter. Consider getting in touch with professional service providers like Flow Pros Plumbing that offer comprehensive services. This means that their handymen can take care of the drain cleaning and also fix other plumbing issues in the house.

Give your home a fresh lick of paint

When the weather is dry and sunny, it is perfect for doing any exterior paint jobs as there is less chance of rain ruining it, and there will also be a much quicker dry time. It’s a good time to do interior paint jobs too. Even if you’re not looking to re-decorate or change colors in your home, a fresh coat of paint in every room can make your home feel cleaner and fresher. Cleaning your roof at least once a year may also be a smart idea. There are numerous Roof Cleaning services available that may assist you in this regard.

Clean your windows

While most of us love the sunshine, one negative thing about it is that it highlights all the dirty marks on your windows. However, the warmer weather is again the perfect time to get out there and clean your windows. This will not only cool you down, but it can also be pretty fun too.

Get into the garden

Start paying attention to your garden as you’re going to want to spend more time in it. Start by watering your plants and clearing up, and then it’s time to get creative. Could you put some decking down during lockdown? Build a BBQ area or simply plant some new plants? There are loads of things you can do with the garden and now is the perfect time to do it. Now could also be the time to tackle those bigger outside maintenance jobs that you’ve kept putting off. Things like hiring a jet washer to get decking, patios and driveways sparkling clean, repainting window frames and doors, unclogging the guttering to prevent any leaks and looking into asphalt shingle roof installations to upgrade garages or outbuildings. Or perhaps you’ve been thinking about adding a garden studio to your property. This can be a great way to add more space into your home, perhaps as a home office, a studio for crafts or yoga or a place to hang out and entertain guests. It can really make the most of your outdoor space and even give you the room you need without you having to think about moving house. Now that’s a clever home upgrade!

When it comes to newborn must-haves, having the best stroller type for your needs is an absolute must. Ensuring that you’re equipped with the best kind of stroller can make a world of difference- do your research and know the different stroller types to know how to choose the best one to meet your needs and keep your newborn safe and comfortable on the go!

Consider Your Budget

Strollers have a wide range of styles, sizes, and prices. Before jumping into all of your options, take some time to consider what your budget is. A stroller can potentially be a major purchase for you and for little one, ranging in price from roughly $30 up to over $700, and is totally deserving of the time it will take to decide how much you are willing and able to spend.

Consider It’s Use

Answering a few simple questions will give you a great sense of direction in your search for the perfect stroller. Will you be frequently traveling with your stroller? Do you plan to exercise with it? How many children do you need to transport using the stroller? Who will primarily be using the stroller? Do you want something that is specifically for the newborn stage, or do you want something that transitions with your child?

Know Your Stroller Types

Once you’ve determined your price and how the stroller will be used, take some time to research different stroller types and what would fit best with both your needs and your newborn. Lightweight strollers are wonderful for travel, but are not preferred for a newborn baby- it would be better to go with a car seat carrier or a standard stroller. Jogging strollers are preferred for exercise, and there are plenty of options for double and triple strollers. Consider what stroller type would work best for you. These strollers from Ergobaby are a fantastic option!

I get it- prepping for a new baby can feel overwhelming at times. Make the process of choosing a new stroller fun by doing your research and finding the type and style of stroller that will work best for you and meet all of your needs, as well as baby’s needs. Happy shopping and congratulations on your bundle of joy!

If you have always enjoyed being in the kitchen, it is very likely that you are always looking for inspiration. From food blogs like Prepared Cooks to cooking lessons and more, we can be inspired from almost anywhere in this day and age. However, sometimes, cooking may not be the most joyous occasion we thought it was set out to be. You might have gotten a lot of cooking gifts throughout the year, but does it take away your cooking time?

How many times have you looked for recipes and spent ages making dinner? It says 15-minute meals, but why do they always take you an hour?! Being able to cook faster is a huge advantage for any parent. When you are too busy, you could purchase a ramen kit or other instant food items from a japanese food store online or from a nearby grocery store. It frees up more time to take care of the many other parental responsibilities you have. Well, what if you found out there are a few simple ways to cook faster every single evening? It’s true, and here they are:

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Invest in better cooking equipment

For me, two main issues always arise:

1. Things don’t seem to cook fast enough
2. It takes ages to cut ingredients up

Both problems can be addressed with new cooking equipment. Get your hands on some premium cookware that heats up quickly and cooks your food a lot more efficiently than old stuff. Brands like Made In Cookware that sell aluminum pots and pans are always useful as aluminum gets hot quickly and cooks food faster. Also, get a sharp new knife set, or perhaps a machine that cuts things for you. It speeds up your slicing and dicing instantly. You can shave minutes off your total cooking time, and these ideas are also great gifts for mums!

Try Using Different Equipment

If you are tired of it taking an age to cook food you might want to consider using different equipment and appliances in your kitchen. For instance, you could consider using a Ninja Foodi with a grillgrate. Combined, the devices will heat up your steak in no time and ensure that it’s cooked to perfection. This ninja foodi steak device will cook your meat in just seven minutes!

Prep your food

Be sure you prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. A big mistake is to chop onions, add them to a pan, then chop other ingredients, etc. Instead, chop everything up and have it ready on the side. If you’re adding spices, get all the right measurements on a plate. Now, you simply add ingredients as required. It streamlines the whole process and makes cooking a lot easier.

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Always pre-heat

Whether it’s your oven or your stove, be sure to always pre-heat before you need to start cooking. This ensures everything is hot and ready to go. Do this while you get all the prep started. It prevents you from preparing ingredients, then waiting 5-10 minutes for everything to heat up.

The same rule applies to water, kind of. Instead of heating water in a pan, boil it in a kettle. This works much faster and means you can cook things like pasta in under 10 minutes, rather than waiting 10 minutes for the water to boil, then cooking the pasta for 8-9 mins.

Clean while you cook

Lastly, clean up after yourself as things cook. Most recipes give you time to let things simmer or bake. Use this time to clean everything you can. It makes time go faster, so the meal feels like it’s ready sooner. But, it benefits you by reducing the washing up after dinner. Now, you just have a couple of things to clean, instead of a bucketload.

See, four simple ways to speed up your daily cooking. If you want a bonus tip: cook in batches! This is perfect as you can sometimes spend two or three days cooking, but have enough meals for the entire week. I’ve put this as a bonus tip as it depends on your fridge/freezer space. If you don’t have much room, you can’t cook in batches.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that businesses operate on a daily basis. Plenty of establishments have hired commercial cleaning services or require staff to do a daily deep clean. The state guidelines differ across the country in regards to capacity requirements and if certain businesses are allowed to be open. Keeping your family safe is going to be your top priority and this starts in the home. Enforcing social distancing is important as a parent even if you have a teen that you want to go hang out with a group of friends. Cleaning the home is going to be another facet of keeping the family safe but not all tips are intuitive. The virus is not like other sicknesses as it is extremely contagious and can live on certain surfaces for days. Below are tips to help you clean and disinfect your home during Coronavirus.

Cleaning Areas the Entire Family Touches Often

Coronavirus home cleaning is going to be more intense than your usual cleaning routine. The fact that the virus can live on certain surfaces like plastic or metal means the virus could be living in your home now! You need to clean areas that are touched frequently on a daily basis. This will include toys that your children have taken out of the home and even the toilet. Phones and computers should also be cleaned but make sure to do this delicately as to not damage your electronics. Products that should be used should include at least 70 percent alcohol to kill COVID-19. The following are tips to clean your home in the correct way to prevent the spread of the virus:

• You need to wash something with soap and water first. This does not mean that the job is done as you will have to go over the same surface with disinfectant. Wearing gloves is recommended as many cleaning products can be harmful to the skin especially when you are cleaning daily.
• Allow the disinfectant to sit on the surface for a few minutes so it can actively kill viral germs. Wiping down a surface too quickly does not allow the disinfectant to do its job.
• Do not use vinegar as the main disinfectant or any other natural remedy. These will not kill the virus so it is better to opt for cleaning products that specifically note they help combat the virus.
• Take the time to disinfect your dishes or items your partner/child takes to work with them.

Tips for Laundry

One of the scariest things about the virus is that it can survive on clothes for an unclosed amount of time. Researchers have already stated that the virus can live on plastic or metal which many items of clothing include. Below are some tips for doing laundry in a way that will combat the global pandemic:

• Do not shake out your dirty close that this can lead to the virus being emitted through the surrounding air. If you must do this it is important to do it outside with some form of protection on whether it is a mask or gloves.
• Use hot water to wash your clothes along with your favorite detergent. The importance of drying the clothes in a dryer to kill the virus shouldn’t be undervalued. Do not let your clothes air dry as this could be a recipe for disaster as the virus could survive.
• Your laundry bin also needs to be cleaned regularly as it could be holding unwanted germs.

Personal Cleaning Station at Home/In the Garage

There are people that have to go to work around large groups of people whether they work in the service industry or medical field. If you have a garage you should have a laundry bin out there along with a bin where you can put your shoes. Changing and washing up before entering the house might seem extreme but these are extreme times. Keeping hand sanitizer in the garage is an option as those in the medical field might want to do this regularly in order to stop the spread of all kinds of sicknesses.

Keeping our families safe during this time is going to take effort. Following social distancing rules is going to stay of utmost importance but cleaning your home in the appropriate manner is essential as well.

We all like to think that we would be the last people in the world to be targetted by crime. However, it’s those who don’t give security a second thought who are most likely to suffer the consequences. Most criminals are opportunists and will go after the easy targets. Here are a few steps to take to make sure that you’re not that easy.

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Deterrence

As mentioned, criminals are opportunists. This means that they will go after the easy homes, but are also less likely to go after any homes that show a higher chance of being caught. If you have any kind of security systems, advertise that fact with a sign on the wall of the home. It’s a good idea to have some outdoor lighting that makes the exterior of the home highly visible. This way they’re not likely to want to go skulking around it.

Awareness

One of the great things about CCTV systems is that they also work as part of the deterrence strategy mentioned above. They’re a highly visible threat to any would-be criminals looking at your home. That’s not all, however, they offer you the chance to be keenly aware of any threats, with many a security camera installation allowing you to record any instances of movement within their range of vision. Smart security cameras can even let you take a view of the feed from outside the come, connecting to digital devices like your smartphone, tablet, or laptop over the internet.

Alarm

If deterrence doesn’t work, then you want to make sure that as soon as any criminal makes an attempt to breach the home, you are notified as soon as possible and the police are on the way. Wireless security systems can be set up to do just that, offering you peace of mind that even when you’re away from the home, they will make sure that no intruders are able to simply get into the home without any sort of defense. The extremely loud alarms that come with these systems can also act as yet another line of deterrence, too.

Defense

Lastly, you want to make sure that even if someone goes ahead and tries to infiltrate the home, there is resistance against them every step of the way. Make sure that you buy ar-15 pistols to ensure that you have the safe in case of danger. First, installing secure doors with police-approved locks is a good idea. Inside the home, you should make sure that you have a decent safe for your most valuable assets, be it jewelry, cash, or something else. There are even devices you can use to secure electronics like TVs and monitors to shelves. By confounding the criminal every step of the way, you make it much harder for them to get away with anything of value.

When you’re preparing your home against the risk of intrusion, make sure that you’re not just installing a single system, but rather investing in a comprehensive security set-up that tackles all four elements of security above. It might be quite an investment, but it’s worth it if you have things to protect.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

If you’ve struggled with your weight for most of your life, no doubt you’ve considered or heard of Gastric Bypass Surgery. When you’ve seemingly tried everything and the weight never seems to stay off, surgery may feel like the best option.

As with most surgeries, gastric bypass comes with its risks, but it can also be a saving grace for many people. Read on to see if this surgery is right for you.

What exactly is Gastric Bypass?

Gastric Bypass is a form of bariatric surgery that creates a gastric pouch, roughly the size of an egg, that “bypasses” the stomach and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). With a smaller stomach, the amount of food (and therefore calories) you can eat is restricted, making you feel fuller faster and encouraging weight loss. 

What are the requirements for Gastric Bypass?

Not everyone is a candidate for this type of surgery. Typically, doctors recommend gastric bypass to someone who has a Body Mass Index of 40 or more, or is more than 100 pounds overweight. Some people see gastric bypass as a jumpstart on their health journey, but be clear that it is not the be-all-end-all. You will have to be careful after surgery and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

What happens after surgery?

After the surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for a few days so your doctors can monitor you. You’ll be on a liquid diet for a few days and you won’t be able to eat as much as before. This means you may need to start taking supplements to ensure you’re receiving enough nutrients that may be missing from your diet. Ensuring you are physically active and eating a healthful diet will be a top priority that will need to be maintained for the rest of your life. 

Weight loss may be dramatic in the first few months. Sometimes up to one pound each day. Gastric bypass has also been shown to provide other health benefits such as lowering high blood pressure, improving diabetes and other weight-related health problems. Weight loss can also alleviate joint pain, sleep apnea, and arthritis. 

What are the complications?

All surgeries are not without risks. With gastric bypass, you risk infection, blood clots, stomach ulcers, and sagging skin from weight loss. Some patients opt for plastic surgery, but after at least 18 months to make sure any dramatic changes are done taking place. 

You may also want to work closely with a nutritionist to make sure you are following a proper diet. Some patients experience “dumping syndrome” in which you experience nausea, sweating, faintness, and sometimes diarrhea (hence the name) after eating. Sweets may also pose this issue. 

Since this surgery does induce a dramatic lifestyle change, you may experience many emotions surrounding your weight loss. Remember to talk with trusted friends and family, or even a doctor. 

Gastric bypass can be a great option to “bypass” the initial hard work of a weightloss journey, but you’ll have to catch up afterwards with maintaining an exercise and diet regime to stay healthy. This is by no means the “easy” way out, so be sure to explore all of your options and get consults from a few doctors before making a decision. 

They say home is where the heart is, but is your house more hectic than heavenly? Moving house is a very stressful process. Maybe your property was on the market for ages and you didn’t think you were going to be able to sell it. Maybe you went to theeasyhomebuyer.com and sold it in 5 days. Maybe you’ve moved out of a rental. Whatever your circumstance, it’s important that you make your house feel like home as soon as possible. Here are some tips to turn your house into a haven.

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-home-printed-rug-beside-door-2949992/

Decluttering, cleaning and tidying

Clutter can look unsightly, and it can also contribute to increased stress levels. If your home is a mess and you feel like there is stuff everywhere, you might struggle to relax. There’s also the problem of wasting time trying to find things you want. Decluttering and tidying might not be the most exciting activities, but they can make a huge difference to the aesthetic of your home and your wellbeing.

The key to a successful decluttering operation lies in organization. Adopting a methodical approach will enable you to tackle the job efficiently and effectively. Go through each room in the house, taking care not to miss drawers, boxes or cupboards that tend to attract miscellaneous items. Create a series of piles in each space by sorting out what you want to keep, what you want to throw away and what you could sell or donate. Once you’ve got rid of the items you want to get rid of or to donate to charity, find a home for the possessions you want to hold onto. If you have a shortage of storage, it’s worth having a look online or taking a trip to a home store and exploring new products and storage systems. From inexpensive tubs and crates that are ideal for children’s toys to chic shelving units for living rooms and bedrooms, you can find practical solutions to keep clutter at bay.

When you’ve finished decluttering your home, and you can see the floors again, make it your mission to keep each room looking tidy and clean. Polish surfaces, vacuum and mop floors and deep clean the kitchen and bathrooms. Keeping your home clean and clutter-free will reduce stress, maximize space and lower the risk of accidents and pest infestations.

Image from https://pixabay.com/photos/living-room-fireplace-interior-room-2046668/

Home security

Most of us assume that our homes will never be targeted by thieves, but there are no guarantees. Statistics suggest that there are over 2 million burglaries in the US every year. It’s not always possible to avoid being targeted by opportunists, but there are measures you can employ to lower the risk. Installing deterrents is one of the best ways to make your home less appealing to thieves who are deciding which property to break into. If you have cameras or an alarm on the side or front of your home, you have CCTV, or your home is surrounded by a fence or protected by electric gates, for example, the project becomes much more complex and risky. Thieves would rather opt for a property with no visible deterrents. So now is the time for you to check out a website like fwfence.com to get your home protected.

If you don’t already have a camera or an alarm system in place, it’s wise to explore your options and think about taking extra security measures. You could equip not only your home, but also yourself, to face any potential threats that could cause disturbance or damage. Be it burglars or unwanted wild animals, owning a shotgun could be one way to deter them from entering your property. However, ensure that you are aware of gun laws wherever you reside and that you can also handle a weapon as safely as possible. Do your research using online resources here and on other informative websites before you buy a shotgun to protect your home. Further, there are some very sophisticated, innovative products on the market, including cameras that link to your smartphone. Browse websites, read reviews, and compare features. Some products and systems may suit your requirements and your budget better than others. Once you’ve decided on the innovations you want to purchase, it’s a good idea to search for experts to get your system up and running for you, like a firm that specializes in Nest Smart device installation. Hiring professionals enables you to eliminate the hassle of setting the product up, and you can also learn how to adjust and program settings to suit your needs. With many modern gadgets and gizmos, you can use your phone to monitor your home when you’re not in and to receive updates and alerts.

As well as fitting deterrents to lower the risk of break-ins, it’s also crucial to avoid leaving windows and doors open and to make sure your social media accounts are set to private. If you’re posting photographs or tagging yourself in exotic locations, thieves will know that you’re not at home. Leaving a car parked in the driveway and asking your neighbors to collect your mail can also help to create the illusion that somebody is home.

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Creating tranquil zones

Many of us lead frantic lifestyles, and we often crave downtime. If you have a demanding job, you work long hours, or you’re raising kids, it’s so important that your home affords you the space you need to relax and unwind. Creating distinctive zones enables you to design a home that is practical and functional, but also serene and calm. Away from the hustle and bustle of the family kitchen and the playroom, use a spare room, an attic or even the landing to establish a sanctuary to read, listen to music, draw, write, paint or simply lie back and chill out. To add ambiance and induce relaxation, choose soothing tones and colors, add soft furnishings and low-level lighting, use diffusers or scented candles and finish with flowers or potted plants.

It is particularly important to ensure your bedroom is a quiet spot to retreat to after a busy day. Your sleeping environment has a significant impact on sleep quality. To make your bedroom more relaxing, choose neutral colors or soft pastels, avoid clutter and mess, opt for soft lighting and use blackout blinds or thick curtains to ensure total darkness when you turn out the lights. Before you go to bed, get into the habit of spending at least half an hour doing something that makes you feel calm. It’s beneficial to get your body and mind ready for sleep and to set a time for going to sleep and getting up in the morning so that your body clock adjusts.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/string-lights-hanged-on-bed-frame-1329711/

Reducing the risk of accidents

Some accidents are inevitable, especially if you have young children, but often, our homes harbor hazards. Damaged flooring, obstacles on the stairs, hidden steps and slippery floors can all increase the risk of trips and falls. If you have small kids at home, use stair gates to prevent them from tumbling down the steps and make sure you keep dangerous items, for example, medicines and cleaning products, in locked cupboards. It’s also essential to be mindful of the risks of house fires. Keep a close eye on the stove if you’re cooking, use fireguards if you have a fire roaring on a chilly day, and turn appliances off at the socket when you’re not using them. Avoid smoking indoors and invest in a fire blanket and a small fire extinguisher. If you don’t already have smoke detectors on every floor of your home, now is the time to buy and install new devices. You could even consider calling a company out for fire modelling services. That would allow you to see where a fire would be likely to spread in the house, helping you to create a safer escape route.

If you have children or pets, it’s essential to consider potential risks outside your home, as well as indoors. Fence off ponds and pools, secure fences and gates and avoid using pesticides or gardening products that could pose a risk to animals. You should also check the condition of paving, patios and decking on a regular basis and repair or replace broken or damaged planks or paving stones.

Image courtesy of https://pixabay.com/photos/music-kids-children-play-xylophone-818459/

Making the most of outdoor spaces

Many of us enjoy spending time in our gardens, and studies suggest that being outside in the open air improves mental health and wellbeing. If you’ve had a stressful day, or you’re tired, it’s wonderful to be able to get out into the garden, enjoy the evening sunshine and breathe in fresh air. Even if you only have a small yard, you can create an attractive space that provides a base for recharging your batteries and spending quality time with your family. To cater to the needs of children and adults, it’s a fantastic idea to section off parts of the garden or yard. Kids love growing plants or vegetables, playing games and having space to get their toys out and splash around in a paddling pool on a sunny day, while adults can benefit from peaceful spots to kick back and relax and social spaces to dine al fresco and catch up with friends. You can use different materials, for example, turf or astroturf, bark chippings, paving, gravel and wooden decking to separate areas and add furniture and accessories to inject serious style. Think free-standing lanterns, rattan chairs, blankets and cushions for the grown-ups and colorful beanbags, floor cushions and hammocks for the kids.

Picture via https://www.pexels.com/photo/house-surrounded-by-green-grass-below-clouds-and-sky-226407/

Is your home a heavenly haven, or is there work to do to create a tranquil, safe retreat that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed? If you’re looking to turn your house into a serene spot that is perfect for family life, there are several things you can do to enhance safety, reduce the risk of accidents and prevent break-ins, as well as steps you can take to promote mental wellbeing, enjoy spending quality time together and create the right ambiance. Securing your home, decluttering, cleaning and removing hazards can all help to keep you safe, while setting up peaceful areas, making the most of your outdoor space and designing soothing bedrooms will enable you to relax and enjoy every moment you spend at home.

Schools are closed. Playdates have been postponed. Summer vacations have been canceled.

The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented time. It’s hard for adults, but it is probably even harder for kids. Keeping your kids engaged in fun activities can help keep them calm and happy. Luckily, we’re still allowed to go outside for exercise as it is an open and safe environment. With traffic at an all-time low, it’s never actually been safer to enjoy the great outdoors. The only thing you’ll need is suncream to protect from the sun, and maybe a good, strong pair of ballistic sunglasses if you’re thinking of going on a hike. And don’t forget a mask just in case!

There are so many safe things you can do outdoors that are low Covid-risk. Here are six activities you can do outside with your children while still safely practicing social distancing.

1. Take a stroll around the block.

Ride bikes, scooter, skateboard, or rollerblade around your neighborhood. You can also put your baby in the stroller, attach your Stroller Controller, and jog around the neighborhood. Fresh air will help ease some stress or just give you a change of scenery. This is an easy way for the whole family to get exercise and still safely stay at least 6 feet away from others.

2. Turn a nature walk into a scavenger hunt.

Create your own or print off a fun outdoor scavenger hunt for kids. Then put on your hiking boots and adventure through a nearby hiking trail. If parks and trails are closed in your area, go on a walk around your neighborhood or even your backyard. Maybe you can even plan for a linger hike by looking at walking routes provided by apps like Visorando – Walking planner or the ones like them that can offer free walking plans. That said, nature has a lot to offer, and you usually don’t have to go far to find it.

3. Play ball.

Grab your mitts and baseball and play catch in the backyard. Put on some knee pads, helmets, and rollerblades and play a little street hockey in the driveway. Since your kids aren’t having their regular gym class and their spring and summer sporting activities were probably canceled, playing sports at home turns exercising into a fun game.

4. Have a backyard campout.

If your backyard is big enough, teach your kids to set up a tent, and then let them color or read books in it before you make s’mores on the grill. After s’mores, you can stargaze and enjoy sleeping under the beautiful night sky.

5. Go fishing.

Fishing has always been a solitary sport, making it the perfect outdoor social distancing activity. So head to your favorite lake or find a nearby river and teach your kids to fish. Wherever you go, make sure to follow any local regulations. You may even be lucky enough to reel in dinner! Before you hop into the car check out best mid-west fishing spots and tell all your friends where you are heading.

6. Plant a garden.

If there’s ever been a time to create a family garden, it’s now. If you have space in your yard, do it there, but if you don’t, then build a garden box for your patio or porch. Let each family member take turns watering the garden and have a plant they’re responsible for if they’re old enough.

Remember that if you’re not in your own yard or driveway to keep a safe distance from others and try not to touch things that others may have touched. But above all, have fun with your kids! Fresh air and physical activity are just what the doctor ordered (or would order) for all of us right now.