Las Vegas is not the type of place you would normally associate with a budget. Even if you aren’t spending most of your time on the casino floor, it’s easy to spend a fortune in the luxury casinos, nightclubs, high-end restaurants, and shopping malls. Plus, beforehand some people will want to try out their casino skills on a game or two of poker, blackjack, etc. so they can refine their gameplay. You can check out more information on websites like onlinecasinos.co.uk if you are planning on doing that but save some money for the actual casinos if you can!

The recommendations made here can also be applied if you plan to visit another country or city. For example, if you ever plan to visit New Zealand but have a limited budget, you can save money by taking a tour of the country during the day and enjoying your evening and night by having a peaceful dinner inside your hotel room while playing casino games NZ. This way, you can avoid the entry fees and the temptation to try out other games available in physical casinos.

So, it is possible to go to the countries and not have to spend your entire budget on the first day. You can save on the entertainment and still have the best time of your life.

Here are 5 budgeting tips for a better Vegas trip.

1. How To Do Vegas For Free/Cheap

There are plenty of things to do at Las Vegas casinos for free. For example, the Flamingo has a Wildlife Habitat full of exotics animals to see along with 15 acres of beautiful gardens to enjoy. At the Silverton Casino, you can check out the aquarium and discover all sorts of marine life and mermaids. If you’re into art, head over to Cosmopolitan where you can browse their own collection.

Every first Friday of the month, the art district in Downtown Las Vegas plays host to more than 100 artists. Their pieces are on display and you can buy them if you take an interest in their work. The event also sees live music and street performers to keep you entertained throughout the evening. It lasts between 6pm and 11pm.

Now, if you do plan on going to the main paid attractions, the best way to do it on a budget is by getting a city pass. They cover many of the city’s main hotspots like the Stratosphere observation deck and Madame Tussauds.

2. How To Save On Entertainment

Las Vegas is well known for its extravagant shows and entertainment, from chart-topping musical artists like Jennifer Lopex to Cirque du Soleil. However, getting your hands on these tickets can set you back hundreds of dollars.

If you want to see these shows and you’re on a budget, make sure you factor in resort fees which usually get added at the end of booking a trip. As reported by OnlineCasinoGems, they can be very expensive.

To avoid this, there are nine Tix4Tonight outlets located across the Strip and around downtown where you can pick them up at a discount. As the name suggests, you can only get tickets for the shows that are going on that day so you may not know what’s available, but you can save a lot of money. The earlier you get there, the bigger the selection of tickets. You can also check the best shows in Vegas here.

Some of the casinos also have their own free shows. The most famous of them all can be found at the Bellagio where you can watch the world-renowned fountain show.

For those of you that are interested in the Las Vegas nightlife, it’s best to get to the club before 9pm. You can always get a stamp and come back later. This way means you’ll beat the queues as the night goes on. Also, some casinos give you discounts on entry if you stay there. If you have played online casino games at sites like oxi casino, this is the perfect chance to put that experience to good use. Some casinos can also give you free entry if you eat at an attached restaurant, like Tao at the Venetian.

3. How To Best See The City

The tallest point in the city is the Stratosphere observation deck. The standard entry fee is $25 per person, but you get this for half price if you stay here. If you want to get a view of the city from within, the best place to go is the Eiffel Tower replica. It’s free if you go on your birthday too so make sure you take your ID.

One of Las Vegas’ newest additions is the High Roller Ferris wheel. It’s the tallest Ferris wheel in the world standing at 550 feet. Tickets are cheaper when you buy in advance. They cost $22 in the day and $32 at night.

The high-rise bars are another great place to get a view of the city. There are bars at the top of the Eiffel Tower and the Stratosphere observation deck, as well the Skyfall Lounge at Mandalay Bay (5pm to 12am/1am on weekends), VooDoo at the Rio (8pm to 2am/3am on weekends) and Apex Social Club at the Palms (8pm to 4am from Thursdays to Sundays).

4. How To Dine On A Budget

The best way to save money on dining in Las Vegas is by heading to restaurants away from the Strip. Pre-theatre menus are good too if you don’t mind eating early on in the evening. There are always discount coupons available from hotel room booklets or you can even go to Tix4Tonight stalls and grab a deal there.

When you’re at the casinos, the buffets are great value. It’s usually cheaper to eat here during the afternoon for lunch rather than dinner and you can get unlimited drinks as part of the deal. If you have already spent your time learning about live casino bonuses (both online and offline ones), and have learnt the ropes of the game, you can be sure to win some cash, along with free drinks and budget food! A win-win situation on all fronts!

The drinks are free when you’re gambling on the casino floor. If you are on a budget, stick to the low-stakes games and save money. Don’t shy from tipping the servers either – keep them happy and they will continue bringing the drinks.

5. How To Get Around

The Las Vegas Strip is not too far away from the airport, but you can easily rack up a hefty taxi fair thanks to the traffic. To save on cash, use the shuttle minibus from the airport that drops you off at your hotel. There are multiple companies that do this service but they mostly charge around $10 each way.

Getting around the Strip is quite easy on foot but it is longer than it looks in the photos. The Deuce is a great way to have a rest if you need to get around and they run every 15 minutes. It’s $6 for 2 hours, $8 for 24 hours or $20 for three days.

You can also use the monorail. This main monorail runs from SLS station to the MGM Grand station. It costs $5 per ride, but you can buy a 24-hour pass for just $13. The other three smaller free monorails run from the Mirage to Treasure Island, Bellagio to Monte Carlo and Mandalay Bay to Excalibur.

It’s a golden age for people who like to shop without leaving the house. If you prefer to browse the aisles of a store, waiting for a product to catch your eye, that option is still on the table. For those who prefer to hunker down at home, or reserve their outings for other errands and pastimes, never has it been easier to find just the product you want from the comfort of your own home, courtesy of a little thing called e-commerce.

Online shopping has certainly had a boost over the years as many businesses have adopted the online buying option for those who find it easier. They sell products online and may even opt for dropshipping services to avoid renting a warehouse or worrying about hiring a shipping service. These businesses learn about how to find dropshipping products, employ research tools, and carry out business by selling products only.

However, as e-commerce has grown exponentially, businesses have needed to do what they can to shoot above the rest and appeal to their target audience. They try various marketing and advertising techniques to make their business stand out from other similar companies. For instance, digital marketing is an essential factor within this, that is why they will search online for keywords such as ‘marketing agency london, digital marketing agencies, whitehat‘, and so on, giving them a better chance at reaching the customers they need through strategic planning.

So, whatever you want to buy, there’s an online store for it. Socks are no exception.

Compared to books and cookware, however, apparel items like socks have been slow to catch on as an e-comm good. Clothing is very personal, in terms of both style and fit. People often want to see garments on their bodies before making a buying decision. The fit and feel of the fabric can be hard to discern from afar, especially with sizing charts that may have been developed in a foreign factory. Many garments can be returned, but that can be more of a hassle than going to the store. Nevertheless, the e-commerce wave is catching on fast, and people may prefer to shop even for apparel online thanks to the variety of designs and clothing styles to pick from. Many new clothing companies are coming up with innovative, functional designs and want to expand their customer base. For this, sellers might be learning the secrets to unlocking amazon brands which can help bring their collection to a larger audience, benefiting them as well as buyers.

So, if you value your free time and prefer not to spend it in department stores, there’s no reason you shouldn’t buy your socks from e-commerce stores. With a little know-how, you can find the perfect pair without seeing them in person before you buy. Here are five things to think about when shopping for socks online.

1. Length

Socks come in a variety of lengths, but the basic selections are:

• Ankle Socks.
• Mid-Calf Socks.
• Knee-Length Socks.

Ankle socks are typically worn with casual shoes like sneakers, often paired with shorts, to give the impression that you aren’t wearing any socks. Note that if they poke slightly above the shoe line, no one will throw rocks at you But remember that if they are visible, color matching rules still apply. Don’t be caught wearing white ankle socks to an occasion where white socks are a faux-pas. White socks are really only acceptable at the gym, on the trail, or during other sporty activities.

Mid-calf socks are versatile and appropriate for many occasions, including formal, semi-formal, and dressy casual occasions, provided that you color-match them properly. Mid-calf socks are also available in a variety of fabric, color, and pattern choices, so you can get creative. Wearing mid-calf socks has become a popular choice amongst hipsters, but unless you’re going for the ironic and intentional faux-pas, don’t wear these with shorts, even scrunched down or rolled.

Knee-length socks can feel like a comfortable hug for your own calf, and you can get away with them under long pants. However, these kinds of socks are really only for certain athletic events like soccer or rugby. They tend to be colored accordingly.

2. Material

Whether or not a sock lasts a long time, whether or not it is appropriate to the occasion, the material of the sock plays a big role in those considerations.

Formal socks tend to be lightweight, made of thin cotton or nylon. These socks look elegant and often feel silky-smooth on the feet, which can be wonderful for fancy occasions. Thinner socks, however, tend to rip more easily, provide little warmth or cushioning, do not wick moisture, and tend to acquire funky smells that do not go away. Thinner socks tend to live the high life and die young, so plan on that if you choose a thinner material.

Heavier cotton and wool socks, by contrast, tend to wick moisture and resist tearing or stretching. They cushion the feet, making shoes more comfortable over long time frames. They tend not to retain odor, even after years of use. Higher-quality cotton and wool can even feel luxurious and go over well at formal occasions.
If you are someone who practices eco-friendly living, you can look for sustainable socks that are sold in several online stores. You do not have to worry about the lack of choice because most sustainable clothing manufactures make different colors, patterns, and styles available for their customers.

3. Fit

Size does matter when it comes to socks, despite our tendency to treat them as one-size-fits-all. If a sock is too tight, it can put unnecessary strain on the fabric, causing thinner socks in particular to rip prematurely.

In contrast, a sock that is too loose will tend to slide down uncomfortably.

You can combat this by choosing a sock that contains a larger percentage of stretchy fabric, like spandex. Before you order, however, look at the size chart. Take measurements of your feet and calf, if necessary, to hone in on the size of sock that will give you the most comfortable and durable fit.

4. Style

One of the advantages of shopping online is the amazing selection at your fingertips. Socks available for sale at e-commerce stores have an enormous range of designs, including plain black, brown, and white; conservative patterns like checks or argyle; more whimsical designs like polka-dots and multi-colored stripes; novelty and comedy socks adorned with frogs, martini glasses, or superhero logos.

Consider the image you wish to project with your sock selection. Do you need to be respected by a room full of suits? Make an impression at a theme party? Spice up the workplace with something a little outside the box? Or blend in and not draw too much attention to yourself? The sky’s the limit, so buy with purpose.

5. Use

There’s no one pair of socks that is the best choice for every occasion. We spend a lot of time ragging on white socks, but white cotton socks may be the right choice for a hike or a game of soccer; white silk stockings may work for an ultra-formal white-tie state dinner, if you’re sitting on such an invitation. If you really want to steer clear from the plain jane, look into Custom Sock Lab for some pretty neat stuff.

Thin dress socks may get stinky and rip quickly, but they may be just the socks you need for a special occasion. Wear them well and with love while they last! Coarse, inexpensive brown cotton socks may not make an impression at a party or formal gathering, but they could be the perfect workhorse socks that you can mindlessly throw on with your khakis to wear to the office. Everything in its place, everything in moderation.

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Follow these tips and give yourself a better chance of picking the right pair of socks from the pictures and description provided at an e-commerce store.

BONUS TIP: If you find the perfect pair of socks, consider buying multiple pairs. Socks wear out and go missing. Guard against your favorite pair going out of commission by stocking up while the getting is good!

Yesterday it was announced that the state of Ohio will be under a new order – Shelter in Place.

This is a term we have been hearing for a while. It started in China, moved to Italy and the European countries, and now here in America. It is not the entire US, but each state is that is rolling out these orders. Each state is making choices based on their circumstance and state governments discretion.

I knew this was coming. It was only a matter of time. People are being stupid and just living life without staying at home/maintaining a 6 foot distance. The lack of regard for the social distancing is what made this happen now. I am very thankful for the governor, Mike DeWine. I feel like the choices he has been making and putting into effect here in Ohio has really made a huge difference on our numbers compared to other states.

We are in a new phases where I know people are have had contact with people who has tested positive. One of my best friends from High School is a doctor in California. She found out yesterday one of her patients tested positive for CoVid-19.

My husband is now working from home. WOOF! This is not a pretty standard thing for most people, thanks to coronavirus. I know some offices are remaining open with social distancing in place and utilizing commercial office cleaning services in their area to ensure all surfaces are cleaned properly to reduce the spread of the virus. However, his company has decided to close the office and send staff home instead. I feel so bad for him. If he was allow to stay at the office he would be alone in his own private office with little to no contact with people. Now he is at home. Over the weekend we rearranged my office to that he could move in and take it. The worst part is that we have 2 little kids at home – school is still shut down for now. This is going to make my juggling act interesting. Hoping to keep the kids in the basement as much as possible now during the day. But the lack of sunshine down there is going to affect us eventually.

Some awesome news also happened – my new nephew was born last week! He and my sister in law are doing great. Having a new baby born at this time has been such a blessing. It gives us all something to love, to talk about and to pray over that isn’t the virus.

Yesterday, before the shelter in place orders we announced, I left the house. I finally went to a store … and I bought some puzzles! Such a funny thing to go to the store for. I just really needed some new distraction items, and went to the mall. It was weird in there. Eerie. There was a quite still that was hoovering about the air. People were there walking. Pushing their kids in a stroller. Getting food at the food court. I was on a quick mission. I was fast, I kept my distance and I did not delay in my quest of puzzles and to leave as quickly as possible. These people were just hanging out. Besides the few workers in the couple stores still opened (99% of the mall was shut down) I saw about 2 dozen people. Why? Why were they hanging out at the mall? I mean we all want to get out of our house but why are the inside a mall when we are supposed to be social distancing? It is people like these that have now causes Ohio to shut down. There are no more non essential business opened. It is because of people like them that we are now basically under house arrest as a state.

So, we will stay at home. We will obey the law of the land.

 

Romans 13:1-2 says: “Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.”

So we will continue on. We will play games, do puzzles, read books, watch TV and make phone calls and send text messages. We will stay connect to our friends and family through the technology we have. We will ride this out and be back to regular life sooner or later…but what will regular life look like?

We’ve all been there. You walk into your bedroom and it lacks inspiration. You’re bored of the same old layout and unimaginative carpet. You don’t experience any joy looking at the color of the walls. It’s time to redecorate. 

Luckily, redecorating a bedroom can be a rewarding experience. For one thing, it can give you a better night’s sleep because you’ll feel more excited about going to bed. Generally, the space will have more positive energy. So, what are the key things to consider when redecorating a bedroom?  

Color scheme

The first thing you should think about when redecorating a bedroom is the color scheme. This will influence every other decision you make during the process. Wall color is the most important: as this is the room you sleep in, pick a color that will make you feel calm and relaxed. When it comes to painting, you’ll need to make sure that you lay down cloths or papers and avoid splattering your skirting boards (check out those from skirtings r us). Generally, picking colors that complement each other and don’t clash is the most important, so make sure you do your research, make a color board and try out some combinations before choosing. 

Storage

A bedroom should be without chaos. Being where you sleep, it’s important for the room to feel as tidy and stress-free as possible. If there are dirty clothes all over the floor or the space feels cluttered, this could enter your subconscious state and impact the way you sleep. So, when decorating, it’s important to consider your storage options and consider ways to keep the space tidy. This might mean adapting a storage unit or shelves, or getting a bed with inbuilt storage. Whatever you pick, make sure it works for you and allows you to keep the space tidy, organized and efficient.  

Comfort

A bedroom must also be comfy. That’s a necessity. It’s no good having a beautifully organized bedroom that looks wonderful if you can’t sink into the pillows and truly relax there. So, make sure everything you pick has your comfort and relaxation as its priority. Is that designer bed with a water mattress going to give you the best night’s sleep? Or will you be more comfortable with something more universal and basic, which prioritizes comfort over appearance?  

Light

Good lighting is essential in all rooms in a house, but it’s especially important in a bedroom. Lighting impacts relaxation, so you’ll need to make sure that you pick lighting options that allow you to relax. This might mean lamps that have dimming options, or the ability to change a setting depending on your mood. You might also want a reading light for when you just can’t put down that book before bed. Natural light is also another thing to consider. It’s important to make sure that you have good quality curtains or blinds that won’t allow the daylight to wake you up before you’re ready.

Yesterday, March 17th 2020, was a rough one.

Long story short… I was doing all the school work my kindergartners teacher put in the shared Google drive. This drive is where she has all the school assignments posted.  That was the problem – I was doing it all. All that work was supposed to be for the week and the weeks to come…not all for 1 day. I didn’t know. I just assumed they were uploaded for that day.

Doing all that work in a few hours period caused a lot of anxiety and strife. I cried. A lot. I sobbed. I wept. I was spent.

I then dropped to my knees and prayed. It was all I could do, and it was all I needed to do.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10

I need to remember where my hope and faith is in these trying times.

I am a VERY social person. I love to be out and about. My kids and I are rarely at home. We have passes to all the museums. Several libraries know us by name. I love to go to parks, splash pads, park and recreation centers. We are always out and about.

Being confided to my home is a real test of my character. I crave adult conversation. My husband is in sales. When he comes home he just wants to sit and not talk. He talked for a living and wants to unwind. I am the opposite and craving an adult conversation. I feel sadness and a loneliness that I have not felt in a long time.

As a Christian I am not supposed to seek my needs in people, but to seek the face of God.

“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

I was not the mom I want to be yesterday. I let me emotions get the best of me. But thankfully a good friend of mine called me out. She told me “I love you but without an attitude change it’s gong to continues to be miserable – and as a result telling God you’re discontent with his hand you’ve been dealt….the kids would also rather be at school in their normal routines….sympathize with them…”

Now, moving forward I am working on my contentment. My focus being on what Christ wants me to do. Each moment I need to reflect back on this truth.

I do know this – that He desires for me to continue to look and lean on Him.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9

“Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time.  Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7

Yesterday was Saint Patrick’s Day. This is a holiday many associated with parties and green alcohol. However,  I know what the holiday was really meant for. It was a holiday to rejoice in the work Patrick, a christian, did in the country of Ireland. He helps spread the good news of the gospel to many people there. The day (March 17th) marks the death of Patrick. The day of Lenten rules were lifted for the day, which allowed drinking and feasts to occur this day (which where maybe the green beer known in society today got is roots from). Patrick;s main focus after he found Christ was to help convert as many pagans to Christianity in the country of Ireland.

After all the tears and upheval I wanted to crawl into bed. To just melt into my pillow and disappear. But what good would that do?

Instead, my daughter me “if you mix red and yellow you get green right?” – We then had a conversation about how she wanted to make her own craft project. Green is my daughters favorite color and being St Patrick’s Day I had to cave in and do this project.

When we got going and started to mix the dyes, pick out glitter and sequins for it I started to smile. I saw and felt her joy and it was contagious. THIS is what I need to do. Turn from my sorrow and look towards the joy. Where there is joy there is Christ.

Today feels weird. I feel different. There is something in the air…a feeling of confusion. A feeling of unease. A feeling of community.

I admit it, I went shopping.  I bought a LOT of stuff. Medicines, paper goods, food (fresh, canned and frozen). I felt embarrassed a few days ago when I made my first run. I got a few funny “that crazy girl” looks when I bought over $200 in medicine and soap from my local CVS. Today that CVS has been wiped clean. I don’t feel so embarrassed today.

I went to our local grocery store – Giant Eagle. I use their pay and go system. I use the portable scanner. I scan my items and bag them as I shop. I scan my portable scanner at the register to pay and go. It is so easy. When I opened the app to scan my membership card this is what I found. They are limited people hoarding already.

When we woke up this morning I sat my kids down for a heart to heart. I asked when what they new about the virus. I explained how this is a sickness that lots of people have gotten and are going to get. That most people will get better just like when we get a cough or the flu. But sadly others will not get better. I told them we have to stay inside our home a lot more now. This is so we don’t get the sickness and spread it to the people we love, the people who may not get better from this virus. They sort of get it. They know they don’t want the people in our family and friends group to get it. I don’t want to induce fear or panic in my children. That would not help any of this. I want them to be aware of coughing people. I want them to really improve in their hand washing. I want them to learn to respect me as their temporary teacher.

Today is the first day of no school for children for my kids. This mandated halt in education for the state of Ohio doesn’t officially start until next Tuesday – March 17 2020.  My school district decided to make it effective immediately.  I stopped into my daughters elementary school. I wanted to grab her math book and her writing journal. The people in the office told me that they teacher will be reaching out to us parents by email with the game plan.  I asked if I could just run back to her class room and get the couple things. I was not allowed. They had to take my daughter to the classroom while I waited in the office. I was considered an outsider. Someone who was not welcome in the school. I am her mom. I volunteer here often. The staff knows me by name. But now I am not welcomed. I am looked at like an outsider – someone who may be infected…

I don’t home school for a reason, it just isn’t in my blood. I have a hard time being a teacher and not the mom. Now I have to overcome my lack of comfort with the idea of homeschooling my kids. I have to become the teacher if I want them to stay up on their studies and not regress.

I tried to be the teacher, it was hard. After we talked about the virus I told them how I am going to be their teacher moving forward. I told them I will tell them when I put on my “teacher hat” that I am to be treated and respected. To behave around me how they behave around their school teacher. I can “clip” them up or down on the behavior chart, just like at school. I comforted them that we will only be doing a small amount of school each day, not an all day curriculum. We will just do some math, some reading and some writing. I am also choosing to add in a supplemental bible study each day. This will all take less an 1 hour. That is my game plan at least.

This are not normal. They will not be back to normal for a long time. This is going to get worse before it gets better. I fully believe this.

During this time I will choose to lean on my faith. My whole being knows that Christ is my savior. I will continue to pray and look to His word for direction at this time.

1 John 4:18  (NASB) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

Millipedes have two pairs of legs on every segment of their body, the majority of millipedes have at least 20 segments which equates to 40 sets of legs, or 80 individual legs; That’s a long way short of the 1,000 the name suggests but they certainly have a lot more legs than most creatures!

They are generally between 2 ½ and 4 cm long and a similar color to worms. Their food of choice is decaying plant material which is why you’ll often find them in your flowerbeds and mulch.

Surprisingly, despite the number of legs, millipedes are generally slow-moving and won’t bite you. In fact, they aren’t a threat to you or your health. But, if you have a large number of them in your house you’re going to want to contact your local pest control expert to have them removed.

The more important question is why you have so many in your home, knowing the answer to this will help you to prevent their entrance in the future. Again, your local exterminators will help you find out more about pest control methods. 

Why They Enter Your Home

As already mentioned, millipedes like to feed on decaying plant material, which makes your garden an excellent spot for them. You’ll often find them under stones or even in your foundations. 

But, when the weather gets colder, wetter, or even too dry, they’ll look for better shelter, your house is generally the best place on offer. They will head toward the dampest areas of your home, which means your laundry room, basement, and any crawl spaces you have.

In short, they enter your home because the weather isn’t good for them outside. The good news is that they will die quickly if they are deprived of moisture.

Eliminating The Issue

You can’t change the weather which means you have to persuade the millipedes that your house is not their best option as a shelter. There are several things you can do. To get the ball rolling with extermination reach out at terminix maryland.

• Vacuum

A standard vacuum will easily suck up millipedes, the journey up the pipes will usually kill them and, if it doesn’t, they’ll quickly dehydrate in your vacuum cleaner.

It’s simple and effective.

• Seal It Up

But, you should also consider stopping them from getting in. You’ll need to walk around your home looking for any cracks, gaps, and even hoes that a millipede could get through. They are small so the cracks will be small too.

Once you find a gap seal it up, it will prevent the millipede, or other pests, from getting into your home. 

Don’t forget to do the expansion joints where patios and sun rooms join the foundations.

You’ll also have to make sure there are no holes around pipe and cable entrances.

• Reduce Humidity

Millipedes need humidity to keep them moist and alive. Add a dehumidifier to your home and lower the humidity levels. You can also increase the ventilation under your home, both will make it less attractive to millipedes. 

Image – CC0 Licence

We are all feeling the pinch as parents and when we are struggling to make life become more convenient because of mounting bills (and ever-mounting tasks), we’ve got to work on structuring our week better. But what can we do to make sure that we really do structure our routines in a better way so that we and our family benefit?

The Fine Art Of Meal Prep

Meal preparation is one of those things that seems to take forever. And if we are looking to structure our week better, meal prep can be done at the start of the week which we can then portion into Tupperware boxes and cook accordingly. Because a lot of cooking can be done in the oven with minimal prep, such as this unstuffed bell peppers recipe, if we start to get into the mindset of making foods that are easier to prepare but are also healthy we won’t have to be slaves to the oven! Meal prep is all about tackling that notion of time and figuring out the best ways around it. For example, rather than making potatoes that take forever to boil, can you use rice as a substitute? Automatically, you’ve saved yourself about 20 minutes in cooking time!

The Benefit Of A Great Morning Routine

If running around in the morning getting everybody ready is the very definition of normality the best thing for you to do is to implement a good morning routine for everyone. But first, you need to make sure that you are prepared. It’s a little bit like when the breathing apparatus comes down in an airplane; if we have our mask on first we can help others. Think about the time you need to get up versus the time you normally get up. If you can get up 20 minutes before the first child does and have that cup of coffee, give yourself some time to come around, but also have a wash you’ve already tackled the bulk of getting ready.

Making The Most Of The Little Moments

We have to remember that we can be incredibly busy throughout the week and so if we can structure everything between Monday and Friday appropriately this gives us better opportunities for downtime. But one of the big things that we can struggle with during the week is the notion of little opportunities for time to ourselves. If you’re one of those people that is continually stressed and you feel that you have to be on the go, if you have 5 or 10 minutes spare, you can use this opportunity to prepare your mind by doing something like deep breathing or actually having an opportunity to just slow down. Many parents work better when they are forever on the go but after a while this isn’t good for us! So instead if you start to think about the little moments where you can recharge or do something to save yourself time later on, do it!

We all feel that pressure but we have got to remember that structure is crucial. Start to think about these three components and you will see a big difference in your life.