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Ways to Celebrate Mom On Her Birthday
giftshome and familylifestyle

Ways to Celebrate Mom On Her Birthday

written by Joy

If your mom’s birthday is coming up, you need to ensure she has a beautiful day where she is spoiled and treated like the queen she is. Being a mom is one of those jobs where you never truly have a day off. Weekends are still filled with cooking and cleaning, ensuring that your child has what they need, and always putting your needs last because your child needs you first. It’s a lot for anyone, but moms handle it with ease and in some cases, make it look easy. The special mom in your life deserves a special celebration just for her on her birthday. The pandemic only made parenting harder as we all navigated uncharted waters, so make sure to make this day extra special for her. We have some tips to pull off the perfect day.

  • Plan an outdoor picnic. Be cautious about the pandemic and take safe measures while planning a nice outdoor event for her. It could be one just for family or you could invite friends to join as well. This can easily be done by setting up blankets for each person with 6 feet in between each, that way everyone is socially distanced, and then creating special individual picnic lunches for each person. Add some mini bottles of wine or sparkling cider for each person to enjoy. This can be a great way to slowly get back into the world safely and give her some time to enjoy herself.
  • Get her a new wardrobe. The women’s short sleeve tops from My Sister’s Closet Boutique are a great option for her. What woman doesn’t like getting new clothing? These tops are adorable and there’s a variety to choose from including comfortable tees for everyday wear as well as dressier blouses for events.
  • Give her a spa day. Give her what all women want, a spa day filled with relaxation and peace. A facial, massage, mani, and pedi could be just what she needs this year to feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of the year. She’ll get some time to herself, get pampered, and come back even better than when she left.
  • Take her out to brunch. On her birthday treat her to a meal without having to cook or do the dishes afterward! A nice brunch complete with mimosas can be just what she needs to ring in this new year of her life. Whether she prefers to get dressed up and go out for a couple hours for an elegant brunch or would like something more casual, there are plenty of options out there that will match her plans for her birthday.

The important part of her birthday is to make her feel special. Birthdays can be difficult, especially during this pandemic, so we’re sure she will appreciate a little extra effort.

 

 

May 12, 2021 0 comment
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4 ways on How to Grow Equity in Your Property
Financehome and familyhome improvementinvestments

4 ways on How to Grow Equity in Your Property

written by Joy

In simple terms, equity is explained as your home appraised value less your outstanding mortgage balance. Home equity matters, as it is one of the most significant assets for homeowners since it can be used in securing a loan.

Growing the equity of your property is an important part of homeownership because it will be a fast cash resource when an expense or emergency arises. It can also be a good source of money that can be used as a deposit when you are planning to buy a property investment in one of the major cities of Canada and looking for Vancouver homes for sale. Usually, the more you have, the more you can borrow using a home equity loan for your next home purchase. Moreover, home equity loan interest rates are low compared to other forms of borrowing.

There are ways on how you can grow your property’s equity that will help you create a relevant asset over time.

Make a big down payment

Putting down a big down payment will instantly boost your home value. Realtors recommend if you can put at least a 20 percent down payment so you will also avoid paying PMI, or private mortgage insurance. Of course, you should also consider how much cash savings you’re left with after making your down payment. Balancing your financial reserves is important for you to easily handle your regular monthly payment and other financial matters.

Get a 15-year mortgage over a 30-year mortgage

As you repay your mortgage, your equity would increase. As much as possible, it will be wise to get a shorter loan term like a 15-year mortgage, for the reason of a lower interest rate. The lower the interest rate means that more money is applied to the principal, You will be paying the interest for less time too which will save you a lot on the total interest. However, bear in mind that monthly payments are higher with a 15-year loan.

Boost your property value

You can start with smaller projects if you will pay your initial home improvements in cash. Replacing doors like the front entry door or the garage door or adding insulations can be feasible for a small budget for a start.

Making home improvements will boost the market value of your home. The amount you could sell it for in the future also goes up. A report shows that an average home renovation project provides a 60 percent return on your investment.

When renovating, it is a must to see which types of renovations get the most return and how will it contribute to your experience while living in the home.

Here’s a list of improvements that you may consider when looking to renovate:

  • Curb appeal and landscaping. The aesthetic landscape and attractive look of the home’s exterior when viewed from the street can mirror what to expect to find on the other side of the front door.
  • Floor makeover or repairs.
  • Addition of a new bathroom or bathroom renovation.
  • Kitchen remodeling
  • Roof replacement or repairs or setting up solar power panels
  • Internal and/or external painting

Pay more and make more regular repayments

If you have the means to pay more like using your occasional extra cash. It will be a good option to pay off your mortgage faster. An effective way to further decrease the amount of interest you are paying on your mortgage and at the same time will increase your equity is to make additional lump sum repayments.

Just make sure to first call and ask your loan servicer how it is done and if your current loan allows you to make additional lump sum repayments and most importantly making sure that the payment is applied to your mortgage principal.

Growing your home equity may take some time. Though it may fluctuate when home prices drop, however, keep in mind that depending on the location and demand, the value of your property will naturally rise.

 

 

May 6, 2021 0 comment
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automatic gates
home and family

6 Common Locations For Automatic Gates

written by Joy

We all know about automatic gates and they can be found in many places – people’s homes and businesses, public buildings and stores, to name a few. Any person who is looking for residential or commercial gates would probably choose an automated solution, as this offers many benefits and with that in mind, here are a few locations where you would expect to find automatic gates.

  1. Residential Gating

    There are many living communities that use state of the art electric powered gates that only permit authorised people into the zone. Residents are given special passes and from the security building at the entrance, the security guard can call any of the property owners to verify they ordered a domestic service. Having automatic security gates reduces the risk of house breaking and with manned security 24/7, you can sleep well, knowing you are in a protected zone.

  2. Retail Outlets

    Automatic doors help to keep in the warm during the winter, plus they offer more safety, as shoppers are less likely to walk into an open door.

  3. Factories & Warehouses

    These commercial premises have very heavy gates, which therefore require a power solution. Industrial automatic gates can come with vehicle sensors that allow trucks and cars to enter and leave the facility, while employees on foot would have a swipe card to enter the pedestrian door, or perhaps a biometric system that uses fingerprint technology.

  4. Schools & Universities

    Schools and universities are very security-conscious and would have manned security with automatic electric gates. Students and teachers would have passes, while visitors would have to remain outside the gates until the relevant person has been contacted. There would probably be rear entrances for deliveries, while the students and staff use the main gate, which would be automatic.

  5. Private Homes

    There’s no reason a homeowner wouldn’t consider automatic property gates, indeed, they are more popular than the manual version, with the motor installed below ground level. If you would like to browse many fine examples of electric residential gating, search online for a leading gate supplier that offers bespoke solutions and they would be happy to quote for any design. Materials that can be used include timber, steel, wrought iron and aluminium, with stainless-steel being favoured with homeowners.

  6. Car Parking Facilities

    The barrier automatically raises when a button is pushed, closing again after the vehicle has entered and when it is time to leave, the ticket is automatically read and you make your payment, which then opens the gate, allowing you to leave. Larger facilities might have manned security, who rotate their shifts to cover the entire 24-hour period. Regular users would have a tag on their vehicle that keeps track of usage, which is very convenient, and as the sign reads, ‘No ticket = No exit’.

Whether you want to replace your gates at home or the business premises, an automated solution is advised. With an online search, you can be talking to a bespoke gate supplier, who has all the solutions. When you book an appointment, the supplier would be happy to send a technician to your home. You can both discuss the many options and the company can quote for the project.

 

Image source: Flickr

May 5, 2021 0 comment
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Elderly Care: Brain Games to Improve Mental and Emotional Health
healthhome and family

Elderly Care: Brain Games to Improve Mental and Emotional Health

written by Joy

 

As we age our body becomes prone to several medical conditions. Learning how to deal with arising conditions is important especially to seniors beyond retirement. Aside from proper and good nutrition, activities like brain games can help improve their mental and emotional health.

Most seniors are vulnerable to mental health issues like forgetfulness, memory problems, decline in cognitive ability and growing loneliness especially nowadays brought about by the pandemic.

According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control) it is estimated that 20% of people age 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern which includes severe cognitive impairment, anxiety, and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression.

CDC states that these mental health issues can harm physical wellness and health for the elderly. Mood disorders can lead to impairments in physical, mental, and social functioning and can affect and complicate the treatment of other chronic disorders.

Keeping the mind active to ensure that the brain works. Exercising the mind needs to be done daily and thankfully, challenging the mind can be fun and easy through quick online games like plays.org, where they offer free online memory games not only for the older adults but to all ages as well. Different games can be played right on your laptop or mobile phone anytime, anywhere. Playing online games can be not only interesting and entertaining, but can also improve memory, daily life skills, and overall mental health.

Moreover, brain games not only help older people to improve memory, but they can also reduce stress and loneliness. As it is a fun activity that enhances memory skills as well as social interaction.

 Brain Games Benefits

Improve Cognitive Ability

Playing games has cognitive benefits especially for those who have short-term memory. Researchers state that time spent in playing games has a significant factor in one’s wellbeing. It exercises the gamer’s memory and can help elder people remember things better than they do without video game stimulation.

Video games force players to switch quickly between different tasks, which can lead to increased mental flexibility and multi-tasking ability for seniors.

Furthermore, it is an effective tool for relaxation, increasing social connections, and interactions which results in improved self-esteem and emotional contentment.

Better moods

Many seniors who enjoy playing games find themselves in better emotional well-being.

Physical benefits

Certain games can Improve balance too. Games that require physical interaction can help seniors improve coordination and quicken their reflexes due to the quick action and decision-making required to play.

Reduce Memory Problems

Memory games, arcade classic games, crosswords, base defense games and more, stimulate the mind, memories, and conversations

Recent research has demonstrated a significant link between playing video games and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s.

Online Brain Games

Dunk Shot Basketball Game

brain games

This online basketball game is best recommended for grandpas’ who are formerly playing basketball during their younger days.

It is a sports and physics game where players drag, angle, and shoot a basketball from one net to the next. It starts with the easy shooting stage with basic rim angles then gets it harder as the play goes on.

Pac Rat Game Inspired by Pac-Man

brain games

Who doesn’t remember playing the Pac-Man? The Pac Rat game is a contemporary and playful remake inspired by the hit arcade classic Pac-Man. All you need to do is to avoid cats and eat the cheese. There are power pellets too that will give you extra-strength to beat the cats.

Words Family Game

Words Family Game is a simple word game. Fill in the puzzle by spelling a word using the letter tiles.

brain games

 

 

April 13, 2021 0 comment
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Old Mine Cut Diamond
jewelries

How To Identify Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

written by Joy

While there’s no denying the appeal of precision cut diamonds, a stone that has been hand-shaped offers individuality, as does anything made with the hands of a skilled person. The Old Mine Cut, or Old Mine Cushion, as it was also known, was all the rage in the early and middle Victorian periods and if you happen to be looking for a diamond engagement ring of this era, talk to a leading Australian antique dealer.

Old Mine Cut: Identification Tips

One thing you will not see with an Old Mine Cut diamond is symmetry; the hand-worked facets are all very slightly off, which adds to the appeal and with the current global trend for hand-crafted jewellery, Old Mine Cut stones are very popular for engagement rings. 

  • Relatively Small Table – Old Mine Cuts have a smaller table than machine cut stones.
  • Large Culet – The culet is the fine point where all the facets meet and this is larger with a hand-worked diamond.
  • High Crown – The upper part of the stone is called the crown and it is higher with the Old Mine Cut.
  • Deep Pavilion – The lower part of the diamond (below the girdle) is quite deep with hand-crafted cuts.
  • 58 facets – The Old Mine Cut has a total of 58 facets, including a large culet.
  • Slightly Off-Symmetry – This is evident to almost everyone when comparing with a Brilliant Cut and this is an added attraction.

Those looking for vintage style engagement rings Sydney and other cities around the world have can search online for a leading antique dealer who would have an impressive catalogue of fine Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian diamond engagement rings. Like other fine examples of antique jewellery, you can expect to see a steady appreciation when you invest in an antique diamond ring.

Old Mine Cut Diamond

The Art Deco Period

Most of the diamonds of this time were hand-cut using the Old Mine Cut and as this cut utilises straight lines and geometric shapes, it is very easy to see that a hand-worked stone is slightly off from perfect symmetry. Check out the online antique dealer if you are looking for a unique diamond engagement ring that is completely hand-made, as they would have a great selection of genuine pieces, each with its own colourful history.

Online Resources

If you would like to learn more about hand-cut diamonds, the Internet offers a wealth of free resources and a few hours would see you with enough knowledge to be able to identify hand-made cuts from machine cuts. You can watch YouTube videos that clearly point out the things to look for when inspecting diamonds, and the information will be invaluable when you are looking at antique jewellery with a view to purchasing. Of course, you should always be dealing with a reputable antique dealer, as they would put their reputation on the line regarding the quality of pieces they sell.

If you are one of the people who prefer hand-crafted jewellery with hand-cut diamonds, talk to a leading antique dealer and let them source the perfect piece of diamond jewellery to present to your partner when you pop the question.

 

Image credits:
pixabay.com
pexels.com

March 30, 2021 0 comment
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eating habits
fitnessFoodhealthlifestyle

5 Tips to Maintain Better Eating Habits during the Pandemic

written by Joy

The Covid-19 pandemic does not only have a great impact on global business and economy but has wrought disruption to everyday lives like significantly changing the family lifestyle and eating habits.

With the implementation of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders in place, family routines and activities have notably changed. Having less time for outdoor activities led to a sedentary lifestyle which triggered overeating and bad food choices.

Since Novel Corona Virus will not go away in an instant, We, as parents have to start creating and implementing a positive and healthy lifestyle for our family. We have to stop treating every day like a weekend. So, here are my 5 tips on how to maintain better eating habits during the pandemic:

Use the weight scale

To maintain and set a plan for healthy eating habits, you must first evaluate your family’s eating behavior. What food do you put on the table, what do they eat as snacks, how often do they eat, and more.

It is also important to check on each family member’s ideal weight for us to know who’s gaining too much weight and who’s needing to gain weight. Recommended ideal weight depends on age and gender.

Another way to check is to keep your waistline in check, change out of your pajamas. If your work pants still fit then you are still on your desired weight. However, be reminded that even if you are maintaining your desired weight, it does not necessarily mean that you are healthy as you need also to check on what you are eating.

Plan your Meals to maintain better eating habits

Make an effort on planning meals for your family. Research on guidelines for proper recommended daily nutrition. A healthy diet is vital if you want to lose weight.

Reduce serving processed meat products such as bacon, sausage, ham, or salami.

Limit red and fatty meats and full-fat dairy products. Make a habit of always reading the nutrition labels when buying food.

Limit the intake of sugar and salt, opt for whole grains rather than refined foods.

Always include vegetables and fresh fruits in your family meals.

Keep hydrated

For optimal health, ensure drinking lots of fluids. Encourage family members to drink water instead of sugar-sweetened sodas and beverages.

As much as possible, limit or avoid alcoholic drinks especially for senior adults.

eating habits

Best foods to eat to conquer cravings

The sedentary lifestyle led young children to be couch potatoes gaining weight, a study shows that many young children are gaining 20 to 30 pounds in a year. Because they have limited activities, they tend to always hanker for something to eat even though it’s not yet mealtime.

Conquer cravings by making good choices and eating right.

If your child asks for something sweet, hand them a fruit or a whole wheat muffin. Set their snack time and stick to the schedule.

For young adults who sleep less and snacking more throughout the day, chewy options can be an ounce of nuts, crunchy celery, or carrot sticks.

If you crave a cake, it might not harm if you allow yourself with no more than a slice. So as with one square of chocolate just to satisfy that craving.

Snack bags can be helpful to avoid overeating. Making a snack bag for your kids is a healthy option at the same time will save you time for your other chores.

Buy less takeout food, cook more

To support local eateries, many of us are choosing to order in meals. This is okay for a change of pace but not daily. It is healthier to have home-cooked meals.

Make cooking a family activity. Teach your children how to cook or bake. Involving family members in preparing family meals is a good time to bond more.

It is public knowledge that emotional eating is one of the major causes of being overweight. You eat not because you’re hungry but you use food to help you deal with stressful situations. Instead of eating, drink a warm tea. Get active and stay busy, exercise instead of stress eating.

 

Image source:

Image 1 – pixabay

Image 2 – pixabay

March 14, 2021 0 comment
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korean actors
Uncategorized

My 8 Favorite Korean Actors of All Time

written by Joy

Watching Korean dramas occupy my free time and has become my favorite past-time activity. I am fascinated with several Korean actors, not only because of their good looks but how they amazingly portray a character.

The very first K-drama I watched was The Baker King in 2010. A melodrama life story starred by Yoon Shi-yoon. This made me cry a bucket of tears and since then I am hooked to watching different family shows and K-dramas genres like action dramas, medical dramas, school dramas, horror dramas, family dramas, and even historical dramas.

There a lot of new and budding Korean actors nowadays, but I always look forward to watching the latest k-drama movie or tv series of my favorite 8 Korean actors of all time.

Ji Chang-Wook

Korean Actors

                                                                                       image via Netflix.com

I first watched Ji Chang Wook in the series Empress Ki in 2013. He’s my first favorite K-drama actor. A versatile, masculine, and handsome actor who also starred in the following movie/tv series:

  • Healer
  • The K2
  • Suspicious Partner
  • Melting Me Softly
  • Backstreet Rookie
  • Lovestruck in the City
  • Fabricated City

Jo In-sung

Korean Actors

image via Netflix.com

Among my Korean Actors’ list, I find Jo In-sung the most handsome. I love his character in the series It’s Okay Its Love which was released in 2014 so as with his 2013 series That Winter, The Wind Blows. I am looking forward to his comeback movie or tv series this 2021.

Ji Sung

 

image via Netflix.com

Ji Sung is also talented and hot, his superb acting in Doctor John and Kill Me Heal Me is impressive. He also starred in Familiar Wife, and Defendant.

Jang Hyuk

 

Image via wikipedia.org

Jang Hyuk’s striking personality made me watched his drama series:

  • Tell Me What You Saw
  • My Country: The New Age
  • Bad Papa
  • Wok of Love
  • Money Flower
  • Voice
  • Beautiful Mind
  • Fated To Love You
  • IRIS 2
  • Midas
  • Robber
  • Thank You

Lee Seung-Gi

Korean Actors

image via Netflix.com

I like the manly image of Lee Seung-Gi in the series A Korean Odyssey and his fearless character in the action series Vagabond.

Hyun Bin

Korean Actors

image via Netflix.com

 

Hyun Bin captured the hearts of many women in his drama series Crash Landing on You. You will love him more when you watch more of him in his movie The Swindlers and drama series Memories of the Alhambra and, Hyde Jekyll, Me.

Lee Jong-suk

 

Image via Netflix.com

The good-looking boy next door is how I describe this young actor. He is also commendable in his Drama Series:

  • Romance is a Bonus Book
  • While You Were Sleeping
  • W: Two Worlds Apart | W (MBC / 2016) – Kang Chul
  • Pinocchio
  • Doctor Stranger

Lee Min-ho

Korean Actors

image via Netflix.com

 

Pretty boy, that is how I describe Lee Min-ho. His stunning good looks capture the hearts of the young and old as well. Aside from his good looks, he’s admirable in terms of his acting abilities. The following are his best movies and drama series I have watched so far.

  • Bounty Hunters
  • Gangnam Blues
  • The King: Eternal Monarch
  • The Legend of the Blue Sea
  • The Heirs
  • Faith
  • City Hunter
  • Personal Taste
  • Boys Over Flowers

How about you, do you also enjoy watching Korean dramas? Who are your favorite Korean actors?

 

March 13, 2021 0 comment
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Work from Home
careerFinanceTips

4 Tips on How to Work From Home

written by Joy

With the COVID-19 virus mutating into a new strain, we can assume that we will be again in lockdown or limited outside movement will be imposed for a while longer. Unfortunately, many have lost their jobs due to economic fallout. Many businesses have gone out as the ban on public transportation has limited employees from going to work. To remedy this problem, many have adopted the Work From Home Model.

Unfortunately, Work From Home is not a familiar working model in the Philippines. Most Filipinos are used to working inside office spaces or moving into a general location. Socialization is within our blood, so adjusting to an isolated lifestyle can prove to be challenging. Communication issues and such are common concerns as raised by this news article.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and economic instability, people are looking for ways to earn online to make both ends meet.

The trend of being an influencer marketer does not only apply to the younger generation as elderly influencers or what we now call granfluencers has invaded the limelight of social media and influencer space. Many elder people are now interested in learning new trends and becoming more tech-savvy. They build their social media exposure through Instagram or tiktok showcasing their favorite products, so some are being tapped by brands for collaboration.

In my years of administrating this blog, I have written dozens of articles. It ranges from normal lifestyle tips like workouts to more modern like online shopping. I have been working online since 2011, so here are some tips on How to Work From Home.

How to get started

If you wish to take Work from Home seriously, then you need to set up more than a few things.

First, to get job offers, you need to build your online presence. Create an account on an online platform like Linkedin where you can showcase your skills and expertise, milestones, and professional life. It is a widely known site ideal for building connections for potential freelance work.

Second, prepare your resume, cover letter, certificates if there is. Make it concise, your potential client will not be interested in reading a long letter.

Third, you need to set-up an account to where you can receive payment for your services. PayPal, Transferwise, or bank wire transfer are the most common forms of receiving and sending money electronically.

Last is to learn more. Do not settle for only what you know. The more skills you can do, the more likely you’ll get hired. You can find a lot of free online courses and webinars to study and learn more skills like email automation, transcriptions, web research, content writing, and more. Remember to hone your skills by practicing.

work from home

image via pixabay

Finding the Right Job

Fortunately, countless online jobs are offered over the internet.

Content creation – Blogging

One of the easiest solutions to monetize your blog is through collaborations with brands who need help with their outreach. Influencer marketing is a viable revenue stream. Once you have established your website, you can start to work from different online platforms that connect brands and bloggers. Also, you can generate passive income through ad placement and affiliate links.

Video Content Creation – Vlogging

Video content creation is not only for famous influencers, newbies can be a vlogger too. Creating relevant and random videos that capture the viewers’ interest can be a goldmine. However, you need to consistently upload new content and work on promoting your video channel to gain more followers before you can apply for monetization.

Online Game Streaming

One of the good side jobs for gamers just like what my son did.

Virtual Assistant

Offering administrative services to clients from a remote location like email management, web research, social media management, data entry, transcriptions, content marketing, video editing, and more.

Creating a Proper Setup and Workspace

Device

Investing in a good working device like a laptop or a desktop is a must to work properly. Most clients will ask for your device specifications depending on your task. Video editing for instance will need a more high-end specification. Additionally, it is recommended to invest in a good noise canceling headset too.

Workspace

Setting up your workspace nook is also important. You have to take a corner or a room in your home where you can work with fewer distractions. Consider proper lighting and ventilation as you will be working long hours. Though you can work anywhere in the house, a table and a comfortable chair will give you a real work from home office look.

Internet Connection

Aside from a good device, the Internet connection plays a major role when you work from home. Choose the best ISP (Internet Service Provider) in your vicinity.

work from home

image via pixabay

Time Management

The biggest concern with the Work from Home model is managing between household and work responsibilities. This doubles if you are a parent who is raising children, or if all of you only share a single PC or laptop. Set regular work hours if you are on a flexible work time.

Let your family know that you cannot be disturbed during your work hours except for pressing matters or an emergency.

Making a scheduled to-do list will help you manage your time doing house chores, family bonding, and relaxation.

February 18, 2021 0 comment
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move house
home and familyTips

4 Tips to Remember When You Move House during the COVID-19 Pandemic

written by Joy

In this time of pandemic, it is risky to move house. Social distancing is being followed, and moving furniture may violate that rule. After all, a person cannot carry heavy pieces of furniture on their own. The close physical contact carries a risk of catching COVID-19 despite the precautions set by you and the moving company.

However, to move during the pandemic might become worthwhile. In the Philippines, prices for residential units have steadily increased by 34.9 percent. This increase in price is to be expected, as the country has experienced a massive economic drop. Nevertheless, as of December 2020, prices for residential units have dropped. One must take advantage of this period, wherein prices for residential homes are slowly stabilizing.

In a previous article, I have written four reasons of why you can’t move house in less than a week. While I still believe in these reasons, I do think that it is better to add new ones to accommodate the current situation.

Learn the Property’s Market Value

It is important to know the market value of the residential property you are planning to move into. The rapid changing of unit prices can make or break your investments to the house. This is especially true if you plan on reselling it. You will be able to plan out your finances properly, and set aside some money for other uses. If you plan on taking a loan, this step can help you in the long run. There are many online mortgage calculators that you can use as well, so there is no real reason to impulsively buy a property.

Additionally, knowing the market price of the house can also help you avoid scams. If there is a discrepancy to the price and the property itself, then you can quickly back out of the deal. This is crucial, as further home renovations like floor makeovers can be quite expensive.

move house

Plan out your Moving Route and Finalize your Location

It is public knowledge that traffic is always a big issue in the Philippines. If you plan on moving, you need to plan out your route in advance. This helps you avoid traffic jams, and potential crowded areas. If you are planning to move into a different city, then this step becomes even more important. You will want to know the history of the area, the general reputation of the citizens living there, and if there have been any past cases of the COVID-19 virus.

A good house location is one that is far from densely populated areas. However, you would still want to consider its distance to the nearest hospital, mall, grocery stores and other necessities like ISPs.

Prepare an Organized Plan

While this part is a no-brainer for a tip, you have new things to consider when you move house. If you are living with an elderly family member, see to it that they do not get exposed to COVID-19 no matter the cost. Similarly, you should do the same for any children or family member with low immune systems. Try to organize the time of the family members who will be going in and out of the house, so you are able to keep track of the people they interact with.

Packing your stuff should also be done neatly, and each box should be labeled. This way, you will know which ones to unpack immediately, and which ones to simply keep in the storage. This process should be done months or weeks in advanced, as you finalize your next residency.

move house

Try to quickly Make the new House livable in less than a Day.

While I have written an entire article dedicated to this point, I still think it’s crucial I mention this among these tips. The less time you spend travelling between your new and old home, the less time you get exposed to COVID19. Running in the same line of thought, you will need to disinfect your luggage ASAP.  Depending on the strain of the coronavirus, it can last on the surface of your cardboard boxes between a few minutes to 5 days. Without proper disinfection and cleaning of your luggage, you are facing a real risk of exposing your family to the pandemic.

 

Image credits:

Image 1 – Unsplash

Image 2 – Unsplash

Image 3 – Pixabay

 

February 10, 2021 1 comment
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essential oils
healthlifestyle

Essential Oils: Tips for First-Timers

written by Joy

The use of essential oils is incredibly popular nowadays. Aromatherapy, simply known as essential oil therapy is used to promote wellness. I am using these oils to make my home a relaxing haven and at the same time for therapeutic benefits. It alleviates stress and improve sleep quality too.

Here are some important points to bear in mind if you are using an essential oil for the first time:

Buy Only Authentic Essential Oils

There are a lot of essential oils to choose from, each with its unique scent and potential health benefits. Therefore, it is advisable to research carefully what you need and buy only the authentic ones from a trusted brand like CDL Naturals.  Most of Casa de Lorenzo Organic products are locally produced in various provinces in the Philippines, thus it is more affordable as it is locally made from locally sourced extracts like Calamansi, Dalandan, Black Pepper and more.

Never Overdo it

Ideally, it is advisable to do aromatherapy for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Inhaling essential oil even when diluted for prolonged periods can do more harm than good. Don’t use it too much or too often.

Less is more

Since these oils are pure, it may likely cause irritation and sensitization, so, you must use extreme caution when using it. Always remember that less is more when using essential oils.

Dilution

Read directions carefully. An essential oil is a concentrated solution, do not apply directly on your skin, use as directed in order to achieve its beautification benefits that can help minimize if not remove acne problems and other skin inflammatory issues. The rule of thumb when making a 2% dilution is by using the by-the drop method, i.e. add 12 drops of your preferred essential oil to 30 ml of your moisturizer or lotion, and adjust accordingly if you want to add it to something like a topical tincture, to enhance your product even further.

Aromatherapy through inhalation or diffusion

Decide which type of diffuser will work best for you – evaporative, nebulizing, ultrasonic, or heat diffusers. It is recommended to choose a diffuser that is easy to clean. A built-in timer is a plus so it will only release the right amount of oil.

In my case, I am only using a ceramic candle diffuser. It is cheaper and easier to clean and only uses a tealight candle to heat the oil to promote diffusion.

 

Types of Essential Oils Locally Produced in the Philippines

essential oils

Calamansi Essential Oil
The scent of Calamansi has been suggested to help alleviate depression and anxiety. It is also among the few aromatics that not just masks bad smell, but completely neutralizes them, making the essential oil a great additive to cleaning products. It is also an excellent additive to skin toners/astringent or blended with other essential oils in a massage blend.

Dalandan Essential Oil 
Just like Calamansi, the sweet citrus of the Philippines’ oil is extracted from its peels via distillation. Unmistakably citrusy and sweet, Dalandan Essential Oil is among the all-time favorites. Aside from feeling really good after smelling Dalandan Essential Oil, this can also be used like the oil from Calamansi.

Elemi Essential Oil
A world renowned oil because of its benefits, Elemi Essential Oil has been popular to the rest of the globe but to us Filipinos, it seems we are just slowly being familiar inspite of the world’s supply coming from our country. There are 2 types of Elemi Essential Oil, the first one and the most popular, comes from the resin of the Canarium luzonicum tree or the Manila Elemi. The 2nd one comes from the resin of the Canarium ovatum tree or the Pili tree, which have yet to gain popularity as an alternative. Dubbed as “poor man’s frankincense,” Elemi Essential Oil is basically the more abundant and readily available substitute for Frankincense. Well known for its skin rejuvenation benefits, Elemi Essential Oil is also an amazing anti-inflammatory, a great additive for massaging strained or tired muscles, provides relief to respiratory troubles and a great stress reliever.

Almaciga Essential Oil
Known to the world as Manila Copal, its globally traded as an ingredient in making varnishes. Traditionally, Almaciga is used as fire starter, caulking for boats, smudge for mosquitoes and incense for religious ceremonies. There are documented evidences that the resin is burned and smoke is inhaled for asthma and other minor respiratory troubles. The Almaciga Essential Oil is extracted by distilling the resin from Agathis Philippinesis trees, which are native to the Philippines. Not much is known for the use of its essential oil because of its extreme uniqueness and it is virtually unknown up until its creation by CDL. The Almaciga Essential Oil’s aroma falls in-between Elemi and Frankincense making it another potential alternative to Frankincense.

January 26, 2021 2 comments
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