Category Archives: Home, Car, Yard, and Pets

What You Need To Create A Clutter-Free & Worry-Free Home Office

Posted on by
2

It was Albert Einstein that said, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” Even research suggests that a messy desk is a sign of a highly creative, problem-solving genius. But being a genius doesn’t mean that you are a stress-free genius. Let’s take a look at what you need to tidy up your home office so you can better embrace the genius of your productivity and alleviate the worry that you may have missed some important details.

https://unsplash.com/photos/5v69Vl62NCM

 

How to Approach De-cluttering

As with everything in life, you first need to understand how you are mentally approaching the task of decluttering. If you are approaching it as a chore, the less likely you are to experience all the benefits of a clutter-free workspace. A good mental approach to tidying up will allow you to create a new pattern of behavior which will result in a lasting change to your environment so you can increase, and maintain your personal productivity.

First things first —take some time to realize your goal — which is to be a more productive genius. Next, realize that a clutter-free workspace is an integral part of your productivity. This is because a clutter-free workspace is a functional workspace. It leads to worrying less about details or deadlines that you may have missed.

Clutter-Free Is the Healthy Choice

Now that you have the proper mental approach, you can begin to take action and clear out the clutter surrounding you. Taking action to tidy up your environment is not only a chance to make your environment physically healthier, but it is also both empowering and therapeutic. Actively improving upon your immediate surroundings reinforces that you do have the ability to positively influence things in your life.

A Place for Everything

You may have heard the proverb, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” It truly is great advice, especially as you work your way to a clutter-free home office. So let’s get started.

The first step you need to do is to make a place for things. But we need to figure out what things need a place and what things need to be chucked into the bin. So let’s start by putting things in piles. No need to sort through them just yet. We’re just getting started.

As you go, make note of what may come in handy to create an orderly setup moving forward — a basket for papers, a pen holder, and maybe a new pair of bookends. You will also need to start thinking about the unruly nature of cords and connections running to and from your laptop.

Oftentimes the random nature of cords running across your desk sets the stage for other disorganization. Consider streamlining all of those connections into a docking station that can be mounted out of sight. And don’t forget to keep the cord clutter that is out of sight and neatly tethered, as well. You’ll be surprised by how something as simple as cleaning up your cords can provide a fresh approach to your workspace.

You should also think about how to keep tiny things from going missing — like that micro USB flash drive you found beneath a pile of papers. It would be a real hassle if your external storage is accidentally lost. Imagine that you forgot to plug it back into its final destination after you unplugged it from the one USB port on your laptop. If you find that you have multiple USB-connected devices that are taking turns in your laptop’s one USB port, you can add USB hubs to ensure that your thumb drives, speakers, and other USB devices are secured in their very own places.

De-cluttering On the Go

Now you’ve shown yourself that small changes really do add up to powerful improvements. You may also notice that your stress level has significantly improved. Creating a clutter-free and worry-free home office to enhance your productivity will really pay off — both literally and figuratively.

But what about professionals who need to take their newly found productivity on the road? How do you streamline and keep your traveling office clutter-free and worry-free? There’s nothing so stressful as discovering that your charging cords aren’t in your tech backpack. If you’re a professional who works remotely once in a while or more often than not, the most important thing you can do is be proactive with your organization.

https://unsplash.com/photos/115YGe1M28I

Make sure that your tech bag has its own set of cords for your phone, laptop, earbuds, cameras, drones, etc. Always make sure that they are in good condition — and most importantly, properly wound and tethered. You may even consider purchasing a power backup with wireless charging and streamlined USB-C adapter capabilities to reduce the number of “bricks” and “cubes” you need to take along with you. A quality power backup will provide you with information as to how long it will last. This is an incredible benefit because you don’t always have to find the nearest power outlet while working remotely.

Clearly Clutter-Free

Whether it’s your home office or your mobile office, or maybe your bedroom or closet, making the conscious decision to organize your environment is how you improve more than just your space. It is how you improve yourself — mind, body, and spirit.

Your purpose in creating a clutter-free space may be to become more productive. Just remember that you aren’t actually creating this thing called “productivity”, you are creating a space for you to function in a more productive manner. And your functionality is how you demonstrate the true genius of your problem-solving ability.

5 Daily Habits To Keep An Office Clean And Tidy 

Posted on by
1
https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-cleaning-desk-10567271/

Keeping your office clean and tidy is never easy, no matter how big it is and how many people you employ. However, if you come up with a cleaning system and know what needs to be done, you won’t have a problem making it happen. In case you need some help doing that, here are five practical and useful habits you should look into right now!

Keep it decluttered

One of the biggest reasons why office spaces around the world are dirty and unorganized is the fact that they’re covered in clutter. From papers and documents to pens, pencils, and computer equipment – all these things are scattered around the offices and making them look awful. That’s why coming up with a new paradigm is vital – you don’t have to clean your office every single day, but you need to declutter it regularly. Doing this won’t be as hard as it sounds at first, so start the decluttering process right now!

Keep it organized

Once you remove everything you don’t need from your office space, it’s time to take things to a new level and make sure that you organize everything you’ve left in it properly. This is easy to do if you introduce a new system of organizing stuff in files, folders, and cabinets – this will make your office space seem nicer and more inviting, but it will also make your job much easier. Moreover, you won’t have to waste too much time when you’re trying to find something in your office, but you’ll be able to do that in a matter of seconds.

Keep it clean

However, keeping your office space decluttered and organized won’t be enough if it’s still dirty even after you do that. That’s why you have to find a way to clean your office as often as you can – you can either do this on your own, hire a new cleaning team that will make that happen, or find some outside help from cleaning professionals. The last option might make the most sense in the long run because only certified cleaning specialists know what to do in these situations. Luckily, they’re easy to find wherever you are, and if you’re in Australia, for instance, you can check out experts in commercial cleaning in Sydney who won’t just clean your office, but also show you the importance of repeating this process regularly. 

Keep it natural

When it comes to cleaning your office space, there’s something else you need to think of – your employees’ health and well-being. This is why using commercial and store-bought products might not be the best way to go since these aren’t always the safest option for everyone involved. This is particularly true for elders and people with allergies, so try to skip these as often as you can. Instead, you need to look into natural products that are made from water, salt, lemon juice, and borax – these ingredients might not seem too effective at first, but you’d be surprised to hear how much they can help you keep your office space clean every single day.

Keep it wireless

In the end, one of the biggest problems of modern office spaces is the fact that they have tons and tons of cables everywhere you look. All those computers, printers, scanners, Internet cables, and other wires are creating a mess in your office space and making it dusty and dirty. This is why you have to find a way to sort your cables and keep them organized because this is a way to make your office look more organized and more professional at the same time.

As you can see, keeping your office space organized and tidy doesn’t have to be too hard – you just need to stick to these five simple ideas and keep applying them over and over again until you’re happy with the way your office looks and feels.

Tips On How To Avoid Overspending On Your Groceries

Posted on by
Reply

It gets hard to stay on budget while grocery shopping, especially when deals are shoved in your face through every aisle you walk in. When you see the big words spelling “Sale” on a product you do not even need; the temptation becomes hard to resist.

Do not fret; the temptations can be controlled, and you will be able to follow your grocery list. Here are some tips or advice for you to be mindful of on your next trip to the grocery store.

pexels.com / @Matheus Cenali

Make a Shopping List

One may think making a shopping list is a waste of time, but it helps you a lot. A grocery list should be filled with items that you are sure you need. Going to the store without a list to refer to can be tricky as it is that easy to grab something that you do not need randomly.

By writing down and sticking to the grocery list, you will be able to save money and only reach for the items that you need. It is also important to write down the items you can use more than once a week. For example, having a type of vegetable that you can make into more than one dish.

Reverse Shopping List

Similar to the shopping list, the reverse shopping list is also helpful to ensure you do not spend too much. The list consists of things you may have in your pantry. Then you check your pantry before leaving, checking off the items you already have. So, the list now only consists of items you do not have.

There are a lot of instances where we end up buying something we already have back home. This happens because we usually do not bother to check our pantry or kitchen before leaving. With the reverse shopping list that you can refer to, you will not be buying doubles.

pexels.com / @Anna Shvets

Go by Yourself

An easy tip to follow would be to go to the grocery store alone. This will help you not to have too many in your shopping cart. This is because, when you shop with your significant other or your kids, you are more likely to be influenced into buying stuff that you do not need.

Furthermore, going in a group will also make you look at your shopping list less, making you buy unnecessary items. Moreover, you will not be the only one reaching out to grab items, making it hard not to overlook unneeded items.

Online Grocery Shopping

If you are not too keen on leaving the house or going on your own, you could always try grocery online as easy as accessing from your HP laptop. Grocery shopping has become much easier these days and has become available online.

Online grocery shopping is convenient as you can easily browse through the catalog whenever you want to. Moreover, you will not have to wait for the stores to open or wait for the staff to restock the aisles. Not only that but you will also save time and energy by not leaving your house.

Adding to this, by doing your groceries online, you can even compare prices without the hassle of the physical store brings. All you need to do is download the apps from Android phone and you would be able to do everything you usually do in a physical store but easier.

pexels.com / @Anna Tarazevich

Get Discounted Items

Grocery stores usually have deals, sales, and discounted items to help you save money. From products like milk to candies and drinks, there is surely a discount for the item you are looking for.

You should consider purchasing products on sale, especially if the price is normally high. Sale items are frequently clearly displayed throughout the store, such as at the entrance and end of aisles. In addition, sale items are marked with banners and signs to make them easy to find.

Prepared Foods Aisle

Next, you should try not to go to the prepared food aisle where single servings of food are made ready to be bought and eaten. This is because the cost of prepared foods is generally higher than the cost of you making the same food on your own.

The prepared foods typically include dressings, toppings, and even cutlery in the food container. So, you are not only paying for the food but also other inclusions. So, to save money, you should opt for making the food yourself instead of buying a ready-to-eat version of it.

Bring Your Own Grocery Bag

This may be a trivial thing, but it could also be a game-changer. Some stores may charge you for grocery bags, adding to your existing bill and making you pay more. If you decide not to pay extra for the grocery bag, you will have to use your hands to bring the items back home. 

To avoid this, you could simply just bring your grocery bag. Not only is it sturdier than the usual plastic bags the store gives you, but it is also more eco-friendly. With this, you are not only saving money but the earth as well.

Racking Different Kinds Of Shoes At Home

Posted on by
Reply
https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-colored-shoes-3360545/

Most people have a few pairs of go-to footwear choices — athletic sneakers, casual sneakers, boots, and something dressy — but there are so many other styles out there! Variety is the spice of life, and adding some new styles to your closet is a great way to add some flavor to your wardrobe. Additionally, there are many types of specialized footwear options that can really improve the overall quality of your life. Here’s a look at 10 types of shoes to add to your rack!

1. Slippers

Every footwear collection deserves at least one pair of cozy slippers for relaxing around the house. Besides keeping your feet warm and comfy, many types of slippers are much more versatile than most people realize. For example, you could certainly get away with wearing moccasins when you check the mail or even take a quick trip to the store. As an added bonus, you’ll never have to worry about cold kitchen floors when you’re grabbing a late-night snack!

2. Orthopedic Shoes

Orthopedic shoes are most well-known for their added arch support, especially for people who have flat feet, but anyone can appreciate their benefits — even those who don’t have foot conditions or injuries. Orthopedic shoes are designed specifically to support the contours and shape of feet, as well as to complement and facilitate their mechanisms and movements, so besides being extremely comfortable, they can actually help to prevent common problems before they occur. For example, did you know that your shoes can cause knee, hip, and back pain?

3. Loafers

Loafers are so versatile and convenient, not to mention stylish. They can run the gamut from casual to fancy, and being able to slip them on and off with ease is a simple pleasure that folks don’t fully appreciate until they have it. The classic penny loafer is an iconic look that works equally well with jeans or slacks. You can also find loafers with tassels, ornaments, and exotic patterns — the possibilities are endless!

4. Hiking Boots

When you’re in the mood to connect with nature, reach for your trusty hiking boots. Rugged yet comfy, hiking boots offer a nice balance between sneakers and boots, so while they’re naturally ideal for your outdoor adventures, they can actually be a fantastic option for any situation that requires you to be on your feet for a long period of time. Plus, with the right outfit, hiking boots can be surprisingly fashionable. Choose a quality pair and they’ll last a lifetime.

5. Fancy Shoes

Maybe you have a go-to pair of snazzy shoes for the office, but do you have a pair of formal dress shoes or heels for those special occasions when you really want to go all out? Even if you’re not attending red carpet events on a regular basis, having a pair of classy kicks might inspire you to seek out the finer experiences in life. Going out to dinner at a local restaurant feels like more of an extravagant event when you’re dressed to the nines!

 5. Sandals

While sandals are often associated with beachwear, you’ll be amazed by how often you’ll reach for them. Traditional sandals can be quite stylish when paired with the right outfit. Slides and flip-flops are incredibly convenient for quick errands or wearing around the house. And, of course, there’s nothing better on those hot summer days and nights.

6. Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots exude coolness! They work beautifully with a laid-back outfit, but they can also be dressed up very successfully. Maybe you already have some boots, but there’s just something different about Chelsea boots that makes them worthy of their own category. They’re an ideal choice for autumn outfits, but really you can’t go wrong with them all year round.

7. Boat Shoes

You don’t need to be a sailor to enjoy boat shoes! Whether you’re gearing up for a yacht trip or just looking for a new look, learning how to style boat shoes is absolutely worth your time. Boat shoes are a great alternative to sandals on those chillier spring and summer evenings. When sneakers are too casual but dress shoes are too much, boat shoes offer an excellent middle ground.

7. Monk-Straps

Like Chelsea boots, monk-straps offer a distinctive take on the traditional dress shoe/boot style. What makes them unique is — you guessed it — the strap! This style dates as far back as medieval times, so they have a very classic look that’s undeniably elegant and sophisticated. The strap and buckle look so smart — pair your monk straps with a sweater vest and a collared shirt for a put-together aesthetic that’s professional, yet relaxed.

8. Equestrian Boots

Equestrian boots, also known as riding boots, are a great alternative to western boots. While they can be worn with similar outfits with a rootin’-tootin’ vibe, the slimmer profile and tighter silhouette make for a look that’s a bit more refined. Some lace-up equestrian boots are a superb choice for rustic, bucolic outfits inspired by country living.

9. Athletic Sneakers

You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy athletic footwear. It’s just nice to have some sneakers that are reserved for trips to the gym, jogs around the block, and other physical activities. Not only will you perform your best, but you’ll avoid wear and tear on your everyday sneakers.

10. Platform Shoes

When you want to go big with your look (quite literally), platform shoes will do the job. The look is super trendy, and they can add 1-4 inches (or more) to your height. While many platform shoes feature over-the-top, statement-making designs, there are plenty of subtle options on the market too.

Have Fun Shopping Around

Hopefully, this little guide can inspire you next time you’re shoe shopping. Fashion is fun, so don’t overthink it! If something strikes your fancy, go ahead and treat yourself. As your shoe rack fills up, you’ll love being able to select the perfect pair to match your mood and look. There are so many other unique shoe styles waiting to be discovered, so enjoy the journey!

How To Design Space For Wellness At Home

Posted on by
Reply

Chronic stress and negative emotions can strain your mental and physical health. Generating a wellness routine is more important than ever between managing long hours at work, paying bills, and other daily responsibilities.

Research has shown that creating time to practice self-care and healthy habits can elongate your life. In one particular study, researchers found that women and men who adopted healthy habits lived until they were 93.1 and 87.6 years old on average, respectively.

Self-care requires making time for a comprehensive wellness routine comprising positivity, nutrition, exercise, and optimal sleep. That’s why designing a designated space to focus on wellness is a helpful reminder to prioritize yourself every day. Here are five ideas for creating the perfect wellness space at home.

1.   Choose a Location

Decide which area of your house is conducive to creating the perfect wellness zone. Perhaps this is a vacant room, an outdoor area, or even a corner of an occupied space, such as your living room.

If you’re planning to foster a daily yoga practice, somewhere with a solid surface to place your mat is probably best. Otherwise, an empty bedroom may be an excellent place to turn into a meditation or arts and crafts room.

Do you enjoy reading? Turn a corner of your living room or bedroom into a reading nook with a bookshelf, comfy chair, small table, and a reading lamp. This would also provide a wonderful space to journal or listen to relaxing music or your favorite podcasts.

Maybe you like gazing out the window or spending quiet time outdoors, such as on a patio or balcony. Consider the space you have to work with and decide how it can best fit your needs.

2.   Design With Intent

Depending on who you are, slipping into a self-care routine could be difficult for some and easy for others. Therefore, setting an intention for your wellness can assist you in maximizing your design.

When thinking about your ultimate wellness space, how do you intend to improve your health? For example, if you plan to create an at-home gym, a large spare room or a finished basement is ideal for a few pieces of exercise equipment and an oversized wall mirror. Of course, the layout should be functional, with plenty of workout zones.

You might also want to check in with yourself and think about how you want to feel in your wellness space. Are you looking for greater tranquility to ease your anxiety and stress? Consider adding acoustic panels to maintain even more quietude.

Understanding exactly how you want your space to make you feel will help shape your wellness area into the perfect relaxation spot.

3.   Incorporate Natural Elements

You’re probably aware that natural elements, such as wood and plant decor, evoke a sense of calm. Surrounding yourself with plants has several therapeutic benefits, including better memory and cognition, lowering stress and anxiety, and enhancing mood, healing, and a positive outlook.

You might choose to create an outdoor oasis to better care for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Studies show that spending 120 minutes a week in green space is associated with higher well-being.

There are many ways to turn your patio into your ideal wellness space by incorporating an organized layout with comfortable furniture and cushions, potted plants, lighting, and a partition for privacy.

Natural elements may also come from a beautiful window view, a landscape mural, nature photography, or botanical fabrics.

4.   Enhance Lighting

Although natural light is always the best choice for your wellness regimen, direct sunlight may be too intense or distracting.

If your wellness space has a large window, framing it with light sheer curtains or adding mesh blinds can filter some brightness without making the room dark.

Of course, if your space is missing light or you’re designing a cozy nook for nighttime reading, finding lighting that enhances your wellness space is essential. A table lamp with soft illumination has just the right amount of light for you to read without hurting your eyes.

You might also want to consider adding unique lighting – for example, market lights on the ceiling, twinkle lights on furniture or plants, or colored bulbs to change the aesthetic of your space.

5.   Support Sensory Stimulation

When designing an at-home wellness space, you should consider tapping into all five senses. Think of ways to cancel unwanted noise, such as a noise machine or adding a sound system to play meditation music.

A diffuser is another option for providing aromatherapy benefits, such as eucalyptus, tea tree, or lavender essential oil. Several studies have revealed lavender’s relaxing effects on anxiety symptoms.

You might also stimulate your senses for optimal health by bringing a hot cup of tea into your wellness space or including decorative accessories, such as throw blankets and pillows for enhanced comfort.

Temperature is another crucial factor for wellness, especially since you don’t want to be uncomfortably cold or too hot. Installing a smart thermostat can help regulate the room’s temperature and provide better air quality.

Making Room For Self-Care at Home

Designing a space for self-care takes some time, consideration, and patience. You’ll likely continue adding and removing elements until you’ve cultivated a room that works best for you. However, these tips can help get you started improving your well-being at home.

Author

 Evelyn Long is a Baltimore-based writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home decor advice and product roundups for readers in spaces both big and small.