Fitness... Fashion... Family

Her Last High School Dance #SeniorProm

2024-11-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

It's been two years since her last prom and here I am just now having a chance to write about it. I really miss having our daughter home. It's her second year at the naval academy and times can be tough at times when we miss her. I get a little depress when I miss her but luckily, I have so many pictures I could look back to when she was still here at home. Anyway, back to her Senior Prom, this is the dress she wore.

We actually bought a purple dress before this one but she didn't like how it felt on her body when she tried it at home so we bought another one. She love this one better.

Glad my daughter experience these things coz I never had the opportunity. I didn't have the resources and we had a different setup with Junior and Senior Prom.

3 Tips to Make Moving to Florida Easier & Less Stressful

2024-08-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

Image Credit: Lance Asper from Unsplash.

Countless people consider moving to Florida every year. For many, it’s for their retirement, while others just want a chance of building a life somewhere else. No matter your reason, you could want to take the plunge.

That doesn’t always mean it’s something you should just rush into, though. It’s always worth making sure you know what you’re doing and take the right steps to get there. Using a few tips helps with this, and you’ll end up making sure it’s the right decision for you.
Moving to Florida: 3 Tips to Make it Easier
1. Pick a City You Like

One of the first steps you should take is to figure out where in Florida you want to move to, like Miami. If you’re moving for a job, then you could’ve already figured out exactly where. Outside of that, you’ll have plenty of options, so it’s worth spending a bit of time looking into this.

Each city offers its pros and cons, and looking into each of them can be recommended. Some will be much more affordable to live in than others, for example. If you’re living on a tight budget, then it could be worth going for some of the more affordable options.
2. Look into Properties

You’ll naturally need somewhere to live after moving to Florida. Thankfully, there are countless places to rent or buy you could look into. Make sure you know what you need when you’re doing this. You could need more than a few real estate documents and similar items to help with this.

And that’s without mentioning the financial side of things. Take the time to research everything before making the move. Even better if you can start looking for properties before you even get to Florida. The more effort you put into ahead of time, the better off you’ll be.
3. Grow Your Social Circles

Once you’ve moved to Florida, you’ll naturally need to start making friends. What you mightn’t have realized is you could get a start on this ahead of time. Social media groups can be a great resource for this. You could find other people moving to the state or who have recently moved there.

Looking into these could help you find an easy way to socialize and start making friends. It’ll help you kickstart your social life once you eventually get there. Since you’ll want to make friends anyway, there’s no reason not to put a little effort into it. You’ll be throwing Christmas parties before you know it.
Moving to Florida: Wrapping Up

When you’re moving to Florida, it’s not uncommon to feel a little stressed and overwhelmed. Thankfully, there are ways to minimize that, and it’s always worth putting some time into a few tips. They’ll help you avoid a lot of the stress while making the process more straightforward.

While there’ll still be some work involved, there’s no reason why you should have to deal with a lot of stress and countless headaches. With a little effort, you’ll be living in Florida and enjoying it before you know it.

12 Top Tips For Giving Your Backyard A Makeover

2024-07-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

A backyard makeover can transform your outdoor space into a haven for relaxation, entertainment, and family fun. Whether you're looking to create a tranquil garden retreat or an inviting area for social gatherings, a few thoughtful changes can make a significant impact. Here are some top tips to help you give your backyard a stunning makeover.

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1. Plan Your Vision

Before diving into any physical work, take time to plan your backyard makeover. Consider how you want to use the space. Do you need an area for children to play, a spot for gardening, or a place to entertain guests? Sketch out your ideas and create a rough layout. This plan will serve as your roadmap and help you stay focused on your goals.
2. Assess the Space

Evaluate your existing backyard space. Identify any problem areas that need attention, such as poor drainage, uneven ground, or overgrown vegetation. Assessing the current state of your yard will help you prioritize tasks and ensure you address any underlying issues before starting your makeover.
3. Set a Budget

Determine how much you're willing to spend on your backyard makeover. Setting a budget will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending. Keep in mind that you don't need to tackle everything at once; you can phase your project to spread out the costs over time.
4. Choose a Focal Point

Every great backyard design has a focal point that draws the eye and sets the tone for the space. This could be a beautiful tree, a water feature, a fire pit, or a stylish patio set. Choosing a focal point will give your backyard a cohesive look and create a central area around which you can design the rest of the space.
5. Incorporate Greenery

Plants are a vital element in any backyard makeover. They add color, texture, and life to your outdoor space. Consider a mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, and ground cover to create a layered and visually appealing landscape. If you're short on space, vertical gardens and hanging planters are excellent options for adding greenery without taking up much room.
6. Enhance Your Lawn

A well-maintained lawn can be the centerpiece of your backyard. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing will keep your grass healthy and lush. If your lawn has seen better days, consider lawn aeration and seeding or laying new sod to give it a fresh start. Edging your lawn with bricks or stones can also give it a clean, defined look.
7. Add Outdoor Furniture

Comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture can turn your backyard into an extension of your home. Choose furniture that suits your needs and complements the style of your house. Weather-resistant materials like teak, aluminum, and wicker are durable and perfect for outdoor use. Don’t forget to include cushions and throws for added comfort.
8. Create Zones

Dividing your backyard into zones can make it more functional and organized. You might have a dining area, a lounging space, a play area for kids, and a garden section. Use elements like pergolas, trellises, or low hedges to define these zones and create a sense of separation.

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9. Install Lighting

Outdoor lighting can enhance the ambiance of your backyard and extend its usability into the evening hours. String lights, lanterns, and solar-powered garden lights are popular options that add a warm and inviting glow. Spotlights and path lights can highlight key features and ensure safety.
10. Incorporate Water Features

Water features like fountains, ponds, or small waterfalls can add a soothing element to your backyard. The sound of flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere and can help drown out noise from the surrounding area. Even a simple birdbath can bring a touch of nature to your space.
11. Consider a Fire Pit

A fire pit can be a fantastic addition to your backyard, providing warmth and a cozy gathering spot for family and friends. There are various options, from built-in stone pits to portable metal ones. Ensure that your fire pit complies with local regulations and is placed at a safe distance from any structures or flammable materials.
12. Maintain Regularly

A beautiful backyard requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Stay on top of tasks like weeding, pruning, and cleaning outdoor furniture. Regular upkeep will prevent small issues from becoming larger problems and ensure your backyard remains a pleasant retreat.
There You Have It

A backyard makeover can be a rewarding project that enhances your outdoor living space and increases your home's value. By planning carefully, setting a budget, and incorporating these tips, you can create a backyard that suits your needs and brings joy to your everyday life. Happy gardening!

5 Easy, Affordable Tips to Maximize Your Home Space

2024-07-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Image: Freepik

Optimizing your livable space at home doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. With the right tips and tricks, you can maximize your existing square footage, making even the smallest areas more functional and enjoyable.

Below, we’ll look at some key solutions not only to declutter but also enhance your daily living. Let’s get started!

Install a Storage Shed

One of the best ways to clear out clutter from your garden or lawn and make it more livable is to install storage sheds in your backyard. You can use these additions to store away seasonal decorations, gardening tools, and outdoor equipment, freeing up valuable indoor space.

When installing your shed, make sure to choose a location with easy access and ensure it's on level ground and stable. Additionally, think about custom shelving and hooks to maximize storage within the shed. This project, while simple, can make your living areas more livable and organized - and also create a garden that is thoroughly enjoyable all year around!

Build a Deck or Veranda

Expanding your home's usable area becomes easier when you build a deck or veranda. These outdoor spaces can act as dining areas, hosting zones, or relaxing spots - and, they can make your yard look amazing! If you need some extra inspiration or set of hands to maximize your outdoor space’s potential, then using professionals like Eden’s Garden Design can make all the difference! You want your space to look its best, and an outside perspective could be just what your outdoor area needs to shine and make your home even better.

Just make sure to follow a few key tips, including:

Choose the best location that gets a balance of sun and shade.
Use weather-resistant materials for durability.
Add built-in seating and storage.
Incorporate features like a pergola for partial shade or railings for safety.

Create Multi-Functional Rooms

Another way to maximize your indoor living space is to transform rooms to be multifunctional. For instance, a home office can double as a guest bedroom with a Murphy bed. In your living room, you can choose a sofa bed, making it easy to accommodate guests without needing a separate room. You can also use foldable or extendable furniture to retain floor space when it’s not needed.

Pro tip: For a successful transformation, within each space, be sure to create zones for different activities using rugs or room dividers.

Optimize Closet Space

Even if you onòly have space for a small closet or wardrobe, there are several ways to keep the space optimized - starting with adding adjustable shelving to adapt to changing needs.

Also, use hanging racks for shoes, hats, and accessories, and install double rods to hang more clothes vertically.

For items that you don’t use so often, opt for clear storage bins to keep them visible and accessible. Lastly, by arranging items by size and frequency of use, you ensure everything has its place and is easy to find.

Use Smart Storage Solutions in Your Garage

Your garage, often an overlooked space, can become a storage powerhouse with smart solutions. First, utilize pegboards for hanging tools, making them accessible and eliminating clutter. Additionally, be sure to install overhead storage racks for seasonal items or gear that you only occasionally use. Lastly, wall-mounted shelves free up floor space, providing room for larger items, such as bikes and scooters.

To keep dust and pests off your belongings, consider using stackable bins with clear labels, magnetic strips, and clear labels.

These strategies not only declutter your garage but also make it functional, adding to your home’s overall efficiency.

Are These Clothing Essentials In Your Wardrobe?

2024-07-09T04:14:00.000-07:00

A fashionable wardrobe is one thing. A functional wardrobe, on the other hand, is something not a lot of people have! Without functional essentials, your outfits may always look good, but they’ll be frustratingly impractical and uncomfortable as well.

That’s why you should check out the list below. If you don’t have these essentials in your wardrobe, stock up on them ASAP!

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A Light Jacket

If you’ve got a light jacket in the wardrobe, whether it’s made of denim, polyester, or leather, you’ll always have something casual to throw over the top of your looks and complete them. Jackets are much more versatile than coats, help you to feel comfortable no matter the weather outside, and can be matched with the majority of any styles you have in your wardrobe.

Really, a good light jacket goes a long way! You’ll always have an outer layer to brace against the weather outside, even when it’s a bit sunny and warm, and you won’t have to lug around a big coat that’s heavy on the arm.

Thermal Gloves

A good pair of thermal gloves for women will get you through any and all cold days. You can slip them on whenever the air turns a bit chilly, and thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you should still be able to use your phone when wearing them too.

Thermal gloves are interesting in the way they trap heat in and keep the cold out, which makes them better than any other material on the market for preventing blue fingertips! Get some thermal gloves and have a better winter in 2024!

Straight Leg Work Trousers

If you’ve got a pair of professional trousers in the wardrobe at all times, you’re always going to have something to put on when you’re not sure about the dress code. These trousers go with pretty much anything, so you won’t be too far stretched to find shoes and a top that matches with them either.

New job? Wear the straight leg pair. Going out with an old friend? Pop the straight legs on. Feeling like working remotely from a cafe this afternoon? These trousers will keep you in the working mood.

Workout Leggings

If you don’t own any workout leggings, this is your sign to get a couple on hangers straight away! They’re just an incredible piece of clothing to have on hand, as Workout leggings allow for a full range of movement no matter how tight the band feels around the waist. This provides a very flattering look from the naval down, and helps you to feel supported when you’re out and about, whatever the activity at hand is.

If you don’t have any of the clothing essentials above in your wardrobe right now, think about hitting the shops ASAP! This is your excuse to go on a huge clothing haul and get some comfortable and functional pieces, which can be mixed up in any way you like and worn with anything.

The Road To Bigger Muscles In Six Weeks

2024-07-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

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Building muscle is critical for proper health and aging. Everyone needs getting it right can slow down the biological clock and make you healthier.

But how can you get rippling abs and bulging biceps in just six weeks? Well, it’s not going to be easy, but it can be done, according to https://www.cnet.com/how-long-does-it-really-take-to-build-muscle/. It’s just a question of getting the strategy right. So what do you need to do? Let’s take a look.

Use Compound Lifts

The first place to start is with compound lifts. You want to perform exercises that target multiple muscle groups, not just one or two.

The best exercises are squats, deadlifts and rows. You can then add things like pull-ups and bench press to your routine as you become more advanced.

It’s okay to start with some muscle groups before you move onto others. Just ensure you focus on the foundations first before trying to flesh out some of the showier muscles.

Eat A Calorie Surplus

Eating sufficient protein matters, but getting a calorie surplus is arguably more important for building muscle. If your body is going to build new tissues, it needs additional energy. Otherwise, an intense exercise routine might cause muscle wasting.

Consuming more calories of healthy food than you’re taking in is probably more challenging than you imagine. Sometimes, you’ll deliberately need to force yourself to do it, especially if you’re eating a lot of vegetables and whole foods.

If you’re struggling to meet your calorie targets, get more energy from nut butters and dried fruits. These options are tasty and encourage you to eat more.

You want to provide your body with around 500 kcal more than your baseline+exercise requirements daily to see significant muscle gain in six weeks. Less than that, and you might not notice the results.

Use Supplements Wisely

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You’ll also want to use supplements wisely. These can help you pack on more muscle in a shorter space of time, as explained by https://science.bio/sarms/. Supplements are excellent for people who struggle to put on muscle naturally and need additional assistance.

Hire A Personal Trainer

If you’re struggling, you might also consider hiring a personal trainer. Having an expert there to guide you through the movements and check on your form can be extremely helpful for a lot of individuals.

Hiring a personal trainer is expensive, but you can purchase hour-long sessions in blocks to bring down the price. You can also meet up with them once a month instead of every day to check on your progress and form.

Get More Sleep

Most muscle building occurs when you get more sleep. Therefore, focus on securing your eight hours per night. During the day, you might only generate 20% of your added muscle over a six-week period. But rest at night could be responsible for 80% of those gains.

Set a consistent bedtime of say, 10 pm every night and wake up at 6 am. Sticking to this routine will prepare your body for sleep and help you rest more when you hit the sack.

Easy Ways to Make Your Yard Look Amazing

2024-01-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

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If your yard is not exactly an inspiring place to spend time, then you need not worry because it is actually really simple to change that, yes, even if you are not particularly green-thumbed. Here’s how:

1. Plant a Wildflower Wonderland

If you want your garden to look amazing, but you aren’t exactly a pro when it comes to growing, then wildflowers are your new best friend. These aren’t your high-maintenance roses or diva-like orchids. Wildflowers are like the free spirits of the plant world – colorful, resilient, and pleasantly low-maintenance. Sow some wildflower seeds in a corner of your yard and watch it transform into a vibrant, butterfly-friendly paradise that you barely need to maintain, in no time at all.

2. Create a Cozy Fire Pit Corner

Imagine a cozy corner with a fire pit where you can roast marshmallows, share stories, or just stare into the flames pondering life’s mysteries. You don’t need an extravagant setup – a simple fire bowl and a few comfy chairs will do the trick. It’s like having a camping experience without the hassle of, well, actual camping. You can do this yourself, or you can entrust a company that offers landscape design services if you want to know that it’s going to be done right. They can help you with this and so much more when it comes to creating a cozy space.

3. DIY Birdhouses: For the Tweeters

Invite some feathery friends over by setting up birdhouses. You can DIY these with some basic supplies and a bit of elbow grease. It’s like opening a boutique hotel for birds – just be prepared for the chirpy wake-up calls.

4. Lawn Care Services: The Grass Gurus

If you want to keep it looking lush without turning into a full-time grass whisperer, consider hiring a residential lawn care service to take care of your grassy areas. They’re kinda like personal trainers for your lawn, keeping it in tip-top shape while you sit back and enjoy the greenery with your feet up.

5. A Garden Path: Lead the Way

Add a winding path through your yard using stepping stones, gravel, or wood chips. It’s not only practical but also adds a touch of whimsy and mystery. Where does it lead? To a hidden garden? A secret reading nook? Let the path tell a story.

6. Water Features: Bring in the Babble

Nothing says zen like the sound of trickling water. Add a small fountain or a birdbath to bring a calming vibe to your yard. It’s like having a mini-retreat for when life gets too loud.

7. Upcycle with Unique Planters

Get creative with planters. Old boots, wheelbarrows, or even an unused bathtub can be quirky homes for your plants. It’s like a fashion show for your flowers, and the more eccentric, the better.

8. Outdoor Lighting: Set the Mood

Strategically placed outdoor lighting can transform your yard into a magical evening escape. String lights, solar path lights, or even DIY lanterns can create a warm and inviting ambiance. It’s like giving your yard a little twinkle.

9. Herb Garden: Spice It Up

Why not grow something you can actually use? Plant a small herb garden. It’s practical, smells fantastic, and you can brag about your ‘homegrown’ seasoning skills. Plus, you’ll feel like a wizard in the kitchen.

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10. Recycled Art: Junkyard Chic

Add some personality with recycled art. Turn old items into garden sculptures or decorative pieces. That rusty bicycle or broken typewriter can have a second life as a quirky garden feature. It’s eco-friendly and a great conversation starter.

11. A Hammock: Swing into Relaxation

Nothing screams relaxation like a hammock. Find two sturdy trees, or invest in a hammock stand, and voila – you have the perfect spot for naps, reading, or cloud-watching.

12. Vibrant Vegetable Patch

Veggie patches are actually much simpler than they look to plant and maintain and they add some much-needed color to the yard, while also feeding your family, so what’s not to love?

13. Rock Garden: Low Effort, High Impact

If you’re looking for something truly low maintenance, a rock garden is the way to go. It’s like the rugged, minimalist cousin of the traditional flower bed – less watering, less weeding, more zen.

14. Themed Garden Spaces

Create themed spaces in your garden – a Zen corner with a Buddha statue and bamboo, a tropical spot with exotic plants, or even a fairy garden for the kids (or the young at heart), and it will easily add more interest and turn your yard from drab to fab. If you need some extra inspiration or set of hands to maximize your outdoor space’s potential, then using professionals like Eden’s Garden Design can make all the difference! You want your space to look its best, and an outside perspective could be just what your outdoor area needs to shine and make your home even better.

15. The Personal Touch: Garden Decorations

Garden gnomes, wind chimes, or a quirky welcome sign can give your yard personality and make it feel more like you in an instant.

16. Vertical Gardening: Up, Up and Away!

Short on space? Think vertical. Use your walls and fences as gardens. Install shelves or hanging planters and fill them with a cascade of greenery and flowers. It’s like creating a living piece of art – plus, it’s a great way to hide that fence that's seen better days.

17. The Secret Nook: A Hideaway Haven

Every yard needs a secret nook. It could be a small bench hidden behind some tall plants, a hammock tucked away in a quiet corner, or a tiny table and chair nestled under a tree. It’s your personal hideaway for those moments when you need to escape – without actually escaping.

18. Repurposed Pallets: Rustic Charm Galore

Wooden pallets can be repurposed into just about anything: garden furniture, plant stands, or even a mini deck. It adds a touch of rustic charm and screams ‘I’m eco-friendly and crafty’ without actually screaming – because that would be weird.

19. The Nighttime Glow: Solar Light Magic

Solar lights are a must for that twilight magic in the yard once the sun sets. Line them along pathways, around your garden beds, or hang them from trees. They charge during the day and light up your garden at night, creating an enchanting nighttime oasis. It’s like having your own little galaxy of stars at ground level.

With these simple ideas, your yard can be so much more than just a patch of grass. So, go on, give these a try, and watch your garden transform into a spectacular outdoor sanctuary. Happy gardening!

The Keys to Rewarding Our Children

2024-01-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we need to implement reward systems to help our children achieve a specific goal or behavior. We need to increase their motivation, and this means developing a reward system that aligns with their needs. While there are many benefits to a reward system, not just getting them to do the things you want them to do, but also increasing their self-esteem, encouraging responsibility, and developing new skills, it's important to understand how to implement an effective reward system. Let's show you some methods.

Involve the Child

Involving the child in choosing the reward is critical because if they have a very specific love or passion, you can use this to your advantage. For example, if they love to watch anime movies online, it helps you set an appropriate goal. However, it's important to be age-appropriate too.

Be Realistic

Realistic expectations are just as important because we may find out soon that we're asking too much of them. Goals always need to be achievable, and while something like tidying their room may seem like a monumental task, we know our children well enough to give them the right types of support to help them do this. For example, when tidying their room, they may not do it to a high standard, but the fact that they have done it is worth rewarding. We should always strive for consistency at the outset, and then we can raise the bar later.

Offer Specific Praise

We should always praise our children for the efforts they've made because this is something that is incredibly hard for them. Going back to the analogy of them tidying their room, if they've done it, we need to praise them for doing this and encourage them to keep doing it often. So, then we continue to offer specific praise on a regular basis that improves their self-esteem.

Be Patient

As children learn new skills, it can be tempting to rush them along, especially if there's a time-specific goal, for example, one week of tidying their room every night. However, if the skills involve learning something new, it can take some time to get used to it, and they may challenge this by saying they're not able to do it or not have the confidence. When we choose a skill for them to do, it always has to be within their abilities, but even if they are learning something new, we should give it time. We have to remember that learning a new habit can take anywhere between 18 and 254 days!

Be Clear in Your Direction and Guidance

The child needs to know exactly what has to be done, whether we are homeschooling our children and are in the process of learning something new, or we just need to get them to tidy their room. We should always provide clarity because mixed messages could result in them getting frustrated, as well as us. Ultimately, to implement a good reward system is about following through on what you promise. If they want something because they did five days of tidying their room, they have achieved this, so, therefore, we have to deliver what we promise.

Rylie's Highlights before She turns Eighteen

2022-10-26T10:21:00.010-07:00

Our daughter is such a remarkable young woman, she's very mature for her age. At seventeen, she has accomplished a lot of things.

Knows How to Read and Write Before Kindergarten

We taught both of our two children at home during their pre-school years. Hubby and I agreed that I stayed home and take care of our kids. It's not ideal financially but it's a great decision that hubby and I made. We knew that our daughter is one smart cookie even when she was way little. She just have that eagerness in learning new things.

She has that patience and focus for learning compared to our happy-go-lucky son lol. I mean, our son is equally smart as hers but he doesn't have the focus that she has. She knew how to read and write before she started kindergarten which I am so glad that my husband and I were their first hands-on teachers. Her friends even joke about her being smart because she was homeschooled during pre-school.

Winner of an International Smile Contest

She was the winner of an international smile contest for the month of October 2009. This contest was sponsored by Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada. We were in South Korea when this was held.

Gifted Program from 2nd Grade to 8th Grade

When she was in second grade, she was tested for the gifted program at school and passed. It was a great middle school learning experience for her as she got to do extra stuff that she didn't do in the regular classroom. Below are some of the projects she did.

Doodle for Google State Winner

She's into arts when she was young so her art teacher (thank you Mrs. Wright!) recommended her to enter the Doodle for Google contest. She was the winner for our state, West Virginia. Some of the representative from Google came to Weirton to celebrate her win and brief her what to do for the national round which was held in California. She didn't win the national round but it was a great experience for her and for us as well. We got to explore the Google headquarters.

Kinsley S. Ard Memorial Talent Show Winner

First Prize on the Kinsley S. Ard Memorial Talent Show held at Milton J. Weinberg Theater, on March 28, 2014 against 14 other participants. She played Hunter on the piano.

Anti Bullying Contest Winner

She won the anti-bullying contest art contest in 2016. For her entry, she combined her passion for arts and baking into one idea and it turned out well.

A Time To Heal Racism Art Contest Winner

She was the grand prize winner of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development art contest with the topic I mentioned above.

Healthy Soils Full of Life Art Contest Winner

She won the art contest dubbed as Healthy Soils: Full of Life sponsored by the Northern Panhandle Conservation District on May 5, 2017. She received a cash award sent as check in the mail. We were not able to go to the awarding ceremony due to schedule conflict with her sports but it was really a good opportunity where her art talent shined.

History Bowl Finalist

Her team was the runner up in the History Bowl in the regional round in Wheeling and was one of the finalists on the championship round in Charleston, WV.

Aquinas Medal Awardee for 2019

She was named and awarded 2019 Aquinas medal Recipient for St Joseph the Worker. We attended the 25th Annual Bishops Dinner for Catholic Schools on Sunday, April 7, in Morgantown, West Virginia where the awarding ceremony was held. This is the highest honor a student can receive from the diocese. The award recognizes students for their outstanding qualities of faithful discipleship, academic excellence, leadership and service to school, parish and community, reflecting the ideals of Catholic education epitomized by St Thomas Aquinas the patron saint of students.

Class President, Freshman to Senior Year

She served as the class president from freshman year till senior year. (2019-2023). This is a great leadership experience for her. We let her lead without us interfering too much, she gets to decide what fundraising they do and we just support her whatever she needs. I think it is important that class officers make decision and not the parents. If parents would decide for them then there would be no learning avenue for these kids. I am glad that our daughter gets to do it with very little influence from us. I think she did a great job.

National Honor Society Member

She is a member of the National Honor Society. She excels in academics that's because she put her 100% effort into it.

National Merit Semifinalist

She was one of the 3 named as National Merit Semifinalist in Northern Panhandle schools.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition in which high school students compete for college scholarships and recognition. The program is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a privately-funded non-profit organization. Winning a National Merit Scholarship is a fairly difficult undertaking.

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SAT and ACT Scores

Our daughter doesn't have additional preparation in taking the ACT and SAT, she rely on the information she have learned from school. Some of the kids in her class has tutors prior for taking these tests so they have advantage. Our daughter does good though without tutors. We bought her a couple of books but she doesn't really have time to read them. We're pleasantly surprise though that her scores are very high. Below is her ACT the very first time she took it, then the second time she scored 32, then she took the last one last Saturday (Oct. 22).

Her SAT scored improved as well, I forgot what she got the first time but below was the second time she took it. She took the last one this month and brought her score up to 1540.

Krivak Tuition Scholarship Winner

She won the Joe Krivak Tuition Scholarship for two years (2021-2022) with $500 prize credited towards her tuition. Every year, the school encourage students to write an essay to be selected as the scholarship recipient. Sending our kids to catholic private school is expensive but it's worth it. These scholarships helps a little.

First Job as a Fastfood Crew

As soon as she turned 16, she started working at Taco Bell. My husband was against the idea of her working but I supported her decision on working. I think it is a great avenue for her to deal with people which is a hard thing for her being an introvert. It also give her the freedom to have her own finances. She pays for her gas and occasional eating out and she's so happy that she have her own money in the bank.

Rhododendron Girls State

This wasn't one of her fondest experience but I think it pushed her out of her comfort zone for being shy. Although she said she didn't really enjoy the experience but it's something that she realized that in life, not everything is a bed of roses, that there are a lot of curbs and bumps along the way. I still think that Rhododendron Girls State was a good learning experience for her. She's an introvert so meeting new people and interacting with them can be very uncomfortable at first but I'm glad she went, she gained few friends that she still keep in contact with.

Nomination to the Academies

On October 10th, she received the nomination for both Naval and Air Force Academies from Rep. McKinley. She interviewed for the Senator Manchin virtually. She forfeited her interview with Sen. Capito because it was on the Homecoming Court Day. This process has been difficult. We were not sure if she was still interested in going to the naval academy because she didn't put much effort in putting together the stuff that she needs. We were on a time crunch but eventually sent her applications on time. We're glad and relieved that she got the nomination. Got her physical test and medical exams done and submitted her application. She attended the Academy Training Day that Sen. Manchin hosted at WVU on August 27th. Now, the waiting game begins and that's the hard part.

OVAC AllStar Volleyball Player

She was selected to play for the OVAC (Ohio Valley Athletic Conference) All Stars representing her school for volleyball. She played with different other all-star athletes from other schools in West Virginia at Morristown Ohio. It was an exciting match and so happy that the mountaineers won. WV team hasn't won the match for few years so it was so exciting that my daughter was part of the winning team. The game took place last November 21st of 2022.

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She did a really good job representing her team and the school.

US Presidential Scholars Program Candidate for 2023

We received a letter from the United States Department of Education informing us that our daughter is named as a candidate in the 2023 US Presidential Scholars Program. I think it's a huge honor not only for her but to the school as well. We have the Madonna faculty and staff to thank for, for providing quality education to the students.

National Merit Finalist

In September 2022, NMSP (National Merit Scholarship Corporation) selected about 16,000 students. The school was informed that our daughter advances as a finalist and sent this certificate of merit.

St. Aquinas Medal Awardee

She told us that the Madonna High School principal informed her that she will be this year's St. Aquinas medal awardee. We still yet to get the confirmation for it from school so I can't say for sure yet but I will definitely update this when that time comes.

It's official, she will have the St. Aquinas Medal.

US Naval Academy Appointment

It is now official that she will be attending the US Naval Academy. She was sick last week when Senator Manchin's office called to inform her about the appointment. She didn't get to share the big news with us until this weekend when she was feeling a little better. She received the certificate of appointment this week and accepted it.

I'd like to thank St. Joseph School and Madonna High School for nurturing and instilling great catholic values in both of our kids.

Learning How To Truly Unwind

2022-10-25T06:59:00.005-07:00

It’s really important for your general wellbeing that you know how to properly unwind and relax. The truth, however, is that so many people are not actually aware of what it takes to unwind properly, and if that is something that you are keen to turn around, then you might need to spend a while figuring out how to truly unwind. As it happens, there are a few key ways you can do this. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the best ways to unwind well, so that you can relax more in your daily life and enjoy its benefits.

Spend Less Time At Work

There are certainly many good reasons to work hard in life, and we are not arguing here that you shouldn’t. But there is definitely a lot to be said for taking care not to spend all your time at work, and if you are keen to try and unwind better then you will definitely want to think about this in particular. You are not going to have a chance to truly relax if you don’t take some time away from work every now and then, so it’s really important that you are doing that as best as you can.

Have Some Me Time

If you don’t generally manage to find much time, this is something that you will want to change if you are keen to unwind and relax a little more. Without enough time, you will struggle to relax properly. So how can you make sure that you are able to get this time for yourself? One way is to schedule it in, which is of course going to be easier to achieve if you are working less and making the time in the first place.

Do What Makes You Happy

Everyone truthfully has their own way to be happy, and we are all keen to do this as much as possible in our lives. So if you are keen to make sure that you are unwinding properly and fully, you should focus on what makes you happy as much as possible. That is the kind of thing that can really make a huge difference to your ability to unwind, whether it’s Delta 9 THC, eating chocolate, writing about things that inspire you or you're passionate about much like this article by Daniel Lerner and David Lerner Associates, or whatever else it might be for you. However you do it, just pursue what you actually really enjoy.

Spend Time In Nature

No matter who you are, you have to agree that one of the best ways to properly and effectively unwind is to spend some time in nature. Even just going for a walk in the woods and the fields once a week can be a real tonic for your mental health, and you will find yourself generally being a lot more relaxed as a result of following this simple rule. Wherever possible, give yourself the chance to spend as much time in nature as you can and you will be glad that you did soon enough.

A Simple Guide to At-Home Injury Recovery

2022-10-25T06:44:00.001-07:00

You may feel a little lost if you've been injured in an accident and are now recovering at home. So how do you know what to do to make a full recovery? This guide will walk you through the basics of at-home injury recovery, from resting and healing properly to taking care of your physical therapy exercises. Follow these simple tips, and soon you'll be on your way to a complete recovery!

Via Pexels

Rest is Essential

The first and most crucial step in at-home injury recovery is to get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to heal, and resting will help speed up the process. Of course, this doesn't mean you should spend all day in bed - getting up and moving around a bit is crucial for blood flow and preventing stiffness. Just be sure to take it easy and give your body the necessary downtime.

See a Physiotherapist

You'll likely need to see a physiotherapist if your injury is serious. A good physiotherapist will help you create a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs. They can also provide guidance and support throughout your recovery process.

Visit a Chiropractor

In addition to physiotherapy, chiropractic care is another treatment option for at-home injury recovery. Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal system and can help with everything from pain relief to improving range of motion. In addition, you might be able to claim recoverable damages for the cost of medical care if someone else's negligence caused your injuries.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating healthy foods helps your body recover in a few different ways:

Nutritious meals provide the energy and nutrients your body needs to heal properly.
Certain foods can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Eating healthy helps improve your mood, which can significantly boost recovery.

Some great foods to eat during at-home injury recovery include: leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, fruits like oranges, strawberries, and blueberries, omega-3 rich foods like salmon and walnuts, whole grain and lean protein.

Of course, you should also avoid foods that make you feel worse. For example, if a particular food gives you indigestion or makes your pain levels spike, it's best to steer clear.

See a Psychiatrist or Psychologist

In addition to physical injuries, accidents can also cause psychological trauma. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD after an accident, it's essential to seek professional help. A psychiatrist or psychologist can provide therapy and medication to help you manage your symptoms and start feeling like yourself again.

Start Exercising

Once you're feeling well enough, begin adding some light exercise approved by your doctor into your daily routine. Exercise helps improve circulation, increase flexibility, and release endorphins, which can aid healing. Just be sure to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If something hurts, stop doing it.

A few good exercises to try during at-home injury recovery include:

- light cardio like walking or swimming

- gentle stretching

In conclusion, at-home injury recovery takes time, patience, and effort. But by following these simple tips, you can make a full recovery. So don't get discouraged - take things one day at a time, and before you know it, you'll be back to your old self again.

Why Choose a Moissanite Oval Solitaire Ring?

2022-10-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

Considering a moissanite oval solitaire ring, several factors include the stone's quality, price, and setting options. However, if you're considering getting one for your significant other, keep reading to learn more about this gemstone and its benefits.

Moissanite oval solitaire ring

Oval-cut moissanite can look great in almost any setting. It can be set with four, six, or eight prongs. The higher the number of prongs, the more secure the stone will be. Oval-cut moissanite also makes the stone look larger than its carat weight. The oval cut gives the stone a pronounced appearance, making it an excellent choice for modern ladies.

When choosing the perfect moissanite oval solitaire ring for your partner, consider the look and feel of the stone. A square cut will appear to be the most traditional option, but if you're looking for something more contemporary, you should consider a diamond-set ring.

Price

An oval Moissanite solitaire ring is a beautiful choice for a woman who wants a classic, timeless look. Its shape helps to accentuate her ring finger. Because the length-to-width ratio of an oval stone is not uniform, it can look particularly beautiful when set in a diamond pave-set band. The shape is also a popular choice for vintage-inspired jewelry. An oval moissanite ring is available in a variety of metals and settings.

This women's ring has a large 8x5mm oval moissanite stone. The stone is securely set in a solid 14k white gold setting with six prongs. The band is highly polished and features a classic, high-polish design.

Quality

There are several different types of moissanite oval solitaire engagement rings available. They all have unique features, so you must consider what you want from your ring before buying it. Your preferences, budget, and unique situation should guide your purchase.

The quality of a moissanite oval solitaire engagement ring is determined by the material used in its construction. It should be made of durable and easy-to-use materials. A moissanite oval engagement ring should also be able to withstand daily use.

Setting Options

When it comes to setting a moissanite oval solitaire ring, there are many options. The secret garden setting, for example, is fun and whimsical. However, there are some cons to this type of ring, including its tendency to feel too predictable.

Choose a metal that matches the stone's color and cut it when setting your moissanite oval solitaire ring. For example, yellow gold will contrast beautifully with the cool tones of moissanite. Another option is a cluster ring, which creates a dreamy, symmetrical effect.

Bow-Tie Effect

The bow-tie effect is inherent in all moissanite oval solitaire rings, but it can be minimized and still make the stone look stunning. The result is caused by the stone's internal cuts, which means that light cannot reach all corners of the stone evenly. This creates a dark band through the center of the stone, similar to a man's bow tie. However, it's not a flaw; a good cutter can minimize the effect.

The bow-tie effect can be difficult to discern without a loupe, but the best way to ensure the diamond is perfect for your engagement ring is to see it up close.

A jeweler should be able to show you each stone under a loupe so that you can compare it side-by-side. You should also tilt the stone to see if the bow-tie effect is apparent.

Durability

A moissanite oval solitaire ring is durable and an excellent choice for everyday wear. Moissanites score a 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making them nearly as hard as a diamond. Other naturally occurring gemstones are lower on the scale, and a moissanite oval solitaire ring will remain flawless for many years.

Moissanite is also heat resistant and can withstand high temperatures in a house fire. It will change color temporarily but return to its original color when it returns to room temperature. However, wearers of moissanite should still take special care of their rings and follow general jewelry care tips.

Thinking of Homeschooling? Check Out These Tips

2022-10-15T06:13:00.003-07:00

When it comes to homeschooling, you may be completely overwhelmed by the idea. The extent of it is enough to turn people off the idea. The fact is there is a lot to consider and take on board, but that does not mean you should give up. In fact, homeschooling can be very beneficial to your child. They get one-on-one teaching which is a great advantage when it comes to learning and absorbing knowledge. They cannot hide behind the other students and never raise their hands. They also will not suffer as many distractions as children who attend the local school. There are so many positives to homeschooling. But it is not easy. There are so many subjects to consider, and then you have to consider and adhere to all the rules and regulations. Many questions will cross your mind. Will you be able to teach them in-depth on all subjects? Will youtube be able to do this to the standard set by the state? And many more! With so much to think about, let's take a look at some ways you can get set up for homeschooling:

Image from Pixabay

Do Your Homework

Yes, when it comes to homeschooling, the first thing any budding teacher must do is their homework. And by homework, we mean conducting a lot of research. You cannot expect to be able to just sit your child down and teach them; you have to have some kind of background knowledge. The good news is you don't have to have everything down to a tee before you start, but a good grounding is essential. So, go out there and research, Go online, go to the library, subscribe to homeschooling magazines, read books, etc. The more you can find out, the better. It is a difficult task. There is no doubt about it. But if you intend on doing it properly and setting your child off with the best possible start in life, then you need to start in the proverbial classroom too. Indeed, this who process will be as much a learning curve for you budding teachers out there as it will be for your child. The more you find out, the better armed you will be. Additionally, you will discover whether or not this undertaking is really something you can do.

Find Homeschooling Communities

Another way to get much-needed information is to join a homeschooling community or group. You may be able to find these online or by asking at your local library or town council. A homeschooling community can offer you personal stories and tips, and advice in real-life scenarios. They can advise you on their personal struggles and what they found works and what doesn't. Learning from other people can be far more valuable than reading all the rules and regulations associated with homeschooling. You may be able to attend community meetings too. There may even be the opportunity to talk to people who were homeschooled, and they can explain how it feels on the child's side. Groups are good because they offer support, and you can ask any question you feel necessary. It gives you that sense of community and makes you feel far less alone in your endeavor too.

The Curriculum

It is essential that you learn about the curriculum. That is because the curriculum sets the basic standard of teaching and learning across the country. It sets what needs to be learned and is the teacher's guide to teaching their students. It is there because all examinations will be created using what is taught in the curriculum. So, if you do not follow it, your child is not going to pass those exams, and this may haunt them for the rest of their life. It will show you want textbook and worksheet, such as the appropriate second grade worksheets you need to be using as well as everything else. So, you need to be well-versed in the curriculum in order to teach appropriately. The curriculum can help you when you want to advance your child in terms of specializing in particular subjects. It will help you develop avenues of study.

The Teaching Room

If you want to teach properly, then you need a space to do it. Ideally, this will be a room in your home, a spare room, a converted garage, an outhouse, or whatever space you have. Try and make it appear as much like a traditional classroom as possible. Your desk facing your child with a blackboard behind you. Ensure you have all the necessary teaching items too, such as a computer. Think about how you want the space to look. Will you cover the walls with teaching posters, such as a map of the world? What you want is for this space to be an aid to your child's learning. It will also help you step into character too. Perhaps you can insist on a school uniform which may help with the overall effect. The room should only be used during schooling hours which should be regular every day. All this helps with creating that teaching environment. Most importantly, the teaching space should be quiet and aid in your child's learning, not a distraction. For example, one of the worst rooms to use is your child's bedroom.

Your Teaching Style

When it comes to the actual teaching part of it, you may need to use a variety of styles. For subjects that your child finds easy, you can pick up the pace and use fewer props, for example. You can delve into more complicated things more quickly and really hone their ability. For things they find more difficult, you will have to slow down the pace and use a variety of teaching tools. The great thing about homeschooling is that you will know your child so well that you can adapt to their needs. Something a school teacher hasn't got the time to do. Addioanlyl you can teach your child more than just school subjects. You can teach them more about the world too. This may be a huge advantage in their lives/.

5 Reasons To Get A Home Inspection

2022-09-01T05:40:00.004-07:00

Photo by Brian Babb on Unsplash

When buying a home, it's important to ensure everything is up to code. A home inspection can help you identify potential issues that may crop up in the future. If you notice any red flags while looking for a dream house, it's worth getting an inspection before making an offer. Here are five reasons to get a home inspection:

1. You want to know about the general condition of a property.

If you're buying a home, you want to know if it's structurally sound. You also want to know if any repairs need to be made or if there are problems with the property. If you don't know about these things before buying, any issues that arise later on could cost you a lot of money and aggravation.

A home inspection will also help determine whether or not the property is safe for habitation. In addition, the inspector will check all major systems in the home, such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating/cooling units, for proper operation and function to ensure they meet current building codes set forth by local jurisdictions.

2. You notice structural issues with the property.

There are a few reasons why you should get a home inspection. One reason is if you notice any structural issues with the property, such as cracks in the walls or ceiling. If these are not discovered before you buy the house, they can lead to problems later. For example, if something is wrong with your foundation and wasn't disclosed during an inspection, this could cause severe problems after moving into your new home. This could lead to you needing to make a claim. To learn more, here are some requirements of submitting a claim when it comes to property damage.

3. An insurance company points out a potential issue with the property.

If an insurance company points out a potential issue with the property, it's time to call in your inspector. Insurance companies recommend home inspections before insuring a property. They want to ensure that it's safe for you and your family.

Insurance companies can also help you negotiate on price if there are problems with the home. For example, if there are water damage issues in the basement or ceiling from flooding or heavy rainstorms, your insurance company may be able to convince the seller to lower their price.

4. Some doors or windows have been painted shut.

While this may not seem a big deal, it signifies moisture intrusion. This can lead to mold and mildew growth inside your home, which can cause health problems and damage your house's structure. A home inspector can give you the right tips and solutions to help make your home safe, for you and your family.

5. The home you are looking at is older than 50 years

If the home is older than 50, you should get a professional inspection before purchasing it. Homes built in the 1950s were not constructed to today’s standards and could have various issues ranging from lead paint to asbestos and mold. Newer homes will generally be more energy efficient, saving you money on utility bills.

After going through all seven reasons above, hiring an inspector would be worth your time to ensure you have a safe and comfortable home if even one applies to your situation.

19 Years and Counting

2022-08-31T13:56:00.002-07:00

Say what? Nineteen years already? The naysayers predicted that we won't even last a couple of years when we first got married but here we are, we have proven them wrong. The funny thing is, some of the ones that said those predications are now separated from their partners, how about that!

Anyhoo, it seems like it's not that long ago when we got married. Memories are still so vivid in my mind like it was just yesterday. Maintaining good relationship with your spouse is not easy but we managed to keep it together for nineteen years. Two years of those were long distance when I was still processing my papers. I'm so grateful that God blessed hubby and I resilient abilities to cope with the challenges of being apart. Those two long years really tested us to communicate open in way possible.

I am so glad that communicating in this day and age is easier than moons ago. It kept hubby and I up to date with each other when we were just starting with our lives. In these 19 years, we have two wonderful kids that we love dearly and I can say that we still admire each other. We changed physically but not emotionally. Love handles and bulge here and there is just part of growing together.

The 4 Top Investment Strategies For Beginner

2022-07-01T11:52:00.006-07:00

Photo by Liza Summer:

If you're new to investing, it can be hard to know where to begin. Should you invest in stocks? Bonds? Mutual funds? There's a lot to learn, so it's easy for beginners to get overwhelmed. Fortunately, some straightforward strategies usually work well for beginners and can help you get started on your journey toward financial security. Here are four of the best investment strategies for new investors:

The Stock Market

The stock market is where people buy and sell shares of companies. For example, if you own a big company and want to retire soon, you can sell some of your shares on the stock market. When someone buys one of your shares, they're essentially buying part ownership in your company.

Everyone pulls up their socks when they hear "stock market" because it's been proven over time that investing in stocks can be a great way to make money. While there are always risks involved with investing in anything (even cash), the returns from owning stocks have historically been higher than any other investment strategy—including CDs or bonds!
Bonds

Bonds are debt instruments that pay out interest over time. They're basically loans that you make to a company or government entity. The repayment of the loan comes at a set rate over time—usually anywhere from one day to 30 years (sometimes even longer).

If you don't have much money to invest yet, bonds are a great way to start getting familiar with how the stock market works. You'll learn about interest rates and inflation, which will help you make better decisions when investing more significant amounts of money in stocks or mutual funds.
Real Estate

Real estate is one of the most popular investment opportunities for beginners, and for good reason. It’s easy to understand, it can be lucrative, and you don’t need much money to get started. If you have a little bit of cash in your savings account, you can start investing in real estate with just a few clicks.

Not only that, but real estate is also one of the best investment opportunities because it can help you build up your wealth over time while providing some extra income on top of that! Real estate investing isn’t just about buying something and waiting for it to appreciate in value—it’s about finding properties that will generate income as well. So when you’re looking at potential investments, make sure they have some cash flow (that is, they produce income).
Dividend-Paying Stocks

Dividend-paying stocks are one of the best investment strategies for beginners.

A dividend is a share of a company's profits, paid to investors as an incentive to own that stock. It's usually expressed as an amount per share and can be paid out quarterly or annually.

If you purchase shares in a company that has been profitable in the past and continues to do well today, then it’s likely they will continue making profits in the future too. And if they make profits, you will receive some of those profits from them—in the form of dividends!
Conclusion

We hope this has given you a good idea of where to invest. These four options are the best options for people who have never done any investing before. Of course, if you don’t understand what we’ve discussed, seeking professional advice is never a bad idea. But if you are successful, you will soon make smart investments alongside everyone else.

49th .. On my way to Golden Age #TopGunMaverick

2022-05-27T07:08:00.130-07:00

This year is my last of enjoying my 40s. To make it memorable, we went and watch the Top Gun Maverick movie. It’s been a while since we last watch a movie on the big screen as a family. Our kids actually watched it already with their friends but they want to watch it with us so we did. I can say, Tom Cruise is still awesome!

My birthday this year is probably the saddest ever since I got married. I mean its not really a big of a deal for me since I grew up without celebrating birthdays anyway. I guess my husband spoiled me that he always make sure I celebrate. This year is sad not because I didn’t have a party or anything but because my husband’s forgetfulness is getting worse. He’s forgotten it was my birthday, till of this writing he hadn’t remembered about it which is fine. I’m worried that he’s developing a memory loss at his young age.

I thought for sure, he will remember it because we went to the courthouse and got divorced… Not.. I’m kidding lol. We went there to pay our property tax and he forgot what date it was and I told him, he has no idea! I wasn’t disappointed but sad that old age is unfolding right before my eyes. I might be exaggerating it but I’m literally worried for him. I hope that I’m just being sensitive because its my birthday and that nothing is really going wrong with my husband.

Anyway, he got a pass for me but I did cry at the end of the day because my son have forgotten it also and he went out with his friends and to make the matter worse, he stayed overnight at his friend’s house which was unexpected. Then he stayed the whole day of the next day. I was starting to get irritated but I didn’t let it show since I didn’t want to have a migraine but I ended up with one anyway.

On the brighter note, my daughter did not forget! Also, we did fun stuff prior and after my birthday. We drove our daughter to Davis and Elkins College for the weeklong Rhododendron All State Girls leadership training that she has to attend to.

I thought something was off since our daughter was extra quiet and she seems very down. Hubby and I thought she was just stressed out about the event. I didn't know then that her and her boyfriend broke up the night before we left. That was not a good day for her as she worked a long shift that day. I feel bad for her but that's part of growing up and getting into a relationship. They're still young and I'm sure she will bounce back from it just fine, but the first heartache is always the worst. Hopefully she get over about it soon.

Anyway, I am on my way to golden age, yeah!

Hello Summer

2022-05-27T07:08:00.001-07:00

My son took these photos when we went to Moundsville sometime last year. While our daughter was practice parallel parking, EJ and I hang out in this kiosk near the parking area.

He's funny when taking photos lol.

He said it is his artistake take in taking photographs which I don't mind.

Got my favorite summer hat gear on and ready for warm weather.

Hope this year's summer would be fun without the restriction of pandemic 2.0 aka monkey pox, ugh.

Fun Decorating Ideas for Your Kid's Bedroom

2022-05-10T15:29:00.022-07:00

Your child’s bedroom is the place where they’ll spend their time. It is a place to play, sleep, eat and learn. The role of a kid's room is to provide comfort and safety for your little ones. A kid’s room should be a fun space that encourages creativity, learning, and exploration. It should be organized with plenty of storage space for toys and clothes so that it can accommodate all the activities that kids want to do in their free time. So when it comes to decorating, it’s a good idea to keep this all in mind.

Why You Should Focus on Creating a Fun Themed Kids Room

A fun themed kids room is a great way to provide your child with an environment that will inspire them to learn and explore. They will have fun exploring their creativity and you will know that they are safe. So it is important for parents to make sure that the bedroom is a place where kids feel comfortable and safe.

How to Choose the Best Children's Bedroom Design

When it comes to choosing the best children’s bedroom design, parents have to make sure that they are following the trends and considering the latest decorating ideas. They also need to make sure that they are not overspending on their kids’ bedrooms. A lot of people struggle with how to choose the best kids room in their house because there are so many options out there.

The best children's room in the house should be a place where your child feels safe and comfortable while also having fun. This is why it is important for parents to consider what type of furniture will be inside the room. The colors and themes should be age appropriate for your child as well as for their friends who may visit them at home.

Choosing the Best Furniture for Your Kid’s Newly Decorated Bedroom

If you are looking for bedroom furniture for your child, you should consider a few things. You need to think about the size of your child, their room, and what type of furniture they have previously used. The first thing you should do when it comes to choosing children's beds is to take a look at the room your kid will be sleeping in. If it's a small room, then a single bed would be the best option. If it's not too small, then twin beds may work better because they'll allow more space for activities and playtime.

If you're looking for storage space, then bunk beds may be an option because they provide more than one level of storage space. Bunk beds also offer an opportunity to mix and match colors as well as styles so that your child has their own personal style that reflects their personality. Then there’s also other kinds of furniture to consider and working out what will fit in their room, such as storage for their clothes and toys too.

Choose the Right Colors for your Child's Bedroom

A color palette is a set of colors that are used to create a visual effect. There are many different ways to choose the right color palette for a room, but the most important thing is finding what the space needs. There are a lot of colors that you can use to decorate your kids' bedroom, but you’ll want to make sure that it not only works for the space, but goes with your overall home decor and suits their likes and personality. Think about the colors they like, whether you want to work with wallpaper, and whether or not you’re sticking to a kind of theme for the design too.

How to Keep Your Kid’s Bedroom Organized, Clean & Tidy

Bedrooms are the most important rooms in a house. It is where children spend most of their time. And so it is essential to keep them organized, clean, and tidy. If you have a child who has just started sleeping in their own room, it can be difficult to figure out how to organize the space. Here are some tips that will help you get started with organizing your kid’s bedroom:

1) Keep their toys away from their bed

2) Keep all the books on shelves or on the floor under their bed

3) Make sure that they have enough floor space for playing and moving around

4) Have the right storage options that can house their clothing, toys, schooling work, and anything else they have

5) Encourage them to keep things tidy and have a schedule for cleaning

Weekend Cuddles Are the Best

2022-04-19T14:40:00.002-07:00

The company that my husband works for took away the Good Friday day off in lieu of Martin Luther King's day. In my personal opinion, I think they should not have taken this holiday from the employees considering that most of the employees celebrates Easter. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against celebrating MLK day, in fact I am all for that, however, they should have retain the Good Friday as holiday as well.

Anyway, my husband requested a day off for Friday so we could do our Friday obligation to church. I am looking forward for a relaxing weekend. Weekend cuddles are the best Now that the kids are older, we don't do anything special on Easter except go to church.

So that's how we spent our Easter weekend. Staying home and relax although our daughter picked up a shift from her part time job on Sunday evening.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Workout

2022-04-14T07:30:00.003-07:00

Nobody goes to the gym hoping to get mediocre results. Everybody goes hoping to get the absolute most out of every rep, run, and workout. Luckily for you, researchers also want us to get the most out of our workouts. Try these inefficient strategies to get the biggest benefit from every one of your workouts.

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Lift Weights

If you only do cardio, you are sabotaging yourself. Your metabolism will actually go down if you only do cardio workouts, making weight loss more difficult. Resistance training, however, helps to build muscle to increase your metabolic rate. You can also help your muscle-building along with some supplements. Click here to find some.

Listen To Music

Everyone knows that your favorite songs can help to fire you up for your workout, but some studies have shown that people who listen to music, especially slow music after their workout recovered faster than those who went without music. Music boosts the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your body. These hormones are known to encourage recovery. Try listening to a few of your favorite, relaxing songs as soon as you finish your workout. This will help your blood pressure and heart rate get back to normal and recovery happen as soon as possible.

Swap Stretching For A Dynamic Warmup

Make the most of your stretching. Those who warm up with light dynamic stretches are better able to perform their workouts than those who don’t, or those who warm up with more typical bend and hold style stretches. Think of your body as a rubber band. If you stretch it around a lot and then pull it back to shoot it, it isn’t going to go as far. The same thing happens with your muscles and tendons. However, dynamic bodyweight movements, ones that mimic the workout that you’re about to do, increase blood flow and improve your range of motion without compromising the elastic properties of your muscles and tendons. For example, if you’re about to go out for a run, it’s a good idea to move through about five to ten minutes on lunges, knee raises, and leg swings before you hit the treadmill or the trails.

Preface Your Workout With Carbs

You might think carbo-loading is something only marathon runners do. Eating carbs before your workout can help you with interval training. Carbs are your main fuel for any high-intensity workout and when your body is fueled, you will get a better workout, both in terms of caloric expenditure and muscle growth, than you would if you were in a fasted state. Even if you like to do your workouts in the morning, make sure you at least eat a piece of toast or some oatmeal before you head into the gym.

With these useful exercise tips, you can get the most out of every single workout that you do, whether at the gym or at home. You can get the best results possible from all your efforts for both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Drink Plenty of Water

When it comes to improving your workout experience, one of the best things you need to get right here is to make sure you consume plenty of water. Water is crucial for keeping your body hydrated, fighting against cramps, and making sure you are as healthy as possible during the workout process. Water is one of the best ways of being able to detox your body and make the right choices that are going to help you live a healthier, happier, and more active life, and this is something that is going to help you improve things long-term.

When you are trying to make sure you have the best and most fulfilling workout possible, water is one of the best ways of being able to achieve this. It is important to consider some of the best options that are going to help you make the most of this, and taking inspiration from American Water to help you make water a key part of your life (and workout plan) comes with so many great advantages.

Why It’s Good To Have Less Screen Time

2022-04-13T04:50:00.003-07:00

Everyone uses screens for at least a small portion of the day, but many people use them almost non-stop. From the TV to a laptop to smartphones and tablets, it all adds up to many, many hours spent staring at a screen. In a lot of instances, this staring is necessary for work, for socializing, even for relaxing, but that doesn’t mean that too much of it is good for us. In fact, in some cases, it can be very bad indeed.

There are still studies ongoing that are focused on determining exactly how bad these hours of screen time are (the devices haven’t been around long enough, but the findings so far certainly suggest that we should all cut down if at all possible. Here are some of the reasons why.

It’s Bad For Your Health

Screen time is bad for your health in several different ways, but perhaps the most obvious is your fitness level and weight. When you are using your screens, you will most likely be in a sedentary position, either sitting at a desk or on a sofa, or perhaps lying down in bed. Where you are, whatever you are doing, the lack of physical activity can mean that you just aren’t getting enough exercise. Not only that, but your circulation can be affected because you aren’t moving around enough. The key to a healthy amount of screen time in this case is to limit yourself to a shorter amount of time each day and use the rest of the time you would have been in front of the screen exercising.

If this is not possible due to work, you should leave your desk and walk around the office – or, better yet, outside – every hour to ensure your circulation isn’t restricted.

Planning Becomes Difficult

If you’ve been wondering why your ability to make plans seems to have deserted you, and you can no longer process times and dates as well as you once did, this could be because of the amount of screen time you are currently having. Studies have shown that those who spend a lot of time in front of their screens (particularly those who play lots of video games) tend to have less brain function in their frontal lobes. One of the problems this causes is your ability to plan properly.

Planning your day-to-day life is something that can help us immensely. We need to know what we can get done and when, such as organizing mold and water damage restoration, and we need to understand how much money is in the bank. We also need to be able to plan things even further ahead, such as vacations and breaks away, for example.

Your Brain Can Suffer

We know that too much screen time can cause us physical damage and harm, but it can also be an issue when it comes to your brain’s performance too. This could be due to the way that this technology ‘uses’ the brain and teaches it to work. If you want your memory to improve and you want to have your brain working at its very best, reducing screen time is the way to do it. On top of this, you can also do brain training games, or perhaps just enjoy a good book or find a hobby to stimulate your brain.

Some apps and games can indeed be used on our devices for brain enhancement too, and these can be useful but not if they make you use even more of your time up using a screen.

DIY Decorating Tips

2022-04-13T04:42:00.006-07:00

Giving your home a new look is exciting, but it can be expensive too. Sometimes, people hire interior designers and decorators to make everything look just the way they want it. If you have the budget for that, great. Many people don’t, so it’s down to them to carry out the decorating for themselves.

You might think that putting on a coat of paint, or some wallpaper is super easy, but it’s also very easy to get wrong. Poor decorating can make your home look unfinished and will probably irritate you for years to come too unless you decide to try again or get the professionals in.

Prep the area well

Many DIY and decorating tasks come down to preparation. For example, if you’re painting the walls of a room you need to make sure that the surfaces are ready. This includes any drywall repair and removal of any surface dust or grease. You need to make sure that the paint has the very best surface possible to go on. If you paint over a greasy or dusty wall, it will show in the finished result.

The same goes for repainting doors and skirting, you should sand down the area first to get rid of any uneven paint and then clean down the area thoroughly from all of the sawdust.

Buy good decorating materials

A lot of the time, you get what you pay for with decorating supplies. If you choose the cheapest paintbrushes you can find and the cheapest, thinnest paint, you’re probably not going to end up with the result you want and you’re going to need to work a lot harder too. A cheap paint may need three or four coats to look right whereas a better quality one might take only one or two.

You don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive decorating supplies you can find either, but aim for the sweet spot in the middle where you’ll find the balance between quality and value.

Watch how-to videos

YouTube is filled with great how-to videos to help out newbie decorators. Watch as many of these as possible and you might find that you pick up some great tips that you hadn’t thought of before. You may even get some inspiration for design ideas for your new look. If you’re doing something a little more complicated, such as wallpapering, this is even more important.

Take your time

Rushing a decorating job is a sure way to make mistakes that you either have to clean up or look at for years to come. It’s important to go at a speed that still allows you to pay attention to detail. It’s this finish that will make the difference between doing a great job and doing a sloppy one. You’ll be glad you took a little extra time when you look at how great your home is.

Many people get nervous when it comes to decorating themselves, but there’s no need to be. Just follow these tips to get your home looking just the way you want it to.

Some Great Ways To Bond As A Family This Summer

2022-04-12T05:03:00.001-07:00

It is really important that you feel as close as possible to your family, but it is not always simple to make this a reality. In truth, most families require some bonding from time to time if they are going to feel close, so this is something that you are going to want to bear in mind. If you are thinking about bonding with your family and trying to work out how you can do it more effectively, then you might want to consider some of the following activities, all of which are great things you can do with your family in the summer.

Play Sports Together

One thing that always brings a family closer together is playing sports. This can be done in quite a full-on way, or it can just be playing something together in the yard or the public park. Take https://sportnews.in/Cricket for an example - cricket is a great game for a family to play if you are looking to bond with one another, because it is just competitive enough to be interesting but not too much for most families, and there are many different roles to take within the sport too, which can help. So you might want to think about doing that, or a similar sport together, this summer.

Family Fun Night

This is something you can do at any time, and which is always going to have the desired effect. For these family fun nights, it’s always a good idea to have a ‘no screens’ rule. This might be something that your children balk at to begin with, but it is absolutely worthwhile as it will make the family fun night so much more enjoyable for everyone in the long run. Having one of these nights every now and then, in which you play games, watch DVDs or whatever else you might want to do, can do wonders for bonding as a family unit, so it is something else to consider this summer.

Cooking As A Family

This is one thing that you can get your family to do frequently - and in fact, the more frequently you do so, the better the effects will be. Cooking as a family is really incredibly beneficial in a bonding sense, and it’s something that can help you to keep your family as happy as possible. You might be surprised at how much this can really help, and especially if you give a different person the chance to choose what will be cooked each time. This can soon become an enjoyable event that everyone looks forward to in their own way.

Arts & Crafts

Finally, you can always consider getting into arts and crafts too. This is a great way to ensure that you are developing some creativity in your kids while also bonding with them and growing closer, and the results can often be profound and quick, even immediate. So make sure that you are thinking about this this summer when you try to bond with your family better.

How To Buy A Fixer Upper The Right Way

2022-04-11T09:51:00.006-07:00

Are you thinking about buying a new home? This can be a great choice and it may even allow you to boost your income if you are purchasing a second property. There are lots of different types of properties to consider. So specifically, let’s explore the process of making a profit from a fixer upper or a home that has seen better days. This is easy when you take the right steps.

Find The Right Home

The first step in fixing up a home is to find the perfect home to work your magic on. Finding the right home can be tricky and could take some time. Make sure you are regularly checking the market and home auction sites. You can usually pick up a fixer-upper relatively cheap from an auction.

You also need to make sure you are checking out the area you are buying the home. You need to know who your target audience will be and who is likely to buy the home. If you are aiming more towards families then you don’t really want to be buying a home in the business district for example.

Get The Best Loan

Next, you need to make sure that you get the best loan for your fixer upper. The loan market is huge and there are lots of options worth exploring. As well as this, there are countless factors that determine whether a loan is going to be right for you. For instance, you should think about interest. A simple interest loan calculation will tell you whether this is an affordable choice for you.

Complete High Quality Changes

If you are planning to sell your home then you need to make sure that you are completing the right changes to the best quality standards. For instance, you might decide to redo the garden. This is a great way to boost the level of curb appeal for the home. The right curb appeal standards will ensure that you make a killer first impression and get plenty of views. This can translate into a heavy amount of offers for your home. But you do need to complete the right quality of work. That’s why you should always consider whether to DIY or if it’s best to call in a pro contractor, even if this step will cost you more money overall.

Get It Sold

Finally, you should think about taking the right steps to get your home sold on the market. This is often all about finding the right real estate agency. The best agency can get your home sold in a matter of weeks by ensuring that you gain plenty of viewings from day one. You just need to make sure that you are carefully choosing an agency. It’s absolutely vital that they are providing a service you can trust. The longer you have to hold onto the home, the more expensive it comes for you.

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you must take to ensure that you can make money from a fixer upper. If you do this, then you’ll easily be able to boost your income. You can use this extra cash to fund other investments or improve your quality of living.