Teaching your child to garden is a useful tool in life. As food becomes more expensive, gardens can fulfill dietary needs. A garden provides healthy food as well. Your child can learn about life cycles and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Whether you have a garden or want to start one, here are a few tips.
Archives for August 2019
7 of the Best Ways to Make Money on the Side With a Full Time Job
Short on cash? Even when working the 9 to 5 grind, saving money is difficult. With bills and a calendar full of plans, the monthly income is spent so quickly!
Luckily, today there are various side gigs to boost your income — many of them being as flexible as you’d like. You can set your schedule based on how much time you want to spend on your side job and can appreciate the extra cash.
Want to discover some of the best? Here are seven ways to make money on the side with a full-time job.
1. Rideshare Driver
Do you own a reliable vehicle? Know your way around town? If so, then being a part-time rideshare driver for a company like Lyft may be one of the best side jobs for you.
You’re able to work around your schedule and can use your car to earn extra cash. Turn something you do every day into a part-time job! The best part about it is that you can decide when to work and how many hours you put in.
While one week you may only have time to work a couple of hours, another you may have a free week where you can earn a fair bit of extra cash. It’s all up to you!
Here’s a top tip: Drive passengers around premium hour rates, such as nights, weekends, and during major events like concerts or football games to earn a higher amount of cash.
If you’re interested in becoming a rideshare driver, check out the Lyft driver requirements here.
2. Pet Sitter
Prefer pets to people? We don’t blame you.
One of the fun side jobs out there, pet sitting is the purr-fect way to make extra cash.
Not only do you get to play and look after cute animals, but you also get paid for it. It’s a win-win situation!
You could work at a doggy daycare or boarding facility, or for more flexibility, you can go self-employed. If you opt for the latter, one way to get started is to ask friends, family, and neighbors if their pets need looking after. It’s also a great way to gain pet sitting referrals.
Likewise, websites and apps like Wag make it easy to market your pet sitting services. Whether you’re thinking about dog-walking, grooming, or simply watching pets while their owners are away, you’re sure to have a ball with this side gig.
3. Freelancer
If you’ve got a set of skills, then putting them to use as a freelancer is one of the best side jobs that pay well.
Freelance jobs are varied, so whatever skills you have, it’s likely that there’s a market for them. And the best part about freelancing is that you can work around your schedule, putting in as much or as little effort as you’d like. Just make sure you stick to those deadlines!
Whether you possess top-notch writing skills or you’re a whizz at graphic design, there’s a saturated marketplace for freelancers. If your work is online, just make sure you have a kick-ass portfolio so you can display your work to gain clients.
Who knows, maybe you’ll even consider making freelancing a full-time job!
4. Rent Your Space
If you own property, the easiest way to earn extra cash is to rent it out through websites such as Airbnb.
Whether you have a spare room, garage, or storage space, someone out there will be happy to part with their cash in exchange for renting it out. If you’re heading on holiday, you can even rent out your whole place, which is likely to pay well.
It’s up to you on how much you’ll charge and how long you’ll rent your space for — meaning you can earn a little cash or a lot. And the best part is that apart from a bit of light cleaning and changing of bed sheets, you don’t need to do much at all.
5. Sell Your Stuff
Are you a hoarder? If you have a storage space full of unused furniture and a closet full of unworn clothes, shoes, and bags, it may be time to consider selling some of them. Not only can you earn cash, but you’ll also de-clutter your home and free up some space.
Use eBay to sell those items you’ve never used, and you’ll be surprised how much money you can earn from your cast-offs. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
6. Work at a Festival or Event
During the summer months especially, many one-off festivals or events hire casual staff. This can be on the bars, or stewarding, for example.
If you’re available weekends and weekday evenings, this is one of the best part-time jobs for you.
Many companies supply staff for a variety of different events, meaning you can sign up to several events depending on your schedule. As staff turnover is so high, most of these companies don’t mind if you’re select with the events and festivals you’d like to work.
Not only will you earn extra cash, but you’ll gain free entry to the event and may have some free time to explore and enjoy yourself.
7. Participate in Research Studies
Depending on where you live, you might be able to participate in paid research studies or focus groups. If you live near a hospital or university, your chances of finding such work are higher.
To find opportunities in your area, search Google for ‘research studies near me,’ or simply ask around in local hospitals or universities.
Ways to Make Money on the Side with a Full-Time Job
Whether it’s adding a part-time job, a weekend job, or a second job to your schedule, these seven ways to make money on the side with a full-time job will help you earn extra money. Before you know it, the extra cash will come rolling in!
Did you enjoy this article? For more ways to earn extra cash, feel free to browse our blog!
10 Essential Tips For Planning a Worry-Free Family Trip
What if your family vacation could finally be relaxing?
Many of us spend so much time and money trying to create the perfect family trip. And the result is that we’re too stressed to enjoy this “perfect” trip!
Fortunately, you can follow a few easy tips to remove all the stress and worry from family outings. Keep reading to discover exactly what these tips are!
1. Communication is Key
Some trips are ruined before they start. Why? Conflicting schedules.
That’s why it’s important to communicate trip plans to everyone, preferably far in advance. This lets the whole family make sure that their schedule is truly clear.
Scheduling software can also help out with this. Simple calendar and reminder apps on the smartphone can make sure there are no conflicts when the vacation day rolls around.
2. Doggie Daycare
We want our children to have a good time on these trips. But what about the other children?
It’s natural to stress and worry about your pets while you’re on vacation. And one good way to avoid that is to find your beloved dogs a nice doggy daycare.
These facilities don’t just watch your animals: they help the animals socialize and have fun. If you want to really treat your pooch during your next trip, you can view more info today.
3. The Earlier, the Better
The idea of an impulsive family vacation may sound good on paper. But the best family trips are typically planned out very far in advance.
If you can schedule a trip 9 months or more in advance, you won’t just avoid schedule conflicts. You’ll also save money!
Booking early is the key to getting the best rates for things like hotel rooms and airline tickets. And it gives you that much more time to schedule fun activities once you arrive at your destination.
And if that’s not enough, consider this: the sheer anticipation of a vacation can make you a happier person.
4. Backups Are BAE
One scary element of any trip is the paperwork. At any given point, you’ll be keeping up with documents like flight tickets, passports, and theme park reservations. And this is on top of standard items like your license.
Our advice is simple: make backups of all your important paperwork. This may include physical backups such as copies and digital backups saved to the cloud.
Knowing that every important document is just a click away can bring you some real peace of mind.
5. Mild Schedule
Sometimes, we create our own stress on a family trip. How? One word: overscheduling.
When you’re going to a special destination, there is a pressure to do as much as you can while you’re there. And this may lead to parents trying to fill in every spare minute with some activity or another.
Take it from us: trying to do too much means you have less time enjoying everything. And your family will likely resent constantly running from one place to the next, especially if they are tired.
Make a mild schedule that includes time for both relaxation and unexpected adventures (more on this in a minute).
6. Safety Over Cost
When you want a cheap family trip, you look for ways to save money. And that might include booking a cheaper hotel.
If you do this, though, be sure to check the hotel rating and user reviews. And try to check the area out on Google Maps ahead of time.
Your ultimate goal is a safe place to stay for your family. Don’t sacrifice safety just to save a few bucks!
7. Recovery Day
Ever hear the phrase “I need a vacation from my vacation?”
It’s easy to get stressed during a trip if you have to rush to work as soon as you get back. That’s why we recommend including a recovery day at the end of your trip.
Having a day to unpack and unwind can really help you decompress. And knowing you have a decompression day waiting for you can help make the actual trip less stressful!
8. Selective Sharing
Do you really want a stress-free family trip? Then let us be the first to tell you that using social media while on vacation adds a lot of unwanted stress.
First, it may make you worry about home security. Every post about your awesome vacation is basically advertising that no one is at home!
Second, it can be a distraction. Constantly replying to comments and messages during your expensive trip is an easy way to miss out and waste your money.
Finally, it causes added pressure to do things like taking a perfect selfie. You should spend this time having fun and not worrying about how you look to other people.
9. Open-Minded Adventures
Every good travel story has something in common. What is it? Cool adventures that were not planned in advance.
One of the reasons you should create light schedules is that it leaves room for the unexpected. You can take advantage of surprise concerts, soft openings for attractions, and even a local party or two.
If you go in with a full schedule or a closed mind, you may miss out on something really unforgettable for the whole family.
10. Ditch That Laptop
Here’s a vacation secret: you can’t really relax if you bring work with you.
It’s tempting to pack a laptop and try to be productive when you can. But this defeats the whole purpose of a vacation.
Think of it this way: you have the whole rest of the year to answer e-mails and work on major projects. But this is one of the only times during the year that you can take your mind off of work.
Ditch the laptop and let those e-mails pile up. Knowing that you won’t have to deal with it until later can help you truly enjoy the here and now, and it may even help with your health.
Perfect Family Trip: The Bottom Line
Now you know how to plan a family trip without worries or stress. But do you know how to make your next vacation the best one yet?
We help to make life easier and more engaging for parents across the world. Before you book your next trip, be sure to check out our holiday articles today!
Fun Ways to Mark the End of Summer Vacation
Summer is ending and school is beginning. Some kids have already started school. There is still time to celebrate the end of summer. Some people use Labor Day weekend as their end, but you do it when it feels right. I like to do it before school is back in session, that is before Labor Day here. There are all sorts of things to do to prepare for the weather changes. Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate.
Electrical Safety Tips For Your Home
Keeping your home safe is important since it will not just protect your property, it will also protect your family especially your little ones. Safeguard your home with these electrical safety tips.
Mind Your Electrical Outlets
When you have numerous appliances that you need to use and gadgets that need to be charged, we often use power strips or extension cords to make extra outlets. This is dangerous, especially when they are all plugged into the same outlet. Be reminded that electrical outlets are made to deal with just a certain amount of current. Exceeding the current limit of an outlet can cause a spark and can possibly start a house fire if not prevented. To avoid this kind of calamity from happening, make sure that you do not overload outlets.
Say NO To Water And Electricity Combo
This saying is already known to many but still, some people tend to neglect it. Have you experienced touching an appliance with your wet hands and got surprised due to electrical shock? Yes, water conducts electricity. That is why these two should not mix. If you have an outlet near the sink, be more cautious to avoid accidents and electric shocks. Keep in mind that water cannot put down an electrical fire. It is best to use a fire-retardant chemical extinguisher in this case. Therefore, having a fire extinguisher is a must in every home. When it comes to flood in the basement, never attempt to walk through the flood unless it is tested for electric currents. Keep your family safe by bearing these things in mind.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
The usual causes of ground faults include water so GFCI is best for rooms that involve running water. This can make your house safe because once your outlet gets wet or if GFCI detects that there is a leakage current, it will immediately shut down the outlet. If your kid inserted something into the outlet, GFCI will identify this foreign object making electrical outlets safe for your kids as well.
Repair Broken Appliances
Broken appliances can also lead to electrical problems so make sure to take them to professionals for repair. Do not be tempted to fix it yourself even if you know something about electronics. You may be familiar with Current Shunt Resistors or capacitors but it would still be safe if you let the experts do the fixing.
Inspect Your Walls Before Starting A Project
Make sure to locate internal wirings when your project involves nailing and drilling. If you do not pay attention to this, you can be prone to electrical shock or you may ruin your home’s electrical system. Listen to this warning and save yourself from a major headache.
Clear Your Floors From Cords
Pets and babies can be attracted to electrical cords if they are just across your floors. Pets may chew on them and you do not want that to happen. Make sure your kids will not play with electrical cords so keep them out of your pet and children’s reach.
Bear these tips in mind to ensure your home and family’s safety. Being aware of the things that may put your life at risk will help you prevent disasters from happening. Keep your house safe not just inside but make the outdoors around your house safe as well.
25 Movies to Watch with Family on Family Movie Night
Parents are always wondering about the best movies to watch with family. The truth is, for every ten movies that appear in theaters, only one or two are dedicated to families. So, what are parents to do to entertain their children?
Take a step back in time! Of course, there are current movies to see but it’s important to show your children some of the classics. The classics had every bit to do with your own childhood as your parents did so you’ll want your kids to have the same influence, right?
Just when you thought there was nothing left to watch besides cartoons on Nickelodeon and Disney, we’re here with some important information for you! Here are 25 great movies for families at any time of the year.
25 Movies to Watch with Family on Family Movie Night
It can be difficult to narrow a list of movies down to just 10 or 25 because so many are released each year. Hands down, these are some of the best movies of all time, for families and just because, too. Take a look.
1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
There’s nothing more timeless than Dorothy and her sparkling ruby red slippers that brought her home from the land of Oz. It was along the way that she met the Lion, the Tin-Man, the Scarecrow, the Witch, and the wizard of Oz himself.
2. Old Yeller (1957)
One of the best and most classic movies for dog lovers is none other than ‘Old Yeller’. The story of the beloved canine that befriends a young boy and his brother but ultimately faces the fate of living in the wild.
3. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)
Willy Wonka himself cannot recommend this movie enough. For every chocolate lover and believer out there, this movie is a must. Meet Charlie and Violet and all the other kids that made it through the tour of the infamous Chocolate factory.
4. Star Wars (1977)
When you’re talking about good movies for family movie night, ‘Star Wars’ obviously tops the list. It’s an all-time great among movie lovers, space lovers, fantasy followers, and thrill-seekers. Besides, everybody else has seen it.
5. E.T. ‘the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Meet Elliot, the young boy determined to get his newfound friend home, to his own planet. E.T. is a friendly alien from another world that will fill your heart. You will fall in love all over again and your kids will also love him.
6. The Goonies (1985)
This classic about four young boys facing hard times in rural Oregon will steal your heart all over again.
7. Home Alone (1990)
The story of a young boy that is forgotten by his family during a holiday family vacation. Watch him pull out of various predicaments and hold his own at a mere 8 years old.
8. Aladdin (1992)
Prince Ali and Princess Jasmine will ultimately save Jasmine’s kingdom from the evil force that is the King’s counsel. Magic carpet rides, lots of music and dancing, and a very funny Robin Williams will keep you laughing all night long.
9. Beethoven (1992)
Have you ever seen a dog this big? Meet Beethoven, the St. Bernard that is on a mission to protect his family. His adventures are many and your kids will be delighted by the story.
10. The Sandlot (1993)
This comedy will have you giggling from start to finish as you see the story of the young boys forming a baseball team in the summer of 1962.
11. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
One of the all-time great family movies is none other than ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, the story of a divorced man trying to keep his family together. Another Robin Williams film that cannot be missed.
12. Jurassic Park (1993)
One of the best movies for family movie night for a real thrill is the now-classic ‘Jurassic Park’. Dinosaur lovers and science fiction adventurers will be immersed in the delights of coming close to one of the earth’s greatest creatures to ever walk the earth.
13. The Lion King (1994)
Simba is a young lion cub that has a lot to learn about the world. His journey is trying but in the end, he will be rewarded.
14. Jumanji (1995)
Robin Williams was a popular guy in the 1990s. Watch Jumanji as he takes you to another world where the imagination rules.
15. Toy Story (1995)
Disney made waves when they introduced ‘Toy Story’ as the first ‘Pixar’ film. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen will take right back to your own childhood.
16. Shrek (2001)
Shrek is a very funny ogre on a mission to save a princess. One of Dreamworks’ masterpiece films, it’s too funny to miss.
17. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
J.K. Rowling nailed it with Harry Potter and the movie is almost as good. Meet Harry as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the adventures he has along the way.
18. Spiderman (2002)
Your friendly neighborhood Spiderman is just a web away. The 2002 film featuring Toby Maguire blasted box office records and it’s still entertaining today.
19. Marley & Me (2008)
Marley was the trusted friend of a journalist and his new wife. Learn his story and laugh and cry along the way.
20. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Sometimes we make friends in the strangest places. Hiccup is supposed to be fighting dragons but when given a new chance to plot his people’s future, a dragon is just the place to start.
21. The Lego Movie (2014)
For any kid that likes legos, and any adult that wonders how they end up all over the floor, ‘The Lego Movie’ is the ultimate kicker.
22. Inside Out (2015)
What really goes on inside our thoughts? Take a peek into your brain with this cute Disney flick about the emotions we feel and why.
23. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Max is a young terrier with a lot of friends that know how to party when their owners are away. See their adventure and get a glimpse into your own pets’ secret lives.
24. A Dog’s Purpose (2017)
If you love dogs, you must see ‘A Dog’s Purpose’, the story of a devoted friend that learns of his true meaning in life through the existence of his humans.
25. A Dog’s Journey (2019)
The sequel to ‘A Dog’s Purpose’, another feel-good family film is the more recent release. Don’t miss it.
Final Thoughts
This list of movies to watch with family should be enough to get you started this weekend. So update the Netflix subscription and browse your video library for the classics that bring families together. There are plenty more where this came from!
We hope you found this post helpful! Don’t forget to check back for more posts about keeping your kids happy and entertained.
7 Key Steps to Take When Aging Parents Need Help
If your elderly parents need help with staying safe and healthy, you might need help yourself.
Helping elderly parents requires a lot of patience. You want to figure out your needs, understand the options, and make decisions without feeling overwhelmed. You should focus on something concrete that’ll help you feel more in control.
Consider these 7 steps to create a realistic plan for caring for aging parents. Your mom, dad, or patient will be happy that you read this.
Understand What Your Parents Need
Caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming since you’re not sure what needs to happen. Take a step back and assess how much help your aging parents need from day-to-day. The key areas you should focus on include: family support, home safety, medical needs, cognitive health, mobility, personal hygiene, meal preparation, and social interaction.
Ask yourself (or them) how much support they already receive in each category. Then ask how much help you can realistically provide. You’ll find the solution to how to stay safe and healthy much easier that way.
Consider having a caregiving notebook to write everything down. You can keep track of how you take care of your parents and figure out what services they need.
For instance, your parents could live in an isolated area with no other family nearby.
Perhaps they hate cooking for themselves but is managing diabetes and needs specialized care. You could help with managing their medication, transportation, and meals.
A solution could be hiring a driver for their doctor’s appointments or errands. Use delivery services for their groceries or meal deliveries. You should also consider hiring an in-home caregiver to prepare their meals and help distribute medications.
Consider Your Own Needs and Abilities
Consider what responsibilities you have in your own life before helping elderly parents.
Before you assume that you can take care of your parents on your own, stop and think about your own abilities. Are you in good health to physically care for someone? Or do you live close enough to make regular visits?
In those situations, you want to consider if you want to live with them or have them live in yours. Is this a kind of relationship that allows you to spend enough happy and peaceful time together? You want to consider how your personality blends with your parents’ personality types to better learn how to provide that care.
You want your parents to be healthy and safe. So by looking out for your own health and safety, you also look out for them and theirs. Taking on too much physically or emotionally will not help you or your parents in the long run.
Keep Your Parents Included in the Process
Caring for aging parents does not mean taking full control of their lives. It’s important to involve them as much as possible when planning for their care. It’ll help them to view you as their partner instead of someone forcing change onto them.
Parents are likely to be resistant in the beginning. It may take multiple conversations to get them on the same page. If they are not in any immediate danger, avoid forcing changes too quickly.
Start with approaches that don’t invade their independence. After that, you can slowly add to what they need until they are taken care of. This should help them accept your help much easier.
Understand the Financial Situation
You should always remember that caring for aging parents will cost money. It’s a good strategy to have estimates of what everything will cost you in the long run.
Consider the medical care your parents will likely need. That includes the cost of changing their living situation from living with you to assisted living. It also included everyday costs like caregiving supplies, home safety modifications or food.
As soon as you have an idea of the finances, you’ll know if you’re can afford it. Luckily, there is financial help for those helping elderly parents. You can consider government programs or Medicaid to help pay for long term care.
You may also want to consult a financial planner or an elder law attorney. They can help with things such as qualifying for Medicaid.
Also, you’ll want to protect your elderly parents from elder financial fraud. Seniors can sometimes have diminished mental capacity and may need evaluating investing opportunities or monitoring their accounts.
Handle the Home Safety Basics
Safety hazards in the home can add up over time, which makes aging parents prone to tripping, falling, or getting hurt.
You may have to go a long way to prevent falls and keep your parents as independent as possible. You can make sure that the floors and walkways are clear of any clutter, cords, and rugs. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and stair railings can make a big difference.
You should also update the lighting in all rooms and make sure that they are bright with switches that are easily accessible. Ensure that all appliances work well and are well within reach. And minimize any need for your parents to use step-stools or bend down.
Keep Communication Simple and Accessible
Make sure that your parents can easily call for help and keep in touch with their loved ones. As well as being a safety hazard, being isolated and loneliness have negative effects on overall health. This is why you should make sure their phone is easily accessible and simple to use.
You could help your parents with pre-programming numbers to make for simpler dialing. Or if your parents are open to the idea, suggest a wearable medical alert device.
Explore Other Aging Care Options
Even when you break down the steps, dealing with aging parents can be an overwhelming responsibility.
But there are many other elderly care options and helpful resources you can depend on.
A geriatric care manager can act as consultants to help you or they can manage the different aspects of caring for aging parents. In-home caregivers, whether hired privately or from an at-home care agency, can take care of seniors in the comfort of their homes. Assisted living communities are also helpful as they provide you with a break and 24/7 care for your parents.
Geriatricians specialize in caring for the elderly and are very helpful. They have more experience treating people with dementia, multiple chronic health conditions, and other conditions that will affect older adults. Or area agency on aging serves local seniors and is a great starting point to connect you with helpful government programs and resources.
Get Help for Your Aging Parents Today
Learning how to help your aging parents is an ongoing lesson. There are plenty of options to choose from, depending on what you can afford and what your parents are comfortable with.
Keep this guide to help you explore your options to get your parents the care they deserve today!
When To Let Your Belongings Go
We are a society of people who have things. Some things have sentimental value. Some things serve a purpose. Each year, people talking about getting rid of things. Then they have anxiety attacks over which things to let go. I get it. Everyone goes through this. Even the minimalists have dealt with this. Rather than stress about it, let’s make it easier.
5 Ideas For Back To School Photos
Back to school photos are the one thing every parent looks forward to. Scroll through Instagram or Facebook, and you will see tons of photos. It is a great way to document your child’s growth throughout the years. Getting a good shot on the first day is a given, but I want to talk to you about some new ideas.
Get Some Extra Cash: 9 of the Best Ways to Make Money From Home
Now that we live in the digital age 3.9 million people work from home in the United States. And if you have a computer and an internet connection you could count yourself among them.
If you look hard enough there are plenty of ways to make money from home earning a decent wage. The tough part is sifting through them to figure out which ones are right for you.