OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF A LONG-DISTANCE MOVE!!!

Have you decided to move at a long-distance? Regardless of the reason why you are moving, a long-distance move always comes with a lot of challenges. Some of these challenges are time clutches, documentation preparation, lots of stuff to pack, handling the different types of items, and so on. As per the best nationwide movers, moving at a long distance is a huge hectic and it requires a lot of hard work. Luckily with the help of the internet, advanced technology, and professionals, you can make the process smoother and a bit easier for you. 

If you are looking for tips to streamline the entire moving process and want to know how you can overcome the challenges then here you will get to know about some tips and tricks:  

• Efficient packing when moving at long-distance: The longer is the distance for the move, the greater is the risk for your possessions. Most people have a misconception that fewer moving boxes will lead to fewer trips. But there is a possibility that those fewer moving boxes are too heavy to survive the long-distance move leading to damage to your most precious items. If you want to protect your belongings then you must follow proper packing protocol. Avoid getting packing material of poor quality. Invest your money in fresh and intact moving boxes and packing supplies. Remember to pack fragile items in a separate box with proper protection.

• Inquire from more than one to two moving companies: When you are looking for the right moving company for your successful move then it is a great idea to inquire from more than one to two companies. Make sure you contact these companies in advance at least one month before so that these are not pre-booked by other clients and you can secure the best available moving company present out there. Also when hiring any of the organizations, make sure you do enough research about movers, get as much as information you can get, ask questions or whatever you have in your mind and look for the red flags also. Though finding the right moving organization is one of the biggest challenges during the move, but if you take enough time and do your homework well then you can do the job perfectly. 

• Too much stuff to pack, downsize the move as much as possible: It might be possible that after shifting to your new house you may figure out that you have too much stuff to organize at your place. You are not able to fit your belongings or the decor is not matching to the interior. One solution to this problem is to downsize as much as possible and purge out the stuff you think is not needed. Just take a look at your new place and be rational about what will fit into it. The next step is to go through your belongings and decide what is essential and what is non-essential. You can donate, sell or gift unwanted items. 

• Get rid of the unexpected costs: People may experience this challenge when relocating at a longer distance and end up paying extra money for the move. The best way to tackle this problem is to prepare a budget that shows what you are willing to spend and also leave extra room for additional moving expenses. Make sure to get written price estimates from different moving companies and be clear about the services included in the estimates. Do read the contract carefully and ask questions and know how to do everything. After clarifying your doubts hire that moving company that falls under your budget.

• Start the process earlier to eliminate lack of Preparation: It is nearly impossible to make several trips when moving at a long distance and nobody wants to lose their valuable belongings behind. Therefore, you should plan everything. Always prepare a checklist that consists of the belongings you want to carry along with you and the tasks that are to be done when moving to another place. Book the moving company in advance and try to relocate during the off-season because in the off-season there is less demand for moving companies and thus, the moving cost is also less.

• Don’t forget to keep all records and receipts: During a moving process, there are several documents and receipts that you might require. For instance, moving internationally requires a valid passport. You may need to research the process of UK passport renewals from Canada if necessary, and doing this in plenty of time will allow for a smoother transition and help you avoid any last-minute issues. In addition, keeping all of your receipts can increase the chances that your accountant could help you to save yourself from taxes according to the recent rule of income tax.

Wrapping it all up!!! 

If you don’t have enough time to spend on a long-distance move and if you don’t want to take any risk then hiring professionals is a great idea then you just have to supervise them and they will do the rest of the tasks. If you are hiring them partially then the above tricks will help you to have a successful move overcoming all the challenges. 

Make A Beautiful First Impression In Your Kitchen With These Creative Ideas

Even The Smallest Kitchen Can Make An Impressive First Impression When You Start Making Small Changes

When it comes to making a first impression, your kitchen will be judged harshly. This is because a kitchen that looks cluttered, dull, or even dirty can immediately make the other person feel that you do not follow the right hygiene standards. On the other hand, a beautiful kitchen can become the main place for people to sit together and enjoy long chats. A perfectly decorated and staged kitchen also helps to sell your homes faster. To be able to incorporate the art of making your kitchen have a good first impression you should know where to start. Below are some creative ideas to make your kitchen stand out and make it into an impressive room.

Light It Up

A beautiful kitchen starts when you can see it shine. Apart from getting that shine from being spotlessly clean, you can enhance its appearance by incorporating ideas for plinth lighting in it. These are beautiful gentle lights added to the lower column of the kitchen elements. They are one of the most effective tools as they make the kitchen feel very cozy and welcoming. It makes it enjoyable for everyone who sits there and spends time. The correct lighting will have an instant effect of creating an enjoyable place. 

Consider adding white cabinets into the design; not only do they bring a touch of sophistication to the ambiance, but they also seamlessly elevate the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.

Upgrade The Hardware

Though your kitchen cabinets and drawers may bring you memories of how you started 10 years ago, if they have started to look oil and shabby, it is time to upgrade it. Though it can be a little expensive it can serve you for a long time. This includes even the hardware. If you have a huge outdated oven sitting in the kitchen taking up space and doesn’t work, then it is time to replace it with a new sleek one. There is a kitchen equipment that is space-conscious and can easily be stored in a nice place without cluttering your kitchen. 

Make It Fresh

Do you know what makes food and your overall kitchen appear fresher? Fresh Herbs! You can grow some herbs right inside your kitchen. Not only will they bring a visual appeal to your kitchen, but you will also be able to reach out for fresh herbs for every meal of yours. There are many indoor herb plants that you can choose from. If you are short of space, you can use a vertical garden planter or a stackable one. Furthermore, you can opt for hanging or mounting garden herbs that can ideally be put up in even the smallest of kitchens. 

The Cutlery Matters

Some people like to showcase their fine pieces of china while others use the cutlery only when eating. While your fine china is your personal choice, all other cutlery items that you will use regularly can be of fine quality. The best choice is definitely using those that have a stainless steel finish. These give an outstanding look to all your cutlery and utensils and will transform the appearance of your whole kitchen. If you are looking for a way to cut down your budget on buying these items, you can get a stainless steel finish and apply it to all your appliances. You can even further use appliance-friendly paint that can help to make your old appliances which are in working condition to get a modern look. 

Dress Up For The Kitchen

Just because you are in the kitchen, doesn’t mean you cannot dress up a little bit. Adding cute aprons for yourself and covers for your kitchen will give it a more wholesome and welcoming touch. You can personalize them with cute printed ones or go for something wilder like leather aprons. These are also easier to clean and studier. 

Create A Central Point

Adding a comfortable breakfast and another meal location is probably the easiest kitchen detail you can add to make it look nice. You can add a few pillows and a centerpiece that makes that little area stand out from the rest of the kitchen. It will make a small space wherein things are not going to be fast-paced and you can beat the clock and relax. 

To make a positive impression of your kitchen, the above ideas will definitely help you to get started. Slowly you can add more elements as you deem fit and bit by bit enhance the appeal of the kitchen. Keeping it clean will always play an important role. Furthermore, a clean kitchen with all the creative elements added to it will serve the purpose of enjoying every meal with your loved ones in a comfortable environment.

Exciting Weekend Trips Out Of New York City

Ask any true New Yorker and they could easily rattle off ten reasons why New York City is the best city on earth, and it won’t even take them a “new york minute” to do it. We all know that the excitement of living in a city that is brazen enough to call itself the “capital of the world” is not easily matched, but (brace yourself) - there is a world beyond her borders and for some of the most exciting weekend trips out of the city, read on.

Now we do have to remind you (just in case you’ve forgotten) that we are still in the throes of a global pandemic, so before you plan any travels make sure you check out the government’s advice on travel during this period and always reconfirm travel with your airline if you’re planning on flying anywhere.

So, here we go and in no particular order…

#1  THE HAMPTONS

OK, the fact that the Hamptons just happens to be on this list’s number 1 spot is entirely coincidental (or maybe not that much).  This favorite of New Yorkers for decades still takes pride of place for busy city dwellers who need a quick jaunt out of the city, if not for the whole summer (if you’re part of that set of course), and no matter if you’ve been once or dozens of times, the Hamptons still holds some breathtakingly beautiful scenes along gorgeous coastlines.  You can go home spotting to see which of the billionaire’s row houses you’ll be putting on your “vision board” or enjoy the surf at Cooper’s beach or just hang out at the Montauk Salt Cave, there is still so much to see and do here and tons of great hotels to stay in while you’re doing it.  You can take in a show at the Suffolk Theater, go wine tasting, drive the Dune Road and sample beer at the Boardy Barn.  We say “sample” but we may actually mean “consume in very large quantities”.

#2 THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE

“Philly” as she is affectionately known is a mere 1hr and 40-minute drive from the city, but it could just as well be in another country, and to many New Yorkers, it is.  But this city holds a very special place in the heart of the United States and there are dozens of attractions to keep your interest piqued for a weekend away.  There is so much more to the city than cheesesteaks and the “Liberty Bell”, but you’ll absolutely want to do the “Rocky Run”.  Live concerts are back and a staple of the city is the “Live Nation” concerts.  You’ll want to do those.

To head off the beaten track, check out Bartram’s Garden, Zagar Mosaics, Shofuso Japanese Garden, and take in the Mural Arts Tour.

#3 THE CATSKILLS

At a little over 2 and a half hours, the Catskills present a stunning opportunity to leave the concrete jungle behind and embrace tons of activities in absolutely gorgeous surroundings.  There’s the Hunter Mountain Skyride, Pratt Rock, Zoom Flume Water Park, and Catskill Park and that’s just scratching the surface. You can “posh” it up or get back to nature and go camping at over a dozen different sites all taking in the outstanding natural beauty of the area.  This is something of a right of passage for New Yorkers and if you have not done it yet, it should be yours too.  So get some outdoor gear at EcoGearFX.com, and hit the road.  You’ll be SO glad that you did. The world’s largest kaleidoscope, Balsam lake mountain fire tower, Hanah mountain resort, and country club and Ahokan high point are some of the lesser-known attractions around the Catskills but some that you should definitely add to your “to-do” list.

#4  MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

A 1 hour and 50-minute drive through some amazing scenery, gets you to Mohonk.  It’s hard to describe this place to people who have not seen it yet. Something of a Victorian castle that yet blends into the natural environment, the hotel is a destination in and of itself.  Enjoy heartstoppingly gorgeous views over the lake and then take hikes, go swimming (if you’re brave) or visit nearby parks. The 1994 movie starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, “The Road to Welville” was filmed here and if you fancy kicking it up a gear, book one of the effortlessly stylish suites at around $3000 a night.  Take your camera, leave behind your big city attitude.

#5 CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

Just 2 and a half hours away from New York City, Cape May offers a stunning coastline to rival anywhere else in the United States.  Friendly locals, wonderful gastronomic culture, and loads of kid-friendly activities that your whole family will love.  Check out the 7-mile brewery, aqua trails, and parasailing club to get your heart racing but whatever you do, don’t pass up the opportunity to take in the last of the season’s sun on that gorgeous beach. Cape May offers something for everyone and you’ll love the vibrant but relaxed night scene too.  To try out a few of the hidden gems of Cape May, check out the Alpacas on the Jersey Shore, visit the Wildwood Aviation Museum and the Willow Creek Winery.

At the end of the day, there’s no place like home and sometimes to truly appreciate how lucky we are to call New York City home, we have to turn our eyes away from the bright lights, even if only for a smidge.  The beauty of New York is that fabulous destinations in just about any direction are within our reach within a couple of hours and so it pays to get online and have a sniff about, after all, time is of the essence and you don’t want to waste your precious hours away getting lost or wondering what to do when you get to wherever you’re going.

When you’re back you’ll have Central Park, the Whitney, and Times Square rolling out their best red carpets to welcome home.

Lawn Maintenance: How To Keep Your Yard Looking Beautiful

If you have a yard outside your house, it can be the ideal place for relaxing with your family when the weather allows it. It’s also a great place for kids to play in the sun and on the grass as a change from their rooms. Moreover, you should take yard maintenance seriously to keep it looking fresh and attractive to those passing by. Here are some maintenance tips you can use to have the most beautiful yard on the block:

1. Water Properly

The watering technique or pattern you follow could make or break your lawn. Many people think frequent watering is the way to maintain a beautiful lawn. However, it’s proven that deeper watering less often and giving your lawn a full soak is much more effective. A lawn only needs water when the top two inches of the soil look like they have dried. Don’t just go for quick, light sprinkling; adjust your system to run deeper into the soil. 

2. Don’t Forget To Aerate

One of the most important things you can do to keep your yard looking beautiful is helping it breathe properly! Aerating refers to the process of making small holes at specific depths in the soil using any type of tool to improve air access into it. Not only does this process give the soil the air it needs, but it also lets in many nutrients, sun, and water. The timing of aerating plays an important role; the ideal time is in the fall, right before the cold kicks in. 

3. Fertilize And Remove Weeds At The Right Time

Speaking of timing, it has an even bigger role when it comes to fertilizing your yard and protecting it from weeds. The yard maintenance professionals at www.neavegroup.com recommend having a fertilization program to keep track of feedings. Fertilizing depends on the type of grass you’re growing and the fertilizer you’re using. It’s usually better to start fertilization in the spring followed by fall feedings to fix summer damages for warm-seasoned grass. Cold-seasoned grass should be fertilized more intensely in the fall and less in early spring. As for weed-killing, it’s also better to start attacking them in early spring and summer with different chemicals. 

4. Perfect Your Mowing

Weather conditions and the time of year usually control how often you should mow your yard. Cold weather requires less mowing, while warm weather means the grass grows quicker and hence, more frequent mowing. The way you mow your yard makes all the difference in how your yard looks. For cool-season grass, you should mow more than 2½ to 3½ inches, while warm-season grass should be cut a bit shorter than that. 

5. Attention to Detail

Lawn maintenance really just comes down to attention to the little details, because they make all the difference. Something as simple as edging your lawn will go such a long way in its overall appearance. You need to get some sheers and trim the edges of the grass and plants so that nothing is bleeding over the pathways or separators that you’ve put in or better yet contact Everett Yard Maintenance Services to help you in maintaining and cleaning up your lawn. Make it a point to also trim your tree branches if you have any, and keep your bushes well trimmed as well. This is something that won’t take much time from you if you do it on a regular basis. However, if you don’t tend to it at all, it’s going to become a much larger issue and can actually affect the surrounding plants. 

6. Look Out for Patches

Regardless of the size of your backyard, you’re bound to miss spots here and there. However, it’s so important that you give your garden a good and thorough inspection at least once a week so that you can look out for bare patches. These patches are a sign of not enough care in that specific spot. So it might mean it’s not getting enough sunlight or nutrition, or an animal may have tampered with this area. In this event, you need to repatch the spot so that you don’t have a spotty lawn. 

Our homes are our palaces and the place we create to take pride in. Your backyard is so important because your outdoor area is where you go to connect with nature and get some fresh air, as well as entertaining your friends and family. This is why it’s so important to take good care of your lawn. These are the main ways to keep your yard looking straight out of a movie scene. As you can see, the element of time plays a major role in getting the perfect yard, so it’s best to set a schedule for mowing, watering, aerating, fertilizing, mulching, etc. If it feels like too much work, employ professional help who will keep track of everything.

Best Ways Help and Prevent Harm to Marine Life and Ecosystems

Marine life may seem far removed from life on land, but the ecosystems are intertwined in more ways than you might think. Over half of the global population depends on marine life and coastal biodiversity as part of the economy. We use over 18,000 natural products that come from the oceans. The oceans absorb much of the thermal energy that is trapped by greenhouse gases. The oceans are a nursery for thousands of species. The water acts as a natural buffer for many types of storms. Without the oceans and marine life, humans probably wouldn’t have survived. How can we protect the ocean?

Educate Yourself

Learn more about the benefits of coral reef ecosystems and why we need to keep the oceans clean. A little understanding of how your actions impact the marine ecosystems goes a long way. Making little steps toward being more responsible toward the planet changes the world.  

Avoid Products That Harm Ocean Life

Plastics, cigarettes, straws, and glass bottles pollute the ocean. Sunscreen is another seemingly harmless product that can harm the ocean. The chemicals can damage coral reefs. Look for a reef-safe sunscreen or use clothing with SPF. Learn more about what types of products have an impact on the oceans and find alternatives.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Climate change is affecting the oceans in dramatic ways. Reducing your reliance on the earth’s natural resources can make a big difference. Find ways to drive less. Make a conscious effort to use less electricity and gas in your home.

Choose Sustainable Products

Many types of seafood that we depend on for food are in critical condition, some almost on the border of extinction. Choose seafood that is caught or farmed under sustainable conditions. When shopping for produce, look for organic and local products that are farmed to prevent damage to the earth.

Clean Up the Beach

When you go to the ocean, make sure to clean up after yourself. Don’t leave anything at the beach except footprints. Help out by picking up trash that someone else left behind. Take a day and work with an organization that picks up trash.

Vacation Responsibly

When you get some free time to enjoy the water, choose eco-friendly options. Paddling and kayaking may not use any natural resources, so they can be great ways to explore the oceans and rivers, but you also need to take care not to disrupt marine life. Enjoy a long beach whale watching tour on boats that are eco-conscious.

Advocate For Change

Your family can make changes to your life, but it’s going to take everyone making small changes to really make a difference. As you do your part, support others who are doing their part. Eat out at restaurants that offer sustainable seafood. Support legislation that protects the ocean. Talk to your friends about making changes to their own practices.

A sailing experience that takes you into the ocean and away from land can help you see the bigger picture. Book your tour for San Diego’s best sailing experience that is eco-friendly.

4 Common Signs Your Alcohol Intake Is Unhealthy

Most of us enjoy a drink now and again and that's fine. However, you have to be careful with your alcohol intake because there is a fine line between healthy and unhealthy drinking. It's easy to slip into an alcohol dependency and if you are drinking too much, it has a big impact on your physical health too. Unfortunately, this is a gradual process and people don't always realize that they have an issue. But there are some common signs to watch out for that may suggest you are drinking too much.

You Are Gaining Weight

Alcohol contains a lot of calories- seven per gram to be precise – and that means that even moderate drinking can cause you to gain weight. However, if you are eating the same amount as before but still gaining weight then it may be because you’re drinking more than you used to. You also need to remember that when we drink alcohol on an empty stomach, it metabolizes much faster and can cause weight gain more quickly. If you can't see any other reason for your weight gain, you should consider how much you are drinking. 

You Can't Go A Day Without Drinking

If every day you wake up and drink alcohol then this could be a sign that your drinking is becoming an issue. You can start to feel withdrawals if you go without and may find it difficult to get through the day. If you find it difficult to go a day without drinking, that is a serious warning sign. If this is the case, you should look into options like the anthem blue cross rehab facilities before the problem gets worse. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be to regain control over your drinking. 

You Can't Stop Once You Start

Another clear sign you have a problem with alcohol is that you can't stop once you start drinking. You may feel like limiting yourself to one drink but the next thing you know, it turns into three or four, and then before you know it, there is no way you are going to stop. Even if you do not feel the need to drink every day, being unable to control your drinking once you start is a serious problem. 

You Are Using Alcohol To Self-Medicate

People often drink because of the effects it has on their mood. If you are using alcohol to manage your mental health, this is a clear sign that you have an issue with drinking. People can use alcohol as a coping strategy for mental health issues like depression or anxiety and if this is the case, it's important that you seek professional advice before the problem gets worse. If you are finding it difficult to cope without drinking, then you should talk to a doctor about this so that they can help you learn not to use alcohol to self-medicate.

Cutting back on your alcohol intake can be tough, but it will improve your life in a lot of ways. If you notice any of these signs in your own drinking, it’s time to have a rethink.