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Mamma Fairy

Home & Interiors

How To Choose The Right Home For Your Family Lifestyle

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Choosing your home is one of the biggest yet tough life decisions you would make. You would need to consider so much to ensure that you make suitable investments and choices, such as your finances, lifestyle, and future endeavours. Moreover, in today’s real estate climate, where homes serve as multifunctional spaces– there’s even more, to consider in choosing the right home! So, how can you go about choosing the right house for you and your family? Here are a few factors to consider.

  • Prepare and follow a budget

Understandably, you would have a house in mind you would want to purchase. However, one thing is sure – homes don’t come cheap. The house prices in Ireland have seen an increase of 9% in the last 12 months alone. This means that you can’t make your purchases based on your dreams alone but on your financial position. To make the right choice without plunging yourself into a financial crisis, you would need to make strategic financial decisions. To do this, you would need to prepare a budget. Your budget gives you an idea of how much you have and can spend on a home. It also helps you identify whether you need financial aid and which one would be suitable for you. Be sure to follow your budget to avoid sending more money than you intended.

  • Consider your lifestyle

Suppose you are a small business owner and have a lot of clients coming into your home regularly. In that case, you would want a spacious home to create a home office or is readily accessible to all your clients. Likewise, if you are a big fan of greenery, you would want to consider a home that has a large garden space. Your home is your sanctuary and an investment; therefore, it should be a place you can’t wait to spend time in. To be sure it’s the right one for you, consider if it suits your lifestyle before making the purchase.

To help you decide on whether your preferred home is a good fit for your lifestyle, you should consider creating a checklist of what the home must-have. It could be a storage loft, garage or parking space, or access to green spaces. This way, you can help you quickly compare houses to choose the right fit.

  • Think about the location

The location of a home also plays a role in whether or not it is right for you. When choosing a house, it is vital to consider its proximity to hospitals, schools, recreational centres, or your workplace. Doing this would help you make the right decision. For example, if your child studies in London, you may want a location that wouldn’t be too far- if they choose to stay at home. If that’s the case, you might want to consider contacting various accommodation services for reliable and safe student accommodation in central London. 

You would also want to ensure you are in a safe neighbourhood. It is advisable to conduct some research on the location of your home to ensure it’s in a community with the right atmosphere and like-minded people. A place you and your family can feel safe and happy.

 Note: This is a collaborative post

 

Features

How to Get Your Life in Order and Prepare for the Future

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Life is hectic, and for many people, this means everyday tasks take priority over long-term plans. When you are busy working and looking after the kids, it can be challenging to focus on anything other than what needs to be done right now. Amid the chaos of juggling everyday life, many people have a list in their mind of all the important things they need to get sorted out for the future but never manage.

Everyone knows it is important to take care of their affairs now to make life easier in the long term. However, people often choose to put these thoughts to the back of their minds and ignore them. But, preparing for the future now will save you a lot of hassle in years to come and will provide you with the peace of mind of knowing you have everything sorted out. Prioritising these tasks and spending just a short amount of time each day to get them sorted out is an excellent way to take charge of the situation and take care of your affairs. Once you have your paperwork and jobs sorted out, you can take a breath and get on with life.

Take Out Insurance

Taking out life insurance is an excellent way to prepare for the unexpected. Life insurance is crucial to ensure that your loved ones will have some financial support if something happens to you. Sorting out life insurance does not take long and is especially easy if you do not have significant medical issues.

Start Saving

Nobody ever knows what will happen in the future, so it makes sense to have a financial safety net in place to take care of unexpected costs. Starting a rainy day fund is an excellent opportunity to organise your finances and reduce the stress of trying to find money to cover the cost of an unplanned bill. Getting into the habit of setting aside money each month and putting it into your savings should help you build a healthy rainy day fund, making life so much easier when an unanticipated situation occurs.

Plan for the End

While many people don’t like to think about the end of their life, it is still a good idea to be prepared for it and get your affairs in order. Even though you probably have many decades ahead of you, it is never too soon to get organised and take care of matters for the future. If you want to be super organised, you could consult a funeral director and arrange pre-payment of your funeral costs so your loved ones won’t need to worry about paying for it. 

No matter what age you are now, it is always helpful to have a will to ensure your assets and belongings are distributed as you wish. Arranging a will is a pretty simple process and can be done in a relatively short space of time, so if you have not got one, it is worth doing to get it sorted. 

Note: This is a collaborative post

Features

Discover the Cost-Effective Methods To Manage Your Business

The business world is constantly changing. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with the latest trends and changes in the market. The good news is that there are many cost-effective methods out there for managing your business. Keep reading for some great tips for keeping your business afloat without breaking the bank.

Use Cost-Effective Software To Manage Your Business

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For example, a hybrid mail system is convenient for sending and receiving emails from multiple accounts on one platform. It also provides the ability to easily identify which messages are received by the intended recipients and those that were not delivered. In addition, it can be used in conjunction with an online backup solution for a convenient way to store, access and restore emails.

Another cost-effective method is the use of a virtual phone system. These systems can either replace or supplement existing telephone lines used within the company and outgoing customer service calls/emails from customers. 

Outsource Your Major Functions

There are several ways that you can outsource your major functions. Some of the most popular include working with a Virtual Assistant to manage all aspects of your business, use professional web developers and designers for website creation or redesign, hire graphic artists to create logos or design graphics, work with writers who will ensure good quality content on your site, or use an SEO specialist to drive traffic.

Take Your Business Online

Take your business online, and you will be able to reach a much larger audience, regardless if you’re a small business or large. If you want to make money, this is the best way to go about it. It may sound like a lot of work at first, but if done right, it’s straightforward, and it’s the best way to make money.

This is a digital world where everything is possible with an internet connection, so why not take advantage of it? But, of course, the downside of having your own business online is that there are many competitors out there but don’t let that intimidate you. It only means that this type of business has good potential.

Learn How To Negotiate With Your Vendors

Many businesses have a hard time getting their suppliers to offer them the best prices. But if you want your company to remain profitable, you must learn how to negotiate with your vendors and get what you need from them at a reasonable price. 

You may also want to reduce costs by finding cheaper suppliers. Some business owners can find ways of getting the same products for less money, which is a great way to save some cash without sacrificing quality. If you have multiple items that your company needs at one time, look into having them all shipped in bulk to get a better deal on the shipping and storage.

Conclusion

After you have compiled this list of things to do, the next step is to implement them. There are several ways that a business owner can manage their company more efficiently and effectively without making the process difficult. A great place to start would be hiring an accountant who can potentially save money by filing your taxes. In addition, outsourcing certain tasks to freelancers or other employees is also an effective way of freeing up time for yourself to focus on the big picture and plan out new strategies for your company’s success.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Features

Common Risks Every Business Owner Should Be Wary Of

Running a business is not easy, and there are hazards lurking around every corner. While it may not always be possible to avert every disaster or avoid every obstacle, there are ways to reduce risks. Here are some tips to help you protect your business. 

Cyber attacks

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Cybercrime is a growing threat. Many of us automatically think about news headlines and stories involving large, high-profile businesses when we talk about data breaches or cyber attacks, but in reality, small businesses are most at risk. Cyber attacks have the power to make operations grind to a halt, but they can also be incredibly costly in terms of your finances and your reputation. The good news is that it is possible to minimise risks and protect your business by implementing cybersecurity policies, seeking expert help and advice and monitoring your systems and devices. 

Data is the life blood of any business so taking the time to do your research in this area will pay dividends in the long term. There is much research available online in this area, for example a guide we have found very helpful is the Keeping data secure 2021 guide .  If you don’t have an IT team or department in-house, it’s wise to consider outsourcing IT support or seeking advice from IT professionals to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Providing staff training, introducing policies for employees who bring their own devices and using software to protect systems are excellent places to start. 

Technology and IT faults

Most businesses are heavily reliant on technology and IT systems. Glitches, outages and downtime can cause financial ruin for small businesses. To lower the risk of technical issues, it’s beneficial to ensure that all equipment is tested and updated regularly and to make sure you have access to expert help if you encounter problems. If you outsource IT support, for example, you’ll have round-the-clock access to assistance if there are issues with your systems or your devices stop working. Monitoring can also help to flag up problems before they start to cause disruption. Encouraging staff to undertake training can also be helpful if you’ve bought new equipment or you’re using new software. 

Burglaries

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Business premises can be enticing targets for thieves. If you own physical premises, such as stores or warehouses, or you have equipment or vehicles stored at a site, for example, it’s important to be aware of the risk of burglaries and vandalism. Take steps to protect your assets, such as using CCTV Installation or a construction site camera, hiring a security firm to carry out night patrols and securing valuables in areas with restricted access. Visible deterrents are often effective, as they make premises less attractive to thieves. Examples include cameras and alarm systems, fences and gates and security lighting.  If you are physically on site in a business that could be high risk or a target for burglaries, it might be worth looking into level 4 body armor plates to protect yourself in the event of a physical altercation! 

Bad reviews

Bad reviews represent an increasingly significant risk to business owners. Today, more than 90% of consumers read reviews before contacting a business or making a purchase. Low scores can affect your reputation and encourage customers to choose rival firms. To lower the risk of receiving poor feedback, make sure you deliver on promises to your clients, offer customer support, prioritise customer service, keep in touch with clients and contact customers as quickly as possible if there are any issues. 

Every business owner will encounter hurdles or setbacks. It is impossible to prevent every problem, but there are ways to protect your business and avoid issues.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Features

How to Keep Your Little Ones Active this Fall

How to Keep Your Little Ones Active This Fall

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Even if your children love the crisp weather and beautiful colors that the fall seasons bring, they may not be as physically active during the colder months as they otherwise might be. If your child is reticent to stay active once the fall months roll around, there are some steps you can take to help encourage physical activity throughout the season. Whether you and your family already go the extra mile to stay healthy by consuming local produce, taking supplements such as iron drops, wearing sunscreen daily and so on, staying physically active is still essential no matter your age. If you’re not sure how to start encouraging your kids to get moving, here are some family-oriented solutions to try out.

Fall Activities To Keep Your Family Stay Moving

Although it’s important to keep remedies such as Wellements children’s cough syrup stocked in your medicine cabinet just in case one of your children falls ill, it’s perhaps even more crucial to help boost your kids’ immune systems via physical activity to prevent illness in the first place. Fortunately, you can work exercise directly into fall-themed family activities to help your kids stay interested and motivated. To keep your family moving this fall, you could:

  • Go for a family walk or nature hike to get moving while enjoying the weather and changing leaves
  • Visit your local ski slope for some skiing, snow-shoeing or snowboarding
  • Visit a local ice-skating rink
  • Join an intramural sports club in your area
  • Get your kids to help you rake the leaves, mow the lawn, trim the hedges and care for your garden
  • Take part in a charity race for a cause your family cares about

Tips for Staying Active Indoors

In some cases, the outside temperatures may drop quicker than expected and the weather could be too cold for outdoor play and exercise. However, you can still keep your kids healthy by encouraging wholesome habits, stocking up on Wellements baby move when needed and finding fun ways to get active indoors. For example, you could:

  • Set up a small family gym in your home complete with a treadmill, a stationary bicycle, free weights and yoga mats
  • Get a ping-pong table or an air hockey table for your basement
  • Turn on some music, clear out a space in your living room and dance together to your favorite tunes
  • Purchase some fitness video games to get moving
  • Stop and do some stretches or quick exercises during television commercial breaks
  • Walk around the house and get up throughout the day to stay as active as possible

When you want your kids to stay active during the fall season, why not get the whole family involved and make it a fun time? If you’ve noticed that your kids tend to become more sedentary during the cold-weather months and you want to encourage them to get moving a little more, these family-oriented ideas could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Try them out this fall!

Note: This is a collaborative post

Features

What You Need To Start A Business From Home

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Starting a business from home is not a difficult thing, but it does take some planning and understanding of the business environment. If this is something that you’ve been thinking about doing, you’re going to want to take it more seriously right now. Because it is now easier than ever to start your own business. There are now more opportunities than before and people can now work from their homes. There are many benefits of starting a home-based business such as freedom, flexibility, and no commute time.

The benefits of starting your own business from home are huge. You get to set your own hours and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. You get to work from wherever you want and create your own work-life balance. With the right business idea, you can start a successful home-based business that will let you create meaningful work that you enjoy. Many entrepreneurs have started their businesses from home. If you are considering starting your own business, here are some of the benefits of doing so:

  • Work anywhere in the world since your business is not tied to a specific location
  •  You can work on your own schedule. It’s not hard to meet deadlines if they are flexible with yours
  •  You are free from office politics and unnecessary meetings

So now that you’re sure this is definitely what you want to be able to do, let’s take a look at what you actually need to get this started.

Equipment

First off, you’re going to think about what you need physically. Getting started on your own can be difficult. You need to know what you need in order to make it happen. There is no one size fits all solution for business equipment. Every business has a different set of needs and a unique set of challenges, so it is important to choose the right equipment. Before choosing, you should have some idea about what your business will be doing. For example, if you are looking to start a cosmetics line, then sourcing cosmetic packaging from a reliable supplier would be essential to ensure you have the necessary packaging for your products.

Once you have an idea of what you want your business to do, it is time to think about which equipment might best suit your needs. You can start with things like picking a laptop or desktop computer for word processing and editing. However, you need to make sure that you have the right budget and you only spend what you can – sometimes, you can get by with more than you’d think.

Niche Supplies

But then also, you might need to go one step further than that and find niche supplies. If you have a specialist business, there might be more than you need from expert suppliers. The key to finding the right suppliers for your business is to be able to build relationships with them. There are many different types of suppliers, but the most important thing is that you identify what kind of supplies or services your company needs, such as a medical fridge or inspection services, and then find the right people that supply it.

There are also different types of suppliers and services to think about when you are outsourcing, for example, Toll manufacturing services versus contract manufacturing. This is an important consideration that needs to be reviewed carefully.

Some places that may be good to search for suppliers are trade-shows, events, job boards, wholesale clubs, social media groups, association websites, and business directories. Finding the correct suppliers can be difficult. But with the right strategy, you can connect with suppliers who are specialized in the supplies that you need for your business. It’s often a process of trial and error to find the right people.

Motivation

But then also, because you will be starting this business idea from home, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re feeling motivated and ambitious. This is such an important part of making your business succeed. Business owners will find a lot of motivation to work from home. They can check their progress and see how they are going at all times. They can also give themselves a break if they need some time off. But it has to be something that you feel driven to do.

Motivation is essential when you start your business. It helps you not just to get up every morning, but also to stay motivated throughout the day. You could look to find inspirational and motivating content online, join online business communities, and connect with other entrepreneurs to help you. It is harder to stay motivated on your own when there are no people around that share your interest or belief in what you’re doing. So, surround yourself with like-minded people who want the same thing as you do – success!

A Plan

But then also, it can help to have a plan. A business plan is essential in launching a new venture or expanding an existing one. It will help you to create a clear vision for your venture and keep yourself on track for success. With business plans in hand, you can make sure that your new business gets off the ground without any problems. It will also help you to create a guide for your business and to work towards it efficiently. Planning your business before beginning an entrepreneurship venture can be difficult, but it is worth it. Having a plan in place will help you avoid risks that could lead to decline in profits, such as poor product design or too much competition. It can also make you excited about what’s to come too.

Access

And finally, all you really need is access to the internet! You can learn and grow your knowledge online and start your business with very minimal or zero investments. Starting a business is no longer a challenge, it has become a reality for many people today. The idea of starting a company without investing in any physical assets is now easier than ever because there are many ways to make money from anywhere in the world.

Online learning tools are available on the internet. For example, you could learn how to code, start a business or how to make your blog. Anyone can start an online business by taking advantage of the internet that provides access to all kinds of information for free. We live in a world where so much is possible, so just get started today!

Note: This is a collaborative post

Features

3 Tips For Would-Be Smallholders

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‘Smallholding’ is a term that refers to the act of running a small farm-like enterprise, with your own land registered as a small business/operational outfit operating under a small-scale agricultural approach. Usually, smallholdings refer to those utilizing subsistence farming measures or even simple, family-led means ran in a not-for-profit manner. For instance, a family who enjoys raising sheep and pigs on their rural land but only sells them or the acquired meat and other goods in a non-commercial capacity could be considered a smallholding.

Many people, when escaping to the countryside later in life, weigh up the value of running a smallholding. It’s very much a lifestyle and not just a small, humble, not always profitable enterprise. If you find that this is an approach you would like to take, then it’s nice to think of what steps you need to get there.

While you should definitely seek grounding advice from longer articles and authoritative sources that relate to your country, we can certainly provide some worthwhile tips that will help you run your smallholding in a much easier and effective manner. Let’s consider some of that advice, below:

Invest In Reliable Storage Areas & Sheds

A reliable storage area and shed, like an industrial shed with all the room that can bring for example, can be a key investment. This can keep your farm equipment safe, your goods (like feed and straw) stocked in a dry environment, as well as any other equipment you may need, like horse trailers and ride-on tractors. Unless you have an area already planned for this, you may be surprised how constant weather exposure can denigrate your assets otherwise. It’s always best to protect your investments.

Inventory Your Produce

It’s good to manage the metrics regarding what you produce, even if this is undertaken in a hobbyist capacity. This way, you’ll be able to track how certain animals are performing, as well as making sure you notice fluctuations in the health of certain animals you may have. Additionally, keeping diligent records will help you apply all the vaccinations and medications you need appropriately, as well as reporting the first sign of an issue which can, in some cases, lead to a governmental health response. A smallholding might be for fun, but it does require a key logistical effort to plan correctly – so don’t ignore that advice.

Get Involved With Your Local Farming Community

It might seem like smallholdings are in direct competition with all agriculture around them, but that’s not usually the case. Either you’ll have specialized or what you have to offer won’t be enough to pick up any larger clients, so selling to the local area or not selling at all won’t cause any undue friction. But befriending the local farmers can truly help you. From purchasing land from them to buying or selling cows or other livestock, to gaining help if some of your animals escape or if you need to ask questions, being friendly with those around you can be very worthwhile and can help you feel more supported in the community. Farmer’s don’t bite usually, so give it a try!

With this advice, we hope you can feel a little more confident about running your dream smallholding.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Features

How to Make Your Home Office More Comfortable

If you have transitioned into working virtually then it is a good idea to renovate your home office.  A good office space can make it easier for you to be more productive.  That together with a good high speed internet connection from the likes of spectrum internet will set you up well for work from home life.   The fact is that there are many reasons why you might want to renovate your home office. Maybe it’s too small, or not conducive to your work style. 

Or maybe you’re just looking for a change and want a new look. Whatever the reason, we’ve compiled some of our favorite ideas for how to makeover your space!

Clean Up Your desk

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If you have been forced to get into the virtual scene, either because you run an online business or your employer has allowed you to work virtually, you need to ensure that you keep your desk as decluttered a possible.    Many people have cluttered desks. They can’t see their computer monitor because it’s covered by random papers, dirty food containers, and random objects they will never use. It’s important to clean up your desk before you begin working on any task. 

By having an organized desk, will be able to work efficiently and will not be distracted by the mess. It doesn’t take much to declutter a desk. Just decide what you need and what you don’t need. Put relevant items together and keep often-used items reachable but organized.

Add Plants

Add some plants to make your home office feel more aesthetic. If you have a window, get a window box to add some green life to your desk area. It will give the space a more open and refreshed feeling.   Adding plants to the office can help create a more relaxing environment. It’s also good for your mental health since you will often have to take some time to take care of them during your workday.

New Furniture

Pick out new office furniture. It doesn’t have to be brand new, you can buy them secondhand. Just look around at the different styles that are out there and see what you can find that will give your space a fresh feel. 

Make sure you buy an ergonomic chair. When choosing an office chair, make sure to research how it will affect your back.  The height of the chair should be good for your body’s size. It should also provide lumbar support and be comfortable. 

Hang Pictures

Hang pictures on the walls around your workspace to make it feel less boring and more inviting. One of the easiest ways to make an office feel less boring and more inviting is to hang up pictures on the walls around your workspace.  The pictures can be anything photographs, postcards, canvas art, or posters. Just make sure they are things that inspire you.

Get an Ergonomic Keyboard

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Buy an ergonomic keyboard with wrist support if you type a lot during the day. Typing a lot during the day can be hard on your wrists. This is why you need to have an ergonomic keyboard with wrist support to help alleviate any pain.   There are often different options available with these keyboards and trying a few out before making your purchase can help you find the right one for you. 

Add Light Sources

If you find that glare on your monitor or laptop makes it hard to see what’s going on, adding some light sources around and above your desk can help.   A desk lamp with LEDs will give off less heat than an older model while still providing more than enough illumination for working comfortably. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re sitting at the right height not just for comfort but to ensure you are seeing your screen as comfortably as possible.

Add File Cabinets

If you find that there’s no place to store paperwork and other items, adding a filing cabinet can help with storage.  This is a good way to avoid clutter since it keeps all of your papers organized and easily accessible without taking up too much room in the office.

Get the Perfect Office

Creating the perfect home office space for your needs is possible. All you have to do is make sure that you take the time to declutter your space and decorate it in a way that will inspire you.  This means that you can add the right office furniture and even artwork that will inspire you when you personalize your home office. By being creative you can have an office that leaves you engergized to work every single day.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Features

Stress-free Planning for a Family Holiday

Looking forward to a holiday is one of life’s little pleasures, but the practical side of planning and organising it can sometimes be a bit stressful. There’s a lot to remember, and only one chance to get it right. 

The Before-you-go To-Do List

Most of us make some kind of action plan for holidays, even if they’re only in our heads. We certainly have some idea of places to visit and things to do. Having a countdown action plan for tasks before you go is equally useful. Items to go on the list can include:

  • Departure and return dates to give to family, friends, or anyone you’re leaving a spare key with.
  • Flight times with accompanying travel arrangements, taxi, or long-term parking bookings.
  • Getting kennels or cattery places organised, or arranging for vaccinations or pet passports.
  • Cancelling any regular deliveries to your home.
  • Organising self storage if you’re placing valuables there for safe keeping.

Earning money when you are gone

One thing to give careful consideration to is the option to make some money while you are gone, utilising the exponentially growing rental market, especially if you plan on being away for longer periods of time. Covid had changed the way we travel and  now particularly when it comes to family travel, people including ourselves now tend to favour vacation rentals over a hotel.  For me personally the driver for this decision is the ability to cook meals and the extra space when the kids go to bed… we can chill.

We are currently planning our 2024 and beyond adventures and we are constantly gravitating towards the use of a vacation rentals over our previous preferred option of a hotel.  Perhaps we may even consider the use of our own property as a vacation rental while we are on longer trips, certainly something to give some thought to.

Plan plan and plan some more 

Sometimes the planning itself can be very daunting, especially if its  a long trip or a trip to a far flung destination. In these instances enlisting the help of a personal travel planner can be hugely beneficial.  A personal travel planner can take care of all the details of your trip including flights, hotels/airbnbs, transportation, excursions, restaurants, tours, sports etc. The great thing about a travel planner is they are dedicated to making the trip work for you and your needs as opposed to for example a travel agent who only works with certain properties etc.

I also make a checklist for the final walkthrough before I leave. Checking that lights are off, everything is unplugged that should be, and you didn’t leave the oven on, clears any nagging doubts out of your mind.

Stress-free Packing

Packing for a holiday can be more stressful than it needs to be, especially if it falls on one person to do the job for all the family. Make it easier by:

  • Starting early. Give yourself a few days to gather everything and do any laundry. 
  • Having a packing rehearsal. Make sure everything fits in the cases you have, and that your cases conform to airline regulations.
  • Working from a packing list. Write down specific items each person will need, then tick them off as they’re packed.
  • Avoiding those ‘just in case’ items by packing according to the type of holiday you’re taking, the activities you’ll do, and how long you’re going for. Also, can you wash things while you’re away? If so, you don’t necessarily need a fresh outfit everyday for everyone.

Pop cables, chargers, adaptors, or batteries in separate bags. (Little sandwich bags work well). As well as preventing tangled wires, you can use these to help protect phones or hold keys when you’re on the beach, and they’re useful for keeping together paper items such as venue or travel tickets. Just remember not to leave them behind on the beach!

Home Security

Knowing everything’s safe at home gives you peace of mind while you’re away, so it’s worth giving it some thought. Things to consider include:

  • Asking a neighbour to keep an eye out. If they can actually go in and just check around that would be best, but at least let them know you’re on holiday and not expecting any visitors. If they see anyone on your property, they’ll know they have no business being there.
  • Putting valuables into storage. You can rent a locker storage unit if you don’t want a bigger space. If the worst happens while you’re gone, at least your valuables will be safe. Think of jewellery, important documents, or items with sentimental value that you could never replace. You could also consider computers, cameras, or other equipment that’s expensive but easily portable.
  • Put a couple of lights on a timer so they come on at dusk and go off later.
  • Check home insurance to make sure your possessions and property are covered if the house is left empty. It probably is, but you check if there are any exclusions and make arrangements accordingly.

Happy holidays take some organising, but if you allow plenty of time you can make it part of the anticipation and enjoy the process!

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Features

5 Handmade-Business Ideas You Can Take On to Earn Extra Income

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Whether to make ends meet, pay off debt, or monetize an arts and crafts passion, having multiple sources of income is a practical goal in today’s world. There are times when a full-time job cannot cover the costs of sudden unfortunate incidents like accidents or injury, so having that extra fluff on the budget certainly helps in situations like these.

If splitting the body were an option, a lot of people would take that opportunity because there is simply not enough time to take more jobs when you have two. Fortunately, the internet exists, and there are thousands of handmade crafts that are highly sought, so you can sell them well online. Setting up shop online is easier than you think and only requires minimum supervision, so you can focus on more important things like making the stuff you want to sell.

Looking for home craft-business ideas? Read on below.

Baked Goods

It can be hard to go wrong with baked goods, my sister in law actually started doing this during the first lockdown at the very early stages of Covid and her new business which started as a hobby has really thrived. Just one word of caution is to check compliance with the relevant Health & Safety guidelines where you are, it is imperative that they are followed.  I was more than happy to help out with research for my sister in law, in fact I happily applied for the chief taster option…. I mean who would say not to carrot cake topped scones…one word divine.  However one challenge she did have was sourcing bespoke packaging her wish list was sustainable, high quality and eye catching. After all you want repeat business and often times the packaging can create the wow factor particularly for products that are used as gifts in an already crowded market.

Bath Products

Soaps and bath bombs are the most accessible feel-good treats that anyone can buy. Most people purchase these products as a reward for themselves. The most popular bath products today are organic and made with avante-garde designs, shapes, and scents.

It takes time and multiple trials and errors to master the art of soapmaking. The costs may be huge in the beginning, but profits will build overtime once the processes are streamlined. Additionally, buying materials in bulk wholesale prices will reduce the costs per bar.

Knitted Items

Many hobbyists find knitting a pleasurable pastime. You only need needles and yarn to start, and while that is deceivingly simple, the options for these things are endless. There are thin and thick needles made of wood or plastic, and balls of yarn come in different sizes and colors.

If you’re interested to learn, there are countless beginner’s guides out there you can follow. There are plenty of knitted things that you can profit from. Items like gloves, scarves, and hats are always popular during colder seasons.

Luxury Scented Candles

Believe it or not, there is a market for people who are obsessed with candles. These are the folks that you see at the candle section of the store, sniffing and admiring blocks of wax and wicks. Candles have really come a long way since their invention.

In modern times, candles imbibed with scents are often used for relaxation, and that is one of the reasons they are popular. Candlemakers often come up with new types of candles for each season as these are also used as decorations. 

The market for candlemaking is fairly saturated because makers know that supplies are inexpensive. Your edge is to make new aroma combinations and packaging that are attention grabbing to stand out from others.

Slime Products

Slime is big business (probably driven by my pairs!!!), and makers as young as teenagers have made big bucks off it. This gooey, sticky, non-Newtonian fluid has surged in popularity over the years because of how fun and satisfying it turns to solid, then liquid, and back again. Many people also use slime as a stress reliever while others collect it.

Basic slime ingredients are easy to get, and making one is fairly simple. There are different varieties of slime, including glitter, fluffy, popping, and glow in the dark. The most important thing to remember to make slime last is to store it in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out.

Make Seasonal Items

Apart from pricing products for profit and having the right branding, consider making special limited items for the changing seasons. This is an excellent way to boost your sales and drum up excitement for people anticipating new products. 

What other handmade items do you think are popular-enough businesses to earn extra income from? Share your thoughts in the comments.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post