Journeys Are My Diary

There are several home projects you could get through without the aid of an interior designer, but the kitchen probably isn’t one of them. Your kitchen is the heart of your home and you’ve been waiting to update it for years now. Let’s look at a few of the benefits of hiring an interior designer to help you get that project right.

1. Out with the Old – In with the New

This is where you will find a great number of appliances. Depending on the space you have to work with, there are only so many options you could manage without new plans being drawn up and some major plumbing and/or electrical work. That’s what interior design is all about and why you probably need a specialist, especially if you want to fit new appliances into an area not designed to accommodate them. It’s all about space and an interior designer can make the most of the space you have available. If not, they can show you how to get more!

2. It’s All About Energy Efficiency in the 21st Century

Another benefit of hiring an interior designer is that they can help draw up plans to build the most energy efficient kitchen imaginable. Remember, it’s about more than just those Energy Star rated appliances but also about the use of natural lighting and ways to conserve energy with reduced dependence on HVAC. Sometimes it has to do with the filtration system and other times it’s working with energy from the sun. An interior designer can help you draw up one of the trendiest kitchens in town while seeing to it that your energy bills are lower than ever. That’s a nice little benefit, isn’t it?

3. The Creativity of an Artist

While the kitchen is no longer the heart of the home it once was, it is still the one place where you want your family’s personality to shine through. You can tell a lot about people by the food they eat and the customs they enjoy. You may not be a world class chef, but to your family, you are the next best thing. An interior designer does more than work with spatial concepts. An interior designer captures the personality of the person that space is being designed for, bringing it to life as an extension of the inhabitant/s.

Finally, the one benefit that most people miss is in fixing those mistakes that are bound to happen when projects are undertaken on a DIY basis. Sometimes it costs more to fix a mistake that it would have to start from scratch with a talented interior designer and a design team working under their direction. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility that you can have some part in the rebuilding of your kitchen, but it is much more logical to leave the intricacies in the hands of an experienced designer. Just remember, you get what you pay for so pay for the best!

When you hear the word arthritis, what do you think of? For most people, they picture a condition that affects older generations, restricting their movements and leaving them in varying degrees of pain. The second part of that description is true. The first, sadly, is not.

Arthritis and other joint conditions can affect anyone of any age. 54 million adults have arthritis in the United States, and they range from across the age spectrum. You’ll probably be shocked to know that 300,000 babies and children also suffer from joint problems.

Clearly, arthritis is a real problem for our nation. If you or someone you know are unfortunate enough to suffer from it, then you’ll want to know how to manage the condition. To get you started, here are four natural ways to relieve arthritis and other joint pains.

Lose weight

Weight can have a significant say in how much pain and suffering a joint condition can inflict on a person. The heavier you are, the more pressure is being applied to your joints. This is especially true when it comes to load-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and feet – all areas which suffer the most when a person has arthritis. Reducing the stress on those joints by losing weight will decrease the pain you are in and make you more mobile, which is important for point number two.

Get exercising

One of the best ways to combat joint pain is by being active. You might think this is counterintuitive and that by asking your joints to work hard by moving you around, you would be making things worse for them. In actual fact, regular movement can help to maintain flexibility in your joints; stiffness is where a significant portion of the pain comes from. The best way to achieve this is through low impact exercises such as cycling, yoga, swimming and water aerobics.

Use natural remedies and supplements

There are plenty of natural remedies and supplements which can help reduce joint pain. Epsom salts lower inflammation and reduces muscle spasms; lavender can help relieve some of the stress on joints and cooling, menthol substances such as peppermint and eucalyptus are also good for reducing heat and swelling. Other natural remedies to consider include Boswellia serrate, capsaicin, tumeric, cats claw and kratom capsules.  

Apply hot and cold treatments

Hot and cold treatments at different stages of the day can make a world of difference to joint pain. A long, hot shower or bath first thing in the morning will help ease the stiffness in your joints ahead of the day ahead and make mobility less painful. In contrast, cold treatments are best applied of an evening or night. They can relieve the swelling and inflammation that has come about because of the stresses of the day, helping to cool and soothe your joints. An ice pack or even a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin towel and applied to the affected area can lead to quick relief from the pain of the day just gone.

Your garage can be used for more than just keeping your vehicles safe and protected. It can also be used for storing your belongings and adding space and curb appeal to your home.

It’s common for homeowners to ignore the garage area and pile up items and forget about the fact that your garage can make your home more attractive from the outside. The better you maintain it, the easier it’s going to be to find what you’re looking for and move around when you’re outside working on your vehicles or yard. The following tips will point you in the right direction for updating and improving your garage space so you can better enjoy it instead of being embarrassed by it.

Organise it

Your first order of business should be to take the time to organise your garage space and belongings. Consider installing shelving and buying bins and crates and making sure you label all of your items. Remember you can also make use of the ceiling space for storing ladders or rakes, for example.

You should also think about creating a wall with hooks to hang your belongings from, which will also help to free up more space in your garage. Keep in mind that decluttering and organising it will make your home look that much better when people pass by and can see you take good care of your garage. You can also organise the space by designating different areas of the garage for items such as grilling supplies, outdoor sports equipment, and your tools.

Replace the Flooring

Another tip for updating and improving your garage is to replace old flooring with a more practical and safer option such as epoxy flooring paint. It’s durable, stain resistant and looks great in a space such as your garage. This will be a good choice for all seasons and the different weather you have to endure throughout the year and for making sure you don’t easily slip and fall when the floor is wet.

Install A New Door

You may also want to consider installing a new garage door as a way to update and improve this area. This is your chance to replace the material and colour and add windows if you want to draw in more natural light. Also, think about installing outdoor lights around the garage door to illuminate it better. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your design or finish so you can add curb appeal to your home and instantly improve the overall appearance of your exterior. Do your research and figure out what you like and what features are most important to you before committing to a certain type of door.

Conclusion

You should now have a better idea of what you can do to update and improve your garage and get more use of your space. Your house will appear nicer from the outside, and you’ll be able to locate what it is you’re looking for faster. Enjoy the extra square footage and enhanced appearance of an area of your home you maybe never thought about upgrading prior to learning more about these ideas.  

The horror industry has seen something of a revival in recent years. With bigger budgets, creative direction, and an audience hungry for more, typical low-budget slashers and classics has transformed into a genre with increased potential for scope, complexity, and originality. Below highlights some recent horrors that are sure to become cult classics in the years to come.

Get Out, directed by Jordan Peele

Comedian Jordan Peele’s breakout into horror was greatly anticipated, and boy did it deliver. The film focuses on a couple’s weekend getaway, where actor Daniel Kaluuya meets his girlfriend’s family for the first time, which turns out to be anything but pleasant. Noted for its gritty depiction of modern-day racism, the film has struck a chord with filmgoers for its superb, original storyline, brilliant acting and chilling message, providing a unique interpretation of the issues with racism still very much prominent in the eyes of modern American society. Director Jordan Peele points out how this horror is predominantly for black audiences, bringing satire and shock. You can discover the latest black entertainment news by heading to The Shade Room, so you can keep on top of the latest films, celeb gossip and headlines that you won’t want to miss.

Hereditary, directed by Ari Aster

With memorable cinematography, a twist like no other, and tense scenes that leave you disturbed long after the film has finished, Hereditary offers viewers a refreshing slice of horror. With nods towards the typical jump

scares to expect from this genre, as well as a performance from Toni Collette that really brings it to life, this film focuses on a woman’s inner struggle with her heritage, past, and a chilling discovery that centres around her daughter, whom she has struggled to connect with from the minute she was born. Expect graphic scenes and upsetting, turbulent viewing throughout as the titular character’s family suffers at the hands of a greater, hereditary force.

Bird Box, directed by Susanne Bier

Available on the streaming service Netflix, Bird Box leaves much to the imagination, as, similar to the characters on screen, viewers never see the horrifying presence that brings destruction to the life of Sandra Bullock’s character in this film. Focusing on the clever idea that characters will want to kill themselves if they look upon an unknown evil power, this doomsday style flick is an exhausting portrayal of survival, as a handful of people try to survive without the ability to see. Wearing blindfolds outside, the characters are forced to a life of solitude until, eventually, they have to break out and finally find sanctuary from the unstoppable force that could bring an end civilisation entirely. Don’t get too enthused, though- Netflix had to release a statement to those taking on the ‘Birdbox Challenge,’ which came about due to the popularity and strong following of this streaming sensation.

If you are in need of a horror revamp, then look no further than these three titles, that have brought a new angle to the horror scene that, a few years ago, was arguably lacking in depth, intrigue, and imagination.

So, your little one has finally hit their teens or they want to throw a big birthday party for their sweet sixteen. Thinking of ideas for your teenager’s birthday party can be tough. Making sure you stay within the boundaries of being cool without embarrassing them or going too far tends to be much harder than what many parents originally think. There are so many things to consider, the people who attend, the theme, the decorations, the games, and the music. To help you on your way, we have come up with some awesome ideas that you can consider when planning your teenager’s birthday party.

A Wacky Theme

Throwing a party that has a theme never fails to disappoint, especially if the theme is a bit out there or something your teenager particularly enjoys. Thinking up how to make your home fit that theme with decorations and the music you play can also be a fun task. Not only does this make a great party, but it can also make you feel closer to your teenager as you research and learn more about something that they spend a lot of time watching, playing or doing. Thinking of something unusual and outside the box can make the party much more exciting and entertaining. Making it fancy dress is also great fun, especially with a wacky theme, as all the people who attend will have to experiment with designing an outfit for the party. So, get to learn what your teenager and his/her friends love and throw something they will truly appreciate during the day and for many years to come.

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities are great fun as well as an effective way to get your teenager and their friends active. If your house has plenty of outdoor space or you have booked a large space for a party, then it is definitely worth planning some outdoor activities to participate in. There is so much choice when it comes to this category. You can hire professionals to provide equipment and set-up events such as paintballing, archery and/or obstacle courses. If you are the handy and creative type, then you could plan your own obstacle course or some sort of crazy golf course. Inflatables can be a great way to get your teenager and their friends to enjoy themselves whilst releasing their inner child. Direct2U Inflatable Rentals provides a brilliant service when it comes to renting inflatables for a party.

Pool Party

If you have the luxury of a swimming pool and your teenager’s birthday is during the warmer months, then throwing a pool party can be a fun and grown-up idea for your teenager’s birthday. Getting a range of floats, pool games, and inflatables can make this party a fun and vibrant celebration. It also gets the kids active and outdoors. To stick to the summer vacation theme, you could have a mocktail bar and exotic food for them all to try. Playing summer tunes tops off the enjoyment of this party plan. If this occasion is hosted in the summer months, make sure you have plenty of refreshments, shelter, and sunblock to keep the kids safe from dehydration and sun exposure.

City Trip

If you know your teenager’s friends well enough and can cope with the responsibility, then planning a city trip to explore and experience new things can be a fun and educational party experience. Making sure you have enough adults to handle all the kids on the trip is important and there will be a lot of health and safety precautions you will need to take. You will also need the parents’ permission. Depending on the number of people who plan to go, you can hire a minibus for a good price. You could turn the transport to the city into an event itself, such as hiring an open roof bus or a limo to and from the city. Don’t forget to arrange a variety of drinks and snacks for the journey and make sure you plan in advance, especially if you plan to visit tourist hotspots.

Gaming Events

Although getting outdoors and active is important, sometimes indoor events are necessary. However, these can be extremely fun, especially if your kids are a fan of gaming. There are a couple of ways you can go about this. You could either give the kids freedom on their gaming consoles, maybe even treat them to some new games (as a birthday gift) or pay for a subscription that allows them to get more from their games console. Whilst providing food and maybe even a sleepover. Or you could take them out to experience a different kind of virtual gaming, such as VR (virtual reality). This can be a fun experience that can be enjoyed by parties of all sizes.

Sleepovers

Having a large group sleepover is a treat for most kids. It can be hard work, but it always makes a great party, especially if you put a twist on the night ahead. You could do so by throwing an epic movie night different to any kind they’ve experienced. You can do this by buying or hiring a projector screen and either letting them experience their favorite or new movies in a cinema-like environment in their own bedroom or living room, or you could set up an outdoor version so they can watch as much as they want under the stars. In conjunction with an outdoor movie night, you could set up some tents and turn it into camping. There is so much you can do with this, such as learning outdoor survival skills like making a fire, which you can later toast marshmallows on. You can throw a BBQ and sing or tell stories around the fire. This is a fun and unique experience which brings your teenager close to nature.

With the right frame of mind and focus, throwing a party for your teenager and their friends doesn’t have to be as hard as you originally thought. Just be safe, plan around the season, and let them have some independence. They are almost adults after all (or that’s what they think).

Your wedding is one of the most important days in your life. Of course, you want to make sure that it goes off as smoothly as possible. In order to give yourself the best chance of a flawless wedding, you will need to make sure that it is planned to perfection.

Those who either leave their planning to the last minute, or those who don’t adequately prepare themselves, are more likely to be hit by stress and are more likely to make mistakes in their planning process. The following planning tips will help you to ensure that you have all the most essential pieces in place before the big day.

Start Your Planning Early

The earlier you start your planning, the less stressful it will be. Don’t waste any time! Once you know when you are going to get married, you then need to think about exactly how you are going to pull it off. You will also find it much easier to plan in advance; all your first choices are more likely to be available if you are booking them early.

Having a clear plan from the very beginning will allow you to actually enjoy the planning process. If you are constantly doing things against tight deadlines, your whole experience is going to be more stressful than it needs to be.

Work Out Your Budget

Having a clearly established budget from the get-go makes planning your spending much easier. It allows you to focus your mind on deciding which aspects of your big day are the most important to you and therefore warrant the biggest chunks of your budget.

A common mistake that couples make when working out their wedding budget is to forget to account for all the additional flourishes you will want. Whether this means a different style of icing on your wedding cake, alterations to your wedding dress, or little gift bags for your guests, these little touches are things that you will often decide to add on a whim. Make sure that you give yourself a little headroom in your budget to enable you to add in extras as you go.

Arrange Any Help You Need

Trying to pull off the whole wedding on your own is guaranteed stress. Not only that, but you are much more likely to make mistakes and overlook things when you are responsible for everything. Instead, work out at the beginning of the process who among your guests you can count on to give you a helping hand.

Whittle Down Your Guest List

One of the first things you will need to work out is your guest list. You should work out your guest list before you find a venue, so you know how many people your venue will need to be able to contain. Once you have a guest list, see if you can refine it at all. The biggest costs of your wedding are usually the cost per head, so don’t be afraid to be ruthless when putting together your final guest list.

Finding a Venue

There are a number of things to consider when choosing a venue. Some people have a specific place of significance to them where they want to get married. This can make things both easier and harder. On the one hand, you won’t have to waste time agonizing about the decision. However, you will have to work within the constraints of whatever your location is and you won’t have the option of switching to somewhere more suitable.

If you are planning on getting married somewhere far away from home, make sure that you consider the travel costs of your guests. If many of them will struggle to afford the travel costs you are asking, consider whether a venue closer to home might be more appropriate. You should consult with your guests beforehand to find out what sort of traveling they are able to do.

Always Have a Plan B

It is all but certain that something will go wrong in the planning and execution of your wedding. Always having a plan B to go to will ensure that you aren’t being tripped up by avoidable mistakes. For example, if your catering plans are relying on sunny weather, what can you do to account for the possibility that it rains? No matter what the weather forecast says, always be prepared for the unexpected.

Bridesmaids

Your bridesmaids will be your most important allies in ensuring that your wedding all goes according to plan. Make sure that you choose them carefully. These need to be people that you can rely on when things don’t go as intended. Don’t just choose the first people you think of, and don’t be afraid to look beyond your inner circle.

Book a Professional Photographer

You want to be able to remember every magical moment of your big day in as much detail as possible. Sure, all your guests will be carrying cameras on their cell phone, but even the best cell phone camera today can’t compete with a professional photography setup. This is one aspect of your wedding that you should be willing to spend money on.

If you’re lucky enough to have a professional photographer coming as a guest, you could always hire their services. Otherwise, you will want to hire the services of an individual or business like Something Blue Wedding Photography. They offer wedding photography in the Tucson area and you can see examples of the quality of their work on their website.

Look for a photographer near you with a gorgeous online profile and plenty of recommendations from satisfied customers. Always check out their website and social media profiles to get a clear picture of their reputation.

Get the Food Right

The final core component of your wedding is the food. Make sure that you assess all of your catering options and choose the one that ticks the most boxes for your tastes. Establish early whether any of your guests have any dietary issues, you don’t want to discover these after you have made all the catering arrangements.

As long as you take the time to properly prepare for your big day, everything should go off without a hitch. Start your planning well in advance and make sure that you prioritize in order to give yourself the best chance possible of success.

Your mental health impacts how well you feel on any given day and your energy levels. The better you feel mentally, the easier it’s going to be to get through your days and find more joy and happiness in everyday things.

Too much stress and chaos will take a toll on your mind and body, and your emotional health will more than likely leave you feeling drained and exhausted. You may not even know how anxious or stressed out you are until you step back and make time to evaluate your thoughts and mindset. Use the following strategies to help you improve your mental health and find more peace in your days.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s in your best interest to take good care of yourself if you wish to have better mental health. This includes getting daily exercise, eating right and taking some essential vitamins and supplements. For instance, visit this site to learn more about how a magnesium deficiency can be the reason for apathy, depression, and anxiety. It’s important to schedule regular self-care activities such as taking a warm bath, getting a massage and enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the morning before you start your day.  

Spend Time with Positive People

Additionally, it’s a good idea to surround yourself and spend time with positive people. Stay away from those who are negative and only drag you down or make you feel bad about yourself. This is a beneficial strategy for better mental health that will undoubtedly cause your mood to lift and you to feel happier overall. You can’t be afraid to distance yourself and get rid of relationships in your life that you no longer feel benefit you and your wellbeing. Be picky about who you choose to hang out and converse with and commit to weeding out those individuals who are unhealthy to be around.

Take Time to Quite Your Mind

Another strategy for better mental health is to take breaks when you need them. This may be a good opportunity to consider participating in relaxing activities such as meditation or yoga. Get in tune with your thoughts and feelings and acknowledge what’s going through your mind on any given day instead of ignoring or pushing away your emotions. The more you quiet your mind in your downtime the easier it’s going to be to stay calm and deal with life when it gets chaotic and stressful. Life is so busy, and there are many opportunities to be connected to others that this can be a difficult task to accomplish. Therefore, stick with it and start by setting aside five to ten minutes a day to simply sit and be still with your thoughts.

Set Realistic Goals & Avoid Multitasking

If you set realistic goals for what it is you want to achieve you’ll find that you’re more satisfied with your life because you’ll be in the driver’s seat. Your mental health will improve when you’re challenging yourself and meeting objectives that are enhancing your quality of life. In addition, you’ll be able to think clearer and concentrate better when you avoid multitasking and focus on one responsibility at a time. This way you’ll feel more in control and less overwhelmed by all that’s on your to-do list and that you want to get done. Also, put your tasks in priority order versus trying to do them all at once to help you achieve this goal.

Make Time for Fun  

Your mental health will improve when you set aside more time in your schedule to relax and have fun. For instance, book a holiday away from work or spend time on the weekends engaging in a hobby you enjoy doing. Taking life seriously and working all the time will catch up with you and you may start to experience more clutter in your mind and feel more distracted. Remind yourself daily how important it is to laugh and enjoy life once in a while. Find friends and family members who you like spending time with and create new memories with them by trying different experiences together.

Talk to A Professional Therapist

Improving your mental health isn’t always as easy as it sounds, so don’t be hesitant to reach out and ask for help when you need it. One strategy for better mental health is to talk to and meet with a professional therapist every so often. Open up to them about what’s been bothering you or is on your mind lately and receptive to what ideas they have for you getting to a healthier place mentally. While this may be a new and uncomfortable experience for you at first, remain open-minded to its benefits because these professionals are experienced in mental health and know how to help make you feel better.

Keep A Journal & Practice Gratitude

Finally, another strategy for better mental health is to keep a journal and practice gratitude daily. Use your journal as an opportunity to review what you’re grateful for in your life instead of focusing on what’s missing or that you don’t have. You may even choose to take it a step further and volunteer your time and help those who are less fortunate than yourself.

Also, a journal is a useful tool to help you sort through your feelings and emotions and get in better touch with what’s going on in your mind. Be willing to come up with solutions to your problems and write down what you can be doing to improve a situation versus telling yourself you’re stuck and assuming the worst.

You can use your journal to record down what it is you do like about yourself. Review this list often, and soon enough your outlook and perception of yourself will change for the better. Write down your accomplishments and see for yourself all your talents and skills and all you’ve been able to achieve over the years to help you stay motivated to excel in the future.

Comfort is something that most people value and hope to achieve in all areas of their life. Having said that, when you think of comfort, one of the first thoughts that may pop up in your mind is a fluffy bed with clouds for pillows. This is because home is often where you hope to get the most comfort from, especially after a long day. What’s comfortable to one person may not be to another, so you’ve got to define comfort for yourself and then try to create it. Here are simple ways that you can make your home a lot more warm, welcoming, and comfortable.

Include Warm Colors

There is something about warm colors that can make a home feel more comfortable. Think about switching up your color palette to make it feel far more welcoming. Start in the living room and consider colors such as creamy white or mustard yellow to brighten up your space. Moody green, shades of gray or a rich red are also capable of doing the trick.

Add a Sentimental Touch

If you think about it, one of the things that makes your house different from any other space is having items that you value placed around it. What you should do is think about the items that bring positive memories and feelings and ensure you have them placed in different areas of your home. It could include a gift from someone close to you or an image of a family member, for instance. It is often these seemingly little things that make a world of difference.

Upgrade Your Bathroom

Your bathroom may be the least visited place in your house, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t contribute to the comfort of your home. Take a look around your bathroom and identify areas that could do with a deep clean or an upgrade.

One of the things that can make a bathroom uncomfortable is how cold it usually is. If you need more details on why your bathroom is cold and how you may be able to fix it, consider doing a little bit more research online. A way to make the bathroom warmer, however, is to have a radiant heat source located somewhere in the bathroom.  

Aside from this, you could also get the bathtub or shower replaced so that when you’re freshening up, it’s a relaxing experience for you.

Create an Ambiance in the Bedroom

Getting a good nights rest is extremely important in you trying to create a comfortable home. For this reason, you should be looking for ways to create a nice ambiance in your room.

Think about the best night’s sleep you ever had and what made it so amazing. Was it the ambiance in the room? The sheets? Or a good firm mattress? Understanding what makes you sleep well at night will help you better create such comfort in your bedroom.

To give you a little inspiration, making your room more comfortable could mean adding a modern plant or getting a mattress topper to give your bed more cushion. Make a note that you don’t have to go out and spend money renovating your whole room. Often times, it’s the little details that make a more significant difference than you notice.

Get Quality Throw Pillows

Many people have throw pillows around the house in places like the living room and bedroom. Throw pillows can be used for decorating, but they also make the home feel comfortable in some ways too. To choose comfortable ones, try getting ones that are a feather-and-down fill as they tend to have far more squish than foam and synthetic fills. Also, consider selecting soft fabrics like fur or velvet.

Eliminate Clutter

Getting rid of clutter can not only help create more space, but it can also create more comfort. Take a day out to do a big clean and toss out the belongings that you no longer need. A good approach is to declutter room by room and be honest about what you need. When you get rid of the old, you make room for the new and also make your home far more spacious.

Fix Broken Things

It can be so easy to begin ignoring things that are broken or falling apart around the house. It could be because you haven’t gotten around to fixing it or are just conveniently procrastinating. However, what this could do is make you avoid certain areas in your house and as a result, make such areas uncomfortable for you.

If you’re worried about the cost, perhaps get good at DIY as a way of saving money. Some common DIY repairs that you may be able to manage are fixing a clogged sink or painting cabinets that have become worn. However, before taking on any DIY repairs, be sure it’s something that you can handle.

Lighting

The lighting in your house can make more of a difference than you notice. Make sure that each room has the appropriate lighting which matches your desired ambiance. Perhaps get light dimmers for your bedroom so that you can have dimmer light in the evenings before bed. Alternatively, implement technology like Philips Hue lights which you can use to control brightness, set colors, or select specific lights.

Fresh Flowers

Indoor plants can lift your mood, as well as help,  purify the air at home. The smell of plants or flowers could also trigger your senses and make you feel happy and relaxed. Think about putting fresh flowers around your house at least once a week. Planting flowers in your garden or around your curb could also help create a vibrant and welcoming environment.

The good thing about having a home of your own is that you can do with it as you please. It’s your space, so you have far more creative freedom when it comes to designing and decorating your home. What’s most important is that when you come into the house after a long day, it feels like a place you want to be in.

During the summer months, the best room in your house isn’t even a room – it’s your backyard. The garden can provide all that your kids need to be entertained, to learn and to play and all of that can be achieved relatively cheaply.

From giving them a secret hideaway where their imaginations can run wild to installing a tire swing to let them experience the thrill of flying to building a hammock in which they can relax, there are many ways in which you can create a family friendly backyard that can keep your children enthralled throughout the summer.

Here are some ideas on how.

Create a seamless flow between the house and your backyard

Most children don’t seem to understand or acknowledge barriers – and some that do understand them choose to completely ignore them anyway. You can play on this theme by creating a seamless connection between the indoor areas of your house and the backyard.

Big patio doors mean that they’ll wander freely from inside to outside and back to inside again. No child wants to have to go through the palaver of having to open and close doors, so making it as easy as possible to move between the two will ensure you have a family-friendly backyard.

Build a secret hideaway

Chances are you had a secret hideaway when you were a kid. A den or a lair somewhere that you and your friends used to go and play or use to escape the difficulties of life as a child. For that reason, everybody loves a secret hideaway – so why not give your kids one of their own that they don’t need to leave the backyard to visit?

It’s easy enough to build. Just find a cozy corner of the garden away from prying eyes and install a bench, a chair or a swing so that your kids have their own private space to go which they can imagine into anything they want. Who knows, when that tax return deadline is looming, or you have had one too many glasses of wine the previous evening and are feeling the effects the next day, you might even end up taking refuge in the secret hideaway yourself.

Build a treehouse

Don’t just stop the construction at a secret hideaway – if you’ve got a backyard full of suitable trees, then why not build a treehouse as well? Even young children dream of one day owning their own house and you can give them a taste of what it is like by building them a home of their own up in a tree.

It can be big or fancy or simple or sweet, whatever you have the time, budget and space to create. Let them furnish it however they like, and you’ll be giving them a facility in which they can create memories that will last forever.

Invest in sturdy patio furniture

“The family who eats together, stays together” is a famous saying but one that undoubtedly has some truth behind it. So, why not make your backyard more family-friendly by ensuring that everybody can come together and share a meal outside during the summer months?

Whether that is through cooking on a BBQ or just dining al fresco, there’s a certain amount of excitement that can be derived from eating outdoors. Of course, you need the right equipment to do so, and that starts with sturdy woodard patio furniture. From tables to chairs, kitting out your patio with good quality furniture will make it much more family-friendly and an appealing place to spend time and dine.

Build a hammock

A hammock hung between two trees can provide the perfect place for your kids to unwind. Once they’re tired themselves out running around the garden, they can climb into this brilliant sleeping device first invented by the Mayans and have a little rest or use it as a gentle swing to calm down – and who’s to say it’s just for the kids as well? Just like with the secret hideaway, you might find yourself heading for it after a stressful day at the office.

Recreate a beach

If you live hundreds of miles from the nearest beach or a holiday to the coast is something that isn’t an option for you as a family, then why not bring the beach to your backyard? All you need is to buy some sand, purchase some deckchairs and invest in a beachball and you can turn a small corner of your backyard into a beach.

Sure, you’ll be missing the sea, but how many of us ever go in the sea when we visit the beach? It’s all about the feeling of the sand between your toes and throwing a beachball at whoever has fallen asleep in the chair.

Hang a tire swing

There are few things more thrilling to a child then the feeling of flying through the air, and you can give that to them by building your very own tire swing. Simply find a suitable tree with a sturdy branch, wrap a piece of rope around it, attach a tire and away you go.

You don’t even need to use a tire. A traditional wooden seat will work, or you could even use something like an old mattress on top of a piece of plywood. Whichever route you go down, your kids will love the sense of adventure they can get from their very own homemade swing.

Plant a vegetable garden

There are so many benefits to a vegetable garden that it is hard to know where to start. You’ve got the obvious benefits in that you can use it to produce homegrown, delicious fruit and vegetables to go into healthy family meals.

A vegetable garden can help instill in your kids the importance of hard work as they will end up reaping the results of their labor when they’re eating the food which they’ve grown. It can bring the family closer together as you work on something for the common good – and you’ll be teaching your children vital life skills at the same time.

Italy is a country in Europe that is an extremely popular tourist destination. Every year, this magnificent country sees millions of people from all around the world. With the diverse culture, delicious food and its interesting history, it is clear to see why Italy is such a popular tourist hotspot. It has a massive cultural heritage; a ton of artwork, and the language is very romantic. It is a country that can be visited alone, with your family or with your partner. So, if you are unsure on where to choose for your next vacation destination, then the following eight reasons may just convince you to decide on Italy.

Diverse Culture

In Italy, every region is described as a small ‘country.’ As a nation, Italy is fairly young and before it was unified, it existed as a collection of small kingdoms and states. Luckily for us, this diversity can still be seen and is very interesting to witness. All regions do speak the same language, but they have their own dialect, cuisine, culture, traditions and of course, history. This makes traveling around Italy feel like so much more than visiting the one country.

Delicious Cuisine

Italian food needs no introduction. It is one of the most famous, copied and appreciated foods in the world. Italian cuisine tends to be the main reason people visit Italy. Tasting this popular food from the place it originated from is a truly magnificent experience. As mentioned previously, every region has their own thing going on. So, when traveling around Italy, you will be able to look forward to discovering a range of flavors, ingredients and recipes, all new to your taste buds. You don’t only have the savory food like pasta and pizza to look forward to, but Italian desserts are something you need to try when taking a trip to Italy. Cakes and pastries will vary depending on where you are, what season you’re visiting, and whether there is a festival or holiday going on.

Unique Style

If you are into your fashion, then you need to visit Italy to immerse in everything stylish. From items of clothing, to furniture and accessories, all stores do what they can to draw in as many customers as possible, which makes them all very interesting to look at and around. Some of the biggest brands exist here, such as Versace, Valentino, Armani and Dolce and Gabbana. Then there are also names that are very popular in Italy, such as Marella, Germano Zama and Sandro Ferrone. Window shopping in Italy is enough to blow your mind and is definitely a reason you need to visit this stylish country.

Lovely Locals

The locals are one of the reasons you need to go to Italy. The people in Italy are loud, obsessed with food and extremely friendly. When taking a trip to Italy, you are guaranteed to make new friends. A unique method of traveling around Italy is couch surfing. This is a great way to throw yourself into the local culture and lifestyle as well as getting to know the local people. A great advantage of this method of travel is that you can get recommendations from your host. This ensures you hang out at all the best pubs and clubs, and you may be able to participate in tours and festivals you may not have been aware of beforehand, or go to the beaches and ski resorts your host suggests. There are many tours available all-around Italy that you need to participate in to make sure you see everything you need to, so follow the link for more details. This is a brilliant opportunity to meet and form a relationship with other tourists and residents of the area you’re visiting.

Amazing Art and Architecture

The art and architecture are a massive reason to travel to Italy, and when it comes to artistic heritage, Florence is usually the first place that people think of. However, other cities do have a great range of art and architecture that you need to see. Wherever you go, you won’t be disappointed as there is never a lack of artistic masterpieces. Each region will have their own sculptures, paintings, churches and palaces created by local artists that deserve to be appreciated.

Fantastic History

The historical history of Italy is enormous and is very interesting. Again, each region will have its own past and its own individual story. Rome is the perfect city if you want to be engrossed in a mighty ancient empire and has a lot of famous tourist hotspots that you must see. Renaissance and Middle Age times can be seen when you go to Florence. If you love history, then you will be spoiled for choice in Italy. History is also one of the most fulfilling reasons you need to visit Italy, even if you only devote a few days to the historic sites.

Natural Landscapes

The diverse natural landscapes are another reason you need to go to Italy. Italy may be small, but the landscapes are breathtaking and vary amongst regions. In Sardinia, you can expect to see gorgeous beaches. Then in places like Piedmont, you can expect to see mountain ranges that attract skiers during the winter. In Tuscany, you will be able to see stunning soft rolling hills. Whatever the view, you will definitely be impressed with the landscaping of this little country.

Easily Affordable

A trip to Italy is not as costly as the other European and western countries around it. Prices will vary and will depend on the city, region and season you are visiting. During the summer, Sicily and Sardinia tend to be expensive due to the popularity of the sea resorts and beaches. Rome is popular all year round, but the differences in price depending on season don’t fluctuate as much as other places. The same rule applies to other cities such as Florence and Venice that are popular tourist hotspots.

Italy is a must-see destination that you have to make sure you visit at least once. With so much to do here, you really need to make sure you are organized and plan your trip ahead of time. Even though this may sound complicated, it will definitely be worth your time and, once you are there, you will have an unforgettable experience.