Buying a Family Car Tips

Today, I’m sharing shopping tips on buying a family car tips. Unfortunately, cars don’t last forever. Sometimes they reach a point where it’s to0 expensive or they are too dangerous to keep them running. Or, perhaps circumstances have changed and your growing family has outgrown your current vehicle.

In any case, your next car should be viewed as an investment. You’ll be spending at least the next few years relying on this vehicle, so you shouldn’t take the decision of which car to buy lightly.

 

 

buying a family car tips

 

 

Buying a Family Car Tips

 

 

Work Out Your Budget & Needs

Before you make any major purchases, it’s always important to work out your budget and your requirements. The same applies to buying a car. There’s absolutely no point in considering a car that you can’t afford because it will only put more stress on your family. 

You should weigh your budget with your family’s needs and figure out what’s necessary. Some features might be preferred, but it isn’t a deal-breaker if they’re missing. However, if you have a family of five, you will need seating for everyone. Every family has different needs, so you’ll have to work out what is best for your family. 

Also, don’t be afraid to consider a second-hand car, if that’s what your budget demands. Another option is to lease a car, where you pay a set amount each month for a vehicle that you might not be able to afford otherwise. A dealership like Edmunds offers these options, so you can determine a deal that works for you.

 

 

 

buying a family car tips

 

 

Safety & Reliability

Every parent wants to protect their family, which makes safety one of the most important features of your new vehicle. Do some research on the cars that you’re considering and make sure that there are no glaring safety issues.

While safety is paramount, you should also consider the reliability of the vehicle. Unplanned breakdowns are inconvenient at the best of times, but they can also be expensive and potentially dangerous. 

Newer cars tend to be more reliable as they’ve suffered less wear and tear over the years. However, if a brand new car is out of the question, then consider a nearly new car with only a few thousand miles. It’s cheaper than something fresh out of the factory, but far less likely to break down than an older vehicle.

 

Maintenance Is Important When Buying a Family Car

Once you’ve found your ideal vehicle, then you need to keep it running smoothly. Every responsible car owner must take care of their vehicle, which will save you money in the long run. 

Taking care of your vehicle will also ensure that it continues to be a safe ride. Look out for problems with the car tires, as damaged or poorly maintained tires can be inefficient and more likely to cause a blowout.

 

Most people can’t do everything themselves, so it’s best to get your car serviced by an auto mechanic. You should always take your vehicle in if you suspect something’s wrong, but you should also regularly schedule your car for a service so that your mechanic can spot potential problems early.

Budget Outdoor Living Spaces You Can Create

Today, I’m sharing outdoor living tips on budget outdoor living spaces you can create.  Summer is around the corner.  So, it’s time to put a little time and energy in to your outdoor living space so you can enjoy the summer months. 

Creating an outdoor living space entails more than creating a garden.  Although that is a good idea too. Yes, gardening will get you and the kids outside for fresh air.  Furthermore, it’s the perfect opportunity to teach children about nature and maintaining your home as a homeowner.  

You can create a garden in containers, raised bed or till a small area in your yard.  Whatever you decide, start a few plants from seed with your children.  Also, you can use plants from your local nursery if you want to bypass the seed starting endeavor.  

Give them incentives for researching a garden plan ahead of time.  Furthermore, let them tell you what they want to plant and allow them to do the dirty work.  However, check on the plants throughout the season together. Planning your garden, and working with your children will give you an opportunity to spend time outdoor in your garden space. 

Enjoying a fresh garden salad grown and prepared by your kids will be an enjoyable experience for all. 

 

 

creating budget outdoor living space

 

Budget Outdoor Living Spaces: 

 

Planters and Patio Furniture

Whether your backyard is a 10 x 10 cement slab or acres of green space, we have a few tips that will  help you prepare your oasis. For some, it may be just as easy to shop online and have a perfect patio set arrive in a few days. However, if you’re on a budget try these tips: 

 

  • Spring and fall are great times to drive around neighborhoods and see what people are leaving on the curbs or selling at local yard sales. No shame in making one person’s junk your treasure. Sometimes homeowners don’t want to store patio furniture if they plan to buy new furniture the following season, and just want to get rid of it.  They leave it curb side or decide to sell at a low price at a yard sale.

    Table and chairs as well as side tables, coffee tables and items that you can accessorize with can be found.  Make a day of it over a few week-ends, and you will found new projects to make over for sure.   

  • Check out your local community reuse/selling sites. Some people sell new-in-box items that they had stored for years and can’t take back. You can find great deals. 
  • Stop by a local construction site/roof construction site. Often, companies like Dominion Roofing are happy to give you scrap wood and pallets they don’t need. Pallet furniture is so chic these days.
  • Do your current furniture/planter boxes need to be thrown away, or can you repurpose them? A fresh coat of paint on planter boxes is an easy, refreshing fix. Try new cushions. If you have the skills, make them.  Also, check out this excellent way to refurbish old chairs into a bench

 

 

creating budget outdoor living spaces

 

 

Creativity and some elbow grease will get your outdoor living space ready to enjoy in no time. If the kids see you putting in a solid effort and end up truly loving your backyard, they will also work hard to make it beautiful. 

Get out there, and enjoy your outdoor living space this year.  Go ahead and start pinning some great ideas on Pinterest

Avoiding Child Related Accidents at Home

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on avoiding child related accidents at home. Sadly, child related accidents are happening at an alarming rate. If your child survives choking, broken bones, and burns, their are many other harmful accidents awaiting them. 

Hard times have made the situation worse as most parents, in a bid to feed the family, are always on the move.  As a result, they are leaving the children in the hands of strangers. Even though every parent will always do their best to get the best child care, home accidents happen. They can take place anytime, even when you are the one taking care of your child.

Therefore, you need to be proactive in taking action to reduce child-related hazards. Below are three life saving hacks you can implement in your home to prevent child related accidents. 

 

 

avoiding child accidents

 

Avoiding Child Related Accidents at Home: 

 

Keep Floors Dry

Whether your child is crawling, learning how to walk or can already run ensuring your floors are dry is imperative. Naturally, children love to run or are always on the move in some manner.  This includes playing on the floor or simply walking to grab a toy. 

A slippery floor could lead to a dangerous fall.  Some of these falls may result in a broken bone, concussion or other detriment. So, taking action to immediately clean up any spells by your child care provider or you is essential. 

Alternatively, you can cover your floors with rugs or carpet.  Rugs and carpet not only help to prevent accidents, they are also a good way to keep the house warm.  Furthermore, they help reduce noise, which in turn can help prevent tinnitus from loud noises. However, you must also be cautious with rugs.  Make sure they have a slip-resistant backing to keep them from moving.  Otherwise, you have just added another hazard to your home.  

Carpets and rugs are easy to maintain with the children around; you just need to invest in a vacuum cleaner to do the cleaning once in a while. 

 

Invest in Childproof Locks 

Children are volatile, which makes keeping a watch on them next to impossible. The best way to prevent child related accidents, which includes cuts, drinking poisonous liquids or crashes from pulling out dishes or pots and pans is to invest in childproof locks on your cabinets. 

Childproof locks can help prevent children from accessing detergents, aerosol sprays, glass objects, knives, guns and medicines. Childproof locks can purchased from any local big box store.   

 

 

 

avoiding child accidents

 

 

 

Provide Adequate Spacious

Children need adequate space to play and walk around. Your limited space could be the reason behind your baby’s frequent falls and injuries. To prevent this type of accident, declutter your house. Especially, the play room and the kid’s bedroom.  Decluttering will help to create more space for them to move freely. 

Sell what you no longer need or move it to a storage area.  Furthermore, eliminate additional items that your child could choke on or injure themselves in some way. 

 

Conclusion

Taking preventive measures to help eliminate accidents will give you peace of mind, and provide a safe area for your child to learn, grow and play in. 

Gardening Tools for Beginner Gardeners

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on the gardening tools for beginner gardeners.  Gardening can be a rewarding experience, but it must done effectively.  A good location, good soil, healthy plants and necessary garden tools are a must for any gardener.  Beginner gardeners and experienced gardeners both use the same gardening tools. Gardeners at different levels use various tools. 

 

gardening tools for beginners

 

 

Gardening Tools for Beginner Gardeners:

 

Garden Fork – Used to loosen, lift and turn garden soil.  It looks similar to a pitch fork.  If you want to lift hay, straw or manure, use a pitch fork.  A garden fork has shorter, flatter, curved and heavier tines.  If you need to break up soil and loosen your soil, spread compost or mulch, this is the tool that you need. 

Trowel Next, one of my most used garden tools.  If you want to dig holes for plants, spread fertilizer, or dig up weeds, a garden trowel is your go to.  Experienced or beginner gardeners, it doesn’t matter you will need a trowel. 

Loppers – Also, my loppers are another gardening tool that I keep in my arsenal.  If you want to trim twigs or small branches, grab your loppers.   They are similar to pruning shears, but they have long handles and work more like scissors.

Cultivator – This small hand tool was made for weeding.  Especially, around small plants or tight spaces.  It has 3 curved prongs, and a short handle.  So, I use it in conjunction with my trowel to dig up tough weeds.  

Rake – Every gardener needs a rake to smooth out their garden soil and garden beds. A rake helps to bring stones to the surface and break up clumps of dirt. You smooth the dirt by using both the tines  and the back of the rake.  Don’t mistake the garden rake for a leaf or lawn rake.  The lawn rake is much larger with larger tines. 

 

 

gardening tools for beginners

 

 

Hoe – Also, the garden hoe is used to weed around plants without bending down.  It has a longer handle than the cultivator.    

Shears – Garden shears are used to trim bushes. 

Garden Spade – If you want to dig a large hole or transplant or remove a plant, the garden spade is perfect.  It has a long handle to avoid bending over, and the edge will allow you dig under the plants you’re trying to remove.   

 

You don’t have to spend a fortune on gardening tools if you are a beginner gardener.  You can always upgrade your tools as you become more comfortable using them along your journey.  Play with them in the store before you purchase.  For example, make sure you like the feel in your hands.  Some tools have rubber grips and some are smooth.  Although I have acquired several trowels, hoes, shears, loppers etc., I have favorites of each.  

Last, you may also like Garden Gloves for Beginner Gardeners

 

Creating a Low Maintenance Backyard

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on creating a low maintenance backyard.  Having a lovely backyard that you can be proud of takes a lot of work. If you prefer not to do any gardening, then your yard will be dull.  So, you can’t have a gorgeous garden and not put any effort into it. 

However, you can have a wonderful garden that is extremely low maintenance.  Low maintenance backyards allow even the busiest of people who have no interest in gardening to enjoy their outside space.  Check how you can create a low maintenance backyard that you can enjoy too. 

 

 

creating a low maintenance backyard

 

Creating a Low Maintenance Backyard:

 

Choose The Right Plants 

Some plants take an awful lot of upkeep. They need to be pruned, they need to be watered regularly.  And, some even need to be fed to keep them looking their best. These are not the plants you’ll want in a low-maintenance backyard. Instead, it’s best to research the type of plants that will work best in a low maintenance garden.  Doing research is better than just picking the ones that look prettiest, but require time and attention.  

So, the best plants for a low-maintenance yard are hardy perennials.  Perennials are plants that come back year after year. Additionally, they can survive practically anything without much help.  In other words, you can plant them and leave them.  

 

 

creating a low maintenance backyard

 

Spread Beds With Mulch

Weeding is probably the worst job in the entire yard. It’s back-breaking, messy work, and no sooner have you completed the task than you’ll spot more weeds breaking through the surface of the soil. 

If you want to prevent doing this job over and over, simply spread mulch over your flower beds. Mulch will help to keep your soil nutrient-rich, and when it comes to weeds, it blocks out sunlight and warmth, and therefore they are unable to grow. 

 

Think About Your Lawn 

Once the flowerbeds have been dealt with, the next issue is the lawn. There are several ways to deal with your lawn, depending on just how low maintenance you want your yard to be. The first option is to remove as much grass as possible and install entertainment areas.  For example, a patio with table and chairs to enjoy outdoor meals.  Expand your deck or install one.   

Another option is to install a pond.  Koi ponds are beautiful, ponds with a waterfall are relaxing and enjoyable to look at.  

If you have small children remove the grass and install a swing set and play area with mulch.  

 

 

creating a low maintenance backyard

 

 

Finally, you can keep your lawn, but ensure you use your lawnmower from Bradley Mowers on it regularly. Or rather, you can pay someone else to cut the grass for you. In this way, you can enjoy natural grass in your yard, but you won’t have to worry about keeping it mown.

I hope you enjoyed my tips on creating a low maintenance  backyard and will implement a few ideas.  

Cleaning Garden Tools for Beginners

I’m sharing gardening tips on cleaning garden tools for beginner gardeners today. It’s imperative that you keep your garden tools sanitized.  Gardening season is here, so lets get this task done.   

 

Importance of Cleaning Garden Tools: 

 

First, cleaning gardening tools is task that most gardeners do when they close their garden for the season. Using unsanitary tools can spread disease to your plants.  Imagine all your beautiful flowers and veggies being diseased simply because you missed a task that should be performed yearly. 

Fortunately, cleaning your tools in the spring is as effective as cleaning them in the fall.  As a result, it’s not too late.  Tools need to be cleaned regularly to avoid spreading disease.  Cleaning your tools regularly also helps prevent rust, dirt build-up and helps keep them sharp.  Keeping your tools in good condition will help cut down on your gardening expense too.  Purchasing new tools over and over can get expensive, and it’s an unnecessary if you care for what you have.   

 

Clean the Following Garden Tools with the Baking Soda Method:  

  • trowels
  • loppers
  • scissors
  • by-pass shears
  • pruning shear
  • spade
  • garden fork
  • shovels
  • rakes
  • hoes

 

Note: Make sure you wash your gardening gloves with a good non-chlorine bleach throughout the gardening season too.  

 

 

 

cleaning garden tools

 

 

Cleaning Garden Tools Steps:  

  • Baking Soda
  • Water
  • Rubbing Alcohol (at least 70%)
  • Rags
  • Wire Brush
  • Newspaper or Cardboard Box 

 

 

cleaning gardening tools

 

 

 

  • Use a garden hose to remove any lose dirt from your garden tools. Dry the towels and proceed to the next step.  
  • Make a Paste with the Baking Soda and Water – It should be thick, but thin enough to spread on the blades of your tools without crumbling.  
  • Allow the paste to penetrate the blades of the tools for at least an hour or two.  

 

 

cleaning garden hand tools

 

 

  • Use your wire brush to remove any rust and grime.  
  • Wipe the baking soda paste from the tools with a wipe cloth. 

 

 

cleaning garden hand tools

 

 

 

Disinfect the tools by wiping the blades and handles with Isopropyl Alcohol and a clean rag.  The alcohol should be at least 70%; however, I use a 91% brand.  You can use the alcohol directly from the bottle without diluting it.  You can purchase alcohol from the dollar store, CVS, Wal-greens, Walmart etc.  

Add this task to your gardening schedule at least once a year.  However, twice a year is good.  I like to clean my tools mid-season and than in early spring if time doesn’t allow me to clean them in the fall.  Again spring or fall is appropriate, just make sure you clean them. 

Also, if you use the tools on a diseased plant or an area in your garden that has been infected, clean your tools immediately.  This is important, you don’t want to further spread any diseases.  You may also like common garden diseases.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naming Your Baby Tips for Parents

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on naming your baby tips. When you are having a a child, one of the most important decisions that you will make, is what to name them. Many people struggle from time to time with this process.  Furthermore, it can be hard to know how to approach it.  Some people like to wait until they have actually met their child before naming them.  Others have names selected before birth.  If you are struggling to come up with a perfect name for your child, we have a few tips for you.  

 

 

naming baby tips

 

 

 

Naming Your Baby Tips

 

Family History

One of the first places to look is in your family history, specifically the names of people in your immediate family.  That might include your parents, grandparents, and of course the same on your partner’s side too. The beauty of this is that you can easily continue a number of traditions and have a sense of unity in the family.  Many parents are using the middle names of parents, grandparents or aunts and uncles.  Older names are becoming popular again too.  For example, Charlie, Abigail, Jack, Evelyn, Samuel, Lillian, and Violet.  

 

National Ancestry

You might also like to think about the ancestry part of the equation, particularly if you have an especially strong affinity with any particular nation or people. If you are Irish, for instance, or you just have some Irish family members, you might find yourself looking at an Irish name for your child. Likewise, if you have a Scottish background or any other background check out names from that culture.  This can be a great way to make sure you are representing your family’s history in name.  

 

 

 

naming baby tips

 

 

 

Meaning

Some people choose to be led instead by meaning, which is great if you want to show that you have really put a lot of thought and effort into choosing a name. You can look up meanings of names, but be sure to corroborate with a few different sources.  There can be different meanings, so you want to make sure that you really understand what the name means.  You will be happier with a name that you’ve given thought to rather than one that was chosen randomly.

 

Common Mistakes

There are common mistakes that people often make when they are naming their children. For example, they may have compromised too much with their partner.  Or, they might have chosen a name which is hard to pronounce or too similar to many other names, which makes it tricky to distinguish how to pronounce it. You should aim to choose a name that is clear and obvious.  Although there are no hard rules here and it is up to you, consider my naming your baby tips and please enjoy naming your baby. 

Staying Healthy Through Your Pregnancy

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on staying healthy through pregnancy.  You need a healthy body for your baby to develop well for nine months. Ideally, you can start planning for a healthy pregnancy before you get pregnant. Early preparation will allow your physician to show you how to avoid exposing your baby any form of toxins.

 

To achieve the best outcome without any prenatal or delivery complications, treat all chronic medical conditions properly before getting pregnant. You must also refrain from smoking, taking alcohol or illicit drugs, and excessive drinking of caffeinated drinks.

 

 

staying healthy through pregnancy 

 

Staying healthy through pregnancy:  

 

  1. Keep a Healthy Weight

Work on your weight before you get pregnant. During pregnancy, you will be eating to keep two people healthy. That means weight gain will occur during a normal pregnancy.

Tracking your weight gain during pregnancy helps you avoid putting on weight that you will struggle to lose. Check your body mass index to know if you are overweight, underweight, or normal. If you have a normal weight, you should limit your weight gain to between 25 to 35 pounds.

 

  1. Do More Exercise

Engaging in regular exercise improves your health. It also cuts down stress and weight gain while enhancing blood circulation.  If you want to improve your mood and sleep well at night, exercise for at least 20 minutes daily. You can walk, do Pilates, or yoga. 

Kegel exercises are also helpful while you are pregnant. They boost the strength of the lower muscles of the pelvis, and provide strong support for your uterus, bowels, and bladder. Kegel exercises may be done anywhere at any time of the day by simply squeezing your muscles to prevent the flow of urine like you do while you are in the toilet.

 

  1. Take Vitamin Supplements

Your baby’s brain and spine start developing from the first month of pregnancy. Ask your doctor to recommend a suitable vitamin supplement that contains essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and folic acid. You should take your prenatal vitamins early in the day, but if they nauseate you, you may take them at night. Consult your doctor if you have any issues or concerns.  

 

  1. Increase Your Knowledge

If this is your first pregnancy, you need to learn all you can about pregnancy and childbirth. But, if you are having a second or third child, going to prenatal classes is still a good idea. It will enable you to be well-prepared for a happy pregnancy and joyful delivery.

Attending prenatal classes gives you a chance to ask all the questions you may have about your body and baby. You can also bring up issues you’ve had during previous pregnancies with your doctor. Discuss your medical history and if possible, attend the classes with your partner.

 

  1. Modify Your House Chores

When you are pregnant, some house chores can become risky. For example, you may be exposed to toxins while cleaning the litter box or washing the bathroom with toxic cleaning agents. These toxins can be harmful to you and your baby.  Some of the house chores you need to avoid are:

  • Changing your cat’s litter
  •  Lifting heavy objects 
  •  Stripping lead based pain or using solvent-based paints 

 

You need to take special precautions if you have cats. Cats carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. So, put on gloves if you are working in a place where cats play and have someone clean the litter box for you.

 

 

staying healthy through pregnancy

 

 

 

Boost Your Diet With Fruit and Vegetables

Aim for at least five balanced meals with a rich supply of vegetables and fruit. Green vegetables contain folic acid. It is an essential vitamin for the development of your baby’s neural tube that covers the spine. You need folic acid to build new blood cells in your bone marrow.

Also, taking fruits like apples and bananas can boost your energy levels. Remember that you won’t be able to consume a lot of caffeine during pregnancy. So, eating taking natural fruits will give you the energy boost you used to get from caffeine.

 

By applying these health-boosting tips daily, you can reduce the risk of sickness, poor fetal development, and birth complications. However, these tips are simply for informational purposes. Always consult your physician before you do anything that can affect your health or that of your baby.

Zone 6B Plants for Spring Gardens

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on Zone 6B plants for spring gardens. March is the time to clean up your garden and start cool weather vegetable crops.  This includes removing any weeds and adding compost.  Decide what you want to plant in your spring garden and prepare to purchase your plants or sow your seeds.  April is a great time to start planting spring vegetables.

 

Know Your Garden Zone

So, I garden in Zone 6B. The lower the number on the zone map, the colder the climate is in that particular area.  It’s important that you know your gardening zone.  Please, take some time and look up your zone now.  This will help you determine what you can plant in your area and when you should sow your seeds or plants in your garden or containers.

 

 

 

spring vegetables for zone 6B

 

 

 Zone 6B Plants for Spring Gardens:

 

  • Carrots
  • Swiss Chards
  • Beets
  • Lettuce
  • Radishes 

 

 

spring vegetables for zone 6B

 

 

  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Spinach
  • Collards
  • Kale

 

 

Understanding Cool Weather Crops

These vegetables are considered cool weather crops.  Cool weather crops can germinate in cold soil and grow in cooler weather like spring and fall.  So, make that you direct sow your seeds in a timely manner.  You want your seeds to germinate and the plants to mature before hot weather sets in.  So, sow your seeds or plants as soon as the ground is workable. Cool weather crops will wilt or bolt in the hot summer heat.  Although, I have had luck with keeping a good crop of lettuce going throughout the past two summers. I plant it under a ladder close to my tomatoes plants that provides lots of shade.   

I have direct sown peas, lettuce, carrots and radishes and they have done great in the timeframe that I allowed for my spring garden.  It’s important that you allow time for the plant to mature and harvest your produce before you need the space for your summer crops. 

 

The picture directly above are Cherry Belle Radishes that were planted in April and are maturing in May.  Belle means beautiful in French. The germination timeframe is approximately 25 days, and they are perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners.  This radish has been around for many years, and has been tried, tested and true. It’s a great plant for a fall planting too. 

 

 

 

growing radishes in zone 6B   

 

So, pick a few Zone 6b plants for spring and get them in your vegetable garden.  You can plant in containers, raised beds or in a garden plot.  

Sunday’s Best Linkup Comes To An End

Happy New Year.  I hope your holidays were all that you wanted them to be.  It is with mixed emotions I am announcing that Sunday’s Best Linkup has come to a close.  It has been a great run, and I want to thank everyone who supported Kim, Brittany and me.

I decided to give my time to other areas of my life in the New Year.  My grandchildren are getting older and I don’t want time to pass me by with them, I want to travel more and I just finished writing a book. I hope to have it and my work book available this summer.  I’ve also received my Master Gardener’s certification, so I want to spend more time in the garden and helping the community grow their own fresh vegetables.

I hope each of you will stay connected either on social media or by stopping by Mother 2 Mother.  It has truly been a pleasure connecting with each of you over the years.  May the New Year bring you lots of blessings.  Hugs!