Always dreamed of life on the water? Whether you’ve caught the boating bug after a houseboat holiday, or want to take to the high seas, buying a boat can be a very exciting thing. However, a boat is a very big purchase (in more ways than one), so you need to do your homework first to make sure you make the right investment. Here’s how to buy a boat.
Decide What Type Of Boat To Buy
You know you want a boat, but you need to set a budget as your first step, so you can start creating a wishlist for the kind of boat you want. Your budget will play a big part in the kind of boat you buy, and the decision of whether to buy a used or a new boat. You should also consider the size of the boat. The right size depends on a few things:
People. How many people will you have onboard? Is this boat for solo adventures, family trips, or parties with friends?
Towing. If you will be trailering your boat, remember that the size of the boat will impact the size of vehicle that you need to tow it.
Location. Where will you use the boat? If you plan to boat on large waterways then a deeper hull makes sense. Smaller waterways and shallow water need a smaller vessel. If you live in a landlocked area, consider the cost of getting your boat to the water. Compare prices to move boats to be sure.
Storage. Where will you keep your boat? If it will be stored at the marina, then the size of the boat will impact the storage costs. If you have a personal dock, take account of space constraints. Remember to think about proper winter storage too to keep the boat safe.
Set Your Budget
Boating is a more affordable hobby than you might think. When you have an idea of the kind of boat you want to buy, narrow the list down further with some practical considerations that will help you set a budget.
Buying a new boat means you get something brand new, that comes with a warranty. If you buy used, you will need to do more thorough checks but will allow you to stretch your budget a little further. Think about the costs of weekends and vacations throughout the year, and you’ll find the boat ownership is pretty comparable.
With a boat and budget in mind, you can now start the shopping process. You can start by doing a general search online of different types of boat, and then focus on individual models through the manufacturer’s websites. Look at dealerships, online reviews, and boating forums. Who do you know who already owns a boat? Could they offer any advice or input? When you have a shortlist, see if you know anyone who owns those models so you can benefit from their firsthand experience and knowledge to help you decide if you are making the right choice.
One of the main reasons that people put off upgrading their home is because of the cost that they think is associated with it. It’s true, it can be expensive to upgrade your home if you do it a certain way. However, at the same time, you can also do this without breaking the bank if you are willing to compromise on how much you’re going to do. There are so many simple things that you can do to upgrade the space you live in, it doesn’t have to be a full renovation where everything is completely new. In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the ways that you can upgrade without breaking the bank, so if you want to know more about this topic then keep reading down below.
Paint The Walls
First, we’re going to go with something really simple, which is painting the walls. It doesn’t take much, it’s cheap to do, and yet it has the power to transform the entire room. We don’t know if you have ever painted a room yourself before, but you can always hire someone to do it for you if you want the job done professionally, however, this is going to cost more. A new coat of paint can really change the whole feel of a room, so don’t be surprised if it feels as though you are walking into a completely new space.
Sure, if you don’t like the color, you can always strip it and start again, but it’s going to be much more practical to just take your time and get it right straight away. Take your home choosing a new color and wait until you are completely sure. Check out swatches on your wall so that you can see what they really look like, and don’t choose without having seen them on your own wall!
Tackle The Garden
Have you thought about heading out into the garden and tackling the mess that it is? Probably not. Gardening is something that a lot of people don’t like because it is a lot of work, but when you maintain and keep it up properly, it doesn’t have to be. Fighting your way through every couple of months doesn’t have to be the way it is. You can easily do little bits here and there that will keep it looking nice so that you don’t have to spend hours at a time on it. You can find more information about ways to make your garden look fantastic on a site like https://www.housebeautiful.com.
Once you’ve got rid of the weeds and mowed the grass, you can add some wonderful touches to it. Flowers, a water feature, a patio or even a fire pit are all fantastic options here. Not only do they upgrade your home, but they can also add value if you are going to be thinking about selling in the near future. Just something to keep in mind when you’re planning out what to do with the space.
Get Some New Furniture
If you look at the furniture in your home right now, how does it make you feel? Do you like it, or is it simply what you are stuck with? It might be time to get some new furniture. We know that sometimes it can be expensive, but if you shop around and look at sites like www.tvstandsoutlet.com, then you’re going to be able to find good deals on a number of different items. Think about what you’re going to need and make a list so that you get everything you set out for.
You don’t have to do this all at once, though because we know it can cost a lot if you try to. Instead, just take it room by room or piece by piece depending on what your budget looks like. If you are going to do it in increments though, try to think about your last purchase and whether the next one is going to match the vibe you’re going for.
Fill In All The Holes
Do you have a number of holes around your home where you have hung things up? A lot of people do, don’t worry about it but there is a simple fix to this. Simply head down to your DIY store, pick out some filler and then fill the holes! Smooth it down so that it doesn’t dry as a bubble, and there you go! Depending on the color of your walls, you might want to get some paint and go over the area, but other than this there isn’t much more to do. Filler doesn’t cost a lot, so you’re not going to have to worry about that.
Seeing as it’s such a simple thing to do, it would seem silly not to do it. If you do this every time you take something down that has been hanging on the wall, it’s never going to be a big job at all. Keeping on top of it is the best thing that you can do so that the job never becomes more than a few minutes.
Paint The Kitchen Cabinets
Have you thought about painting the kitchen cabinets? We bet that you didn’t think this would be on the list as an upgrade, but if your cabinets are looking worn, then it’s a good idea. Upgrading just means making better, so just because this doesn’t require a lot of work, doesn’t mean it doesn’t count as an upgrade. Take your time choosing a color so that you don’t end up regretting it and having to do the whole thing again though. You want it to match the rest of the kitchen, but also be something that you like to look at. Don’t rush this choice because we bet that you will change your mind if you do.
Boost The Curb Appeal
Do you ever consider what people see when they look at the front of your home? Have you ever gotten home and thought that the outside looked a bit dreary? If you’ve noticed, then someone else probably has too, so one upgrade that you should think about is boosting the curb appeal. It’s not difficult to do, and they are jobs that you can do by yourself such as mowing the lawn, making the front garden look pretty, painting the front door and so on. Make sure there is no litter anywhere on the front of your property, and anything that looks like it is damaged gets fixed as soon as possible.
These are usually small repairs and won’t take you that long to do. We all know that first impressions count, and it’s still important to keep up a good one even when you live there. If you want some more ideas on how to do this, check out a site like https://bestlifeonline.com/curb-appeal/.
Change Up The Fixtures
If you look at the fixtures in your home, how do they look? If they’re looking outdated or a little worn, then there is no reason not to change them. This includes electric outlets, taps in the bathroom and kitchen, and lights. None of these are particularly expensive to replace if you know where to look, so you can do this relatively cheaply without a lot of issues. Just head to your local DIY store and see what kind of fixtures they have available for you to purchase.
This is another decision that you should take your time with though because you’re going to be stuck with these for a long time. Discuss this with anyone else living in your house and get their opinion, especially if you find yourself unable to decide for any reason.
Mirrors And More Mirrors
Mirrors are always an excellent addition to any home. They look fantastic in all areas of the home, and they also help to open out rooms, making them look bigger than they actually are. You can get a number of different styles when it comes to mirrors so you’re not going to be short on options and they aren’t a massively expensive purchase making them perfect for a cheap upgrade. Have you ever noticed that a room with mirrors automatically has a nicer feel to it? If you haven’t, take the time to consider this when you’re next in a room that has a lot of them in.
Hide Anything That Looks Ugly
If you know that there are certain spots on your walls that are eyesores, cover them up. It’s such a simple trick, but it’s one that will do wonders for your home. For example, if there is something on your wall that you can’t get rid of, then cover it up with a piece of art. It looks fantastic on the wall, and you get to cover the thing that you don’t want people to see! It’s a win-win situation which makes it worth while. Think about what piece of art would compliment the room nicely and then go with it!
We hope that you have found this article helpful and now understand some of the things that you can do to upgrade your home without breaking the bank. Good luck, and we hope that you like the end result!
For most people, whenever we think of illegal things or crime, the first things that come to mind are murder, drug charges, assault, theft, name them. However, believe it or not, depending on where you find yourself, there are certain seemingly ‘harmless’ activities that you may never believe could make you a criminal. You may be feeling like a saint for now. But wait until you are done reading this article – those feelings might change. So, pay attention to these things so that you don’t find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
1.Keeping a goldfish in a big glass bowl
You may have heard of some ‘weird’ laws in different parts of the world. But you haven’t heard about all of them yet. Brace yourself. Your typical pet may not be a goldfish – unless you have the money to take care of one. Most people prefer to go with a cat or a dog, or both. But even if a goldfish is what you want (or have) as a pet, a big glass bowl is the first thing that will come to mind when looking for the best home for your fish, right? Wrong! That is if you live in Rome. In Italy, it is considered somewhat cruel to keep a goldfish in a glass bowl as they claim the bowl could limit the amount of oxygen available to the fish and potentially cause the fish to go blind. Your jaw probably just dropped.
2.Wearing heels in some places
Don’t we all love the sight of gorgeous legs gracefully gliding in heels and blessing the surface of the earth? Apparently not. In Greece, you are not allowed to wear heels when visiting some of the historical sights. The reason is that the heels can chip away the surfaces of some of the cherished architecture over a period of time. It makes sense, doesn’t it? You may be asking yourself who will visit a historical sight in heels, and you’re not alone. Who goes on tour in heels, anyway?
3.Happy birthday!
Sing along if you can – happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you Wait. So, what if in the middle of your happy birthday song the police barges in and whisk you away? Two things may run across your mind. One, either you sang soo off-key that you caused people’s inner ears to bleed, or two, you crushed the wrong party again. Well, it’s none of the above. Due to copyright issues, it is actually a crime to sing the happy birthday song in the public domain. But don’t worry, no one has been busted yet – at least not in the way we described earlier. Unless you have a lawyer friend who has a weird obsession for copyright infringement, you can go ahead to sing the happy birthday song.
4.Don’t feed the pigeons!
Imagine how weird that will feel being arrested by the police for throwing some breadcrumbs to pigeons. But if you find yourself in San Francisco, that is what could happen to you. It is illegal to feed pigeons in San Francisco. Why? Because pigeons were not always cute and super chill back in the day. A while back, these birds were actually damaging properties and spreading diseases. Thus, in order to help tackle the problem, the city put a ban on feeding these little guys.
5.Sampling items at the store
So, you’re sauntering in the grocery store for some veggies. You find a bunch of grapes that look so appealing, and you decide to pluck one off to taste before pay. That’s a no-no. We know, so you are not a shoplifter or a thief. You wouldn’t even take candy from a child when no one is looking. But when you are going shopping for groceries, you may want to look out for signs asking you not to sample any merchandise. And the fact that a store or supermarket does not display a sign like that does not make it any less wrong. The point is, it is wrong to sample a product in-store when you haven’t paid for it unless it is offered to you for free sampling.
6.Do not go to the bathroom when the seatbelt sign is on
If you are a fan of Key and Peele, then you may remember a skit involving a flight attendant trying to stop a passenger from using the bathroom when the seatbelt sign was on. As funny as that skit is when in an airplane, it is actually wrong to get out of your seat to use the bathroom when the seatbelt sign is on. And if you are unlucky enough to have a flight attendant that loves American football or rugby, the chances are that you are likely going to receive quite the tackle on the aisle. So, try not to hydrate too much before getting on your flight. Because you will have to remain in your seat and buckled up when the seatbelt sign is on – it doesn’t matter how passionately your bladder disagrees.
7.Public display of affection
This is probably a good time to look away if you are a hopeless romantic. On second thought, you need to read this carefully if you love romance. Sometimes, most of us daydream about that romantic vacation with that special someone to the special location – touching and kissing as often as we can to announce our love to the whole world, or at least, onlookers. But depending on where you are, public display of affection (PDA) is illegal. PDA may not be among the common sex crimes to avoid, but there are quite some strict laws against people who can’t keep their hands close to their bodies, in such places. So, unless you want to experience how romance is behind bars, keep your hands off your lover until you have some privacy.
8.Using fake names on social media
If you are an active social media user, then the chances are that you may have come across some social media profiles with ridiculous names. In fact, someone once joked that Facebook is proof of why people are not allowed to name themselves in childhood. But social media is not the real world, so what’s the big deal? You may be asking. Well, social media has grown in importance, over the past years, to become more than just a fun platform. There are so many fake accounts and scammers committing different kinds of crimes through the power of social media. However, despite the reasoning behind this, this is still a little tricky as numerous social media users also prefer to protect their privacy by not using their real names, or by using a modified version of their names. Where do we draw the line? Your guess is as good as mine. Facebook, though, no longer allows people to use weird names anymore.
9.Eating behind the wheel
During your first days behind the wheel, you are so focused on not making any mistakes or breaking any traffic regulations. But as you begin to build more experience, you become more relaxed and take certain safety measures for granted. One of those safety measures most drivers take for granted is not eating while driving. If your jaw dropped, then you probably didn’t know that this is illegal. How strict the law is on this subject varies from place to place. But the next time you find yourself behind the wheels, and feeling a little hungry, it is safer to stop somewhere for a quick bite.
10.Cursing and profanity in public
Sometimes it’s difficult to hold it in, isn’t it? It happens to the best of us. But as much as cursing is that rare missile some people release when they are pushed, there are others who curse more frequently than will admit. No matter which group you fall in, cursing in public is wrong in some countries. If you live in Australia, for example, this can land you behind bars for a couple of months.
11.Takedown those Christmas lights!
It is understandable if the Christmas spirit fails to leave you even months into the new year – or maybe you’re just one of the millions of procrastinators. But whatever your reason for leaving the Christmas lights on for too long is, if you live in the state of Maine, you cannot leave your Christmas decorative lights on beyond January 14th. As bizarre as this sounds, flouting this law can land you in some waters.
12.Using someone’s WiFi
Are you feeling like a rebel yet? Well, we saved the best for last. There are times when you just run out of data and need some WiFi – even if it is not yours. It could be for something as quick and simple as checking your email or for something else like streaming a video. Whatever your reasons are, using someone’s WiFi without their permission is illegal – it is basically stealing. So before you start boasting about your WiFi hacking skills, think again.
We are all equipped with one main system in our biological makeup, this is what’s known as the endogenous cannabinoid system and plays a big part in regulating both the production of and use of, the cannabinoids present in it.
Several physiological processes are also geared through this. Several things such as heart rate, body temperature, digestion, sleep, hunger, and thirst, for instance, are all part and parcel of the workings of this system. By supplementing ourselves with some specific things, we can enhance these processes into becoming better equipped and strengthen them while we’re at it, keeping us healthier and happier. It is important to figure out what we can do to make sure we keep this ECS aligned and in working order to minimize illness and various negative health conditions from penetrating the body. To learn how the mechanics work, this page has some relevant information.
CB1 and CB2 – The two Main Receptors
Let’s take a small step back in looking at the two main receptors that can help make all the above possible.
CB1 – these are found in the brain, connective tissues, organs, and central nervous system. They are possibly more densely populated than any other in our bodies as they are found in most of the moving parts. As such they are important in a lot of the physical processes that happen in the system.
CB2 – are located mainly in the immune system and aid in regulating most inflammatory responses. Their job is to keep both the immune system and the gastrointestinal working optimally.
Now to the fun part. If you want to give your system a good boost safely and healthily, there are a few things you can introduce it to. We will look at these below.
Caryophyllene. This is the compound present in most plants and herbs. The thing that gives it its smell and taste. For instance, in pine, lavender, black pepper, oregano, basil, rosemary, cannabis, and cloves. It has been seen to stimulate the ECS by binding to it and the neuroprotective properties of these “terpenes” or aromatic compounds https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-terpenes, help enhance and stimulate good feelings in us such as a mood-uplifting, and anti-depressant material.
A lot of cultures have known that in chewing black peppercorns, it helps to relieve anxiety. Perhaps there was a method to that madness after all.
CBD (Cannabidiol). One of the most prevalent ingredients to add to any cup of tea, CBD has become far more popular than any other natural plant extract in a very short time. Even though this hemp plant extract has been around for over 6000 years, its uses nowadays have increased ten-fold in comparison to when it first came out or was recognized as a beneficial property. Not only because it is not toxic or does not have psychoactive properties, but also because in recent years it has been placed under formal research to find that it has a lot of beneficial properties when added to the ECS via several means of different formats.
Its medicinal uses include treating many different health conditions and one of the main reasons is because it helps to strengthen it. From deficiencies to ailments both internal and external, CBD has been showing some surprisingly positive results.
Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome), cancer, tumors, seizures, anxiety, and depression are just a few of the many things clinical trials have been a part of with this natural compound.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. We have heard about this many times and it remains on our list as one of the good guys. This natural substance is known for its building block property to aid in the CB1 receptors and help facilitate and regulate the production of ‘feel-good components’ within the body.
Did you know that Hemp plant is a natural and rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids? Cheef Botanicals can tell you more about this. Both the plant and the seeds have doses of both omega 3 and 6 in them to the ratio of 3:6. Other sources are legumes, fish oils, and supplements as well.
If you’re looking to enhance all the good things about your own Endocannabinoid System, look no further than the above options to live a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Summer is here and the prospect of this year’s holiday has changed for many families. While you might have booked a 10-day holiday to Spain or Mexico, this summer might be more of a “staycation” than anything else. However, every situation has its own silver lining, and you can still enjoy the good season from the comfort of your home. Turning your garden or lawn around, and making the most out of the space that is available to you is essential. Of course, this project might require a little effort on your part, but it will be rewarding!
Take Up Gardening
Turning your garden, lawn, or patio around without learning the basics of gardening is almost impossible! Even if you don’t wish to fill your space with fruit plants, flowers, and trees, learning a little about landscaping can help you create a stylish environment that you can enjoy all year round. Any homeowner who is lucky enough to have a garden or patio at their disposal should consider adding flowers and houseplants to their outside area. Simple additions like flower beds, a lemon plant, or spices like rosemary can make your garden smell amazing and look beautiful. Of course, these plants can supply you with fresh herbs and ingredients anytime you need them!
Lastly, the benefits of gardening on our physical and mental wellbeing are undeniable. This activity can help you relax, keep stress at bay, and spend time outdoors or bathing in the sunshine. All this combined can help strengthen your bones, tone your muscles, clean your skin, and improve your mood!
Pick Up the Leaves
Step two of your “garden makeover” project is to pick up all the leaves and debris that winter has left behind. While you might not have noticed the details that have been ruining the look of your garden, leaves, as well as fallen branches and weeds, can make your outdoor area unlivable. Luckily, there is an easy solution to the issue – borrow a leaf blower from your neighbor! Especially if you don’t have many trees in your garden, you might only need this type of equipment occasionally. Therefore, borrowing it from a neighbor can help you save money while achieving the same level of garden cleanliness you had been hoping for.
Cut the Grass
Cutting the lawn of your lawn is an essential step to reinstate your outdoor area’s beauty and potential. Even in the case that you only have a couple of green patches in your garden, don’t underestimate the difference that a cared-for area can make. Moreover, cleaning and cutting the grass in those sections can give you the chance to plant some more flowers or locate a houseplant in need of a house.
Cutting the grass might not be among the most enjoyable activities to do when rethinking the look of your garden. Yet, it is also one of those regular tasks that you will have to dedicate yourself to several times a year. Therefore, investing in the right type of equipment might be essential to ensure you can complete all your work quickly and efficiently.
Flowers and Houseplants
Flowers and houseplants are the necessary additions to turn your garden into a livable and enjoyable environment. However, picking the right ones for your preferences and taste is essential to achieve the garden look you wanted. If you are not among the most experienced gardeners and you are looking for easy-to-grow varieties that can give you endless satisfaction, here are the best plants for your first garden.
Tomatoes
Pansies
Basil
Mint
Sunflower
Marigold
Sweet peas
Aquilegia
Nigella
Nasturtium
Eschscholzia (Californian Poppy)
Geraniums
Fuchsia
The ones you will pick entirely depend on your personal taste, the climate conditions of the area, and the amount of time you can dedicate to your plants’ care. If you are unsure what flower or plant will do best in your garden, speak to an expert gardener or head to a nearby garden tool shop. Here you can find all the species and varieties that work best in your area and in the climate conditions you are in.
Redo Your Driveway
Driveways and paths in your garden are always the last things homeowners think about. Of course, this is only the area where you drive your car in the mornings and evenings, nothing more. However, the driveway is also the first aspect of your house that a visitor or guest will see when coming to see you. Redoing a driveway or path does not have to be a difficult task to undertake, and often everything you need is new tiles and cement. Of course, you can get in touch with a professional company to achieve even better results in limited timeframes.
However, another exciting option to consider is to design a pathway in wood, which is something you can do at home. You might need to buy wood planks, but you can set them up directly on the grass, so you can also move them as you see fit in the future.
Substitute Old Sewer Covers
If you have been living in the same home or area for a while, the chances are that you have become blind to the sewer covers around you. In some cases, you might also have one within your garden and never pay attention to it. However, sewer covers are essential, especially when it comes down to creating a safe and stylish environment in your garden.
Swap your old covers for new ones that can comfortably hold your car’s weight – if they are located on the driveway – and fit with the furniture and details you have introduced in your garden. Lastly, new covers can increase the level of safety of the environment, preventing falls and failures. While thy might not be the detail you think about the most, it is definitely one to keep in mind when redoing your garden!
Invest in Outdoor Furniture
Now that your new, stylish garden is coming to life, it is time to buy adequate furniture pieces to go with it. Some homeowners prefer to purchase designer or futuristic pieces of furniture, such as deck chairs, tables, and handcrafted details. However, if you are trying to remodel your garden cheaply and sustainably, you could also undertake a series of DIY projects to converse the items you already have into weatherproof furniture.
If you are low on items that you can spare and modify, head to the nearest factory and check whether you can use some of their planks and pellets. These are highly versatile materials that can turn into tables, chairs, and sofas when nailed together.
In this case, don’t forget to paint them to get them to blend with the decor. Lastly, add pillows and blankets to increase the level of comfort and get ready to spend most of your summer evenings on your handmade furniture items.
Install a Gazebo
Gazebos, teepees, and tents are other additions that we always consider appropriate in a luxury setting. However, if you look into the price of these items, you will find out that some models are highly affordable. Despite the low price, these simple additions can turn your garden around and increase your comfort while there – especially during hot, humid, and still summer days.
.. Or Opt for an Umbrella
Another alternative to a gazebo is an umbrella. You can buy umbrellas attached to a movable arm that can help you create an adequate shade on your furniture independently on the time of the day. Umbrellas are inexpensive additions that work best if you don’t have a fixed station for dining al fresco. For example, if you prefer to move your furniture around depending on the season, weather, and hour of the day, a fixed tent or gazebo might not be suitable… but an umbrella will be!
Buy BBQ Facilities
Spending money on outdoor furniture and BBQ facilities might not be your idea of a cheap remodel. However, homeowners should also consider that a garden with new furniture and facilities could massively increase your home’s value, especially when you decide to rent it or sell it. Investing in redoing a garden is one of the smartest choices you could make before putting your house on the market!
Decorate With Fairy Lights and Torches
There is nothing better to create the perfect atmosphere for your summer nights than decorating your gardens with fairy lights and torches. You can wrap these around railings or flower pots, and even invest in solar-powered ones. These lights are ideal if you are looking for a weather-resistant solution that you can leave out throughout the season, but only switch them on at nighttime. However, if you have decided to spend a whole evening outdoors with your friends or family, it is recommendable to invest in other lighting systems for your gardens that can better illuminate the area.
Throw Your First Party!
Now that your garden is ready, it is time to test out all the new pieces of furniture, additions, and details by throwing a party! You will soon find out that some aspects don’t work perfectly just yet, but this can just be an occasion to fix it for the best. Embrace the change, and have fun at your next BBQ party!
Are you interested in selling your home in the near future? If so, it’s important to get into the buyer’s mindset. You need to understand the key points that are going to make them want to buy and the issues that will cause them to run and hide. Things to look out for are also how well the windows and doors are maintained compared to the interiors. There are red flags for buyers that will cause them to abandon a home sale completely. These issues may be smaller than you would assume. Here are some to keep in mind.
Weird Smells
A weird smell in your property is definitely enough to turn a buyer off your home. They might be worried that the smell could be a sign of a serious problem such as damp. Even if this is not the case, the perception and idea will already be there and once it’s there, it’s always going to be hard to shake.
As well as this, you have to remember, that a buyer is always looking to purchase their dream home. This means that they want to make sure that all the pieces fall into place. In other words, they don’t want a property that feels old or that has issues that need fixing. Unless of course, they are searching for a fixer-upper and the price tag to match. One of the most common issues that cause nasty smells is a clogged drain. A drain cleaning company can get to the bottom of this and fix the issue before you put the property on the market.
Unclean Exteriors
It’s possible that the outside of your home looks like it has seen better days. This can make the property feel old and outdated from day one. It’s a big problem if a buyer is looking for a modern home that feels brand new. Luckily, this is an easy fix. You should just hire or purchase a power washer. A power washer will be able to remove stains of the exterior walls and ensure that your patio looks absolutely flawless once more.
Trouble With The Roof
Finally, you do need to be careful about the roof of your home. You might assume that a buyer isn’t going to pay that much attention to the roof. However, this is not the case and it’s often one of the first points that they explore. They might even arrange for a survey to ensure that there are no problems with your roof. However, it doesn’t even need to be a major issue to turn them off. A few loose tiles will be enough to make a lot of buyers explore other properties on the market.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key reasons that a buyer may choose to abandon your home. Be aware that a buyer can get quite far through the process of purchase before they discover the issue that makes them run and hide. That’s why it’s always going to be in your best interest to be proactive here. Fix the problems before you even consider putting your home on the market.
You might think that you are prepared for the major dangers that could impact your company. For instance, you could have an IT support team in the event that your company is hacked. They could be ready to fill in gaps in your security and ensure that the right steps are taken to protect your business from disaster. However, a hack isn’t the only issue that your business could be facing in the near future so let’s explore some of the other problems that you could run into.
Email Trouble
You might think that a hack on your business is going to be complex as well as elaborate. However, this is not the case. Instead, it’s possible a hack could start with the simplest mistake imaginable. It can begin by you or potentially an employee opening an email that they shouldn’t. Indeed, it’s still quite common these days for emails to include links to dangerous websites and they might even have trojan viruses. So, how should you handle this issue? The first step is to make sure that your employees are trained to recognize dangerous emails. Next, you need to ensure that you have the right anti-virus software running on your systems.
A Break-In
It’s easy and understandable to assume that criminals don’t bother with the traditional break-in anymore. Instead, you might assume that they focus on hacks that can be completed digitally. While hacks are becoming more common and thus increasingly dangerous, there are other issues to be aware of here. It is possible that your business is broken into to steal things like computers and hard drives. This will certainly be the case if criminals believe that you are storing important data on hard drives rather than cloud servers. Criminals will often complete research on your business to find out what security protocols you have in place. Luckily, the right video surveillance systems can act as a fantastic deterrent and ensure that they don’t want to risk entering your company.
Issues On The Inside
Finally, you do need to be prepared for the possibility that an employee could cause issues for your business. Remember, most crimes are committed by people who were close to the victim. This does include employees for business-related crimes. One of the ways to avoid this is to make sure that you vet employees carefully. You should also set up a security structure so that no one has access to the data files without support from another individual in the business. Do this and you can put an effective safety net in place.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key ways that your business could be left vulnerable in the future. It’s easy to forget some of the key dangers because you assume that your company is too small to be hit. However, the reality is that even though it doesn’t attract media attention, smaller businesses are hit all the time. So, you do need to be prepared to ensure the longevity of your company.
If you’re feeling despondent in your life, it won’t be long before you start feeling desperate to make a change. Nobody likes to feel stuck or like they aren’t enjoying their life, but it’s usually something we all have to go through at some point. If you want that excitement and zest for life again, here are 12 ways you can start falling in love with your life:
Do Something You’ve Always Wanted To Do
Perhaps there’s something you’ve always wanted to try. This may be something that occasionally pops into your head but you push aside thinking it’s not possible. Perhaps it’s something you think about at least once every day but think there’s no way you can do it. Whatever it is, start looking into your possibilities now. Whether you want to drive a fast car, go on a skydive, or do something else, there will be a way for you to do it. Show yourself you can do anything!
2. Start A New Hobby
When you’ve fallen out of love with your life, starting a new hobby can help to bring back that excitement and make you feel like you have a purpose. Don’t take the hobby too seriously or you’ll fall at the first hurdle. Instead, just have fun with it, take it one step at a time, and see how it goes. You could start knitting, baking, making earrings from clay, or doing pretty much anything else you want. Just remember that expecting a certain outcome will kill your productivity, so just take your time and see what happens.
3. Get Out Of Your House
How often do you actually get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors? We all need sunlight and fresh air from time to time! See if you can go for a walk for a short while each day, or even a longer walk a couple of times a week. Start noticing things that you may not have noticed before, such as the birds, the birdsong, the different smells and sights, and anything else that can help you to live more in the moment. Getting back to nature is a wonderful way to let go of stress and live in the moment.
3. Go Hard On Self Care
Taking care of yourself should not be a second thought! Go hard on self care and make sure you see it as a priority. Self care can encompass many things, but if you’re not used to it you should start with the basics and then build on it from there. For example, the basics could be a simple skincare routine, taking a longer bath with fancier products, and taking time to meditate.
You might also want to invest in things to make sure you’re getting a good quality of sleep, like a bed canopy that blocks emf. Your sleeping pattern and sleep quality can make a huge difference to your wellbeing, and you’ll be able to tell the difference. Try for 7-8 hours of quality sleep a night and you should wake up feeling ready to tackle the day ahead rather than dreading what’s to come.
4. Assess Your Day Job
For many, their day job is one of the things making them so unhappy. Now, it’s important to note that you don’t need to have the ‘perfect’ job or love every single aspect of your job to be happy. Some people are fine with their job being satisfying but with low pay, while others prefer the opposite. It’s all about what you can put up with personally, and what you feel you need from your role to be happy. You’re going to spend a large portion of your time working, so making sure you have what you need is essential to your overall wellbeing and happiness.
5. Do More Things With The People You Love
Try to do more things with the people you love. This can be difficult as friends age, families grow, and commitments get in the way, but even if you can just make a little time to catch up, it’ll make a difference. Plan a catch up over coffee, or even just a FaceTime call if you’re feeling devoid of human connection. You might not even realize that the lack of human connection is responsible for the way you feel, but we need it to thrive. Make more time for those you love and plan regular events so you have things to look forward to. If you don’t feel you have a close knit circle that you can do things with, then aim to make friends in other ways. Usually, once you start living your most authentic life and doing things you enjoy, you will naturally attract people who you get along with.
6. Stop Expecting Perfection
You put yourself under an untold amount of pressure when you expect perfection from yourself. You can only do what you can do, and you should assume that you’re always doing your best at any given time. You will usually procrastinate when you expect perfection, and this means you will get less done. Getting something done is better than getting nothing at all done! If you’re a bit of a perfectionist, practice being kinder to yourself, and notice when you expect the impossible. In any situation, consistency and effort is better than perfection.
7. Travel More Often
You don’t have to travel to far off, exotic countries to enjoy your life. Go to nearby cities, and even aim to explore your own city more thoroughly – there are all kinds of things you may not have seen. Take yourself on little trips, even if you go alone. You’ll also learn to enjoy your own company this way, which is very healthy!
8. Practice Gratitude Every Day
Every day, try to find at least 3 things to be grateful for in the morning, and 3 things to be grateful for at night. When you practice gratitude every day, you’ll quickly realize that you have so much to be grateful for, and you’ll spot amazing things more readily. It’s all about training your brain with consistency!
9. Dedicate Time To Self Improvement
Everyone could use a little self improvement. This doesn’t mean you should see yourself as a project that is never complete (this is unhealthy for obvious reasons), it simply means you should try to open your mind and learn to look at things differently. There are lots of free resources on YouTube, and so many great audiobooks so you don’t even need to read a physical book! Many of these books deal with relationships, self worth, and other important topics.
10. Learn To Live In The Moment
If you’re not loving your life, you could be thinking about the past and worrying about the future – this means you’re not living in the moment. When you find yourself drifting, whether in the middle of work or a conversation, try to bring yourself back. Doing this often enough can also help you to train your brain.
11. Surround Yourself With Positive People
If you spend time with people that don’t support you or make you feel good, you’re wasting precious time and energy. This doesn’t mean you should cut everybody out of your life, but you should be selective about who you spend the most time with and who you share your good news with.
12. Find Some Exercise That You Enjoy
Exercise is a great way to release happy hormones. You don’t need an aesthetic goal to do it, either. You can aim to get faster, stronger, or even just happier. Just enjoy what you do and you’ll love the short and long term benefits!
Cocoon is a 1985 American science-fiction comedy-drama film directed by Ron Howard about a group of elderly people rejuvenated by aliens. The film stars Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Brian Dennehy, Jack Gilford, Steve Guttenberg, Maureen Stapleton, Jessica Tandy, Gwen Verdon, Herta Ware, Tahnee Welch, and Linda Harrison. The screenplay was written by Tom Benedek, from David Saperstein’s story. The film was shot in and around St. Petersburg, Florida: locations included the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, Suncoast Manor Retirement Community, The Coliseum, and Snell Arcade buildings. The film earned two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Don Ameche) and for Best Visual Effects. A sequel, Cocoon: The Return, was released in 1988, in which almost all of the original cast reprised their roles.
About 10,000 years ago, peaceful aliens from the planet Antarea set up an outpost on Earth on Atlantis. When Atlantis sank, twenty aliens were left behind, kept alive in large rock-like cocoons at the bottom of the ocean. Now, a group of Antareans have returned to collect them. Disguising themselves as humans, they rent a house with a swimming pool and charge the water with “life force” to give the cocooned Antareans energy to survive the trip home. They charter a boat from a local captain named Jack, who helps them retrieve the cocoons. Jack spies on Kitty, a beautiful woman from the team who chartered his boat, while she undresses in her cabin, and discovers that she is an alien. After the aliens reveal themselves to him and explain what’s going on, he decides to help them.
Next door to the house the Antareans are renting is a retirement home. Three of its residents, Ben, Arthur, and Joe, often trespass to swim in the pool next door. They absorb some of the life force, making them feel younger and stronger. Eventually caught in the act, they are given permission to use the pool by the Antarean leader, Walter, on the condition that they do not touch the cocoons or tell anybody else about it. Rejuvenated with youthful energy, the three men begin to let the advantages of the pool take hold as they are relieved of their ailments. Meanwhile, Kitty and Jack grow closer and decide to make love in the pool. Since she cannot do so in the human manner, she introduces him to the Antarean equivalent, in which she shares her lifeforce energy with him.
The other retirement home residents become suspicious after witnessing Ben’s wife Mary climb a tree. Their friend Bernie reveals the secret of the pool to the other residents, who rush to the pool to swim in its waters. When Walter finds them damaging one of the cocoons he ejects them from the property. Later that evening, Bernie finds his wife Rose has stopped breathing and carries her body to the pool in an attempt to heal her, only to be informed by Walter that the pool no longer works due to the other residents draining the force in the rush to make themselves young.
Walter explains that the cocoons cannot now survive the trip back to Antarea, but will be able to survive on Earth. With the help of Jack, Ben, Arthur and Joe, the Antareans return the cocoons to the sea. The Antareans offer to take residents of the retirement home with them to Antarea, where they will never grow older and never die. Most of them accept the offer, but Bernie chooses to remain on Earth. Upon leaving, Ben tells his grandson, David, that he and Mary are leaving for good. As the residents are leaving, David’s mother Susan finds out about their destination and quickly drives to the retirement home, where they find the majority of the rooms vacant and contact local authorities.
While the police are searching for the residents, David notices the boat starting and jumps onto the side as it pulls away. The boat is being chased by the Coast Guard, so with little time left, David says a tearful goodbye to Ben and Mary before jumping off into the water. The Coast Guard boats stop to pick him up, giving the others a chance to get away. Out of nowhere, a thick fog appears and strands the remaining Coast Guard boats and they call off the chase. As the Antarean ship appears, Walter pays Jack for his services and the boat. Jack embraces Kitty for the last time and they share a kiss. He then says farewell to everyone before jumping into an inflatable raft as the boat starts rising up into the Antarean vessel. Jack watches as the boat disappears inside the ship and departs.
Back on earth, a funeral is held for the missing residents. During the sermon, David looks toward the sky and smiles. The film ends with the Antarean vessel going towards a bright-looking object, assumed to be a hyperspace entrance or portal, leading to Antarea.
A fun and touching movie starring some of some fine actors of a previous generation most of who have passed away. I loved watching this film again and reliving the fun. 8 outta 10!
Moving house is a pretty big deal. It is one of the stressful things that you can do in life, so it makes a difference when you can do it and still be able to remain calm. Planning ahead is what it is all about. You don’t want to be frantically packing and sorting out your final bills in a house before you go. So here is a checklist to help you move, so that it can be as stress-free as possible.
Removal Quotes
It depends where you are moving and what you are doing. If you are going into a rented property that comes with furniture, then you will probably manage to move with just a couple of cars and some friends or family to help. However, if you have a bigger house move, and have a house full of furniture to move, then you will need more help. You should book any help with removals as soon as you get a date to move, but it is important to compare prices before you do that. Then you can get the best deal possible for what you need. Moving house is going to be something that is expensive to do anyway.
Repair before you move
If you have been living in rented accommodation, then you will definitely have to make some repairs before you move out, otherwise it could cost you your deposit. So as a result, you need to go through each room and see what damage has been done. Some repair jobs can be as simple as taking out a nail and filling the hole in the wall. Some repairs might need to be much larger. Maybe you need to fix those vinyl windows. Either way, check what you need to do and do it in plenty of time; it won’t be something that you want to go around doing at the last minute.
Deep clean
On a similar note, it really helps to have a deep clean before you move too. You could hire someone else to come in and do it, or you could do it as you go along. You could think that you’re not going to live there anymore so that it is the new owner’s problem. But you want to move into a clean home, right? So if you make sure you leave a clean home each time you move, then the other owners should do the same.
Label boxes
Labeling up the moving boxes is something that is so important. When you pack room by room, it means that each box can just go straight into the relevant room, and then you can go from there to unpack it all. It can make the moving experience much quicker, as well as making it easier to find the things that you are looking for, like pots and pans. You might need to have things like tools handy when you move in, to put furniture together or put up shelves, so knowing where they are is really handy. If you don’t already have any tools, then that can be a wise investment pre-moving day, so you might need to look for some detailed info here about the kind of tools that you will need. It just helps you to be prepared and ready for anything.
Moving day bag
On a similar note, it helps to have a bag packed that you can have with you, full of all of the things that you will need for moving. When you get to the new house, you will want things like toilet paper handy, as well as things like chargers and plugs. You are also likely to want to have some snacks handy, water to drink, and anything else like diapers and wipes if you have children. A flashlight can be helpful too, as well as spare bulbs, as you don’t always know what time of day you will get to move in, and what the house will be left looking like.
Redirect mail
Something that is really smart to do, and can often get forgotten about, is redirecting your mail. When you redirect your mail, it helps you to not have to stress out about changing your address details with places like the bank, before you move. If you pay to redirect your mail for three months, for example, then you have all of that time where you can then change your address with everyone, rather than having to rush to do it before you move. Just a little thing that can help to make moving day less stressful.
From 1993 to 2002, the main bulk of the X-Files episodes were broadcast. If we forget the more recent revisit to the X-Files world, the 1990s were full of the greatest sci-fi drama ever made. With discrete tales of bigfoot, walk-ins, ghosts, monsters, and aliens, there was also a larger story-arc that allowed the X-Files to delve into the more emotional side of relationships, love and trust. With the two main protagonists of Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, the believer and the sceptic, two opposing views of all things that appear paranormal were formed. What makes X-Files so special is that the relationship between this pair was constantly tested to its limits, and yet they were always there to support one another.
X-Files began when Dana Scully was sent undercover to spy on ‘spooky’ Mulder. However, the pilot episode quickly established a great partnership where Scully was the perfect voice of reason to Mulder’s more extreme ideas and theories. With Comic-Con attendees still dressing up as there favorite X-Files characters, it is clear to see that this is a series that transcends generations.
Stories
The X-Files covered a whole host of stories and concepts, many of which were rooted in real-life. The Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot were explored alongside more fanciful creations. Who can forget Toombs, the guy who came out of hibernation every few decades, didn’t age, and fed on the livers of human beings to create his nest of bile. Oh, and don’t forget, he could stretch through the tiniest of spaces and attacked Scully nearly making her his final victim. While many of the monsters were scary, they were also rooted in a more human existence. Very rarely did the X-Files go toward the Star Trek-style monster costumes – X-Files monsters were believable and lifelike.
Ghosts
Some of the more fascinating episodes told more ghostly stories. Taking their inspiration from The Fox Sisters, who were seen as the founders of modern spiritualism, Season 6’s episode, ‘How the Ghosts stole Christmas’ shows the more emotional tale of being a lonely ghost in a haunted house during the festive period. The loneliness of these ghouls transcends to the real world and Mulder and Scully are drawn into their quest for companionship.
In the poltergeist episode ‘Shadows’ of season 1, terrifying apparitions take place after a man was killed by his so-called friend after they covered up selling technology to a terrorist group. This man comes back in a ghoul-like form to seek justice. While ghostly episodes weren’t the bread and butter of X-Files, they were some of the best.
Mulder
Fox Mulder was the character that really held the series together. It was his quest to locate his missing sister that allowed the X-Files to become so emotional. Viewers became invested in Mulder and his need to find out what happened to his sister. Scully was passionate about helping him discover the truth too. Skinner, his boss, was the foil to his crazy theories. And the Cigarette Smoking Man was always in the background trying to prevent Mulder from finding out the truth.
There were many red herrings along the way but the story arc eventually came to a conclusion. Was she abducted by aliens? Was she kidnapped? Or did she run away? Mulder was adamant that she was abducted given his memory of bright lights and his sister floating out of the window of their home when they were children. His entire quest with the X-Files was to locate his sister, Samantha.
Humor
Another strong aspect of X-Files was the writing. As the seasons developed there was a Mulder and Scully will-they, won’t they story arc. They did eventually with William being born adding another level of complexity to the X-Files. However, a key facet of the writing that kept people hooked was the writing. There were many discretely humorous episodes, but there was also nuances in the writing that were laugh out loud funny. Scully began to tease Mulder every so often. They would share in-jokes as they became closer, and as Scully slowly turned from cynic to believer over the years, Mulder would cheekily make quips at Scully’s expense.
The characters within X-Files were beautifully written and it was a unique concept at the time. While many series have tried to emulate its success, they have inevitably failed. X-Files was a product of its time and has aged particularly well. If you have never seen an episode of X-Files, watch the pilot today. You’ll be hooked.
It may seem counterintuitive to spend time and effort on a home that you are ready to say goodbye to. However, if you want a fast sale, at the full asking price, then it really is worth putting in some effort in this area. Luckily, you can discover what tasks will be the most beneficial before you place your home on the market in the post below.
A deep clean
Surprising many people forget this, and think that a quick pass with a duster will do! Of course, this isn’t the case. In fact, before you even consider any of the other home selling strategies, making sure your property is clean is vital. Check if there is a need for door or window replacement. In fact, if you can invest in a professional deep clean of the carpets and curtains, then it is wise to do so. Also, get into all those nooks and crannies such as where baseboards meet, and underneath appliances in the kitchen. And don’t forget the ceiling tiles.
The bathroom is another area in which thorough cleaning can make all the difference as well, especially if you have areas of mould or fungus that need to be removed. The good news is this isn’t such a difficult thing to do anymore. In fact, you can get high strength cleaners even for heavily soap-scum stained bathroom suits that will bring them up a treat.
Finally, remember that when a buyer sees a clean home, it’s not just a matter of the convenience of moving straight in. It also gives the impression that the property has been looked after as a whole, as well.
Make your home smell fresh!
You may think that deep cleaning our home may be enough to get rid of any nasty odours. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. This is because our homes can have a distinct smell, but we become so used to it that we no longer notice. Of course, this is something that can put off potential buyers straight away, especially if it’s an odour that is less than desirable like damp, cigarettes, or pets.
With that in mind, taking steps to properly neutralise any musty odours is vital. This may mean using neutralizing sprays or candles, moving particular items and even sending your pets to stay with relatives while you show your home.
Of course, just as bad smells can create a problem when selling a home, good smells can be a boon. With that in mind, baking a sheet of cookies or warming some bread can create a welcoming homely smell, that can help to provide a positive impression for those viewing your property.
Get rid of clutter
To sell your home for a reasonable price, and quickly you will absolutely need to rid it of clutter. This is because a decluttered home will look bigger, lighter and more attractive to your buyers. Unfortunately, clutter seems a common hazard in modern living. However, you will be pleased to discover that there is a lot of help out there for this task. In fact, there are many approaches to choose from, such as the somewhat morbidly named Swedish Death Cleaning, to the now incredibly popular Marie Kondo method.
Apart from creating the best environment in which to show round potential buyers, there are other benefits of decluttering your home before a move to consider as well. The first is that the less you have in your house by the time it sells, the less you will have to pack up and move across to the new place. Additionally, the decluttering process can be an essential step in dealing with the emotional effects of moving home. That allows you to begin mentally preparing to say goodbye to the home you have lived in. Something that can help to make the entire process of moving a great deal easier.
Deal with unfinished repairs and faults
Convenience is a big seller when it comes to property. That means anything suggesting extra hassle and stress, like repairs and unfinished DIY projects, could put buyers off or encourage them to offer a lower amount. With that in mind, you must invest in repairs for anything in the home that is broken or unfinished. In fact, it is crucial to remember that a serious buyer will test things and so just pretending that everything is working is a terrible idea!
Additionally, a home that requires a lot of repairs and even simple maintenance gives off the impressions that it has not been well cared for. Something that can really put off potential buyers. To that end, completing such tasks to a professional standard is very important.
Remove personal effects
If you want to sell your home fast and for a reasonable price, it pays to remember that what buyers want is to be able to imagine their lives in your property. What this means is you aren’t selling your home to them, but your house that they can make into their own home.
To that end, removing any personal effects can be very beneficial. This will include things like photos and family portraits, as well as trophies, kids artwork, collectibles and the like. Basically, you want to pack away and keep anything that reflective of your personal taste, in storage. The idea is that you present as a neutral canvas for potential buyers to project their own life and aspirations onto.
Create a neutral, blank canvas
You may think that your retro-styled wallpaper in orange and yellow is the height of good taste. However, there is no guarantee that potential buyers will follow you. In fact, any decor that is representative of your personal taste could get in the way of selling your home. With that in mind, it’s best to opt for neutral decoration. That means plain, light walls in Magnolia wherever possible. In fact, by giving your home a lick of paint in a light, neutral colour it will seem larger, cleaner, and will be less likely to polarize potential buyers. All things that will help it to sell much faster.
Tip – If you are struggling with the last two tasks, a trip around a new build show home can be an excellent idea. There you will see good quality finishes and furniture but in neutral design and colour schemes, and without any personal identifying features. Of course, there is a reason why such homes are dressed this way, it’s because this is the optimised route to selling, so be sure to replicate this in your own property!
First impressions count
An excellent first impression is a precious thing when it comes to selling our home. In fact, if you can start strong, it’s much more likely that a potential buyer will fall in love with your property.
With that in mind, it’s smart to remember that a good first impression requires two things. The first is some serious curb appeal. That is how your home looks from the street. Happily, there are plenty of actions you can take to improve this. One of the most simple is tidying up the front garden. Additionally, painting the outside walls of your home, or even adding some potted plants outside of the front door can make all the difference.
The second part of making sure that you create an excellent first impression with your home is that you pay attention to your front door and hallway. In fact, entrances can be very prone to scuffs, dirt, and general disrepair, so it’s vital that you cast a critical eye over this space. Additionally, cleaning any glass in your front door and applying a new coat of weatherproof paint (in a home decor on-trend colour like dove grey or sage green) can help to state selling your property for the very first look.
Clearly define spaces
Another important task before putting your home on the market is making sure that each room is your home is clearly defined. A job that is not as hard as it seems. In fact, it is merely a matter of making sure you have good quality, appropriate furniture in each room. For example, for a sleep space, something like a Liberty Furniture bedroom set would be perfect as it suggests style and class. However, be sure to remove items that either do not match the set you choose or do not match the purpose of the room. In this case, a desk, or tv may be better placed elsewhere.
There are several benefits to clearly defining the spaces in your rooms, including that it makes it a lot easier for a potential buyer to envision their life in the home. Additionally, it can help to prevent unnecessary clutter in a space, and finally do remember that certain types of rooms are valued over others. After all, a home with 4 bedrooms is likely to be worth more than one with 3 bedrooms and an office. Therefore maximising the spaces that you have is well worth the time and effort.
Final thoughts
In summary, there is much that you can do to improve your chances of selling a property once it goes on the market. In fact, the key to a quick sale at the maximum price is thinking about things from a potential buyer’s point of view. To that end, anything you can do to make your home more appealing to those looking around it is a good idea. Therefore be sure to consider making the decor neutral, maximizing the space you have and removing clutter before you sell. Also, defining the purpose of your rooms, and ensuring your property is convenient to move into will help you to sell fast, and at the highest price!
This week is a much more relaxed as my work shift timings are 12pm to 9pm. That is a rather nice thing since I don’t need to wake up early and I don’t have to stay up till the wee hours of the morning. Today I woke up at 9 am, a bit sleepy since I was watching Battlestar Galactica 1978 & Caprica episodes till after 3:30 am. But I was still ok, once I got brushed my teeth and washed my face and got that first cup of coffee in me. After breakfast and sometime listening to music, I took a shower.
By 11:30 am I was drinking my second cup of coffee and checking my office email. By 12 pm the trainees who are doing on the job training since last week arrived and I greeted them. By 1pm they went for lunch and then they started their work and I could settled in for a relaxed day at work post my lunch. At 4 pm I took a mini break and then at 5 pm I went to get more coffee and a snack.
More work and by 8 pm I have tallied their scores for the day as they had stopped their OJT at 7 pm before they have a debriefing session starting at 7:30pm till 9 pm. After which they will go home and I send out a report and attend the daily call for 10-15 minutes before I can have my dinner and relax for the night.
Managerless Watford were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inspired Arsenal to victory. The Hornets, who dropped into the bottom three for the first time since 28 February in midweek, started the day level on points with 17th spot knowing a positive result could keep them up. But they were 3-0 down after 33 minutes at Emirates Stadium and, despite pulling back two goals, finish a terrible campaign 19th in the table following a 20th league defeat. Arsenal scored with their first three attempts on target, Aubameyang getting the first with a penalty after Craig Dawson’s clumsy foul on Alexandre Lacazette inside the opening minute.
Scotland defender Kieran Tierney doubled the lead after Aubameyang’s assist before the Gabon forward’s classy overhead kick – his 22nd league goal of the season. Watford pulled a goal back from the penalty spot through Troy Deeney after David Luiz’s foul on former Gunners forward Danny Welbeck, who then made it 3-2 from close range. Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez made a great save to deny Welbeck an equaliser that could have set up a dramatic finish. With Bournemouth beating Everton and Aston Villa drawing at West Ham, a point would not have been enough to save the Hornets because of their inferior goal difference. Many of their players looked upset when Mike Dean signalled the end of the match – and Watford’s place in England’s top flight. The Hornets are left to reflect on a chaotic season on and off the pitch which saw their Italian owners sack three managers over the course of the campaign, including Nigel Pearson a week ago.
Pearson was given his marching orders two games from the end of the season despite steering the team out of the relegation zone, with Hayden Mullins named interim head coach for the final week. Tierney made it 2-0 and Aubameyang’s overhead kick after holding off Dawson added to Watford’s misery before Deeney launched a spirited comeback. Welbeck’s clever backheel finish gave his side hope but they could not find an equaliser as they slipped to a sixth straight away defeat. Skipper Deeney, one of the last Watford players to leave the pitch, looked crestfallen as he made his way back to the dressing room.
In October 2017 Deeney accused Arsenal’s players of lacking “cojones” after the Hornets came from behind to beat Arsene Wenger’s side at Vicarage Road. Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka and France forward Lacazette, who featured in that game three years ago, were part of the Arsenal side that sent Watford down.
I have finally started collecting the Stargate SG-1 collection. The show last 10 seasons and had two tv movies also come out. I looked at getting the big boxset which has all the 10 seasons on dvd and the two movies but I am now weary of getting larger box sets. The boxsets are nice and save a lot of space on shelves and for me in my small bedroom where space is at a premium. I bought the Star Trek series – TOS, TNG, DS9, Voyager & Enterprise – all in these big boxsets. Ok, TOS which just has 3 seasons and Enterprise which has only 4 aren’t that big but the other three are.
The other large dvd boxsets I have in my collection are the Stargate Atlantis (5 seasons), The X-Files 11 season one, and the Frasier 11 season box set. Other than that I have 3 smaller Friends sets of 2 dvd cases each covering the 10 seasons but yeah together it is large. The last large box set I purchased was the Frasier one. When it came here to the local post office, I was informed by the post man that I would have to pay an amount as import fees levied by Customs. I had to wait till Saturday and went to the post office on my way out to a bar on a date and collected the package and reluctantly paid the extra cash.
So now I am scared to order packages from Amazon or Ebay that are larger sets as I am not sure which one will catch the Customs departments. I find it ridiculous as they don’t seem to be consistent as I have gotten the two box sets of Star Trek TOS & Enterprise in one package and I only paid the shipping charges from Amazon UK. This is ridiculous. Just before lockdown started here in Kerala, I had placed orders for the complete reboot Battlestar Galactica set and that too was tagged by the customs department so I just refused the package and didn’t go to the post office to go and collect them. After 7 days the package was shipped back to Amazon and I got my refund.
I also wanted the Stargate SG-1 set but I am not risking the customs charging another fee. So I waited and after lockdown has ended and it looked like I placed orders from this set that you see here in the pic above. It is the somewhat newish set (I reckon) that is called (I think) the region 1 gift set. I like the colourful but bulky dvd sets that have 5 smaller dvd cases for each season! It is a lovely set but it will take a lot more space on my shelves and that is something I am wary about. But I do like these dvd covers as well and they are also about the size of regular dvds cases and use trays for housing the 5 dvds inside each season.
I am excited and cannot wait to have all 10 of them plus the two movies in my collection.
