Organizing Your Home Office For Privacy & Productivity

Even with the pandemic coming to an end, many employees are still opting to work from home. Working from home offers the convenience and flexibility that an in-office position lacks. But, preparing a home office that promotes productivity and focus is not so easy. Oftentimes, working from home comes with distractions that a standard office space does not. Cultivating a space that allows for high efficiency is essential to maintain your productivity whilst at home. And if your work requires a certain level of digression, having a private space away from family and friends is necessary.

Privacy Enhancers

One perk of the office, especially one with cubicles, is privacy. In some lines of work, the files and content that exist on the computer are meant to be kept private. It can be difficult finding this privacy balance at home with a family and children. However, there are several options on the market for making sure your space is kept relatively private. Aside from monitoring your online privacy, by limiting your cookie settings, you can privatize your screen by opting for a screen protector that tints the display a shade darker. This way, you can see your screen but other people passing by cannot. Another option is looking into a room divider or privacy shade. These are miniature, movable opaque walls that shade your area for some seclusion.

Revamp Your Files

Having an organized and convenient filing system is necessary. It is important to keep track of all your important documents. There are several methods for organizing your filing system. Ultimately, each person will find a different way that works best for them. However, ideally, you would have some main categories accounted for. Creating a folder for meetings will help you be prepared much quicker for those Zoom calls. Putting items that are ready to be discussed in a separate area will prevent you from losing an important document prior to a meeting. Along the same vein, putting together a “high priority” documents folder is another necessity. While these documents may not be as immediate as the meeting folder, they are still documents that should be kept at an arm's reach. Additionally, having a “follow-up” folder is important for not losing track of documents that may be awaiting a response. Periodically check in on that folder and see if any papers have been followed up on and moved to a separate place. While some people do still use an actual physical filing cabinet, many work entirely virtually. This filing system can still be implemented online whether it’s email folders, desktop folders, or even Google drive folders.

Purge Your Desk

If you’ve ever worked in a cluttered space, you may have realized that your productivity struggled. While there are some who thrive in the chaos, many do not. In fact, research shows that there is a direct correlation between clutter and a decline in productivity. Being at home can enhance clutter in the workspace. Whether it's dishes from various meals, kids’ toys, or other miscellaneous items, your desk may be becoming less conducive to productivity. Purge your main workspace of clutter is a one-way ticket to enhance productivity. Try keeping, at a maximum, 5 items on your desk. Whether that’s a laptop or desktop computer, your coffee mug, a note pad, a picture frame, or a plant, make sure only the necessities are present. As for the rest of the home office, consider a shelving system with concealed spaces. This way you can toss all the clutter into those bins or drawers and it is out of sight. While this doesn’t eliminate the clutter completely, it at least keeps it out of your way while you’re trying to work.

Bottom Line

Working from home has a lot of perks. A more flexible schedule allows for you to maximize your day in the way that works best for you. However, working from home also comes with a set of distractions that don’t normally exist in the traditional office setting. Organizing your space at home can help maximize your efficiency and productivity. And the more efficient and productive you are, the more you can do with the rest of your time. While these are just a few tips, there are plenty of ways to make your space match your needs. Ultimately, your choice in organization will be personal to you and how you work.

Understanding Different Roofing Materials and Their Benefits

One of the most important investments to make in a home is a roof replacement. A well-done roof is an asset that will not only add to the home’s value and beauty but also serve the utilitarian purpose of improving its weather protection, durability, and efficiency. Overall, the installation will improve a functional aspect of the building, ultimately making the home a more comfortable environment.

Achieving a durable and beautiful roof is not a small task, though. The materials and options need to be well-matched to the building’s design. This task includes factoring in architectural design and how best to meet the demands of the climate and typical weather conditions. One of the fundamental elements of a well-made roof is, naturally, the materials. Materials serve a range of purposes, from the rustic visual appeal of slate shingles to the affordability of asphalt shingles. Let’s investigate some of the tried and true roofing materials and their benefits. 

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles are, without a doubt, among the more popular choices available. Over 70 percent of US family homes use them. They not only serve well as protection against the elements, but they’re also an affordable option. With a range of thicknesses and colors, asphalt shingles work visually with almost any home. They’re also an easy-install option that doesn’t always require complete replacement for repair or maintenance. 3-tab shingle lifetimes are typically around 20 to 25 years.

Slate Shingles

With life spans between 75 and 200 years or more, slate shingles are certainly the most durable option. The quarried natural rock also has a natural beauty, making it a premier roofing choice, and it provides weather and fire-resistant properties. However, slate is a heavy material that can be a challenge to install, and it will likely require a properly supportive roof structure.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofing has become a popular choice for residences. One of its outstanding aspects is a longer lifetime, often around 50 years. And a stone coating can give it the same visual appeal as asphalt. Each type of metal, whether it’s aluminum, copper, or steel, exhibits specific properties. All, however, are easy to install, reflect heat well and will provide outstanding fire, weather, and moisture protection.

Membrane Roofing

Membrane roofing is a good choice for low-pitch or flat roofs. There is a range of material types, including EPDM, PVC, modified bitumen, neoprene, and chlorosulfonated and chlorinated polyethylene.

EPDM, also known as rubber roofing, however, is a foremost choice. Because this synthetic material rolls out in large sheets, it can cover large areas and minimize seams that could potentially allow water infiltration. A properly maintained membrane roof will typically last between 20 and 35 years.

Each roofing material will have its advantages and disadvantages, and discussing these options and others with an experienced roofing company will provide a deeper understanding of the factors involved. The range of possibilities, however, provides options for finding the best material and installation that enhances the home’s value, holds up in the given climate, and provides a reliable and protective roof that will last for years.

Guest Post - 7 Healthy Vegetables from Your Garden for Kids Meal

Let’s talk a rainbow of fruits and vegetables for your kids

“My favorite meal is radishes mixed with microgreens,” said no 21st–Century child ever.

Obesity, formerly linked with adults only, is now becoming a devious monster creeping into our children's lives. Why? Because we've given in too much to their demands of sugary food and any junk. Obesity, more often than not, leads to type 2 diabetes, among other detrimental health conditions commonly labeled 'incurable.’ Apparently, this statistic became ever more evident during the pandemic with a 2% increase in obesity among kids.

It’s time to take back control and work towards the longevity of our kids.

The best solution that will see us earn multiple rewards is turning to garden vegetables. It's not enough to just grow garden vegetables. You need to involve your kids in the gardening process at every step. Involving kids makes all the difference, and younglings who get to grow their own garden vegetables are statistically more likely to enjoy eating their produce.

Quick and Best Healthy Garden Vegetables to Introduce Young Kids

As the kids age, their attention spans will likely grow in tandem. However, their attention spans have been known to flee quicker than a retreating mouse when they are at that tender age. Our question then should be, 'What are the easiest vegetables to grow in a garden setting with my kids?’

Beatrice Callan, the expert from Parenthood Routine says that vegetables should be an important part of the kid's menu. If anything, parents should be worried that most kids don’t meet the daily recommended intake of fruits and veg. With that being the case, we need to be propelled into action as soon as yesterday. Here are seven thrilling ideas for garden vegetables all year round.

Peas – Early Spring Garden Vegetable

Enjoy your peas right from the pod.

The beauty of peas is that they take a short duration to mature, and kids can devour them right from the vine without fear of any toxins. The most favorable time to plant snow peas is during early spring when the weather starts getting warmer. Snow peas take roughly 6-7 weeks to harvest. Regular harvesting promotes flowering.

Another reason peas do particularly well with kids in garden vegetables is because their relatively smaller fingers can handle the larger seeds easily. Take extra precaution that the younger ones don't end up curiously trying out the taste of the seeds.

There’s a catch when it comes to snow peas – they don’t thrive on excessive water or wetness. Wait until the seedlings emerge to start watering.

Winter Squashes Including Pumpkins

Find different uses for the skin once you’ve done enjoying yourselves

Unlike snow peas, your little ones won't enjoy winter squashes right off the garden. However, combine the huge leaves and the changing color of pumpkins, and you have yourself a double portion of curiosity. Kids perform exceptionally well once their curiosity antennae are aroused.

These winter garden vegetables give you the flexibility of growing a rainbow of winter squashes.

Here is one alluring trick sure to catch the attention of your kiddo. While the pumpkins are still green and roughly the size of a softball, curve out your kids' names on the pumpkin's skin. The scratch will grow with the squash making it more personal during harvest time. If you have several kids, be sure to watch them guard their personalized pumpkins at harvest time. That should be fun.

Corn – the Summer King

Ever tried roasted corn with a sprinkling of chili?

Garden vegetables can be used to instill life lessons in kids. Parents can teach children that with proper care, attention, love, and support, the young ones can nurture something (whatever the business or invention) that becomes bigger than themselves—a kind of a concept that outlives them.

The genesis of such a lesson would be seen in corn – resilient summer garden vegetables. Be sure to watch their wondrous eyes grow in amazement as they realize the plant is growing to be bigger than the both of you.

Corn typically takes 12 weeks to ripen and needs plenty of sun, water, and mulch. Corn is one thirsty plant for sure. Kindly share with us your favorite corn recipes.

Another bonus with corn is that some products from corn are ideal when you are thinking of how to introduce food to baby.

Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet Sugar for Spring

Don’t wait for your cherries to ripen too much

We kicked off this article by casting stones at sugar. However, natural, unprocessed sugars from fruits and veg carry a burst of nutrition. Among kids' favorite picks among garden fruits and vegetables are cherry tomatoes.

A lot can be said about cherry tomatoes. They are easy to plant, take a short duration (around 7weeks,) come in a wide variety, and can be grown in containers if space is a problem. Make sure you don’t expose these little darlings to excessive heat.

The alternative for cherry tomatoes is strawberries.

Chocolate Mint – All Day Everyday

Use your homegrown veggies to prepare regular fruit and vegetable shakes. Your kids will surely relish in that.

Well, mint takes a soft spot in our hearts not only because of the rich taste but also the variety. Everybody Hates Chris, but every Dick, Jane, Harry, and Jane love mint. Even bees enjoy their pink, spring flowers. If there’s any creature that understands sweetness, bees would it.

Avoid planting mint during deep winter as the cold will choke out the life out of the leaves.

You could try different varieties of mint with your kids as garden vegetables include peppermint, spearmint, pineapple mint, lemon mint, apple mint, and banana mint.

It’s only a matter of time before we can boast of watermelon mint.

Cucumbers – Plant When Warmer

If your child hasn’t developed a liking to cute fresh cucumbers right from the garden, perhaps they’ll enjoy a serving of pickles. What’s more, if you are looking for ideas on how to freeze garden vegetables, cucumbers (pickles) offer you the perfect start.

Always have minimum ingredients for your garden vegetables to allow kids the chance to enjoy the taste of each component. A simple recipe with cucumber involves sprinkling salt and apple cider vinegar on top of sliced cucumber. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine richly, then serve.

As you water your cucumbers regularly, be on the lookout for snails and slugs, which also seem to possess a magnetic attraction to this garden vegetable.

Basil – the Perfect Herb

Here’s the perfect herb to seal the deal

We would not have a complete list of garden fruits and vegetables without including one particular herb. Basil grows faster than any of the aforementioned garden vegetables. Usually, the herb will take 4-5 weeks to produce its first set of true leaves.

We can all agree with the 'the more, the merrier' movement. Basil provides you with a variety of options, all having richly distinct tastes. They include lemon basil, sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil. Do thorough research to find out which variety works best in your region.

Winding Remarks

It's widely accepted that cooking is an art in itself. However, we dare say that every element concerning food, from the seedling to the stomach, is an artistic work. Since art is meant to be shared, get to share every moment with your kids. To be fair, there is no starting age – you can take out a toddler in a stroller and place them under a shade if circumstances allow you.

The bottom line is, taking your kids to the garden and trying out different garden vegetables could be a lifelong culture and discipline they will later thank you. If you prefer to grow long-standing crops, perhaps that will teach them a little patience in life.

What are your kids’ favorite garden vegetables?

Bio:

Alan has lived on a farm all his life, where he gained outstanding knowledge of gardening and farming from his grandparents, and now he continues to grow in this area with his family, passing on knowledge to his children and gaining new ones with their help. Now he has decided to share his experience with others who are as obsessed with gardening as he is.

How Often Should You Plan Regular Maintenance on Your Home?

Owning a home is a wonderful experience. It gives you a safe haven to enjoy your free time, a place to spend time with family, and even a place to weather out the storms of life. But the smooth navigation of homeownership is only possible when you perform maintenance properly.

The following home maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of all the problems that could happen.

Yearly Maintenance

Call in an expert to come and inspect your AC unit. A professional will give it some tender loving care and check to see if any parts need to be replaced. By having a yearly HVAC inspection, you protect your AC unit and/or furnace.

Call a reliable pest control expert to inspect your home for rodents, termites, and insects that could cause serious health issues and allergy problems. The last thing you want is a problem with termites or other pests that could cause serious damage or even the loss of your home.

Once a year, call the roofer to come and inspect your home’s roof. The professional will check the roof and look for any shingles that have been damaged during bad weather. Roofers will also repair and keep your roof maintained so you won’t have to get it replaced too soon.

A reliable roofing inspector will check your gutters and flashings. He will look for signs of moisture damages and will tell you when you need to fix or replace shingles.

You want to inspect your roof after every storm or severe weather conditions like hail, snow, or extremely high winds.

Seasonal Maintenance

Every season, take a walk around your home. Examine the interior and exterior, look for humidity on the walls or roof, and call for help if you see something that is not normal such as humid or moldy patches, holes, or siding damage.

Clean the yard and rake leaves away from the home so they don’t serve as a place where water can accumulate. Fix any cracks and gaps you might see. Check the windows and caulk areas if necessary. Do the same for doors. Be sure to oil door mechanisms or rails.

Monthly Maintenance

Inspect your home monthly to look for these telltale signs of debris, dirt, or other issues that may require professional help. Keep outdoor and indoor areas well maintained and clean. You can clean your sink drains, check your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and electrical cords. Make sure you change out all the batteries.

You also want to flush the water heater to remove any sediment which could damage the heater over time.

Keeping your home maintained and bringing in a professional to do yearly inspections can keep your home from needing major repairs for a long time. It can also help your home retain value and improve your chances of selling it well when the time comes.