A lot has happened over the past few weeks/days that brings me to this point. I'm a big advocate of the Black Lives Matter campaign and not just because I'm black, but because of what it stands for. As an influencer and a black influencer, I have a platform where I can speak out, and that's what I plan on doing, starting RIGHT NOW.


My daughter wrote a post titled "Enough Said", that I happened to share on my Facebook page. What went from an innocent post snowballed into catalytic proportions. I had to call out a few people to check their privilege. Whites, or as I should say, the uninformed whites do not understand what Black Lives Matter means, and they're not trying to make an effort to understand. However, when you come at me with the All Lives Matter slogan, it shows that you do not genuinely care about the plight happening to blacks in America.

Black Lives Matter is not saying that your life doesn't matter. As a matter of fact, it's not referencing you at all. We know that all lives matter, but at this very moment, we're talking about Black Lives. So let me break it down for you what it means to be black in America now for me and my black husband and sons and daughters, and then maybe you can tell me if you also share the same issue. If you don't, then that's considered "white privilege." White privilege does not necessarily mean that you're racist, but it does mean that your skin color gives you an advantage over a black/brown person. So here's what it means to be black.


BEING BLACK MEANS I have to have "the talk" with my son before he's even ten years old, before he's able to drive, because I don't want him getting shot by the police. However, even if he's polite and does the right thing, there's still that chance that he can be shot.

BEING BLACK MEANS we have to name our children "regular names" because it's the only way to get their foot in the door for a job interview, because "black names" are deemed ghetto, thereby stifling our originality. A job they studied hard for in college.  However, it's perfectly okay for the Apple's, the Chicago's, and the Stormi's since their names are deemed cute and unique.

BEING BLACK MEANS that even if we get our foot in the door, we may be immediately dismissed because we don't represent Corporate America. Our natural hair isn't straight enough, and braids and cornrows are not acceptable.

BEING BLACK MEANS that the color of our skin defines which "good neighborhood" we can live in unless we're celebrities and millionaires, because we may be the "wrong crowd." If we are able to move in, we're mostly made to feel unwelcomed.

BEING BLACK MEANS having to work twice as hard to get into the school of your choice, although our academics have proven otherwise. If you're white and poor, you have a higher chance of being accepted than if you're black and poor.


BEING BLACK MEANS being followed and harassed while shopping in a store because the clerk thinks you're going to steal something, even though we have our wallet in our hands.

BEING BLACK MEANS being followed by the police because you're driving a "nice car," so it must be considered stolen because there is no way that a black person can afford a luxury vehicle unless they were dealing drugs, of course. And if it wasn't stolen, then it must be borrowed or leased.

BEING BLACK MEANS having to code-switch and speak as "professional white" because our black voices can be misinterpreted as the "angry black person voice." Otherwise, we're considered uneducated and inarticulate.

BEING BLACK MEANS stereotyped as a thug, so they clutch their purses in the fear that they'll be robbed, no matter how nicely dressed you are.

BEING BLACK MEANS having to wait longer for a table at a fancy restaurant or being ignored in luxury department stores because of the assumption that you can't afford it.

And if you think I don't have it as bad because I'm an influencer. Well, let me break that down for you as well, what it means to be a black influencer.

BEING A BLACK INFLUENCER MEANS that I'm consistently passed over because I'm not what the brand is looking for, because of the color of my skin.

BEING A BLACK INFLUENCER MEANS that I am paid significantly less than my white counterparts, once again, because of the color of my skin.

BEING A BLACK INFLUENCER MEANS that brands don't think I'm good enough even though my stats stay otherwise.

Surprisingly when it comes to monetary spending, blacks spend significantly more than whites.


Do not assume that all blacks are gang members and thugs who grew up without fathers in the projects. It may surprise you that many blacks come from a 2-parent household, myself included. My parents were married for over 50 years before they passed away, and I myself am married. But that's another story.

Would you, as a white person, trade shoes with a black person?  If you know what's happening, you also know you don't want it for you. So why are you so willing to accept it or allow it to happen to others.

If you'd love to learn how you can support your black community, I wrote a post on how you can go about doing that.

So before you take up the mantra that all lives matter, check your privilege and remember:

All lives can't matter until black lives matter.

I SAID WHAT I SAID! 

Getting too excited or too busy before traveling is all too common, and you can forget a lot of things that are important for your comfort. Having a guide is vital to enable you to pack what is essential to you.  If you are unsure what to pack, the following essential items are perfect for short domestic and long international flights.


MUST-HAVES
If flying on a domestic flight, a Real ID, military ID or US Passport will meet your requirements at security.  However, for international flights, double-check your passport, your credit cards as well as cash at hand, confirm your visa requirements, and if you need to print out make two copies. Have a printed copy of your itinerary including hotel location and directions on how to get from point A to point B. You never know when you will have the internet again. Check these items at least twice before leaving the house. Toothbrushes and toothpaste are a must carry, do not assume your hotel will provide these.

FIRST-AID KIT/MEDICINE
You do not want to worry about finding pharmacies in a new area at 2 am. Include painkillers and medicine that you are prescribed to use, and do not forget the doctor's note. Make sure to refill your prescriptions before your trip. Airport water is not cheap, so carry a water bottle and refill with the free water instead. Do not forget bug repellents.


ENTERTAINMENT
Carry a book or download music to listen to as long flights are very dull, and so are the long boring hotel nights. Grab a book you always wanted to read or a magazine. If reading is not for you, get a one-player game for your trip, such as scrabble.

SKIN-CARE
Protect your skin from burns by carrying sunscreen and lotions in small-sized containers. You might assume you will find your skincare product at your destination, but you may be very wrong as different cities have different demands for products and your favorite lip balm might be out nowhere to be found, so,  make a point and carry from home. Sanitizers and anti-bacterial wipes are great as well.


CLOTHES
Always pack a scarf, always!. You might get a cold hotel room, or it might decide to rain after the weather report claimed sunshine all day. Pack for emergencies, take one item of clothing for all seasons. While an umbrella may take up much-needed space in your carryon, ensure that you take along a hat. Take a neck pillow as well to ensure your comfort while traveling, especially on long flights.

ELECTRONICS
Check your charger, your phone, laptop or iPad, and kindle. They are a great way to communicate with people back home and also to make plans at your destination. Download apps that are helpful such as maps, transportation, and food. Do not forget the power bank or an extra battery for your electronics. Pack them in your carryon luggage, including expensive and sentimental items.


You want to be prepared and make sure you have what you may need to feel comfortable during your trip. Using a checklist is a great way to make sure you do not forget anything important, whether you pack your own bag or not. 

For many solo travelers, safety is the number one concern. You're in unfamiliar territory with no-one around for company. While it's often preferable for many to travel solo as there are many benefits of solo travel, it may be a necessity for others, such as those traveling for business. No matter what the reason is that you're traveling solo, here are a few tips to staying safe.


SHARE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS
As you plan your itinerary, there are a few things you should do, especially before traveling internationally, such as letting your family and close friends know your travel plans. Consider enrolling your trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (S.T.E.P.), a free service offered to U.S. Nationals. This allows you to receive critical information about safety conditions based on your destination country, enabling you to make informed decisions about your travel plans. In the event of an emergency, the U.S. Embassy will contact you, whether it's a natural disaster, civil unrest, or even a family emergency.

KNOW YOUR DESTINATION
Research your destination and their level of safety. Check for travel advisories from your countries website, read reviews, etc. Many sites, such as Trip Advisor, share reviews on locations, and you can also ask questions about the safety of your traveling area.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH EMERGENCY CONTACTS 
Having your embassy information on hand makes it easy in the event of an emergency. Also, knowing the local emergency number is a plus. Not every country uses 911, as in Australia it's 000, and the United Kingdom 999.

RESIST SHARING YOUR LOCATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
You're in the location of your dream, and you can't resist sharing all your fun. While it's not a bad thing sharing your location, resist from geotagging your photos. If you do insist on sharing your location, do it after you've left, especially hotels. That will ensure that no-one can locate you at that moment. I never share my hotel location when I travel, and never my exact location until I've long gone.


CONSIDER RIDESHARES INSTEAD OF CABS
You may be tempted to take a cab to your hotel, especially from the airport; however, rideshares are generally safer. Uber can be found in many countries, and you're able to share your location with others via the app when getting into the car. Your location is tracked, the price of your ride is usually set, so no need to pull out your wallet - all factors in helping to mitigate theft. However, be sure to check the license plate of your pickup car before entering.

PAY EXTRA FOR YOUR SAFETY
Even if you're on a budget, your safety should be your number one priority, and you can still travel big while spending small. While public transportation is generally safe, I recommend choosing rideshare over a cab, especially when traveling at night. Consider a hotel that may be a bit more costly, but in a centrally located area over a budget hotel or hostel, that is off the beaten path. Your safety is worth the price and there are ways that you can get a good deal on a hotel room.

REQUEST A SECOND FLOOR OR ABOVE ROOM
You may prefer having a room closer to the ground floor so that you don't need to lug your luggage, but the further away you are from the ground floor, the better. There's less chance of someone making their way into your room. However, be sure to deadbolt your room's door when heading to bed.


SPLIT UP YOUR MONEY
Never keep all your cash on you at once. With that being said, never carry all your credit/debits cards in your wallet, either. While having local currency on hand can make purchases or even tipping easier, it's always a good idea to keep some of it in your hotel safe. In the event of being pickpocketed, you'll feel better knowing that you still have access to funds.

DRESS ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOMS
It's easy to stand out when you're not a local. That's why researching your destination will come in handy. Dressing according to the customs, especially when you're a woman, will likely draw less attention when traveling alone. On our recent trip to Dubai, we made sure that we followed the customs, especially as we were visiting during their most holy time - Ramadam. Read why I'd only travel to Dubai during Ramadan.

BOOK WALKING TOURS
Walking tours are a great way to familiarize yourself with the lay of the land. Many of them are free, but you get to orient yourself with the surroundings when you decide to venture out on your own. Hopefully, you'll also have Google Maps on hand to guide you on your way.


There are many tips and tricks to making traveling easier, and we hope that these safety tips will help you consider traveling solo as it's a great way to travel. You'll have the freedom to explore, meet the locals, and even appreciate your own company. So take the plunge and become a solo adventurer.


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Want to save money but still acquire the home of your dreams? To many, this idea seems impossible. To others, it’s a fun project. Buying a fixer-upper and doing the work yourself isn’t for everyone, but for those who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, it can be highly rewarding.

At the same time, buying any old fixer-upper you see on the streets isn’t a wise idea. There are certain precautions everyone should take before buying a house you plan to flip yourself. Also, there are things you can do in advance to make the work more comfortable for you. Plus, once you get into the actual work, certain features are the most cost-effective to upgrade but still make a big difference.

Below, we’re going over all the above (and more) because creating a beautiful home should be possible at every price range!


STAY WITHIN YOUR SKILL LEVEL (OR UPGRADE YOUR SKILL LEVEL) 
One important thing to remember is where you’re at personally with your handiwork and carpentry skills. Fixing a house up is a lot of physical labor, but it also takes specific renovation knowledge and expertise.

If there’s a house you love, but the work that needs doing is far above your skill level, it will never be worth it. You’ll end up funneling in more money than planned, and it might not come out to look the way you had imagined. Instead, stay realistic about what you can and cannot do and pick a house within those limits.

On the other hand, you could also upgrade your skill level before the process starts so that you do have the education and hard skills needed. You could get your contractor’s license within the state you’re looking to buy in – that way, you’re licensed and legal but also full of information and know-how so that your house turns out even better. You can even take essential exam aid classes to ensure a passing score on the first try.

AVOID COMMON PITFALLS 
 Sometimes, eager homeowners can look past significant flaws and faults within a fixer-upper that should otherwise be red flags. If the potential home you’re looking at has any of the below issues wrong with it, steer clear.

These problems aren’t usually worth the money and time it would take to mitigate or resolve it. These red-flag issues include:

• Infestations of pests or insects
• Mold (especially black mold)
• Water damage
• Asbestos
• Bad location

PASS AN INSPECTION BEFORE YOU BUY
Before you ever put money down, make sure the home can pass a formal inspection. While you might not be able to notice any glaring issues yourself, it’s the inspectors’ job to spot what could later become a problem.

An inspector will be able to warn you of any foundational problems that would prevent you from wanting to purchase the house.


REMODEL FOR THE FUTURE 
As you flip and remodel, consider the real purpose of your remodeling.

Are you looking to build your dream home, where you’ll stay happily for years to come? Then, by all means, go at it with wild abandon in curating it, especially for you.

Are you trying to create a beautiful home that will grow in value to sell later? Instead of choosing personalized renovations, go with designs and features that will hold their value over time, and appease the masses.

SOMETIMES, THE DETAILS MATTER
Especially when you’re renovating, details matter! Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the status of the house and trying to redo everything, you can focus on a few areas where attention will target the most. These include areas such as:

• Windows
• Lighting
• Hardware
• Painting or wallpapering

YOUR DESIGN, YOUR RULES
One of the best things about flipping a home is the fact that there are no rules to how the finished product must look! It is yours, and yours to change however you see fit. It just goes to show that even if you can’t find your dream house on the market, you can find it with a little hard work and determination.

Right now, many of us are changing career paths or considering a change in career paths. Whether that's because you've lost a previous role due to the coronavirus pandemic, or because you've simply decided that it's time for you to pursue a new role that will feel more rewarding and a better use of your time.

Now, there are so many different factors that can play into what will make a good career for you or not. Of course, we all want good pay. The better our pay is, the better quality of life we can provide for ourselves and our loved ones. We'd be able to afford more luxuries, which can prove great in regards to overall lifestyle and wellbeing. But this isn't the be-all and end-all of our work.

There are other important factors that can come into play too. If you're going to spend eight hours a day, five days a week doing something, it's a good idea to make sure it's something that you enjoy and find rewarding. For some of us, having a career that helps others is an essential. This is the most rewarding thing we can think of!  Now, there are various roles out there that help others. But here are a few that you might want to take into consideration!


HEALTHCARE ROLES 
Right now, many of us are inspired by healthcare staff around their world. Their efforts have gone to prevent this worldwide pandemic from having even worse effects than it already has had. They've saved countless lives. They've made seemingly endless numbers of people's experience with coronavirus and Covid-19 slightly more bearable. They've worked hard, and they're being applauded for it.

You may want to help others in a similar way. Now, there are plenty of different roles within healthcare, and they can vary drastically. But two areas you need to focus on before throwing yourself into this career are the education required for the doors to these roles to be open to you and the emotional elements that inevitably come hand in hand with working with sick or injured individuals.

Education

First, let's focus on education. Any medical or healthcare role will absolutely require you to undertake and complete extensive education to a high standard. This is entirely understandable. Healthcare workers deal with some of society's weakest and most vulnerable members. You also bear a lot of responsibility on your shoulders when making potentially life-saving or life-changing decisions about someone's health and wellbeing and the treatment they require to optimize their chances of recovery.

It's essential that you do good every single time you're at work, through every moment of the day. Failure to do so could put someone's well being at risk. On top of this, you'll need a thorough, reliable, and in-depth knowledge and understanding of a vast amount of illnesses, how to deal with injuries, and more. All of this goes to explain why degrees in medicine tend to be longer than any other degree within the realm of academia. Most courses will last between six and seven years, and following this, you'll require further training. Whatever medical role you're considering, make sure you are fully aware of how long you will have to study for your qualifications and ensure that you are happy to commit to this. If not, this may not be the career for you!

Emotional Elements

Now let's focus on the emotional elements of medical careers. Caring for the sick and vulnerable most definitely isn't easy, and there aren't always going to be happy outcomes. Working in this field, you are bound to witness tragedies, and you're also highly likely to have some heartbreaking experiences on a regular basis.

Medical professionals working with the elderly, in emergency departments or departments of hospitals for the terminally ill, will likely get the brunt of this and have more tragedy on their hands than a health services manager or general practitioner. But no medical professional is out of bounds to the experience of being surrounded by immense pain and suffering. It can often be a mentally draining and emotionally challenging role. You need to ensure that you can deal with this while maintaining a good bedside manner and professional composure. This will make things easier for patients and their families alike.


REHAB ROLES
Addiction is one of the hardest habits to overcome. Countless people are addicted to something or another. This can range from potentially smaller habits such as excessive social media use and procrastination to potentially life-destroying habits, such as heavy drug use. For the more extreme end of the spectrum, there are rehabilitation centers, which provide addicts of various types with a safe space to wean themselves off their addiction and slowly make their way back to a life without the substance that's impacting them.

There are countless roles that can be taken in rehabilitation centers. Sure, it may feel difficult to see people going through withdrawal. People pushed to the edge like this may also not be the kindest or most pleasant people to work with, as they'll be struggling and likely to lash out under the extreme circumstances. But you can rest assured that any role within this setting is helping to change someone's life for the better.

TEACHING
Education can have a huge impact on people's lives. It can teach them essential life skills. It can spark passions and interests. It can see them along a path towards qualifications which will help them to secure the job of their dreams someday! Teaching provides people with the tools they need to advance their own lives and take themselves to the places they want to be. So, if you become a teacher of any sort, you'll likely significantly impact someone's life for the better through your endowment of knowledge and guidance in the right direction.

There are so many different types of teaching that there's bound to be something that suits you down to a tee if this is a field you're interested in working in. You can teach anyone from nursery age to compulsory education, higher education, and even training courses that people might take in their spare time. Decide what age group of people you want to work with - toddlers, children, teenagers, young adults, adults - and you'll have a better idea of what stage you'd like to teach at. The general rule of thumb is that to teach, you require an undergraduate degree and training. To teach undergraduate students and higher at universities, you will generally require a master's degree and a Ph.D.

SOCIAL SERVICES
Social services are in place to protect the most vulnerable members of society. If you go into social care work, you may find yourself face to face with intense and unpleasant situations regularly. But it's essentially your role to manage these situations (making them easier and better for the people involved in them) or to remove vulnerable people from these situations. You can go home each night knowing you've definitely made someone's life somewhat better for them. Your job will generally see you helping people adjust to their life following major life events, helping children who are not receiving the right level of care, and generally doing your utmost to make sure that people are safe in their home environments.

CARER ROLES
Some people require help in their homes or in institutions on a day to day basis. They want to live relatively independently but may struggle with day to day tasks that they need to complete to get by safely and healthily. If you become a carer, you may find yourself working with the elderly, disabled individuals, or individuals who are unwell. Whatever the person's reason for requiring help, you will be able to provide them with it. If you work in an institution, you may find yourself in an old people's home, or a respite for individuals with terminal illnesses. Your role could change with each person you work with. But generally speaking, you will find yourself completing tasks like administering medication, helping to clean people, keeping people company, and completing other general tasks.


Of course, there are many other caring roles that are perfect for empathetic individuals out there. These are just a few. But hopefully, they'll help to get your imagination going and could help you to find the perfect career path for yourself. It really will be rewarding to know that you're actively making the world a better place each day!

As a way to get some balance to our lives as a parent, many people consider setting up their own business. Whether it's a passion that's been burning for a while or something that is an entryway to a better life, learning to build something for yourself is empowering and freeing. Many parents think about setting up their own side hustle, but the reality of the situation can throw many parents off the scent. For anybody looking to set up a side hustle these days, there's a lot of work that needs to go into it. And whether you've been thinking about something like an Amazon FBA account or you've got a business idea that you've been desperate to start, when you have so many parental duties, what can you do to ensure that you get the idea off the ground while also not neglecting the most important people in your life?


DO YOUR RESEARCH
The leg work is one of the most difficult aspects. When you are trying to balance work life and home life, especially if you are already working full-time, it's important not to pressure yourself into completing your preparation within a specific amount of time. The luxury you have is time. This means that you've got the opportunities to take a long look at the subject. Whether you are setting up a business selling products and you need to know the various inventory types, or you want to create a blog and need to get to know how to market it appropriately, you should never feel that you've got to get it done by a certain time. The pressure you put upon yourself can mean that you cut corners. A little bit of pressure is good, but at this important juncture, when you are trying to figure out if your idea has legs or there are key components missing from your business plan, you need that opportunity to look at the problem and figure out ways around it. If you get this bit right, the rest will be plain sailing.


GET ORGANIZED
Organization is the most important part of getting everything to work together in tandem. If you are working full-time and being a parent, you know just how difficult it can be to get your children out the door on time. The most important thing anybody can do when they are adding an extra project to their lives is to be completely organized in every single aspect. Setting up a side hustle can easily fall by the wayside because it's the least important thing in your life, but also you can argue that there is no time for it after a few months. As is the cliche, you should make time for it. But in order to truly give it the time it needs, you've got to have an understanding of every boundary in your life.

The best thing you can do as a parent is to understand the moments when your children aren't as demanding on your time or resources. If you've got young children, there is little opportunity for downtime. But this means that you've got to look at your work schedule and your life schedule, and find those moments, however little they may be, to focus on your passion project. This means that you can take advantage of numerous online tools to minimize distractions. If you are someone who automatically gets out your phone when your child goes for a nap and scrolls through social media, you aren't going to get anything done! It's these moments where you need supreme focus. And it may take some time to learn this craft, but it's a good idea to start now.

And yes, there will be times when your children don't sleep during the day and during the night, but this is when you have to give yourself a break. You're not going to be able to chip away at your idea every single day, but this is why you are giving yourself the luxury of time at the outset. There are so many organization tools out there that you can use, such as chunking or the Pomodoro technique to give you focus, and it may take some time for you to truly work out the rhythms of your day, only to find that those rhythms go out the window as soon as your child enters another developmental leap. But consider these aspects as important lessons in doing business. Things will seldom go the way you want it to. So you can either feel stressed under the pressures or embrace them and roll with the punches.


SET GOALS
While you may have the luxury of time when you are during the legwork phase of the business, there will be times after that where you hit wall after wall and feel that life is telling you to give up. The most important thing during these difficult moments (and you will have plenty of them) is to remember the overarching goal. And when you look at the bigger picture, this can provide motivation. But if it seems too far away, this is why you need to set smaller goals. A deadline, such as coming up with a name for your business one month from now, is a little and achievable goal. But the most important thing to remember is that these components need to be set in stone. Something like a business name can easily change when you start to get a clearer picture of your business, but setting goals is one of the most crucial things for you because you need that motivation, especially when you feel there are so many aspects of life stopping you from achieving this.

A side hustle isn't easy because you have to invest time and learn different practices. Whether this is understanding how to promote your business or just figuring out your working methods. But learning something isn't enough. You've got to remember that when you set out with passionate goals, you won't be as likely to give up. Everybody hits walls and will feel disappointed with their actions. But when we hit those problems, we can either figure out a way around it or give up. When we have goals in place, it's a structure that we can hang on to.

MAKE TIME FOR EVERYONE (INCLUDING YOURSELF)
We also need to remember that whatever the side hustle is, there will be times when we all feel supremely fatigued. Entrepreneur fatigue is incredibly common and can boil down to something as simple as stress or the fact that you've been burning the candle at both ends for so long. When you are constantly pushing through your week with a solid structure in place, the pressure to conform to this structure can be overwhelming. We've got to give ourselves a pass sometimes. You may feel that there's no time to do anything one week, but you feel that you've got to do something, but this can be the straw that breaks the camel's back. We've got to make allowances on occasion because we, after all, are only human. Burnout is incredibly common, even for parents that are working one job. It's the pressures of the modern world.

And when you start to think that you are putting an extra bit of pressure on yourself that is your doing, you may feel that it's not worth the hassle. But this is why goals will help anchor your focus but also realize that everybody needs the opportunity to recharge. Sometimes we can't tell that we are feeling burnt out, but there are some common symptoms. It could be anxiety or fatigue or just the feeling that everything is proving difficult. But rather than feeling that you've got to push through, it's better to remember what doesn't kill you actually doesn't make you stronger. There is a time and a place for developing resilience, but when we feel like we are wading through treacle, this is when we've got to have the bravery to look at ourselves and say that we need a break. Every parent feels like they need time away, and if you've been pushing at everything for too long, taking that step back won't just rejuvenate you and relax you, but it will give you a new sense of perspective on how to progress. We live in an age where we believe we've got to work harder, faster, and stronger than everyone else; it's this pressure that can leave us feeling drained for months, if not years.


Everybody has the notion of starting a business on the side at some point in their lives. After all, we all need a little bit of extra cash. But when you are starting up a side hustle, and you've already got enough on your plate, this is when you've really got to look at what is important in your life. Is this one of those things that you have to attempt? If it is, make sure that you go in with a plan and give yourself the support that you need. 

In the world of real estate, first impressions are everything. When looking over potential purchases, people usually decide to check out houses that catch their eye. And it’s usually not just one element that appeals to them either – it’s usually how the windows fit the façade, or how the façade complements the yard, or how the whole house looks surrounded by flowers and plants of various shapes and sizes that makes an impression of visitors and/or potential buyers.

So, whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply impress your neighbors, here are some of the things you should prioritize when you want to upgrade your home’s curb appeal.


SPRUCE UP THE YARD
Like we said in the intro, the house and the yard are two complementary elements. If the house is run down and in a sorry state of disrepair, it is certain to appear as a massive sore in a beautiful yard, and if the yard is poorly organized and either kitsch or simply empty, it will make the house feel out of place.

So, with that being said, your number one priority is taking a look at your yard. If you've got space up front, you can do away with a simple, but well-kept, lawn. Knowing how to improve your lawn to enhance home curb appeal can really make your house pop, especially if you've got a slightly more vivacious coat of paint on it while remaining both a good base for a few patches of flowers and bushes and a viable stand-alone piece. If you've got a backyard, you should consider creating a small garden. Planting a few flower beds of seasonal flowers will definitely be a nice addition to your home, and you can even put in a small pond to create a mini-Japanese garden and at an affordable price.


SPRUCE UP THE FAÇADE
Sprucing up your home's façade is going to be the largest and the most expensive undertaking to upgrade your home's curb appeal, but it's also the most important, as a house with a brand new face looks not only vibrant, attractive, warm and like a nice place to live in but, also, it can look as if it were completely brand new!

One thing, in particular, you need to pay attention to, and that's any damage on the walls. If your house is old, chances are there will be cracks, mold, and possibly even grass or vines growing out of the cracks. These cracks may be small, but they can prove to be quite troublesome later on, as they will likely expand and, first, lower your home's energy efficiency and, second, may cause structural instability.

At that point, a simple coat of paint might not do the trick. Consider doing a house rendering to both fix the cracks and coat your walls with a strong, weather-resistant protective surface. There are plenty of companies doing house rendering for a premium, and you should definitely look them up.


SPRUCE UP THE FRONT
What do we mean by saying “spruce up the front”? We mean you should spruce up your front door, windows, walkway and your porch, of course!

One of the simplest ways of adding to your home’s curb appeal is updating your front door. Whether you buy a new front door, or simply put a fresh coat of paint and lacquer over the old one, a fresh-looking door is certain to attract attention. Front doors also fit well into the whole front porch assembly, and the two elements are very complementary, so a neat-looking porch adorned with a few pieces of wicker furniture or a rocking chair, or even a hammock, will make that front door even more eye-catching.

Additionally, consider doing something creative with your walkway/driveway. Consider planting some short bushes or flowers along the concrete to create a nice contrast and to frame it in, or to create a more natural look if you’ve got cobblestones. Look into walkway lighting ideas to – they’re often affordable and easy to pull off, but look really awesome if properly executed.

Finally, pay close attention to your house's windows. Windows in a state of disrepair are not only unappealing but they also negatively impact your home's energy efficiency. Consider re-painting them, or outright replacing them if you deem them unserviceable.


Conclusion
And that’s about all we have for you today. Naturally, there are more things you can do around the house, like check the roof and the chimney, or go and redo your basement, but these several elements that we’ve listed will be the most impactful on your home’s curb appeal. Not only that, but all of them, except rendering, can be done by you personally, so there’s no need to go out on a limb and hire professionals that will break your bank!

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We look forward to summer all year, but sometimes we can be disappointed when it gets here. The summer slump refers to feeling sad or bored with a lack of structure and activity in the summer months when school is out for our kids. We can also worry about our kids losing some of the knowledge they gained during the school year without academic stimulation. Here are some ideas to help beat the summer slump for your family.


BUSINESSES
In today’s world, it is so easy to start a business. Everyone has a talent or something they are interested in doing. Encourage your teen to explore their interests and improve their talents by helping them set up a business. Artistically inclined teens can upload their artwork to websites that will then print and ship it out to customers. Teens who love to craft or build can sell their creations on online marketplaces. Setting up a dropshipping business is also an easy option. Starting a business is something that can help your teen build some self-esteem and get some experience in the business world.

GET A JUMP ON COLLEGE CLASSES
There are many places where teens can take college classes online for free. If you don’t pay for them, then you won’t get college credit, but that is always an option if they want to start getting those credits under their belt. Doing the free courses is also a great way to keep in the academic mindset and learn about a subject they are interested in. There are many options to choose from like social sciences courses or literature study or math. Most of these online options don’t have a set timeframe, so they can work on it at their own pace or switch to a different one whenever they want.


GET A JOB
Depending on your teen’s age and where you live, getting a job may be tricky, but it is still a great idea to start building up some experience and saving money. Most stores will hire teens that are over 15, so finding places to apply can be easier when they get older. In addition to earning money and gaining work experience, they also learn valuable skills about holding a job and will probably get a discount wherever they work.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Especially for kids reaching the end of high school, applying for scholarships or internships can take a lot of time. Trying to squeeze it in during the school year can be stressful, so taking advantage of the summer months to do these tasks is much better. Looking up these things early can also give you an idea of some things you can do to qualify for more of the programs.

SERVICE
One thing that is important in college applications is being well-rounded. Getting involved in the community and participating in service opportunities is a great way to gain some life experiences and have more things to put on applications. You can look for formal groups or projects to join, or it can be as easy as looking for a need in your community and helping.