Spruce Up for Summer: Ways to Keep Your Home Looking Great All Season

Keeping your house looking great all year is a challenge. Home interiors often take a hit during the summer months, when heat and humidity wreak havoc on painted walls, dark carpets, and wooden floors. And an untidy home can also have an impact on your personal well-being and energy levels. So how can you keep your home feeling cool and fresh all season? Here are some tips to spruce up your house for the summer!

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Let in more light

One of the best ways to keep your house looking great is to let in more natural sunlight. During the summer months, you can increase the amount of light in your home even further. You could choose to up your curtains. Curtains that are lined or treated with a UV coating will protect your home from the UV rays while still letting in plenty of light. If you enjoy the privacy of curtains but still want more light, you can also try using blinds.

Clean and organize your space

You don’t have to be an expert to know that a clean and organized home is always going to look better than one that’s filled with clutter. And it’s true for more than just aesthetics, too. Having a clean and tidy home can actually have a big impact on your energy levels. When your home is clean and organized, you have more time to focus on the things that really matter to you. You can also avoid the stress that comes with a messy home, as well as the health consequences that can often go with it. Without dust and cobwebs, a clean and tidy home can also help to protect your furnishings. You can clean up your carpets and rugs, too—especially if they’re dark or light-coloured. If the heat doesn’t make you too lethargic, consider making that “spring cleaning” a summer activity!

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Get some plants

Plants add life and beauty to any room. They can also have a big impact on your health, increasing feelings of happiness and lowering stress levels. Plants are also great for keeping your home cool. Many of them thrive in high humidity and will be healthier with better air quality. At the same time, plants can help to remove harmful toxins from your air, like formaldehyde and benzene. There are plenty of plants to choose from, so you can find one that suits the look and feel of your home. Many plants are easy to care for, meaning you don’t have to be a gardening expert. But if you do end up developing a green thumb, consider attending a floristry workshop to maximize your new skills!

Let in more light, clean and organize your space, refresh your walls, get some plants, and use new scents to keep your home smelling fresh. These discussed tips and more are surefire ways to make your home the beautiful, welcoming space it always is even as the hot, lazy summer months rollover your space. It’s important to make sure everything in your home is working for you.

10 Contracts and Agreements Every Mommy Needs to Understand

Parenting is hard enough without having to worry about the legalities of it all. But luckily, there are some key contracts and agreements every mommy needs to understand. Here are ten of the most important ones:

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Child Medical Consent Form

If you're the primary caregiver for your child, this form will give you permission to make medical decisions. This includes decisions about routine care, like vaccinations, as well as emergency care.

Child Custody Agreement

If you're going through a divorce or separation, this document will outline which parent has primary custody of the child (or children). It will also detail any visitation rights the non-custodial parent has. Incorporate the help of civil partnership lawyers to avoid any stressful surprises later on.

Child Dental Consent Form

This form is similar to the medical consent form, but it pertains to dental care. It will give you permission to make decisions about your child's dental health, including routine and emergency procedures.

Daycare Contract

If you're using a daycare provider, this document will outline all the essential details, such as the days and hours of care, the cost, and what type of activities your child will be doing while in their care.

Nanny Contract

If you're hiring a nanny to care for your children in your home, this contract will establish the terms of that arrangement. It should include information about the nanny's duties, compensation, vacation days, and work schedule. Also, be sure to have a clause about what would happen in the event that you need to terminate the contract early.

Babysitting Contract

If you're using a babysitter on an as-needed basis, it's still a good idea to have a contract in place. This will help establish expectations and avoid any misunderstandings later on. Be sure to include information about the babysitter's duties, compensation, and work schedule.

Child Travel Consent Form

If you're travelling with your child (or children) and the other parent is not able to accompany them, this form will give you permission to do so. It should include information about the destination, travel dates, and contact information for the other parent.

School Enrollment Form

This form is required when enrolling your child (or children) in school. It will collect basic information about your family and your child's educational history. Also, be sure to read the school's code of conduct to familiarise yourself with their rules and expectations.

Child Support Agreement

This contract establishes how much money the non-custodial parent will pay each month to help support their child (or children). The amount is typically based on that parent's income.

Extracurricular Activity Consent Form

If your child wants to participate in an extracurricular activity (like sports or dance), this form will need to be signed by both parents. It will outline the details of the activity, including the time commitment and cost.

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As a parent, it's essential to be familiar with these different types of contracts and agreements. Knowing what they are and how they work can help you navigate the legalities of parenting with confidence. And that's one less thing you have to worry about!