Seasonal Garden Care Checklist

  **Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

Taking care of your garden year round is going to ensure that you have some healthy plants. You are going to get some vibrant blooms and have a thriving outdoor space. 

Every season you are going to have unique challenges and tasks that you have to do. This is why it is important for you to stay tuned with the natural rhythms of the year. 

This will help you to get your garden looking it's best. Take a look at this seasonal tips that will help you keep your garden looking great all throughout the year.

Spring: Wake Your Garden Up

Spring is all about getting prepared for new growth. As the weather begins to warm up you can start clearing away dead leaves. Power up your leaf blower with a Worx battery to make the task easier.

You can also cut back any plants that need a fresh start. It's a perfect time for you to test out your soil and add compost or any organic matter you want to in order to boost nutrients. 

This is also the best season to start planting herbs, annuals and cool season vegetables. Remember to watch out for those weeds they grow very fast in the spring. 

They can take over before you know it. Doing some regular weeding early in the season will save you from a lot of problems later on.

Summer: Keep It Growing

When summer arrives your garden is likely to be very much in full bloom and in production mode. The main focus that you should have during this time is making sure that you are maintaining and watering it. 

Be sure to water early in the morning and late in the evenings as it will stop evaporation and reduce the risk that you will scorch your plants. Keep an eye out for signs that there are pest and diseases around. 

This is because the warmer months will often bring out those intruders in droves. Deadend flowers so that you encourage more blooms. You can use mulching to retain moisture and suppress those weeds.

Fall: Wind Things Down

Fall is a great time to look back at what worked in your garden and what didn't. It's also a time for you to prepare for the colder months. 

You can start by removing spent annuals and harvesting the last of your summer crops. Be sure to rake up leaves and add them to your compost pile if you have created one. Autumn is also the best time to plant bulbs that will bloom in the spring.

You can also divide perennials that have become crowded. If you're growing vegetables you should think about planting cold hardy varieties like carrots, spinach and kale.

Winter: Plan and Protect

Winter may seem as if it is a quiet time but there is still a lot of work for you to do. You should protect your plants by covering sensitive ones with burlap or mulch. 

Be sure to insulate them from harsh temperatures. Keep your pathways free of snow and ice especially if you have garden structures that are going to need regular checking. 

You can start planning for the upcoming year during the winter. Review your seed catalog, sketch out your garden layout and order supplies. It's also one of the best times for you to clean up and sharpen your tools so that when spring arrives you are ready.

The Missing Ingredients In Your Post-Baby Beauty Routine

  **Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

Pexels - CC0 License

During the early phases of child rearing, your appearance and beauty routine isn’t the number one priority. However, the time eventually comes when you want to get back out there and start looking great again. 

But how do you do that? What should be a part of your post-baby beauty routine?

That’s the topic of this post. It explores some of the elements you might want to include, focusing on simple additions that will make you look great. 

Here’s everything you need to do. 

Collagen Support

Collagen support should be top of the list of things to focus on after having a baby. You can lose collagen from the skin during this period, so figuring out ways to replace it is essential. 

Pregnancy depletes collagen because of hormonal changes. However, you can replace it (or at least give it some support) with sheet masks and collagen supplements. Peptide-rich creams also seem to work, although the mechanisms may be different. 

Collagen support helps your face to look and feel plumper over time. You should start noticing some significant effects by around month three, though it can take longer than that. 

Mood-Lifting Fragrances

Another ingredient you might want to add to your post-baby beauty routine is mood-lifting fragrances. These can help you deal with postpartum blues and exhaustion that can sap your energy. 

The best fragrances are the ones that feel uplifting and suit you personally. These can transform how you feel, giving you the inner feelings that help you glow on the outside. 

Many people find that scent ties to their emotions. These can change how you feel quickly because of the link between the nose and brain. 

Simple essential oils around the house are fine. However, you can get aromatherapy systems and kits. You can even use scented skincare if it doesn’t irritate you. 

Toning

You could also add toning and firming to your post-baby beauty routine. Sometimes, pregnancy can leave you feeling pillowy or wobbly, but exercising can sometimes solve the problem. 

For more severe issues, a tummy tuck could be useful. These help to restore the shape of your abdominal area when conventional lifestyle interventions can’t. 

The more toned and defined you are, the stronger you will feel. You will have more confidence. You may also find that it makes you more mobile, allowing you to get around more easily. 

Multitasking SPF

Pexels - CC0 License

Another ingredient to add to your post-baby routine is multitasking SPF. Hormonal changes during this period of your life can make you more prone to sun sensitivity and melasma. 

As such, a strong sunscreen is essential.

The best options are the new tinted SPFs with moisturizer. These smooth your skin tone, making you look your best, even if you’ve had prior sun exposure. 

You can include a multitasking SPF in your routine while your baby naps. Applying a little to your face is an element of self-care that’s easy to include and feels nice when you do it. 

Dry Shampoo

You may also want to include dry shampoo in your post-baby beauty routine. These products can be helpful when you want to make your life easier and more convenient. 

When you’re looking after a baby, you don’t always have time to shower and wash/dry your hair. But, at the same time, you don’t want it looking greasy and flat. That sort of thing can kill your confidence. 

That’s where dry shampoo enters the picture. It removes grease and other gunk, and helps to get rid of some of the problems with the roots of your hair. 

If you buy dry shampoo, make sure that it’s texturizing and high-quality. Don’t buy anything with a lot of damaging chemicals in it, as these could harm you or your baby. 

When using dry shampoo, allow it to work in your hair and then let it flake out. Usually, it’ll remove any excess grease all by itself. 

Lip Love

Another way to jazz up your postpartum beauty routine is to pay some more attention to your lips. The stresses of being a new mother can sometimes cause them to look chapped or dry out, so you’ll want to take extra care of them when you can. 

You will especially want to look after them if they’ve become dry or chapped because of licking them. Again, you need to restore the natural barrier and bring them back to a state of health. 

These days, there are all sorts of lip care-related products out there that can help. These are ideal for nourishing your lips and treating them overnight. The best products to use are those containing things like vitamin E and shea butter. These allow you to create so-called “lip masks” that sit on the lips and nourish them over an extended period, helping to improve their overall health. 

You can also use simple petroleum jelly if you have any. It is usually safe to apply to the exterior of the body (even if you don’t use it inside). 

Eye Cream With Caffeine

Being a new mom can make you far more tired than usual (for obvious reasons), which shows around the eyes. Many mothers wind up with bags and other problems. 

If you have puffy eyes and dark circles, you can often manage them with caffeine-containing creams. These often have a spectrum of ingredients that fights the tendency towards bags, helping you look and feel refreshed, even if you’ve been through a difficult week. 

Make sure you dab the caffeine cream around your eyes and on other parts of your face if necessary. Then leave it to absorb into the skin and exert its effects. 

Exfoliation

Lastly, you’ll want to include some exfoliation in your post-baby beauty routine. These techniques can brighten dull complexions and help you look fresh. 

These days, most derms recommend using chemical exfoliators. These work at a deeper and more sophisticated level than mechanical options, providing more natural results over time. 

Most women use lactic acid. However, you can use glycolic or mandelic acids as these will also work well. 

Financial Lessons from Successful Salon Entrepreneurs

  **Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

Running a salon isn’t just about great hair, perfect skin, or the latest trends in beauty. It’s a business, and with it comes very real financial stress. Whether it’s increased overhead or slow seasons, even the most experienced salon owners have encountered their share of financial struggles. But many have tackled them head-on and come out the other side. So, let’s talk about how they did it.

Source:https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-using-application-on-smartphone-for-calculating-4449784/

Learn to Love the Numbers

Most salon owners get into the business for creativity. But not so much the business side. But to ignore the numbers is to cut hair blindfolded—hazardous and headed for disaster.

Step number one would be to familiarize yourself with the basics of cash flow. Knowing how much is coming in and how much is going out is the secret to a financially secure salon.

Pricing with Confidence (And Without Guilt)

Overcharging for your worth is one of the biggest mental hurdles in the beauty industry. Too many salon owners fear pricing themselves out of business when, in reality, undercharging can be just as damaging.

If you’re uncertain whether you’re charging too little, check your profit margins. Every service should be able to cover the costs of the products, employee wages, and operating costs. If you’re only breaking even, it’s time to update your pricing structure.

Keeping a Safety Net

Unplanned expenses are part of the cost of running any business. The boiler breaks, an expensive piece of equipment no longer functions, or worst of all, a slow month leaves you scrambling to cover payroll. That is why having a financial cushion is important. Lena, a 15-year salon owner, learned the hard way. A particularly nasty flu season in one winter left several of her workers out with the illness. Fewer clients meant less revenue, but the wages and the rent still had to be paid. She established an emergency savings pot after this. She made regular, though minimal, deposits, regarding it as a non-negotiable bill. When the next unexpected expense came up, she was prepared.

Streamlining Expenditures Without Cutting Corners

It is easy to assume the only answer to strengthening the finances is to make more money come in. However, reducing wasteful expenditure can be equally effective. Most brands offer more favorable conditions for bulk orders or loyalty programs. If you’re a repeat customer, don’t be afraid to ask for more favorable conditions.

Managing payment risks in a smart way

Cash flow isn’t merely a matter of how much you receive; it’s also a matter of when you receive it. Flaky payment systems, late payments, and dodgy refund policies can make it tough financially.

A London salon discovered this the hard way when a string of last-minute cancellations and no-shows derailed their anticipated revenue. They began charging deposits for those specific services and transitioned to an automated booking system that required card details in advance.

If you’re worried about the risks of accepting payments, be it fraud, chargebacks, or non-traceable transactions, it may be worth investigating in this guide to risk management. Having the right systems in your business can be the difference between a thriving salon business and one that struggles to get paid in a timely manner.

Keeping Staff Happy Without Breaking the Bank

Staff costs represent the biggest expenditure for any salon, but investing in your people is non-negotiable. The problem is how to keep your people motivated and fairly rewarded while still being profitable.

Thinking Beyond the Chair

Most of the money comes in through the typical salon services, yet the smartest salon owners look for other ways to make money. A largely untapped area is retail. Since you’re already recommending products anyway, why not sell them? Choose quality brands that align with your salon’s values, and get your team trained to sell them confidently.

Planning for Expansion

Expanding is exciting, but it can be a money pit if it isn’t done with caution. Many salon owners opt for bigger spaces or more chairs when they’re not financially ready.

If expansion is part of your plan, balance the expenditure. Can your business presently sustain it? Do you have a reserve to ride out the slow beginning? Scaling up should be a natural evolution, not a financial gamble.

And Finally

Financial difficulties are a part of running any business, but they don’t have to be the measure of your success. Whether it’s keeping a closer eye on your costs, pricing strategically, or finding innovative sources of added revenue, there’s always a way forward. Salon owners who seize control of their money don’t just survive—thrive—creating profitable, rewarding businesses.

How to Ensure Your Kids Get a Well-Rounded Education

  **Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

Pexels - CCO Licence

So, you want your kids to be well-rounded. Maybe even “Mensa-level, can-do-anything, impress-the-in-laws” well-rounded? Excellent. But guess what? Education isn’t just about memorizing the state capitals or singing the alphabet backwards (though that’s a neat party trick). It’s about giving your offspring a chance to explore, question, fail (yep, that’s right, fail), and discover who they really are. If you’re looking for the secret key to ensure your kiddos turn out smarter—and maybe a little cooler—than you were at their age, read on.

1. Let Them Dabble in Everything (Yes, Everything)

Is your child obsessed with science one week, then painting the next, and maybe even attempts knitting the week after that? Let them! Well-rounded means variety. Even if they never pick up a crochet needle again, they’ll have a smattering of experiences that help them figure out what they like—and, equally important, what they don’t.

2. Show Them the World… From Your Couch (or Their Classroom)

Travel is a time-tested way to broaden horizons. But don’t fret if your budget is more “backyard camping” than “six-month cruise around the Mediterranean.” Virtual museum tours, documentaries, and books can bring the Great Pyramids to your living room. And if you do have the resources, consider looking into international schools for a truly global perspective. Even if it’s just a short summer program, exposure to different cultures can open up your child’s mind to fresh perspectives, new languages, and that exotic snack they can’t stop talking about.

3. Encourage Failing Gloriously

Yes, you read that right. Celebrating small failures is a great way to help your child become comfortable with taking risks. If they try out for the school play and forget all their lines? Fantastic—now they know the importance of practice and poise. If their Pinewood Derby car loses a wheel halfway down the track? Great—now they can experiment with better designs or learn how to laugh it off. A child who’s terrified of failure never innovates. Let them fail, dust themselves off, and jump back in. You’ll see grit and determination you never knew they had.

4. Make Learning Sneaky and Fun

Education does not have to be a “Sit-Down-Stop-Wiggling-Eat-Your-Peas” affair. Board games can teach math, puzzles can sharpen logic, and cooking dinner can be a full-blown chemistry lesson. Next time you whip up cupcakes, let them measure ingredients and explain fractions. Or when you’re on a road trip, count red cars for basic probability. Learning is everywhere—don’t wait for it to hide between a dusty textbook’s pages.

5. Cultivate Curiosity (a.k.a. Embrace the ‘Why?’)

Ever feel like your child’s second favorite word is “why?”—right after “no”? Don’t shut that down. Sure, it can be irritating after the 400th time. But that question is the gateway to critical thinking. Direct them to find their own answers by looking up facts (hello, library), experimenting, or just plain old trial and error. Next time you’re tempted to say, “Because I said so,” see if you can turn that into, “Let’s find out together.”

Remember: A well-rounded child is not a perfect child—one color-coded, impeccably planned bullet journal does not an Einstein make. So, let them explore, let them make mistakes and let them be who they are because that is the route to well-rounded child.

How To Get Used To Odd Sounds In A New House

**Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

Pexels - CC0 License

There are many adjustments to make when you move between properties. Not only might you have vastly different neighbors (and perhaps more or less of them this time around), but the size of the home and its maintenance needs may have changed also. Perhaps now you have a brand new fireplace you need to clean every few sessions to keep it in good condition. Sometimes, added space and functionality can be more hard work, but that’s generally considered worth the investment.

However, it’s also true that you can’t always prepare for every new experience in a brand new home. For example, there may be many new or different sounds you’re unused to. Perhaps you’ve moved to the countryside and now you have to deal with very loud cicadas or crickets. Maybe you’re closer to a main road, or just getting used to the increased silence, which also takes adjustment.

You’ll get used to the sounds of a new home eventually, but it helps if you identify them first. Let’s explore some of the most common, and what to do if you notice an issue:

Understand Your Pipes & Heating Sounds

Pipes might freak you out at first. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Often, water hammers happen when pipes aren't secured properly and water flow gets interrupted suddenly, and this can happen in older homes. Your old place might have been quiet, but now you hear what sounds like someone banging a wrench against metal every time you turn off the shower. You can still have this looked at of course, but it might take you a minute after moving in. 

Of course, heating systems come with their own soundtrack too. Radiators often make clicking noises as they warm up or cool down, because the metal expands and contracts, and it may create random ticks that can wake you up at night until you get used to them. If you’re at all concerned, don’t be afraid to ask a contractor to look at the issue.

Draughts & Maintenance Signifiers

Older homes talk more than newer ones, but maintenance issues are timeless. For example, wood floors announce your arrival with specific creaky spots that might just need stabilizing nails banged into them. Or, your stairs might groan under your weight in ways your previous home never did (don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you’ve put on a few pounds). Ceiling fans could wobble and click if they need balancing or a little WD40.

The rule of thumb is to listen for sounds that change or intensify over time. A gentle creak that becomes a loud crack might signal something structural needs attention, and whistling might obviously show a draught, but luckily most noises fall into the category of "character" rather than concern.

Unusual, Unwelcome Sounds, Such As Pests

These noises are never fun. Scratching in walls or ceilings often means unwelcome roommates of the furry variety and they never pay rent, which is rude. Remember that mice tend to be active at night, squirrels prefer daytime activity, and bats usually nest during the day (and are frustratingly protected, for justifiable reasons, but you may just need them to fly away). However, buzzing inside walls might indicate insect problems and that’s a real problem, because carpenter bees drill perfect holes in wood, and termites sound like quiet clicking if you put your ear against the wall. This is where using a service like Terminix can be so essential.

With this advice, we hope you can continue to get used to odd sounds in a new house, and fix them where possible.

Understanding Meat: From Salty Cures to Sweet and Spicy Sauces

**Disclosure: This is a collaborative post. Links may be affiliate** 

Meat has long been an indispensable staple of human diets, evolving from basic sustenance into an art form in cooking. No matter if you are an amateur barbecue enthusiast, an aspiring chef, or someone who simply appreciates good steak, understanding meat is a huge component of culinary excellence. In this blog, we will go through curing with salt to create bold flavors with sweet and spicy sauces for amazing bites of flavor. Let’s understand these delicious ingredients that make meat taste irresistibly delectable.

Photo by Eiliv Aceron on Unsplash

The Science Behind Meat  

Cooking meat is an intriguing combination of scientific principles and culinary artistry. Meat consists of muscle fibers, fat cells, and connective tissues which all play a huge part in shaping its texture, flavor and juiciness in your finished dish. How you handle meat such as marinating, curing or seasoning can enhance its natural properties or completely change them. Understanding these basic components is the key to unlocking its full potential. For instance lean cuts such as chicken breast benefit from gentle handling to prevent dryness while fattier cuts such as pork shoulder perform better when slow roasted or smoked.

Going Salty: The Magic of Curing and Brining  

Salt is often forgotten when it comes to meat preparation, yet this component not only enhances flavor but also performs culinary magic by tenderizing and preserving meat. Curing and brining are two techniques which heavily depend on salt to bring out its full potential in any piece of meat.

The Art of Curing  

Curing meat involves using salt and sometimes additional ingredients such as sugar, spices and nitrates to remove moisture from meat and extend its shelf life as well as concentrate flavor. Prosciutto and bacon are popular examples of cured meats, which are enjoyed worldwide for their luxurious flavors and long shelf lives. Home curing involves measuring out an appropriate amount of salt for curing for a recommended period to prevent over-salting. Aromatic ingredients like bay leaves or juniper berries can add sophisticated notes that create distinctive dishes when curing at home.

Why Brining Works Wonders  

Have you ever noticed how some turkeys appear so juicy at Thanksgiving? This is thanks to brining. This method involves submerging meat in a saltwater solution mixed with sugar, herbs and spices before being exposed to heat for cooking. Brining helps the meat maintain moisture during its cooking process by penetrating deep within. Chicken, pork and shrimp all become much tastier after an overnight brining session while smaller cuts only need several hours.

Bring on the Sugar Rush: Sweet Flavors and Caramelization  

Now that we have covered the savory side, let's move onto exploring how sweetness complements meat. Sugar plays a huge role in amplifying natural flavors while adding depth to dishes through caramelization. Think honey-glazed ham, teriyaki chicken or beef ribs doused in maple syrup-based sauce for example. These dishes all rely heavily on sugar as their secret weapon to deliver balance to every bite. Sweet elements also offer an effective solution to the bold, gamey flavors found in lamb or venison meat.

Heat It Up: Enter the World of Spicy Sauces  

For those who love their meals with an extra bit of kick, spice is key to elevating any dish to new heights. Spicy sauces add bold, fiery notes that dance across your palate. From subtle warmth such as smoked paprika or Carolina Reaper peppers for intensity, spice allows you to customize dishes according to your heat tolerance.

Pairing Spices with Different Meats  

Certain meats pair particularly well with certain spices. For instance:

• Beef: Beef goes great with bolder spices like black pepper, cayenne, and chipotle.

• Chicken: Chicken suits more subdued flavors such as paprika, cumin, and mustard for optimal results.

• Pork: Pork can benefit from adding chili flakes, cinnamon, and ground cloves for an aromatic kick that brings out its natural sweetness. 

• Seafood: When it comes to seafood recipes, citrus-based heat like lemon pepper or spicy citrus rubs may add additional zest. 

Remember to balance heat levels against all the natural flavor combinations present.

Sweet and Spicy Sauces: The Ideal Pair

• Honey Sriracha Glaze: Perfect for chicken wings and salmon, this sauce delivers both sweetness and heat in every bite.

• Mango Habanero Sauce: Create tropical magic when served alongside pork chops or shrimp by pairing its vivid fruity flavors with its fiery kick.

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce makes for the ideal companion when grilling meats, providing just enough heat and spice to elevate every bite.

Harmony lies in finding balance among flavors by not letting one overpower another. A touch of vinegar or lime juice can cut through sweetness while sugar may temper any excessive heat.

Sweet and Spicy Sauces to Elevate Your BBQ 

Sweet and spicy sauces add an exciting new dimension of flavor to any BBQ, striking the ideal balance between heat and sweetness that excites the palette. Perfect for chicken wings, ribs or vegetables on the grill, a sweet and spicy sauce add vibrancy and dimension in every bite. Whether brushed on during grilling for caramelized glaze or used as a dipping accompaniment with zesty sides and refreshing beverages to complete the experience. For optimal results use them during the final stages to avoid burning.

Meat Prep Tips for Everyday Success 

For delicious meat dishes every time, remember these tips on meat preparation:

• Always Rest Your Meat: To ensure juicy slices every time, allow cooked meat to rest for several minutes before being cut to redistribute its juices and keep its succulence.

• Make Use of a Meat Thermometer: Correct internal temperatures ensure food safety and make sure it's done, so investing in one may give you some reassurance. 

• Don't Overcrowd Your Pan: When searing meat pieces separately leave room between each one for optimal browning.

• Taste as You Go: Adjust your seasonings as necessary to prevent too-sweet or spicy results. Sometimes balance lies in small changes.

• 
  

Photo by DJ Johnson on Unsplash

Conclusion

Understanding meat is an art that marries science, creativity, and an appreciation for flavor into one beautiful artform. From curing and brining with salt to creating the ideal sweet-and-spicy sauces, there are endless ways to spice up your meals using meat. From summer barbecues to elegant roasts, mastering these techniques will enable you to showcase its versatility. Now that you've acquired this knowledge it's time to put it all into practice in the kitchen. Experiment, taste, and most of all enjoy yourself as you create something extraordinary each step along the way.