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15 Fresh and Fun Scrapbooking Ideas for Your Next Project

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Before your memories fade, consider gathering your pictures into a unique book where they will last for generations. Not only will they last, but they will also tell a creative story in more than photos.

Scrapbooking relays the story of your life in pictures, but there are also great ways to embellish the photos with art and scrapbooking supplies to help the pictures pop off the page.

Here are 15 Fresh and Fun Scrapbooking Ideas for Your Next Project:

  1. Stamps

Invest in a good quality stamp kit. Choose one that has stamps for every holiday and season. You will want to purchase ink pads separately, so you get the colors you really like.

Stamps on the pages of your scrapbook are easy and add a fun dimension to what is in the picture. Fishing trips, the first day of school, home from the hospital, each of these deserve their own page in a scrapbook, and having the perfect stamp to go on the page is priceless.

  1. Watercolors

Even if you don’t paint, using watercolors to highlight a photo or paint a few stripes, zigzags, and/or spots on the side of the page, will help to make the photo come alive.

  1. Ribbons

Look in your sewing stash for different colors, textures, and lengths of ribbon. You can create a background of different ribbons, you can braid them or overlap the ribbon for a variety of effects.

Create flowers out of ribbon, although they should be small to be able to close the book or you can decorate the outside of the scrapbook with small clusters of ribbon flowers.

  1. Patterns

Look around your home for things with patterns. The kitchen probably has several different items that contain repeating patterns that can be duplicated on the page. Take a strainer and enlarge the pattern of holes so you can place several different pictures in them.

Some patterns make sense, while others seem to have no rhythm or reason. These are the best kind to put photos in.

  1. Glue

Use different colors of glue in your glue gun or bottle. There are many colors available in glue and they don’t have to be regulated to the back of a photo. Create swirls and other designs with glitter and colorful glues.

  1. Shapes

Again, look around your home for different shapes you can outline on the paper and then put a photo inside. Use the standard circle, square, triangle, but find a Hexagon, Trapezoid, a Rhombus (a diamond) and anything that would highlight a picture well on the page.

  1. Backgrounds

No need to spend lots of money on fancy paper. Use the fancy paper for the fancy photos, but use everyday household items for your backgrounds.

Use a bunch of recipe cards from a family book to make a background for a photo of the kids making cookies. Use a newspaper as the background for the day someone was born or passed away. Use an old map as your travel pages and outline in a bright color the path you took to get to your destination.

Old takeout menus are another great background for travel pages or cooking pages.

  1. Fabric

You probably have a drawer full of small scraps of different fabric. Take them out and match them to different photos. The fabric doesn’t have to match the picture, and it doesn’t have to be big or smooth. The fabric will give your page texture.

  1. Use Black and White

Have a page or two of black and white photos and designs. Use a black and white checkered pattern behind a photo of your dog in a field or kids playing board games. There are so many options when it comes to black and white, where less is always more.

  1. Envelopes or Pockets

Use pockets or envelopes to keep small mementoes inside. Baby’s first missing tooth or haircut. These are things that are important and shouldn’t be lost in a drawer. Use clear plastic to create the envelope so the item becomes part of the page.

  1. Pressed Flowers

When someone takes the time to pick or send you flowers, you want to save one or two as a lasting memory. Press flowers in larger books for a few days before adding them to scrapbook pages. You could also place a flower inside a clear pocket so it will not get damaged.

  1. Thread

Sew directly on the paper. You may have to purchase a thicker card stock paper but treat it like an embroidery project and outline whatever design you can come up with. Use thread, yard or funky shoelaces.

Use an old coloring book with different animals or items as a template for sewing on the page.

  1. Old Books

Use old books and puzzle books to create a unique background for different pictures.

  1. Trace Puzzle Pieces

Break out an old puzzle or pick one up at the thrift store. There are bound to be so many different shapes that can be traced on the paper and then cut small photos to put in them.

You can also glue pictures directly to several connected puzzle pieces, then slice them apart and glue them into the book, either as one piece or with some distance between the pieces.

  1. Paw Prints

When creating a page about your dog or cat, take a non-toxic ink pad and press their paw on it. Immediately place the paw on the paper for a lasting memory next to a photo of the animal having fun.

The same can be done with hand and foot prints of babies and children. Be sure to use non-toxic ink and paints.

Many websites, like Pinterest, will give you more idea on what to use when creating a beautiful and unique scrapbook. Memories in a scrapbook are great gifts for your entire family. They also make wonderful wedding presents as you can chronicle the evolution of the happy couple’s journey to each other at the end of the isle.

Silent but Deadly: 5 Major Signs Your House Has Plumbing Issues

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Plumbing is one of those things that we often don’t think about because it’s hidden. With the major pipes behind walls, under cabinets, and running across the ceiling of the basement, it’s easy to forget completely about it.

Until, of course, there’s a problem.

That’s when you need to take action. Of course, it’s much better if you can discover a problem before it causes significant damage. Sometimes there’s a drip or knocking pipes to clue you in, but not always.

Here are five silent signs that your home has plumbing issues you should handle as soon as possible.

Discoloured or Rusted Pipes

When you go to your basement, take a moment to look at the water pipes you can see. The next time you need to open your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, do the same. Do you notice any odd coloration? Be sure to check especially around joints.

If you notice an odd colour, rust, or any kind of gunk building up, that’s a sure sign there is a leak. It’s possible the leak is from the supply line, which could cause a huge mess if it bursts. Contact a plumber right away to get help.

Nasty Odor

It may not make noise, but you’ll certainly notice it. If you notice a nasty sewer smell in your home, check and see if it’s coming from outside. If you step out of your home and don’t smell the same thing, you probably have a problem with your plumbing.

Drains and vents are designed to keep sewer gas vented outside of your home, so if you can smell it, there’s something wrong with that system. A vent line may be cracked or a drain may not be working properly. Either way, you’ll want to take action.

No Water in Wintertime

If it’s been quite cold and you notice a drop in water pressure or you simply have no water at all, it’s possible your pipes have frozen. This is a major concern and has to be handled right away.

Unfortunately, thawing the pipes is the least of your concerns. You have the most danger of an incident after the pipes thaw and the water suddenly returns at high pressure. Any splits or leaks that have occurred as a result of the pressure of the freeze will suddenly be very noticeable, and you may even have a pipe burst.

Do your best to keep your pipes from freezing in the first place, but if it happens, you may want a professional to help you fix it safely.

Bubbling Paint on the Wall or Ceiling

If you notice problems with paint bubbling from the inside, it’s a sure sign that there’s moisture behind the wall. Unfortunately, this can lead to a host of problems, from mould and mildew to pests and damage to your home’s structure.

It’s possible there’s a leak from the roof, a nearby window, or even a plumbing pipe that’s nearby. You’ll have to do some investigation to discover what’s wrong, as these kinds of plumbing leaks can be a bit sneaky and hard to find.

Once you do fix the issue, you’ll want to work with a company that provides waterproofing in Toronto so that you can ensure that no moisture will find its way into your walls again.

A Huge Jump in Your Water Bill

You know how much your water bill is most months. If you have a sudden spike, you should immediately look into what’s going on.

Of course, water rates change over time, but they don’t usually cause a huge change from one month to the next. First, consider if you have done anything that would increase your water usage significantly. Did you install irrigation in the yard? Did you fill a pool for the season?

If you haven’t done anything differently, it’s likely there’s a leak or problem in your plumbing system instead. A running toilet, for instance, can cause hundreds of dollars of extra water usage. You should fix your running toilet or address whatever leak is happening right away.

Great Plumbing Supports Great Health

One of the most silent but deadly things about water leaks is that they promote the growth of germs, bacteria, mould, and mildew. These things can significantly impact the health of you and your family. Younger children and older adults are especially at risk.

If you keep an eye on your plumbing issues and help make sure everything is up to date and working well, you’ll be promoting great health in your home. Your air quality and water quality will be better, and you’ll avoid provoking allergies or other illnesses.

Of course, it’s always best to have professional help with your plumbing issues. They know exactly how to identify problems and fix them safely. If you notice a problem, call a plumber right away!

Things to Do in the Morning as You Wake Up Before Leaving for Work

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The workplace could be a toxic environment. You want to embrace it because you spend a lot of time at work, but it is challenging. When you see your fellow employees who usually cause a headache or your demanding boss, you start thinking about resignation.

It is crucial for you to think about your morning routine, so there is a part of your day that you enjoy. Once you leave home for work, it might be a long and gruelling battle. These are some crucial things you need to do in the morning as you prepare for work.

Take some quiet time

Before you even start talking to the people around you, it is crucial for you to take some quiet time. Read your morning paper or sip a cup of coffee. You can do whatever relaxes you in silence. You might not have that moment again once your day begins. While you still have it, you need to enjoy it. You could spend around five minutes or so before you bathe.

Meditate

Some people see the value of meditation. You might also understand its importance. This activity allows you to be mindful of your actions. It starts with your breathing. You also need to think about things that make you happy and help you relax. Regular meditation allows you to release your negative thoughts and lets you think of ways to face your problems. It is like pressing a reset button that makes you forget your problems for a while so that you will have a clear mind once you start thinking about them.

Walk around the outdoor area

If you have a backyard at home, you can have a short walk to appreciate how beautiful the morning is. You can sip your coffee while walking around. You do not need to think about anything apart from enjoying the moment. It could last for about ten minutes. You can also walk around the local park if you do not have a backyard. You can do it with a family member or your pet.

Write your thoughts 

You will have a lot of things to do throughout the day. You do not want to miss anything. Therefore, it helps if you start writing your thoughts. You can also create a reminder sheet so that you will know your priorities as you reach the office. Even simple ideas like saying thank you to another person could be a part of your notes. Sometimes, these small things are the ones you usually forget.

Have a nice bath

For most people, they will head to the shower as soon as they wake up in the morning. It is okay if that is your routine. The goal is for you to enjoy it. Make sure that you take your time to not only cleanse your body but also think about your day. Some people who do not have time to walk around or have moments of silence use this opportunity to reflect on life. You can install one of the modern and stylish steam showers available nowadays so that you can enjoy your shower even more. The warm water is relaxing and will soothe you. It will make you forget some problems you face in life.

Try your best to do all these things before you leave home.

Child Friendly Holidays With a Difference

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Where are you taking your family this Easter? Have you missed the boat and you’re worried about it being too late to book? Don’t worry as although we are swiftly approaching the Easter holidays there are still some great value last minute deals which you can find to give the kids and exciting break. This Easter why not try a break with a difference, something beyond the normal city break or sunshine holiday? To give you some ideas of what kind of trip you could take the family on this Easter holiday, here are some inspirational holidays for you to consider.

Canal Boat

Throughout the north west of England and in Wales there are hundreds of miles of canals cutting through the land and for an altogether different type of holiday you and the family can rent a canal boat and float through your Easter holidays. Canal boats come in all sizes so regardless of how big or small your family is there will be something to suit. The boats are very easy to manage and the only technical skill which you’ll need is to manage the locks when you meet them. Along the way you can stop off for pub lunches and park visits before heading back to the barge for some rest. Kids will love this type of holiday and for the best family experience we’d recommend the Llangollen canals in Wales which features an huge aqueduct which will amaze you all.

Costa Rica

Central America often gets a bad rap when it comes to traveling there but Costa Rica is a country which reminds us just why this part of the world is so beautiful. The country is very big on eco-tourism and they embrace the wild and natural landscape. Why will kids love Costa Rica? Easy, because there are hundreds of activities which they can get involved in from hiking to bike riding, ATV tours to kayaking, caving to snorkeling and just about everything else in-between. Whether you head to the coast of Costa Rica for some action on water and sand or prefer to get further inland for some fun in the rainforest, all of the family will enjoy a trip to Costa Rica.

Tokyo

If you want a city break with a difference then look no further than the Japanese capital of Tokyo. The prices may be a little hefty but there are some Easter breaks which you can still find. Tokyo is a city like no other with its neon lights, its forward thinking nature and of course its delicious food. Kids will love the games and gadgets which are littered throughout the city, parents can relax in beautiful botanical gardens and the entire family will fall in love with the local cuisine and the quirky nature of this city.

Thinking outside the box with your holiday plans is the best way to ensure that you and the family have a trip which will be truly memorable, where will your next destination be?

Top Business Ideas for Parents

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Every parent wants to be able to provide for their children a life they never had themselves. Though you may hold down a job that keeps the lights on, food in their stomachs, and clothes on their backs, raising a family isn’t cheap. The cost of living continues to rise but salaries often stay the same. In order to give your children the things they need and want, it’s often necessary for parents to find another revenue source.

Home-based businesses have become a popular revenue stream for parents. They are often very affordable to launch and scalable enough that they can be run without quitting your day job (unless that’s your goal). The right business idea could essentially reduce your stress and give you the extra resources you need to support your family. The question is, however, what kind of business would you start?There are literally thousands of options, but here are a few to give you some ideas:

Professional Services

Sometimes, the best business idea is to stick with something you know. Take a look at your career to determine what you’re best at. Since you’re already a professional, you could start your own business providing those services. Someone with administrative and clerical experience might start a virtual assistant business. If you’re skilled in accounting, start your own firm or become a consultant.

Creative Businesses

Would you consider yourself a creative person? If so, you could start a business that showcases your talents. If you can sew, consider becoming a seamstress or create your own clothing line. If you know how to draw or paint, perhaps you start selling those pieces online. Simply research the best platforms to sell your art or crafts as there are several mediums to choose from.

Health and Wellness

If you’re looking to get into an industry that continues to flourish then health and wellness would be it. Everyone’s looking for solutions to improving their health and living a better life and you could cash in while enhancing the lives of others. If you have the proper training and education, you could start your own mobile massage therapy business. All you need is reliable transportation and a few supplies. You can buy a portable massage chair online as well as essential oils, and linens to get started. Other ideas in the health and wellness industry might include a personal trainer, fitness class instructor, or you could sell products like vitamins, supplements, and health food drinks.

Parent Services

If there’s one thing you’re great at, it’s being a parent. So, why not become a boss using those skills? You could start a daycare center in your own home and offer services to parents in the neighborhood. You could start a blog that provides tips, advice, and support for parents. You’ve got years of experience and this will make running the business a lot easier.

You want to afford the best that life has to offer for your family. There’s certainly nothing wrong with wanting the best. Yet when the cost of living and raising a family continues to rise, it can be hard to make that happen. If you’ve got the time, passion, and committment, you could solve the problem by starting your own business. There are lots of things you could do on the side (or full-time) to bring in extra cash. The ticket to making it work is finding something that interests you and correlates with talents, education, and experience you already have. The skies are the limits, hopefully, however, the above-mentioned list has given you some ideas on where to start.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!