CANDY WASHINGTON

WRITER | PRODUCER | ACTOR | MANIFESTATION + SELF-LOVE MUSE

6 Reasons Why You’re Terrible at Dating

Candy WashingtonComment
Annotation 2020-03-07 135943.png

Hi lovelies,

You’ve watched scenes in the movies where a couple go out on their first date and there is an instant connection. The entire process seems smooth, seamless and quite unrealistic to be honest.  If you want to start living the life you have always wanted, you need to step outside your comfort zone and get to grips with the life of dating. If you have had some horrible experiences in the past, here are a few home truths that might resonate with you.

1. You’re Expecting too Much
When you go out on a first date with someone, you need to lower your expectations. Are you the type of person who thinks they are going to meet the love of their life after one drink? So many people do this so you’re definitely not alone! Have some fun and try thechatlinenumbers.com/gay or a dating app if you haven’t had much luck with relationships so far. Don’t take anything too seriously or expect too much; just enjoy it! 

2. You’re Never Truly Yourself
Have you ever pretended to like something just to impress the person you’re dating? So many people do this, but this isn’t the way to go about pursuing an honest relationship. Eventually the other person will find out that you’re not who you say you are and then your road to single town will begin again!

3. You Catch Feelings Too Quickly
Falling in love too quickly can cause a lot of issues when you’re in the dating game. You need to take every day as it comes rather than getting too serious. 

4. You’re Looking in the Wrong Places
If you think you’re going to meet the love of your life in a pitch black club then you’re probably mistaken. This may have worked for people in the past, but it’s not something you should actively be doing. Stop looking in the wrong places and think about where your ideal partner might hang out.

5. It is Your Sole Focus
I’d you have tunnel vision with regards to finding your soulmate you need to shift your focus. When you’re looking for something it won’t find you; it’s really that simple!

6. You’re Impatient
The truth is, you need to stop rushing love and just let it happen. One of the main reasons why you’re terrible at dating is because you want everything to happen right away. Even if you do want to meet someone in the end, you can’t force the process. Take the pressure off and relax; it will happen if it’s meant to be.

The truth is, so many people are terrible at dating, but most are afraid to admit it. It is very easy to blame the people you’re dating rather than blame yourself, but your habits and outlooks might be the issue. The good news is that you don’t have to be terrible at dating forever. Consider the advice provided above and you will soon be one step closer to a happier dating life.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

5 Things To Remember Before You Move Home

Candy WashingtonComment
Image Source

Image Source

Hi lovelies,

People decide to relocate to another house or apartment for all sorts of reasons. It might be because they want something bigger or wish to downsize. Some folks may even need to move to a different part of their state or even go to the opposite end of the country for work. Whatever your reason, if it’s your first time moving somewhere new, you might be unsure how best to prepare yourself and your family.

Some people might have you think that moving home is a nightmare. The thing is if you plan everything well in advance, you will have an easy experience. To that end, here are five things you need to remember before you move home:

1. Organize the transfer of utilities and services
The first thing you need to do is contact all of the companies that supply your utilities and services like cable TV. You should then give them your moving date so that everything will get set up ready for the day you physically move into your new home. For things like gas, electricity, and water utilities, give yourself a day’s overlap. That way, you’ll have power and heating in both properties on the same day.

2. Organize your removal service
Let’s face it: you can’t move to a new property without some method of transporting your worldly possessions! With that in mind, you need to organize a removal service to collect your items and transport them on your moving-in day. Firms like SMARTBOX Solutions, Inc. can even provide storage units you can fill up at your leisure, and they can transport them to your new address. Often, such solutions can work out cost-effective compared to hiring a traditional removal company.

3. Forward your mail
You will doubtless be contacting various people and organizations to tell them when you are moving home. But, what happens if some folks or companies still send you mail at your old address? To combat that problem, you can have the USPS forward your mail from a particular date, and they can do so for a duration of your choosing. You have to pay a small fee for the service, but it’s perfect for ensuring that nothing goes astray in the mail!

4. Contact the DMV and your insurance company
You need to inform both the DMV and your auto insurance company of your address change. It’s important that both entities know where your new address is because if you have an auto accident or get pulled over by the police, you could get accused of committing a crime by having out-of-date address details on their systems.

5. Don’t stock up your refrigerator and freezer
Last but not least, it makes sense to keep your stored cold food items to a minimum on the run-up to your moving day. Otherwise, you will need to buy lots of coolboxes to store that food in so that it doesn’t spoil.

Good luck with your home move!

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

Steps to a More Sustainable Home

Candy WashingtonComment
image

image

Hi lovelies,

There are some improvements that can be done around the house and that can be done relatively free of cost. Some others can take more time and more money, with some other improvements can be done when you are renovating, or when creating a new build. But these days, there is much more of a focus on sustainability and making sure that you have a home that is also eco-friendly. We are all being much more aware of the environment and what we can do to make a difference. So here are some things that you can do around your home to create a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

Ways to make your home sustainable

  • One of the first things that you can do is to make sure that you can keep your house warm. Insulating walls, the roof, the ceiling, and even under the floor can be a good thing to do in order to make sure that your home keeps warm for longer, as well as helping you to save on energy costs. 

  • Making sure that you have things like double-glazing can make a difference to your home and it is more sustainable. Another option that can be more cost-efficient would be to have some thermal-backed curtains, which can add an additional layer, and keep all of that heat and warmth in the home. 

  • It is so important to make sure that you use some natural things that you have access to. The sun is the number one choice! If you can move things around your home to make the most of the sun then it can make a big difference. You could make sure that the sun gets into the home to heat things naturally, as well as using things like solar panels as a way to heat the home.

  • Choosing appliances that have a high and good level of energy-efficiency and a good rating, is a must. This can be things from light bulbs to swap them from regular light bulbs to eco-friendly bulbs that are energy-efficient. 

  • When you are bringing things into your home, then look for non-toxic building materials. On materials you can look for an Environmental Choice tick of approval. Sourcing local materials is something that is important, and it can be something that is more sustainable and reduces the environmental impact and airmiles of things flying off. 

  • One thing that you can do in your outside space, is to install a rainwater collection tank. Make the most of those natural resources! And if you choose some water-efficient appliances, and things like low-flow sanitary fittings, then it can make a big difference. 

  • Minimizing waste and being more aware around how much you use and what you use, is important for any household. Plus, you need to be aware of how to recycle where it is possible. This will make a big difference, as well waste so much and if you can do your bit for reducing what you use, then it can make a big difference. 

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

3 Reasons to Buy Rather than Rent

Candy WashingtonComment
Annotation 2020-02-26 174651.png

Hi lovelies,

If you’re unsure whether to buy or rent a property, then you’ve come to the right place. This discussion provides the main benefits of home-ownership.

Rent Out a Suite
If your property is licensed for a suite, then you have the option to rent it out and bring in additional income. That is if you’re the buyer. 

A renter, though, is the person forking out the money without having real estate to call their own. That leads to the next benefit of ownership...

Pay Yourself Rather than Someone Else
Instead of paying rent every month to a landlord, why not pay yourself? A home is a great investment, and it can actually be cheaper than renting over time if you save effectively and buy within your budget.

To help you determine the mortgage repayment costs after the initial purchase, use a mortgage calculator. The repayment amount is based on the amount borrowed from the bank and interest charged on that home loan.

While you pay mainly interest over the early years of the mortgage, over time, you begin to pay off the capital, and that’s great for paying down the mortgage. Plus, you’ll always know how much you have to pay a month, while you don’t get that stability with renting as the landlord could always increase the monthly rent!

Make it Exactly How You Want It
It’s yours, and you can design it exactly how you want to. While you can usually hang your own paintings up and use your furniture in a rental, there are limits to the changes.

For example, renters cannot typically tear down a wall for a renovation. Sometimes you cannot paint the wall another colour either, at least not without the landlord’s approval beforehand.

When it’s your home, on the other hand, you can create the exact space you want, including switching out the existing appliances to new ones to changing the lights in the kitchen to eco-friendly LEDs.

Build Up Credit
Another major benefit of owning a home is a positive impact on your credit rating. That’s because longer credit accounts can lead to a better credit score. 

Paying down a home mortgage month after month is a terrific example of a long credit history. Be sure to keep that credit score strong by making payments on time. If you’re having trouble some months, check out these money saving tips for owners. Keeping track of your finances when making such a large investment is vital, as it’s a lot of money at risk and you must take every precaution to ensure you plan out each step properly. Utilising an online platform such as pigly.com to work out what your potential mortgage payments may actually be along with many other essential money features will provide you with ultimate peace of mind, and you’ll feel a whole lot calmer knowing that your finances are in order throughout such an important journey. You can learn how to save money and budget properly so that you can successfully pay your mortgage each and every month, as though it can boost your credit score it can also harm it too. Failing to pay your mortgage or regularly paying very late will cause your credit score to take a huge hit, so it’s best to utilise the financial calculators discussed above before you make any important decisions so that you can be sure you will be able to afford your new home. You can build up your credit by doing other activities such as using a credit card, but most of the time simply renting accommodation wont do anything to help! Renting not only wastes your money, but also denies you of the opportunity to improve your credit through the implementation of a mortgage scheme. 

 

Where to Live
You’re in control as a buyer and can choose the area you like the best for living location. As a renter, however, you’re more limited as to what to choose from, based on what’s available.

For example, a specific part of the city that you love might not have many rentals. But as a buyer, you can decide where to live and exactly what community you’re going to be a part of when you move into the place.

Community Involvement
As a homeowner, you’ll find that you feel like you have a place in the community. When there are neighbourhood meetings, for example, you’re able to give your say and be heard when it comes to discussions about changes to the area.

There are also opportunities to get to know local politicians, police, and firefighters. Those relationships are hard to build as a renter, as is the pride you likely feel in owning a home.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

How to Enjoy The Cooking Process

Candy WashingtonComment
Annotation 2020-02-20 061802.png

Hi lovelies,

There are some things in life that we all know to be true, even if we wish that it wasn’t the case. Take eating healthily, for example. If we want to be at our healthiest and happiest (and who doesn’t?), then it’s important that we’re eating those dishes that are good for our insides. And, whether you like it or not, that’s going to involve preparing your own meals at home. If you’ve been putting off spending time in the kitchen and cooking up a storm, then fear not, because we’re on hand to help. Below, we take a look at a few things that’ll help you to enjoy the cooking process more. 

Get Your Kitchen Into Shape
You’re not going to be inclined to cook if your kitchen is dark, dingy, and an all-around depressing place to be, are you? The psychological motivation to cook meals can be easily swayed, just by making a few changes to your cooking space. Perhaps the two biggest influences will be making the space bright and roomy. If you can see what you’re doing, and you have enough room to prepare your meal without feeling the stress, then you’ll find the whole cooking experience more enjoyable.

Handling Dishes
It could be that you’ve got no objection to cooking a meal, it’s just that you can’t face all the cleaning that you have to do afterward. And it’s true: sometimes, the sheer volume of dishes that need cleaning can be a little dispiriting. But there are ways to make things easier for yourself. If the reason you’re not cooking is because your dishwasher is broken, then get the parts to fix your dishwasher. Alternatively, if you don’t have a dishwasher, you can look at cleaning as you go, or handing over the responsibility to other people in the household; you’re cooking the food, after all.

Easy to Make Recipes
Cooking can be enjoyable, but it can also be a little intimidating, especially if you don’t have a history of preparing meals. But it’s important to remember that you don’t need to impress anyone, and there’s no reason to tackle an overly ambitious meal early on. Start with those simple recipes that only require a few ingredients and a few different pans. Once you’ve got the hang of being in the kitchen, you’ll be ready to step up. And talking of which...

Challenge Yourself 
You’ll eventually get bored if you can make all your meals on autopilot. Once you’ve got them down, look at challenging yourself to make more complex meals. You might just find that you’ve got a hidden talent for cooking!

Make It Fun
Finally, why not look at making it fun? Your attitude can make a big difference -- see cooking as an enjoyable activity, rather than a chore. Open a bottle of wine, play those classic cooking songs, and appreciate your time in the kitchen. Over time, preparing your evening meal might just become something that you begin to look forward to!

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

Tips To Keep Yourself Safe In Life

Candy Washington1 Comment
Image Source

Image Source

Hi lovelies,

Keeping yourself safe in life is going to make sure you live a long and healthy one without much trouble in between. There can be many dangers when it comes to daily life, and what’s around us, so it’s important to follow these tips in order to keep yourself safe at all times.

Be Attentive
Being attentive to things around you is what will allow you to avoid a run in with something or someone that can cause an accident. It also means you don’t need to go to Jonathan Rosenfeld for help with an injury. Being aware of your surroundings is important to remember to do at all times because we can often become relaxed in life, and that can open us up to accidents and trouble if we’re not careful. Try to approach everything you do with a little bit more awareness of what you’re going into and to make sure that you’re always putting your safety first, no matter what. Being attentive is a good thing for many things in life, your safety also being one of them!

Always Take Precautions
Precautions are a good way to prevent anything bad from happening or things going wrong. We all take precautions to some extent in our lives, and it’s these decisions to put safety plans into place that can help keep us safe. Don’t allow this to stop but adapt this to other areas of your life, like making sure you’ve planned out a route when driving so that you know where you’re going and the speeds to go at. As an example, these small additions can help provide a bit more security and comfort to everything you do. Just planning everything out a little more can be useful.

Be Picky Of Who You Trust
Being trusting of others is important to do a lot of, but then you also need to be picky of who you give that trust to in your life. Not everyone is going to look after that trust in the same way, so it’s important you are trusting the right people. Whether that’s with your secrets or with your safety, be careful of who you give that responsibility to. Being a good judge of character is also a skill that’s worth possessing and make time a little time to do so.

Secure Your Home
Your home is the main point of safety for you and your family or household when coming home from work. Make sure that you’re securing your home carefully at night and that its security is always checked over. You can never be too cautious about how secure your home is to the outside world. Simple checks to windows and doors to make sure they’re still strong and stable can be the difference between a potential break in or not.

Keeping yourself safe in life can be done in many different ways, so use these tips to help keep you safe and sound at all times. Whether that’s in your work area or personal life.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

A Roofing Nightmare With An Easy Solution

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

We tend to ignore or remain oblivious to them because they’re no so visible. It’s not every day that we ponder if there is a problem with our roof. However, living in a country with such turbulent weather conditions can lead to damage easily being caused. It can take just a small storm for damage to be caused.

The implications of this are leaks into the structures beneath the roof, which can then lead to water damage on the ceiling. It can also lead to bills being higher than they need to. If all of the heat in your home is escaping through a gap in the roof, it’s obviously going to cost more to heat up. 

Without getting up on the roof and inspecting it, you might not know that you have a problem. It’s a good routine to get up on the roof once a month to make sure it’s all intact. The one tell tail sign that part of your roof might be damaged is if part of the shingle is found on the floor.

There are so many types of shingle to choose from, your decision will depend on the type of style you find most appealing. The following infographic will show you 31 different type of shingle variations, we bet you didn’t even know there were that many! Each one will vary in price, which is often influenced by the area that you need covering. Take a look at the infographic below and see which design catches your eye the most.


Infographic Source Types of Roof Shingles
Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

How Can You Start Living The Life That You Dream Of?

Candy WashingtonComment
woman-wearing-grey-long-sleeved-top-photography-1122868.jpg

Hi lovelies,

In a bit of a rut and wanting to make a change in your life? Perhaps you’re fed up of seeing everyone else achieving their goals and living life to the fullest, while you sit back and do nothing. It’s easy to fall into this trap, but there are ways to get out of it and make the most of the time you have on earth. Here are some ideas!

Write down your goals
If you’re ready to make real changes in your life, once of the best ways you can go about doing this is by writing down exactly what you plan on doing. Start with the end goal, then you can break this down into more manageable chunks and work out the path you’re going to take to get there. Writing things down rather than simply keeping them in your head can be surprisingly powerful, once you’ve got them in black and white it makes everything much more real. When it comes to our goals, they can sometimes change a little, and the path we take to reaching them can certainly be different to the way we first imagine. But by writing down that initial plan you have something to go off; it becomes a plan rather than just a pipedream. It might be helpful if you sit and work out how long each step of your plan is likely to take you, that way you have a realistic idea of how long it will take you to get there, and you won’t get fed up and quit when everything doesn't happen right away. For example, if you wanted to get your dream job you’d perhaps first need to improve your education, then get an entry level job working in a relevant position and work your way up from there. You could do your research and figure out roughly how long each step would take you. Whether your goal is to lose weight for good, buy a house, travel the world or anything else, this method is useful to work from. 

Take the first step
Often it’s taking that first step which really is the scariest. If you’re doing something new in life it involves stepping out of a comfort zone that you’ve carefully curated for yourself over the years, which can be incredibly daunting. While doing these sort of things can feel scary, overwhelming and downright unpleasant at the time, when you look back on your life, it's those moments that really stand out because they’re the ones that spark change. Once you’ve pushed through the negative emotions, you’re often flooded with relief ,and huge feelings of pride for what you’ve done which can make it all worth it. Have a look at the goals you’ve broken down, and just take that very first step. It could be phoning a driving instructor to book your lessons. It could be speaking to a mortgage advisor to buy a house, a personal trainer to assess your fitness goals or anything else at all. Once you’ve taken the plunge with that very first step, the rest will follow easier than you might think. 

Don’t let rejection put you off
At any step of the way along your path to your goal, you might experience failure or rejection. When you’re not in the right mindset you might use this as an excuse to back out, see it as a ‘sign’ that you never should have tried or otherwise wallow in self pity. It can be really hard when you get knocked back in life, if you fall off the wagon or don’t meet your own expectations in some way or another. But it’s absolutely not an excuse to quit! There will often be bumps in the road and the path to success is rarely a smooth one, so be prepared. If you suffer failure or rejection, you might need to either get back to it, or figure out a new path to your goal. 

Visualise, meditate, use the law of attraction
One of the most powerful things you can do to reach any goal in life is to be in the right mindset. Seeing things in a clear and positive way will always help you in getting where you need to be. Simple tasks you can do each day such as deep breathing while meditating, visualising your end goal and using the law of attraction to call in what you want can all help to make you feel calm and picture exactly where you’re going to be. Take a hot bath and then relax in a chair or on your bed, breathing deeply and using these techniques to picture yourself reaching your goal. Once you’ve seen this in your mind, it can be a lot easier to push forward in what you need to do to get there.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

Commonly Overlooked Home Improvement Features (Have You Been Guilty Too?)

Candy WashingtonComment
Pixabay CC0 License

Pixabay CC0 License

Hi lovelies,

Every homeowner is eager to unlock the full potential of their home, and will complete a range of projects to make it happen. But while a change of color scheme or addition of a smart TV may be high on the agenda, you mustn’t forget the other jobs. In truth, it’s the commonly overlooked tasks that truly take the home atmosphere to the level you deserve. 

So, what are the most commonly overlooked jobs that you must learn to stop missing out? Here’s all you need to know. 

Job #1: Ceiling Upgrades 
When revamping a room’s general appearance, painting the walls and treating the flooring are regular features. However, you should not overlook the impact that new ceiling tiles can bring. Choosing stylish designs can add to the homely atmosphere while the new tiles also make the room look bigger, brighter, and cleaner. Whether it’s the bedroom, living room, or hallway doesn’t matter. A new and well-maintained ceiling is an essential feature that’ll bring a host of rewarding outcomes. 

Annotation 2020-01-31 122019.png

Pixabay CC0 License

Job #2: Internal Safety Features 
All homeowners know that a clean home is a happy home. As such, the vast majority are happy to invest in modern CCTV and smart security features. Blocking out external threats is a crucial step to gaining a more relaxed mentality. However, it’s equally important to appreciate internal dangers. As such, fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector installations are crucial. Furthermore, you should stay vigilant to leaks, damp, and potential hazards – especially if you have kids. 

Job #3: Storage Facilities 
The average family has a large volume of possessions, and they should all have their place. Sadly, this is something that is easily forgotten when building a new and improved home environment. Finding extra storage facilities under the stairs or through shelving in alcoves can work wonders. Tactical changes such as selling unwanted goods or embracing the idea of paperless bills will lead you to a far better outcome. Either way, avoiding overcrowded rooms is a target that you must appreciate at all times. 

Annotation 2020-01-31 122137.png

Pixabay CC0 License

Job #4: Personal Touches 
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of copying the latest showroom designs. However, you’re creating a home not a showroom. As such, the sentimental features like photographs and motivational plaques can make a huge impact. This is the central focus for making the property truly feel like yours. When you get this right, minor shortcomings in other aspects of the homemaking process won’t matter. This is the easiest and cheaper element to master too. So, you have no excuses. 

Job #5: Curb Appeal 
The condition of your property isn’t all about internal factors. Your feelings towards the home can be heavily influenced before you’ve even stepped inside. Therefore, beautifying the external aspects can be one of the smartest things you’ll ever do. A new mailbox, artificial front lawn, or driveway resurfacing task are just three options. The roofing tiles and external walls require attention too. When you feel happier simply by approaching the home, your time inside the property will be happier too.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

Buying A New Property: Do Your Research

Candy WashingtonComment
Picture Source

Picture Source

Hi lovelies,

Buying a new home is an incredibly exciting process, but it’s a process that requires a lot of research. You know that, obviously, but that doesn’t mean you know exactly which aspects of a property require the greatest amount of attention. It can be difficult to figure out whether you’re purchasing a high-quality home or not. You might be worried about hidden problems that could easily be overlooked during a viewing, you might be worried about finding out that the local area doesn’t suit you, or you might simply be worried that the new place won’t feel like home. Change can be overwhelming, so it makes sense that you have doubts. The essential thing to remember is to do your research, and these steps will help you with that.

Learn about a property’s location before viewing it.
You need to learn about a property’s location before viewing it. Don’t let yourself fall in love with a particular house before you know that it’d be worth your money. The area in which a property is located will determine its suitability for you and your family. You can’t change the location of a house, so this is the factor that you have to get right before anything else. Find the right location for your family. Then, you can find the right property. You need to consider whether the houses you’re viewing are within a commutable distance of your office. You need to consider the nearby amenities. You also need to consider the people who’ll be living on your street; you wouldn’t want to move your family onto a street full of noisy students, for instance.

Get professional assistance.
Getting professional assistance could also be a smart idea if you want to meticulously research a property that you’re viewing. You might have seen a house online and/or in person, but you might not know whether it’s entirely up to scratch. You could use Solex Group professional home inspection services to help you find out. An expert could figure out whether the heating system, insulation, roofing, and other integral aspects of the property are in working order. It’s so important to thoroughly inspect a house before buying it.

Compare property prices.
Even if you find a beautiful house in a spectacular location, you should research the property market on a larger scale before committing to a purchase. Comparing property prices is such a valuable step in the research process because it’ll give you many points of reference. You’ll be able to assess whether you’d be getting a fair price by purchasing a particular property. You might fall in love with a house, but you shouldn’t waste an inordinate amount of money to get it. Gauge the general prices of properties with similar attributes to the one you’re viewing. Obviously, you’ll need to limit your search to that area because location affects price. You might want to start by researching the values of other properties on the same street as the one you want to buy, for example.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

Giving Your Home The Facelift It Needs When Getting Ready To Sell

Candy WashingtonComment
Image Credit - Pexels CC0 Licence

Image Credit - Pexels CC0 Licence

Hi lovelies,

While there is a great deal of complication that is involved with the buying of a house, you should be aware that when it comes to selling your home, you may find even more challenges in your way. 

Today, we are going to be taking a look at some of the challenges you may come across, and we are going to attempt to nip them in the bud before your house hits the market. It is important to look at doing what you can when it comes to selling your home; after all, you will want the best price you can get. 

Why Your House Could Be Worth Less Than The One Next Door
If there is one thing that confuses people when it comes to selling their house, it’s generally why two houses that are pretty much identical could be worth different amounts. Well, this is where the detail comes in.

What most people do not realize is that a house is valued based on more than just its layout. In fact, there are many factors that come into a house’s value from the way it’s decorated to how you have presented it at the time of value. 

Today though, we are going to be looking at why giving your home a little facelift can really bump the value. 

Make The House Feel More Welcoming
When it comes to selling the home, just before you place it on the market, you should be looking at making a few changes to the home that gives it an appeal that anything else local won’t have.

One of the most important things you can do is to remove large amounts of your personal belongings from the home as to avoid making the house look too cluttered. When you remove clutter from the home, it will also give it the illusion of having more space. 

You should combine your declutter with a fresh lick of paint throughout, and you will find that any potential buyer will be able to visualize themselves in that property and will be willing to fight for the property without trying to lower the price.

Give The House Kerb Appeal
The final thing you want to be doing is making it look as aesthetically pleasing as possible from the outside of the property. 

When it comes to improving the look of the property to anybody who pulls onto the driveway, you can start by pressure washing both the outside of the house and the concrete areas. You should also look at really giving your front yard some love.

Having a pleasing front yard is a rather large selling point for a lot of houses nowadays. Believe it or not, should your house be beautiful, but your yard requires attention, you will find that your house may fall victim to a lower offer than you expect.

Whether it’s the exterior or interior of your home, you should be sure to do what you can to ensure that your home appeals to buyers. If you are really stuck for ideas, why not think back to what you were looking for when you purchased the home, it may help more than you think.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

5 Easy Ways To Maximize The Comfort Of Your Home

Candy WashingtonComment
Annotation 2020-01-29 153713.png

Hi lovelies,

When we need to rest away from our active work and social lives, our homes are the places we can really chill and regroup. The trouble is, when our homes are lacking in comfort, it can be hard to unwind properly and recharge our batteries. To maximize the comfort of your home, these five suggestions will get you on the right track.

1 . Update your sofas
Most of us would agree that our sofas are the main spaces of relaxation within the home. Whether you snuggling up with a good book or watching a new movie, our sofas must peak on the comfort scale! Even the best quality sofas will need an update eventually, so perhaps it’s time to trade yours in for something nice and new? Corner sofas continue to be a trend this year; these are often a deeper sofa, with more space to lay back and stretch out.

2 . Deep clean
Our homes only truly feel their most comfortable after everything has had a deep clean. This means doing a thorough job and giving those spaces some attention that usually get neglected. This means on top of the shelves, behind the fridges and in between the counters, etc. Tackle all those hard to reach areas with your best cleaning solutions. When everything is dusty and neglected, you subconsciously won’t feel as relaxed and at ease in the space. If you would like to get your kids involved while helping them to learn about chores, check out the cleaning app ‘Our Home.’

3. Warm color schemes
Colors make a world of difference in terms of how cozy a room feels. White and neutral tones have long been favored (trend-wise), but perhaps it’s time for warm colors to make a comeback? Hues of yellow, peach, and coral can lend a room a warm and inviting atmosphere. Sometimes a little paint job is all you need to improve your home instantly!

4. Update your mattresses
Next comfort- stop is the bedroom, for the best night’s sleep invest in a memory foam mattress, which offers the best support for your body as you sleep. Many of us don’t even realize that our mattresses are wrong for us until we get a new one and feel the difference. While you are at it, try black-out blinds to keep out the light when you are sleeping. Peace lily plants are great to cleanse the air and emit oxygen at night as you rest. Weighted blankets can be another excellent purchase for the bedroom. These are said to help those with anxiety to sleep more comfortably.

5. Heating maintenance
Your heating system is a pivotal part of remaining comfortable in your home. Perhaps you’ve noticed lately that your utility bills seem too high? This could mean that there is an issue with your heating. As soon as you notice that your thermostat isn’t working correctly, be sure to contact a heating repair service to get the job done asap. Smart thermostats can be useful to retain the optimum temperature, save on your bills, and go greener.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

What To Do When Searching For The Perfect Home

Candy Washington1 Comment
Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/_jmagbo2dnk

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/_jmagbo2dnk

Hi lovelies,

Making sure that you’re in the perfect place is pretty paramount in life. If you have things sorted out at home, then that gives you the right platform to progress in other areas. If things aren’t exactly rosy domestically and personally, then you’re going to struggle with external situations even more. 

A huge part of domestic life is finding the best possible home, and making sure you’re comfortable in your surroundings. It’s something we all want, and if we don’t have it, then that can be a problem for us. Sure, some people can live in all kinds of abodes, but the majority need to have something that fits them – we are creatures of habit, after all. 

One day, the time will come where you’ll be tasked with moving home. It may be a few years away, or it may be within a few months’ time. It’s coming, though, and you’ll need to be prepared for it. It’s not just a case of smoothly landing in the perfect spot – you need to put in the work in order to earn the spot. Fortunately, it’s not too big of a deal – people are moving in and out of houses every single day. If it was so difficult, then nobody would get deals over the line.

So, if you’re at the place in life where you’re seriously considering a relocation, then you’ll need to do a little research and put in a little effort. Here are a few things you can do that will make everything a lot clearer, simpler, productive, and effective: 

Get Things Right In Your Current Home
Before you commit to any kind of move, you’ll have to make sure that everything is smooth where you are currently. You’ll need to sell the home you’re in, so make sure the value and the condition of it are high should be at its very best – or as near as possible. If you’re renting your current home, then you’ll also have to make sure you’ve kept everything in the right condition. There are, of course, things your landlord must do during the moving out process, but that doesn’t mean you can just palm all the responsibilities on them. Organize your current domestic life, and then go to work on outside ideas.

Don’t Be Hasty 
When you want to move out and into a new place, it’s easy to then get an itchy trigger finger. It’s very easy to find something that looks amazing and focus all of your energy into it. Don’t get too attached to certain ideas too quickly. There are a lot of options out there, and you don’t want to regret your decision because you got a little too impulsive. 

Think About How Long Your Stay Will Be
The house you choose will have to fit the situation you are in, of course. For example, if you’re planning on moving into a family home that you can occupy for a decade or two, then you’ll need to find something that will be large enough. This kind of house will also have to be something that will adapt over the years as the family grows. You’ll have to make sure you find the right place for the tenure you’re expecting as you don’t want to have too much or too little room during your stay. 

Ask For As Much Advice As You Can
If you’ve been around the block (pardon the pun) enough times, then you’ll probably be okay in terms of your house-moving knowledge. Not many people in this world are experts are relocating, however, and the chances are that you aren’t either. Fortunately, there are people around that have moved a few times, and they’ll be able to help you out. Your friends and family will be able to give you a few pointers regarding the search for a new place. The internet is also a great place to find a lot of information on what to do in this regard. There will be forums, articles, and videos explaining pretty much everything you need to know. 

Consider Your Job 
Your job matters an awful lot, obviously. If you can’t get to work, then you’re not going to be able to pay the bills on time. If you have a remote job, then this kind of thing won’t really matter to you all that much. If you have an office job, factory job, or warehouse job in a particular area, though, then you’ll have to make sure you find a home that has a comfy commute. You don’t want to pick a home and sacrifice your professional life too much. 

Question If The Area Friendly And Safe
You might have the perfect home lined up – it has everything you need and looks like it’ll fit you (and your family) like a glove. But what is the neighborhood and the surroundings are like? Do a little digging into what the area is like before moving – you don’t want to get all moved in and find out that the place is rife with all kinds of issues. 

Can You Go To Work On The New Home?
Does the house have potential in terms of upgrades? The value of most houses grows over time, but you’ll probably want to pick a place that has a high ceiling so that you can make a hefty sum once it’s time to move on again. This obviously won’t be your first consideration, but it’s definitely worth thinking about if you want to be good in the very long-term.

Don’t Overthink Things
Overthinking is a bad habit that so many people on this planet have. When you have all kinds of options, you might start to think too hard about what to choose and how to go about everything. You may also start to feel nervous and believe that the entire situation is too hot to handle, resulting in silly decisions. A great piece of advice is not to put this stuff on a pedestal; it’s not that big of a deal. 

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

Every One of the New Slot Sites Online From Boomtown, with All New Slots Offers for 2020

Candy WashingtonComment
Annotation 2020-01-27 074137.png

Hi lovelies,

As online gaming continues to become popular, new slot sites also keep coming up. The number is so large that it makes it harder for a player to choose the game they would rather play. To eliminate that hardship, below are some of the best new slot sites you should try. They have been checked and proven to have the best bonuses and other features that players can enjoy. You find the detailed features of all the newest here.

Gem Slots, Sparkle Slots, Cop Slots, Slots Kingdom, Fairground Slots, SlotSino, Payday Slot, Pirate slots, slots animal, Binzo Spins, SlotSite, Slotzo Logo, Wizard Slots, Slots Baby, Easy Slots, The Sun Vegas, Slots Animal, and Pirate Slots.

All these sites have specific features that differentiate them from each other, but there are also some features they share. They are great for experienced players as well as new players, especially those who don't have any knowledge about slots. Some of the standard features that make this new slot sites excellent include:

Sign up bonuses
All the latest slot sites above have free sign up bonuses for their new players. This means you have a chance to try playing for free before you can start spending. Some of them do offer free bonuses in the form of free spins while others provide money. However, those that give money make it clear that you cannot withdraw that money. You can only play with it as you hone your skills. The bonuses are usually active for a specific period after which they experience, and you won't use them. You should, therefore, take advantage of any bonus as soon as you sign up. Although you can't withdraw the bonus, you can withdraw the winning from it.

Deposit bonuses
These new slot sites also offer deposit bonuses for those who prefer to forego the sign-up bonus. The deposits vary with every site, with some giving them on the first deposit and others giving them on subsequent deposits. Even if you use the sign-up bonus, you can still get a deposit bonus, which means you get more chances to play and win. However, they have conditions that you must follow. For instance, you may have to deposit a specific amount of money before the reward, which is the bonus that can be transferred into your account. Another option would be for you to use a promo code to activate the bonus or to use some free spins

Safety
Online safety is one of the major concerns when it comes to internet use, and the interest extends to online gaming. It would be best if you were sure that the site you're using is safe and secure, mainly because you'll be using your details when depositing. These new slot sites have implemented safety measures that protect all your details, especially the transaction information. They have various payment options, which include PayPal, thus ensuring that everyone finds a convenient method.

Conclusion
It's good to check all the regulations and terms of every site before signing up. It's also better to use free sign up bonuses to get used to the platform and increase your chances of winning. You can also try playing on a few sites before deciding on the one you like most.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

How to Nail the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Candy WashingtonComment
Pexels - CC0 Licence

Pexels - CC0 Licence

Hi lovelies,

If you love traveling, then you should be grateful that you in today’s world, rather than at any other point in history. If you wanted to explore the world even one hundred years ago, then you needed a whole bunch of luck. Today, meanwhile, it couldn’t be easier. Virtually all the barriers that prevented people from traveling have been removed, such as the cost and work factor. Indeed, the last few years have given rise to a whole new way of working: these are the ‘digital nomads,’ people who can work wherever there’s an internet connection, anywhere in the world.

If that sounds good (and how can it not?), then read on. Below, we outline some useful tips that’ll ensure you get the most out of your digital nomad experience.

Find Your Work
A digital nomad without a job is just drifting from place to place. Not a bad way to live, but hard to do when you have no income! So before you make too many plans, you’ll want to find a reliable source of income. What job you choose will depend on your interests, passions, and skills, and, of course, it must be an online job. Most people living the digital nomad lifestyle are involved in software development, web design, writing, and graphic design. 

Jump Into To It
You’ll want to wait until you have an income before you begin your digital nomad lifestyle, but once you’ve sorted that out, jump into it -- there’s little value in waiting and waiting for the perfect opportunity to board that plane and begin your adventure. The more you think about it, the more time you’ll be wasting, and the less likely it is that you’ll eventually go. You can always return home if you find that it’s not for you (though we think it will be), but there’ll come a time when it’s too late to get started. Don’t delay for too long!

Where to Go
In theory, you can be a digital nomad wherever there is internet access. In practice, it’s a little more complicated. There are some parts of the world where you won’t be able to live and work because there’s no applicable visa, for example. And then there will be parts of the world where you just don’t want to live (this will be most places). If you’re leaving behind your home life and going on an awesome adventure, then pick somewhere that’s truly great. There are countries and cities that are better and worse for digital nomads than others, so take a look at the recommended places, and start there. You’ll find that it’s easier to get into the swing of your new lifestyle when you’re in a place that is geared towards digital nomads, and where there’s already an existing community. 

Setting Up a Base
People tend to think that the digital nomad lifestyle involves forever moving from one place to the next, but that’s not really the case. Well, people do it, but it’s not recommended, not in the early days, at least. It’s much better if you stay in one destination for at least a few months, since this will give you the time you need to get to know the destination, make friends, and get into the flow of work. So look at setting up a base in a place that piques your interest. You can do this by renting a house or finding a room in a shared flat. Part of the beauty of the lifestyle is that you can stay there until you feel called to visit somewhere new, at which point you can just pack up your belongings and move on. 

Work Discipline
Digital nomads that are new to the lifestyle often get caught out by a common issue: they find that their work suffers. On the face of it, this should come as no surprise: when you find yourself in a new and exciting destination, all you want to do is explore and have fun. That’s why it’s really important that you cultivate the art of self-discipline both before you set off and when you’re there. You don’t want your new-found lifestyle to come to a premature end because you were not working as well as you could have. There will be plenty of time to have fun...make sure that you get your work done first.

Pexels - CC0 Licence

Pexels - CC0 Licence

Making Friends
Of all the complaints that digital nomads have, perhaps the most common one is that they feel lonely. This is understandable, since you’ve jetted thousands of miles away from your friends and family, but it shouldn’t be a long-term complaint. There are a million and one ways to make friends when you’re traveling. Look at working at a coworking space, attending meetup events, and just going up to people and introducing yourself. In time, you’ll find that you’ve got a lot of friends around you. 

Connecting With Home
You might be off having the time of your life, but remember to stay in touch with home. It’s easy to lose yourself a little when you’re out exploring the world, but those regular calls can help to keep you grounded. Plus, it’s a little awkward to return home after several years and know that you didn’t do as much to stay in touch as you could have. It’ll be your friends and family who are there for you long-term, don’t forget.

Staying Legal
We tend to think that the internet opens all doors and that we can do whatever we want. But it’s not true. If you’re going to be a digital nomad, then be sure to sort out all the necessary visas beforehand, and have a chat with a tax expert. You may need to pay taxes in the place that you’re temporarily calling home.

Make the Most of It 
Finally, make the most of it! You’ll be on an exciting adventure that won’t last forever. Throw yourself into it, and you will be rewarded with plenty of memories. 

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

Budget-Friendly Ways To Improve Your Home In An Instant

Candy WashingtonComment
Photo Credit CC0 License

Photo Credit CC0 License

Hi lovelies, 

I know you all want to create the most impressive and beautiful home possible. In an ideal world you could do anything you wanted to your home. Pay for any improvements, add everything your mind can possibly think of. 

Sadly, most of us aren’t blessed with endless supplies of money. So, we have to seek out more creative ways of improving the house. You’ll be happy to know that many of these ideas are also budget-friendly. I’ve collected some of my personal favorite ideas in the points below.

Repair old windows
Windows are an underrated feature of every house. They can be seen by everyone that walks passed your property. When your windows look modern and brand new, it makes the rest of your home look amazing. If you have old windows, then you can improve your house by upgrading them. However, as it mentions on https://www.fensterusa.com/blog/kolbe-windows-parts-and-repair/, replacing a window is far more expensive than repairing one. So, there’s a tip for you; repair your old windows and make them seem brand new. They’ll get a significant upgrade, but you save money by not paying for full-on replacements. 

Photo Credit CC0 License

Photo Credit CC0 License

Decorative rugs
Rugs and floor mats are excellent at bringing a new sense of style to your home. They work best on hard floors, but you can still have a rug on a carpet. It brings a new dimension to the interior space - and you can get a mat for outside your front door as well. You introduce new patterns or pops of color, it can add to the current design and bring out other features of the room as well. The best part is that rugs can be highly affordable and require no installation at all. Just buy them, bring them home, and you’ve transformed an area of your house. 

Rearranging rooms
What could be better than a home improvement idea that costs no money at all? Rearranging your rooms can be such a simple way of upgrading your interiors. You can try this in any room, but it works best in the bedroom. It mentions in this article https://www.buzzfeed.com/hanifahrahman/everyone-needs-to-rearrange-their-bedroom-furniture that rearranging a bedroom is actually good for you on so many levels. It can help you feel more relaxed, open up more space, and it’s just fun! Do this to other rooms in your home to create a whole new look and feel to the place. You’ll be stunned at how different a room can feel after a few things have been moved around. As I said, it’s amazing because you don’t have to go out and pay for anything!

You don’t have to be blessed with a big budget to make big home improvements. These ideas suit anybody that’s looking to spend as little money as possible, while still seeing improvements in their home design. I’ve also written an article here http://candywashington.com/lifestyle-home/5-home-improvements-you-didnt-know-you-needed, which shows you five other home improvements you need in your life. So, if you do want to spend a bit of extra money, then give those ideas some consideration. 

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

Adding Beauty To Your Outdoor Space With A Gazebo

Candy WashingtonComment
Annotation 2020-01-14 072420.png

Hi lovelies,

There are lots of different ways you can enhance the practicality and style of your garden space. One method is through the use of a stylish gazebo. This is a product that has long been popular and there are very few signs that this popularity is ever going to slow down. Keep on reading to discover all of the benefits associated with stylish gazebos and why you should consider buying one for your home… 

Fantastic protection from outdoor elements
There is nothing nicer than hosting a party in the summer when the sun is shining. It offers the perfect opportunity to relax with friends and catch up. However, not everybody will want to be in the sun all of the day and thus the gazebo offers a great area of shelter for those who wish to sit in the shade. Or what about if you are outside and a little rain shower commences? You can quickly run inside the gazebo until it passes over. It is not just about protecting you either. Let’s go back to the part scenario. If you are serving food you will certainly want it in a covered up area – a stylish gazebo will provide this. 

Adds aesthetic appeal to your outside space
Stylish gazebos are great for adding style and beauty to your outdoor area, especially when teamed with lighting that highlights the space, which you can find at https://www.lepro.com/led-flood-lights. Firstly, they are a grand feature by their very nature and thus something that people will instantly notice. In addition to this, if you take a look on the internet today you will see that there is a wealth of designs and colours to choose from. This ensures that you will be able to find something that matches in with your personality, your taste and your garden. From bright blue, to bold black, to pretty pink; the choices are quite simply endless. 

Multiple uses for you to take advantage of
The pop-up aspect of the gazebo is particularly important. It means you can take it down and put it up in your garden whenever it suits you. Thus, you can store it away for winter if you would prefer. Nonetheless, this practical aspect presents you with even further benefits. You never know when a stylish gazebo could come in handy. If you fancy taking place in a market and having your own stall then a stylish gazebo will prove to be extremely useful. A lot of businesses also make use of them at events as well. Thus, if your company attends trade shows and alike, you may be able to help in this sense. There is a lot more to a stylish gazebo than meets the eye!

They are extremely easy to clean and maintain
Last but not least, one of the best things about stylish gazebos is their ease when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. As the fabric is easily removable you can take this off and deal with it separately. You won’t have any elements getting in your way or tricky spaces to contend with either. This is extremely beneficial. After all, who can honestly say that they enjoy cleaning?

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

The Perfect Road Trip

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

We have all seen the movies when the heroine (or hero) is driving down a long, empty road. There is the perfect soundtrack in the background, the views are stunning. And, of course, they stay in multiple motels along the way. Who doesn’t want to do that once in their lives? 

Well, here is your quick guide to the perfect road trip. 

Loosely Plan
Most people heading on a road trip have a finite amount of time to do it. They likely have a rough destination or round-trip in mind too. Well, you should follow suit here. Have a rough plan, but nothing rigid.

To make it feel a little bit more like an adventure, and less like a perfectly executed plan, play it a little loose. Plan things like how many hours a day you’ll drive, and roughly what times and perhaps a few stops on the way too.

Pack Light
While it might be tempting to take clothing for all eventualities, try and pack as lightly as possible. Comfortable clothing is a must for driving and getting great rest. But head off with the idea that you are going to be collecting things from your travels. 

Things like a handmade blanket, or jars of honey. Simple things that you can take home to remind you of your perfect road trip - while you ‘loosely plan’ the next one. 

Money
While most gas stations do take plastic, there might be occasions where the system is down, or they don’t have the connection to run the tech. You are going to be buying a lot of gas, so try to have a range of notes, coins and your card ready at all times. 

Coins are particularly great for vending machines if you happen to get peckish while you’re topping up the car. 

Car
You need to make sure that your vehicle is in excellent condition. While you are in the city, you can probably be assured that if you breakdown there will be services or people to help nearby. 

But on long stretches with not many stops breaking down is the last thing you want. It is also wise to have printed copies of your insurance documents, and the number for a great firm with great lawyers - because you never know what might happen. Remember to have water, windscreen wash, a sponge and a spare tyre too. 

Location
If you are going by yourself, or even just you and a friend then use a location tracking app and link it to someone back home. iPhone has ‘find friends’, and android phones can use Google Family Link has the ability to track people’s whereabouts too. 

An alternative to this is sending a text message to someone each evening with your location, check out time and the next check-in point. On the off chance that anything happens, it is better to have people in the know and a track record of where you have been. 

Music
If you are driving for 80 hours, try to get a playlist with all of the songs you love (there are probably hundreds when you get into it), aim for 82 hours of music. Shuffle will be your best friend here too. 

You can use your mobile phone and hook it up to a Bluetooth speaker or your car. If you want to be even more stripped back, then get plenty of CDs instead!

You will need plenty of water and healthier snacks in the car too, so bring along an extra bag for rubbish so you can dispose of the wrappers properly. 

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

Photo credit: Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash

Could Your Home Be The Reason For Bad Health? Things To Think About

Candy WashingtonComment
pots-716579_1920.jpg

Hi lovelies,

When it comes to your home life, we can often feel like it is the safest place to be. Or is it? We sometimes underestimate the environment in which we live in and how are homes can be harming our health. Whether you live in a new property, an older homes, or you know things need repairing, there can be times when your home can be the reason for bad health. Here are some of the things to think about.    

Do you have problems with your breathing?
Sometimes we can all develop issues with our chest or have breathing problems. They may develop in later life, or something that you have always had. Your home should be a place where you don’t struggle with them, but that can often not be the case if your home is in need of repair. Older houses have extra dust and you may also find that they can be musty or even be damp. This is when an air purifier could help to ease the situation. You can visit Moonriverchattels to find out more about what is available. Ensuring that the quality of air you breathe, especially at night, may help to improve the situation and any tightness you may feel on your chest.

Have you been getting regular headaches?
Maybe you have noticed that you are getting regular headaches when it comes to your home, and this can often be an issue that you start to feel worried about. There may be a logical reason for this. It might not be necessarily down to you health it could be that you are exposing your body to a gas leak. Carbon monoxide in the air in small quantities can cause nausea and headaches, but in larger quantities can be deadly. You may want to get this checked out to ensure that there is no gas leak causing you to feel unwell in your home. 

Have you been suffering from sinus problems for a while?
Your home may be damp and this can go on to cause mould which can be a problem in your home if you are not careful. It can cause you to develop sinus pain. Mould can be something that goes unnoticed for some time. Maybe there is a leak in your property, or you may have had some sort of flood and not realised the water damage that there has been. 

Have you been struggling with severe fatigue?
Finally, if you have been struggling with tiredness or server fatigue then there could be a number of things that are linked to your home. An older property again may have old materials that were used for some time, such as asbestos. These things do need to be removed but could be causing issues with your health. It is important for you to ensure that when you have an older property especially, that wall cavities and also insulation is checked to ensure it doesn’t contain this material. 

Let’s hope these tips help you to keep yourself healthy in your home. 

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png

5 Reasons to Cut Back on Your Drinking

LifestyleCandy WashingtonComment
Untitled.png

Hi lovelies,

Looking at TV, you might think that drinking alcohol is just part of our activities of daily living. On daytime dramas, one participant in a conversation usually pours a drink for him-/herself, if not another for the other participant. All night life is depicted in bars, lounges, or at quiet, romantic tables-for-two with, of course, two cocktails present. Movies generally involve a lot of drinking. Even our language excuses the use of alcohol, e.g., “nightcap,” “toddy,” “ice-breaker.” A bottle of wine makes the perfect gift when invited to dinner or in the way lovers interact.

What Exactly Is the Problem?
The problem is that alcohol can be toxic, and it can lead to an alcohol addiction. You can drink too much both at one time (“binge” drinking) and over time. There is a toxicity that can emerge beyond a certain amount, but that varies. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) has made guidelines based on what it called the “alcoholic drink-equivalent,” which you can think of as the “exchange currency” of drinking.

The alcohol drink-equivalent that is used to compare all other alcoholic beverages is 14 grams (3/5 ounces of pure alcohol):

  • 12 ounces of 5% alcohol (a regular beer),

  • 5 ounces of wine (12%), or

  • 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor; and

  • varying amounts of mixed beverages (e.g., margarita, mimosa, etc).

Reasons to Cut Back: Your Quality of Life
For those in good health, the NIAA recommends that moderation confine you to two drinks (or fewer) per day for men and one drink (or less) a day for non-pregnant women, taking into consideration metabolism, fat distribution, and lifestyle gender differences.

Here’s something disturbing: there may be no actual safe amount (certainly true in pregnancy). The NIAA guidelines, however, suggest that going beyond them certainly puts your health—and even your life—in danger.

Here’s to Better Health and to a Happy Life
Studies have demonstrated that a person’s self-reported health was best among subjects who consumed 1-2 or less drinks per day. The “self-reported” health aspect may not be actual health, but how one perceives his or her health. Therefore, it isn’t some objective score like your height or weight, but is all about one’s subjective feelings of well-being, attitude, and sense of participation in life, which directly impacts one’s happiness socially, professionally, and in relationships. While the concept of happiness may not be scientific, the data on those who feel happy, compared to those who don’t, is. And with less drinking, the science is just happier.

While it is tempting to stop listing reasons to cut back right here (happiness in life is the ideal in life, right?), this blog would be incomplete if I didn’t give you other reasons. 5 come to mind:

Here’s to avoiding disability.

We all want to stay active, strong, and vibrant as long as we can. It has been proven that alcohol use is a leading cause of disability, especially in our later years when we should be enjoying the fruits of our earlier, productive years. In fact, the amount of alcohol use—the amount that lowers your risk of lifetime disability the most—is zero!

Here’s to a long life.
Signs of alcoholism include illnesses commonly associated with the unhealthy consumption of alcohol and alcoholism, make it likely your time will run out before expected, are high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, infections, and cancers.

Here’s to a mentally stable life.
Mental changes associated with excess alcohol include depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disturbances, and gateways into other substance abuse disorders.

Here’s to a productive life.
Studies have found that a higher consumption of alcohol causes an increased risk of unemployment, since workplace performance is reduced and absenteeism is increased. For those who are watching the bottom line of their businesses, that is a really bad combination. Everyone is replaceable, so cutting back on drinking will make this less likely.

Here’s to your love life.
On drinking, Shakespeare wrote, “it provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance.” Excessive alcohol effects erectile function and vaginal secretions, stamina, libido in general, and even jeopardizes “the mood” when something careless is uttered or done. The fact is, nothing sabotages the charm of normal sexual interaction like being inebriated. Sexiness is inversely proportional to the amount you drink.

I think that life, death, disease, employment, mental health, and love cover all the important bases, don’t you? You could probably think of dozens of other reasons to cut back on drinking, as it applies to you, but these 5 should give you a starting point that logically says you need go no further.

Annotation 2019-12-13 115948.png