Unfortunately, the Passenger Transportation industry is still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many parts of the world are still under various degrees of lockdown, with there being no clear sign of when the travel industry will get back to normal.

Instead of waiting around endlessly, here are a few tips for having a meaningful vacation closer to home, for the time being.

Focus on trying out new activities that you haven’t yet experienced, whether big or small

Perhaps the fundamental thing that makes vacations away from home so exciting and interesting, is the fact that on these vacations we typically try out a variety of new activities, and find ourselves in a variety of new circumstances, that are different from the experiences and situations we encounter in our everyday lives.

In order to recapture that magic closer to home, you’ll need to make a concerted effort to try out some new pastimes, and explore some avenues that are significantly different from your everyday life and routine.

Perhaps even just going camping close to home will be enough of a difference to really shake things up and get you looking at the world from a different angle.

Do what you can to detach yourself from your regular routines and habits

A lot of the great feeling of relaxation and mental clarity that can come with travel, has to do with removing yourself from the context of your normal routines and habits, so that you can enjoy a broader overall sense of perspective on things.

If you are having a vacation closer to home, it will be more difficult to really detach yourself from your regular routines and habits, but you should do whatever you can in order to make this happen, nonetheless.

Specifically, you should avoid social media, TV, and most of your electronic gadgets for the duration of the trip.

Look for the beauty and intrigue in your backyard, that you might have been filtering out

There is all sorts of beauty and wonder to be found in the world at large, but for the most part, we end up filtering out most of it when we are going about our day-to-day business.

It’s often remarkable how people can live in a particular locale for their entire life, without seeing any of the big local landmarks that tourists flock to on a regular basis.

Start opening your eyes to the beautiful and fascinating things that exist in your own backyard or garden, that you might not have been paying attention to, or that you might not even have been aware of.

Walk or drive down paths you’ve never explored before. Treat the place like you would if you were a tourist there.

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The good news is that there are many activities you can be doing that will keep you busy and safe during COVID-19. All you have to do is get a little creative and be willing to alter your normal routine and idea of entertainment and you’ll be on your way to having a good time despite the circumstances.

Plan A Staycation

You may be someone who loves to travel but it might be hard to do given the current situation in the world. One activity for staying busy and safe during COVID-19 is to plan a staycation and have a good time right where you are now. This way you can sleep at your house in your own bed and go out and about during the day. There are restrictions in place that may keep you from coming and going as you please and travelling abroad. There are many ways to spend your days on your staycation, such as walking, driving, camping, and wine or gin tasting to warm you up. It’s all about being calm and relaxed and doing what’s fun around the area that you normally don’t have the time to do when you’re busy working.

If you want to add an extra layer of protection then take some disposable gloves with you from Unigloves.

Spend Time Sightseeing Outdoors

Another idea for how you stay busy and safe during COVID-19 is to spend time outdoors and go sightseeing. Being outside has a way of boosting your mood and helps make you feel alive. One thought is to try a self guided motorcycle tour to explore new lands in a safe manner as you feel the wind in your hair. You can use your own motorcycle or rent one and experience sightseeing in a whole new way. These are epic tours and an experience that you won’t ever forget. Be sure to take along your camera to document your travels and all the beautiful scenery.

Organise Your Home & Belongings

You may find yourself spending a lot of time at home during COVID-19. Instead of sitting on the couch being bored, you can use your time wisely. For instance, put on some music and get to organising your home and belongings. You’ll be getting rid of the mess and chaos and will enjoy spending time in your home more and feel less stressed out when this project is complete. Now is a wise time to purge your items and get rid of or donate what you no longer need or want. It’s a safe way to spend your days and will definitely keep you busy.

Have A Movie Marathon

Some days you may be feeling tired and just want to relax, especially on the weekends. Stay busy and safe during COVID-19 by having a movie marathon. Put on a mix of new and old movies you love and haven’t seen before to help pass the time. Make your favourite snack and put on your comfortable clothing to truly enjoy yourself. You won’t have to go anywhere and can be entertained in your home without spending any money when you make it a movie day.

Connect Virtually with Friends & Family

It’s easy to isolate and you may get lonely during COVID-19. However, it’s also important for your mental health and well-being that you stay connected to your loved ones. It may just look a bit different than what you’re normally used to doing with them. Instead, set up a videoconference and connect virtually with friends and family throughout your time at home and in quarantine. It’ll be an excellent way to see them and catch up without having to get together physically in one location. You may end up connecting with people who live far away who you normally wouldn’t take the time to meet with over the phone or video.

Cook New Recipes

You may be someone who enjoys cooking and spending time in the kitchen. Therefore, stay busy and safe during COVID-19 by making new recipes. Challenge yourself to harder ones as the time passes and you get better at cooking. Cooking for yourself will also help you spend less money on takeout food during the quarantine. You can choose to use fresh ingredients and will have more control over your portion sizes when you make your own food daily. If you have kids, it’s also a fun activity to get them involved with if you want some help and want to spend some quality time together.

Exercise & get into Shape

Another activity for staying busy and safe during COVID-19 is to exercise and get into better shape. You can set up a gym at your home or stream workout videos and classes from your television or computer. Invest in a machine and some weights or you can do good old-fashioned pushups and sit-ups. You may also want to get outside when the weather is pleasant and go for a run, hike, or walk. It’ll feel good to get some fresh air and spend time out of the house working on your health and physical strength. It’ll feel good to challenge yourself to new workouts and shed unwanted pounds that you’ve been hanging onto.

Conclusion

All of these activities and ideas will not only keep you busy during COVID-19 but also safe and healthy. Mix it up and try them all so that you don’t become bored and can challenge yourself to new activities that are outside your normal comfort zone. Enjoy the quiet and alone time you have and look forward to the day when you can do more in-person with others. Let these ideas inspire you to stay active and engaged even though you may be spending a lot of time alone and in and around your home.

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If you’ve already spent a ton with your suppliers, you might not have enough money left over for your invitations—having to use an invitation service can be quite expensive, especially when you want something a little more extra. 

Even if you’ve considered skipping on invitations, their absence might be felt by the attendees. Seeing an invitation makes an event feel real, and it makes them feel included and important to receive an individualized invitation. 

What you can do is to push through with creating your invitation, but on a budget. Listed below are the things that you can do:  

E-Invites 

Who says that invitations should only be printed? Nowadays, most people rely on technology for updates from their family and friends. If most of your invitees are tech savvy and can work their way around computers, then sending an e-invite like from a service like Greenvelope would be incredibly helpful for you. 

E-invites have become common in today’s world. Not only are they more accessible, but they’re also a cheaper alternative to physical invitations. There are free websites that offer e-invites—however, they come with limited features as well. Some e-invite websites only require a small price, but you’ll be getting an extraordinary service that you’ll surely appreciate. 

Do-It-Yourself 

Of course, you could always create your own invitation. This can be quite rewarding and a great way to engage your creative side. You can also ask for a family member or a friend to help you out and you’ll be able to spend quality time with them during the process. 

However, if you feel that you’re not on the creative side, there are a lot of websites that offer free invitation templates that you can choose from. This will allow you to pick a design that you would like without having to design it yourself from scratch. 

If you think that you can’t match your dream invitation supplier when it comes to creating invitations, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself! There are a lot of ways on you can add a “wow” factor to your DIY invitations—in fact, guests might not even be able to tell that you made them:

• Write the Address in Calligraphy 

If you have a talent for calligraphy, now is the perfect time to put that skill to use. People are patronizing paid calligraphy services from other people so that they could provide their envelopes with that delicate touch. You, however, can provide your own calligraphy with careful enough of a hand. That being said, ou might want to purchase your calligraphy pen and ink and practice on some blank paper before applying it to the actual envelopes. 

• Seal it with Wax Stamp 

You can get a customized wax stamp for a cheap price. You can either get a specific sigil, or and elegant monogram of your initials. Sealing your envelopes with a wax seal can make your invitation feel a lot more luxurious for a comparatively cheap price. 

To do this, you’ll may want to purchase a wax stamp kit for easier heating and transfer on paper. For the actual sealing, all you have to do is to melt some wax in a small spoon or by holding a lighter to your wax stick, pour the melted wax over the end of “V” of the envelope in a circular motion, and immediately press you wax stamp hard on the melted wax until the wax hardens again. This will help to seal your invitations while providing a luxurious and glamorous look on your invitation.

• Stamp or Emboss it 

If you don’t want to go for a wax seal on your invitation because it requires too much work, but still want to make your invitations personalized, you can get a personalized stamp or embosser. You can stamp or emboss the flap or the middle part of your invitation. This will surely add a distinctive touch to your wedding invitations without the need to spend excessive amounts of funds.

• Add an Envelope Liner 

Nothing looks better than opening an invitation envelope and you already see great decorations from the inside. Adding an envelope liner helps to add an expensive touch to your invitations, even it’s only DIY. There are a lot of resources on the Internet that will allow you to create an envelope liner for a cheap price. 

• Gild the Edges 

Wouldn’t it be nice to see a plain white invitation turned into something expensive-looking and classy? If you think that your design is too plain and boring, you may want to gild the edges of your invitation to a pop of color or gold. If you have a special theme for the event that emphasizes blue, add blue to the edges of the paper. However, gold works best for all kind of events as it adds true luxury to anything. 

Gilding the edges is extremely easy to do. All you have to do is go to a well-ventilated place, place your invitations on a table allowing them to be on top of each other perfectly without any slipped edges. Place plain paper on top and bottom of the invitations and add something heavy on top of the invitation, like a book or a pot, and spray on some gold paint on the edges to give your invitations a classy look. 

Conclusion  

Having to do your invitations on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to produce low-quality invitations. There are a lot of ways you can save a lot of money while still giving your guests an amazing invitation that they won’t forget. 

The post How to create invitations on a budget appeared first on Breaks.com.

Feel free to ask questions to the vendor

You can use this list of questions as guidance:

• How long have you been working at weddings? At how many ceremonies have you worked?
• Do you take pictures outdoors, indoors or both? Will weather conditions influence your work? Do you feel more comfortable working with natural or artificial light? Can you take pictures in darkness? (the exact list will depend on the type of venue you hire)
• Have you ever worked at large-scale events? (this would be relevant only in case you’re planning a big celebration)
•  Where did you study photography? Is this your main source of income or a hobby?
•  Do you specialise exclusively in wedding photography? (if yes, this should be a meaningful argument in favorr of this professional)
• Which style do you prefer: reportage, traditional, candid, …? (if you don’t know the difference between the styles, ask the photographer to explain it to you and show examples)

Is the price fixed?

Many photographers offer discounts if you book them well in advance or on an unpopular day (let’s say, Wednesday instead of Saturday). But they might also ask you to pay extra for additional services. For instance, the photographer might be working alone or with an assistant, deliver 100 or 200 pictures, send you the images in digital format or print them on paper, and so on. Try to get to know about any potential extra expenses in advance. Ask the photographer how much they will charge per hour if you ask them to stay longer.

Make sure you have rapport

Book only those vendors for your celebration with whom you have mutual understanding. Choose the ones that share your wedding style vision, read your lips and therefore won’t ask for lengthy explanations.

Check the portfolio

If you discovered this vendor on the Internet, you have probably seen the examples of their work on their official site or in social networks. But don’t hesitate to ask for more! Also, ask for references and try to contact those people who have already used the services of this professional. It would be wise to get to know how punctual and reliable this person is and how easy it is to get along with them.

Discuss the post-production process

Post-production involves everything that happens with the pictures after they are taken: retouching, resizing, editing, printing, creating collages… Let the photographer know how many pictures you need and with which resolution. Normally, wedding photo albums are delivered in digital format today — but in case you want a printed one, describe how many prints it should contain and how the album should be designed. Also, get to know in advance who will owe the copyright for the images.

Don’t hurry to make the final decision

Your choice should be based not on your emotions but reason and logic. Compare several candidates, impartially weighing the pros and cons of each one. Decide, which one offers the best value for money to save money on your wedding, from your viewpoint. And most important, ask for the opinion of your beloved one as well!

The post How to select the most talented and experienced wedding photographer appeared first on Breaks.com.

Before your imagination runs wild and eager to get on the move, read this article till the end to learn how to settle in a foreign territory after the move. 

You’ve Moved, What Next?

So, you’ve moved-in your new home, now the real fun begins.  Start to think over how you are going to unpack. Otherwise, you’re going to create a big mess that you’ll find challenging to clear up. 

Unarguably, unpacking is the most challenging aspect of relocation, once the excitement of move-in dies down. Unpacking room-by-room is a proven effective approach as it allows you to settle down in your house, without putting an extensive burden on your shoulder to organize everything overnight.

You also need to prioritize your unpacking, such as room wise. If you are moving with kids, then it is best to unpack their rooms, so they are settled down quickly. Or, by getting your bedroom unpacked first, you ensure a sound sleep, before you open more boxes.  

The sooner you sort out your kitchen, the better it is to reduce your spendings on takeout meals.  

While it might take time to get a feel of the home, sit with your family to plan your furniture arrangement. Look for a balance between comfort, and functionality. And, be ready to get rid of furniture items that don’t fit, and opt for new items that add more aesthetics to your interiors. 

For children, especially the teens, adjusting to the new neighbourhood is one heck of a task. You’ve to encourage your kids to settle in their new house.  Make your kids familiar with the surroundings, people living next door, nearby markets, parks, gym, etc. 

Change Your Address 

After you move-in, you’ll have to fill out a change of address form at your local spot office.  Next up, is contacting your bank to let them know your new address so that they update your personal information in your account. If you moved from one country to another/state, then you’ll also have to update your vehicle registration and might need to change the nameplate.

You also have to transfer all the essential utilities such as the broadband connection, gas, electricity or cable, over to your new home. Most of these services let their consumers join or change their address online. So, this won’t take up much of your time.

Host a housewarming party

In the entire exercise of relocation, throwing a party is the last thing on your mind. But, it’s the perfect way to introduce yourself to your new neighbours and make new friends.  

Let’s Wind Up

When you hire a professional moving company, you can reduce the burden off your shoulders. An experienced team of moving specialists will address all your concerns. 

They’ll ensure a smooth, hassle-free moving experience. But, with so many movers out there, choosing the right one isn’t easy; proper research is needed to make the right call. 

The post How to start life in foreign land after the move? appeared first on Breaks.com.

Many home offices are not good enough for your work needs though. The reality is that your couch is comfortable, but not the best choice, so you need to commit to improving your home office setup. Luckily, it is really easy to do this, and here are 6 quick improvements you can make.

Include More Natural Lighting 

You might not be able to install a new window, but if your home office has windows, then you should let in as much natural light as possible. The natural light is good for your mental health and can improve your state of mind during work. It is also good to get vitamin D, even while indoors. Try adding a mirror to add reflective surfaces to increase light or thin curtains that let light in. It might not be the easiest to add more natural light, but you should consider relocating your office to a room that has more windows if you haven’t already done so.

Add An Adjustable Desk

Working on the couch might be comfortable, but it is not the best for your posture and body. Adjustable desks from ErgoEdge.co can help you adjust your work style, whether you want to stand or sit so that you can move around and help your back and overall health. These desks are affordable and allow you to increase your comfort levels. The effects of a bad desk for your health can make your work life suffer, so adding this can improve your life in more than just office benefits.

Need a new desk? Have a look on https://www.officemonster.co.uk/office-desks-1

Invest In An Ergonomic Chair 

Speaking of comfort, an adjustable desk is just one of the furniture options you should invest in for your home office improvements. Ergonomic chairs also provide added support for your lumbar and spine, so even in long meetings, you can be sure that you are not stressing out your body. When combined with an adjustable desk, you will have a top-quality office in the comfort of your home. The same logic applies for the chair as the desk, a good ergonomic chair will help you feel physically better and keep you focused.

Use Organizers

Nothing is worse than an unorganized office. It becomes hard to find things you need and it can clutter your mind making your work hard to accomplish. Organizer shelves, drawers, boxes, and other units can help you keep your space neat and tidy. This is a major need for any kind of office, so even a home office should value the organization to help keep productivity up.

Add Plants

Plants might not seem like a good addition to your home office, but they offer a lot of value in sneaky ways. Plants add life to your home office, which is something that can improve your mood, just like natural lighting. In fact, the two go hand in hand perfectly so it is a good way to make it a two for one type of improvement. Plants add color and oxygenation to a room which makes it a lot more livable and inviting. This helps you feel less stressed when you want to get all of your work done and creates a nicer environment.

Have Relaxing Distractions Close By

You can end up overexerting yourself with your work which will cause you to crash. This is something you want to avoid so that your long term productivity is not halted. Having distractions to relax you close by will allow you to keep your head focused on your tasks for short little breaks. Usually, a 20-30 minute break is a good way to get your mind relaxed, and relaxing with a yoga mat, stress ball, dartboard, or some music will give you the much-needed comfort in your home office to get work done but still keep your sanity.

Turning your home into an office is a big departure from the usual work life, but it can be a welcome change. The best way to make your home the most useful place to get work done is to improve the existing space. These 6 improvements for your home office will give you the most comfortable and productive area to get your responsibilities done.

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Here are 6 ways to make your (rental) home look more expensive without outside help and without hurting your wallet. 

 Find Affordable Furniture

Furnishing a home can be very expensive but first of all, there is no need to tackle every room at once. Focusing on a single area at a time will make the entire redecorating process feel much more manageable and help you stay on budget. 

Second, not every piece of furniture needs to be new. Keep vintage, sentimental pieces, and consider shopping at antique shops, secondhand stores, estate sales, and garage sales for unique finds. Or, if you still prefer brand new things you can check out online catalogues. These catalogues like Catalogues 247, offer personal accounts with credit plans, allowing you to buy now and pay later or spread the cost in monthly or weekly installments. You can use them to buy furniture items including beds, sofas, wardrobes, and more – all from the comfort of your home!

Once you find the perfect piece, consider having it reupholstered to match your home décor. The savings on the furniture will allow room in the budget to get the furniture items reupholstered, giving you an elegant designer look at a fraction of the cost. 

Change the Wall Color

If elegance is your ultimate goal, there are certain colors you should consider. When it comes to adding instant elegance, you can choose from two options: soft, neutral shades, or dramatic, bold ones. Which one you choose will depend on your personal taste.

If you want to avoid painting the entire home, you can choose to paint only one wall in a room. Accent walls add interest and drama to any space, but when you are only painting one or two walls, you don’t just want to slap a vivid color in any random spot. To create a balanced design, the color placement of your accent walls and the color pattern are key. Have the rest of the decor in mind as well, so that the overall look feels cohesive. 

You can also use wallpapers or paint only the interior doors. If you decide to go with the latter option, choose black to automatically create an expensive feeling without spending too much money, and don’t forget to add black accessories in order to tie the overall design together.

Light It Up

Replace standard lighting fixtures with designer ones. Designer light fixtures are the best option to add elegance. For instance, lanterns with a classical shape are a great option to bring style to your home décor. 

Go to secondhand stores and flea markets to find unique pieces at budget-friendly prices. Some pieces might require a new paint job or some buffing but can look super-luxurious for just a few dollars. 

Finally, make sure to have various light sources, including floor lamps and table lamps throughout the house to increase the high-end feeling. 

Change the Hardware  

Changing the drawer knobs and pulls is probably the easiest and least expensive way to freshen up your home decor. However, if you’re going for elegance, stay away from home improvement stores that sell cheap, bulk hardware pieces. 

For a few extra bucks, you can find unique, elegant pieces elsewhere. Antique shops, flea markets, as well as smaller hardware stores are the best places to find good-quality, expensive-looking pulls and knobs at affordable prices, giving your house the elegant look you desire. 

Accessories Are Everything

Accessories are the last touch that really brings that elegant feeling to any space. You think that accessories will over-extend your budget? Think again. And think gold. Gold is often associated with riches and wealth, so adding a few gold pieces can create an instant elegant feeling, just be careful there isn’t too much gold in a single space. Consider gold mirrors, picture frames, or a single, gold-legged table. 

You should also consider adding pillows and cushions. Choosing the right pillows can really punch up the luxury factor while offering a cozy feeling to your home and providing you and your guests with extra comfort. Choose pillows that are big enough to rest and soft to create a plush, elegant appearance.

Finally, don’t forget to bring nature to your home by adding some houseplants. This will not only keep the space clean but also add beauty to the interior.

Treat Your Windows

If your windows are untreated, your home will look cheap and unfinished. Luckily, window treatments are one of the cheapest ways to add extra elegance, as well as privacy. When choosing them, make sure to avoid see-through materials as they often look cheap.

Many chain stores sell lined draperies that look expensive and elegant. As far as fabrics are concerned, opt for elegant materials like linen, cotton, and silk, and stay away from synthetic ones like polyester. If you don’t want draperies, try wood blinds or woven bamboo shades. 

Final Thoughts

There you have it, now you know that there are many ways to make your home interior look high-end even on a budget. It’s all about selecting the right color scheme, avoiding poor quality items, and finding alternative shopping venues. Take your time to create a budget for every room in your house and consider shopping online or at smaller stores. You might be surprised at what you will find and how easy the whole process can be.

The post 6 tips to make your home interior look more elegant on a budget appeared first on Breaks.com.

Many people, though, haven’t got the faintest idea where to start when it comes to these bigger projects so it is often wise to engage the services of a professional to make the job that little bit easier, and also to give peace of mind that it is being done right. Here we are going to take a look at some backyard projects that you will need professional help for.

Swimming Pool

With summers getting longer and hotter, it has become a no brainer that they need to invest in a swimming pool in their backyard. You might think that this is a project you can do on your own, but do you know how much earth will need removing, and the intricacies of laying down the lining and ensuring that the pumping system works? Much better is to hire the services of a professional team who can install your pool with the minimum of fuss so that you can enjoy your summer to the max.

A Garden Shed

Maybe you have lawnmowers and garden tools strewn around the garden and in the garage, and you are constantly being nagged at by the kids and your partner to clean up the yard? If this sounds like you it is time to invest in a sturdy shed. Unless you are an engineer, then designing and building your own shed is a step too far for the majority of people, advise experts from Designer Sheds, so click here to go to their website and design your own shed. Once designed you can have a local professional builder erect it, leaving you with a spic and span backyard that keeps everyone happy.

Landscaping

Our back gardens can be our pride and joy, yet they increasingly become neglected due to our busy lives. Wouldn’t it be better to have a perfectly landscaped lawn, maybe with a small pond as a feature and decked area so that you can enjoy a few tinnies on a summer’s evening? 

Of course, it would so consider engaging the services of a landscape gardener and between you, you can design your dream garden and then have them build it whilst you project manage. You could try and handle the landscaping yourself. The end result would not be as professional, so do the sensible thing and engage an expert to do the work. If you’re in Washington and want to improve your lawn, have a look at Washington Trugreen.

A Tennis Court

Having a tennis court in your backyard is a dream that many people have but few actually accomplish. The main reason for this is that they are not very easy to install and require professional help. First of all the ground needs leveling and then a base of concrete is needed on which the court surface is placed. Finally, a net needs to be positioned and a mesh fence erected to stop flying balls disappearing all over the garden. So, engage a professional, and then in no time at all you will have the perfect tennis court for a few sets with your friends during a summer’s evening.

A Patio

A patio outside your back door is a perfect accompaniment to your house as it allows you to while away those long summer evenings in a tranquil manner. You can set up a table and chairs so that you can dine al fresco and be the envy of all your friends. Laying a patio is difficult, due to the fact the ground first needs to be prepared with hardcore and sand and then the heavy slabs need positioning with perfect tesselation. Employ a professional to do this heavy work and then you can relax in the peace of your backyard for many years to come.

As we have discovered there are several different types of backyard projects that it makes sense to hire a professional to do. Swimming pools, patios, and tennis courts require mechanical diggers and skilled fitters to ensure they are watertight and level, and the engineering levels required to build a shed call for a professional if you don’t want it to fall down in the first storm. So, the moral of the story is to use a professional if you want the job done in the best way possible. 

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Lastly, it can help you build better bonds amongst the group; for example, either you’re getting to know your partner’s friends better, or your partner’s friends are getting to know yours better. With that in mind, here are six amazing double date ideas. 

Check out local events

With the spread of the coronavirus, traveling with your partner and friends just got a little more complicated. But fortunately, there are plenty of local things you can do, which not only keeps you near your home, but also helps support neighboring businesses and stimulate your local economy. For example, if you lived in Southern California, might check out Wings Over Camarillo, an air show in California. You could also research which local restaurants offer outdoor seating or look up your city’s calendar events to learn about new activities. 

Go to a winery

No matter where you live, you’d be surprised to find that wineries are often much closer than you think. Going to a winery gives you the chance to meet interesting winemakers, learning about the craft of winemaking, and of course, give your taste buds a chance to rejoice. You and your group will enjoy learning and sipping, and can take your favorite options back home with you.

Attend a murdery mystery dinner

A Murder Mystery dinner is a live-action version of the beloved game of Clue. Research local murder mystery dinner options near you, where your group will enjoy a fine evening of dinner with a fun twist of detective work. A typical murder mystery dinner involves a theater setup where the guests are invited to watch a play and participate in the action. It’s a fun way to enjoy a meal with some unique entertainment and active participation. 

If you can get a group of friends together, you can host your own murder mystery dinner, too. All you have to do is purchase a murder mystery party kit, send out your invitations with character and backstory details, decorate, and plan a party-themed menu. Each of your guests will be cast as characters and are tasked with solving the mystery!

Go to an outdoor screening or drive-in theater

With COVID-19 in full force, movie theaters are starting to feel a little obsolete. However, outdoor screenings and drive-in theaters are making a bit of a comeback. Conduct a Google search for outdoor screening events in your area. You might even want to take things into your own hands and order an outdoor projector with a theatre setup.  

Paint and wine night

The paint and wine night event has seen a spike in popularity, and for good reason. Learn how to paint a professional masterpiece while socializing with your friends, meeting new people, and of course, drinking wine. By the end, you all realize that you’re much better with a paintbrush than you thought, and have something unique to take home with you as a memento of a fun double date. 

Host a game night

A game night for four is a great way to have a full evening of fun. As a group, choose your games ahead of time and plan the night accordingly. Make sure you’ve got food and drinks covered and you’ve set up your gaming system or organized your board and card games in advance. You can even add a fun twist by including prizes for winners and splitting prize costs before the evening begins. In this case, get an erasable whiteboard or chalkboard to help you keep track. 

Go hiking

It’s no secret that travel is good for your health. Why not have a double date that includes a dose of fitness and travel? Hiking is a great way to keep your activities green, get out in nature, squeeze some exercise into your schedule, and breathe in some fresh air. You might opt to pack a picnic lunch for when your group reaches the final destination. 

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Gutting the Kitchen 

The kitchen is a focal point in many homes and is where a family congregates due to food being available. Being able to do a kitchen remodel that opens the kitchen up to the rest of the home is a popular option. In addition to opening up the kitchen space, cabinets along with a kitchen island can add storage and badly needed counter space. Repainting cabinets is an affordable option instead of completing replacing them.

New Flooring 

The chore of having to vacuum constantly when you have carpeting can be required daily in some homes. Families with pets and younger children understand that vacuuming feels like a full-time job at certain points. Wood flooring is a popular option but there is maintenance required. Spills need to be cleaned up or a homeowner could risk the wood flooring warping. Faux wood tile provides the best of both worlds as tile will not have to be replaced if maintained appropriately. Durability along with price are positive features of tile especially if your family spends a lot of time at home. 

Energy Efficient Windows 

Replacing the windows in a home can be extremely expensive depending on the size and volume of windows in a home. The look of new windows compared to older windows is quite noticeable. The ability to save money monthly on the electric bill is an added benefit. You will feel the home become cooler as the heat from outside will not transfer to the home via the windows. Being able to add a larger window in a space will increase the amount of natural light available in a room. Natural light can boost your mood and allow a family to live without turning on additional lights in the home. Shop around for windows as similar products from different companies can differ drastically in price/installation. 

In-Ground Pool 

An addition of a pool can turn a home into a haven of relaxation very quickly. Outdoor spaces where you can entertain are great due to not having to worry about cleaning up in the home. Sitting under a stream of water on a rock display that helps the backyard have a tropical feel offers stress relief. Installation of an outdoor kitchen is another option so you can cook around the pool. A fridge with cold drinks allows the family to enjoy themselves without having to enter the house to hydrate. 

Maintenance of the pool is something to keep in mind along with costs. Hiring a professional to take care of the pool can differ vastly in price depending on the size of your pool. Running the pool pump daily is also going to add to your electric bill. Consider these factors when debating whether or not to install a pool. For warmer climates, these expenses can be justified but in colder climates, this is a huge financial undertaking for a few weeks of swimming. 

Refinish the Basement 

The basement of a home has the advantage of being one of the most versatile spaces in the home. The basement being refinished can allow for a number of paths to be taken. An additional room for a teenager longing for their own privacy is an option some families opt for. Entertainment space is popular as well due to basements having good sound insulation. Being able to have a party without worrying about noise complaints with neighbors is a possibility with a finished basement. Flooring in the basement should be painted concrete or tile as you do not want spills staining a carpet or bucking wood flooring.

Consider the above renovations as selling your home is not always the answer. Even adding an in-law suite can be an option if your family is growing out of the home. Create a list of potential renovations and prioritize them in terms of what will improve your daily life. The list should be accompanied by pricing from a few contractors so make sure to get multiple estimates. 

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