Lilac City Momma

Design

Marketable Skills That Any New Mom Can Learn

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The internet has completely revolutionized the way that we approach learning. Not only has the internet put an incredible amount of knowledge at the fingertips of anyone who wants it, in particular, it is now possible for new moms to pursue education while also raising their children. This is both a blessing and a curse; it is a blessing in the sense that it provides a huge amount of choice for anyone who is looking to expand their skillset, but with so many options available it can be hard deciding what to do.

While you are considering potential skills and qualifications, think about which ones are best suited to your circumstances. The advantage of online learning is that it makes just about any skill available to just about anyone, the only requirement is that you have an interest in the subject.

The following skills are all excellent choices for both those who want to apply for a role in an existing industry, and for those who want to learn a marketable skill that they can put to use earning money in addition to regular employment.

Arts and Crafts

The internet is a treasure trove of inspiration and instructions for producing arts and crafts in all kinds of different mediums. Before long you will find yourself with the skills necessary to improvise your own crafts and even find crafts to occupy your kids. Sites like Etsy make selling these a breeze once they are made.

Corporate Website Design

Every business today has a website and that is because customers now expect them. It is no longer enough to just have a social media presence, or to only have a token website available. Businesses today need to have a well designed and fully functioning website in order to seriously compete. Now that online services such as WordPress exist, anyone can make a website or blog with minimal knowledge. Check out White Summary for some WordPress design tips and other useful information.

Once you have had some practice and got the hang of designing and building websites you should have no trouble finding businesses in need of your services.

Coding

Code is all around us in this day and age. Every single interaction you have with your smartphone is the result of coding. And obviously this extends to laptops, desktops, work computers, and all other electronic devices. Coding is essential for everything from the design of smartphone apps, to the software that underpins the operation of Blu-ray players.

Coding is ubiquitous, and no electronic device can exist without it. As such, it is a skill that will open all kinds of doors for anyone willing to spend the time necessary to study it. You can get started with learning to code all on your own by using sites such as Code Academy. You can then expand your knowledge so that you can gain work in a particular field. Many leading universities now offer online equivalents to their campus courses and these include programming and software engineering courses.

Having learned to code you then need to find something that people will want, and that you can monetize. There are an infinite range of options for this.

There are many different degrees that you can learn to do online, in fact, just about any subject is now available to be studied online. The above skills are just a few examples of the many possibilities out there. Web design and coding are particularly good career choices because they are in high demand right now and are relevant to many different career paths.

Best Window Treatments For The Basement

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Window treatments can really enhance a room. That is, as long as you choose the right ones! In the living room and bedrooms that may not seem like a huge challenge because you have so many choices. Unfortunately, you may not feel the same way about the basement.

With small, strangely situated windows, you probably wonder what you can do to style them up. Here are a few ideas that are perfect for any basement.

Keep Things Simple With Blinds

Sometimes, simple really is better, and it doesn’t get any simpler than blinds.

Not only do blinds look at home in any room, they are extremely easy to operate. They can also be very effective at darkening the basement, which is important if you’re using your basement space as a theater, game room, or bar.

You have lots of style choices that will fit right in with your basement’s décor. They include:

  • Wood or faux wood blinds
  • Mini blinds
  • Affordable vinyl blinds
  • Fabric blinds
  • Venetian blinds

Enhance Your Privacy With Window Film

Whether you choose to use blinds or not, you may want to consider putting privacy film on your basement windows. This also helps protect your home as basement windows are the easiest windows for outsiders to peek into, and window tints can make it more difficult for strangers to see into your home.

Tinting your windows has other benefits too. It can prevent fading of your furniture, carpets, and curtains. It can even protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Sitting near the window during the day can actually burn your skin, but you don’t have to worry about that with window tint.

Make the Windows Look Bigger With Draperies

One of the biggest problems with basement windows is the fact that they aren’t very stylish. They don’t usually have any fancy frames and they’re usually a lot shorter than standard windows. It’s even worse if you don’t want to stare at an ugly egress window.

You can do quite a bit to make those small, unsightly windows look bigger. One of the best ways is to use drapery.

When hanging draperies, situate the rod a little bit higher than you normally would, if you have the room. Then, don’t be afraid to use long draperies that hang to the floor. When the curtains are drawn, their appearance will make you feel like you’re on the first or second floor.

Warm Things up With Plantation Shutters

If you’re looking for something a little different and more unexpected, consider plantation shutters. They can be customized to fit a wide variety of windows. Thanks to the way they’re styled, people can’t see into your home when they are fully closed, but they can still be opened to let natural sunlight into the basement during the day.

Don’t give up on those basement windows. There are so many great things you can do to style them up! Give one or more of the tips on this list a try and you’ll find your basement is so cozy that you look forward to spending time there.

 

Top Safety Tips for Aluminum Roof Ladders

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It is easier than ever to buy ladders for all sorts of different jobs now. In fact, you can go online and purchase aluminum roof ladders that allow you to climb up to great heights. While this convenience is a great development, is also means that we all need to take responsibility for how they are used. Consider that 43% of fatal fall accidents involve ladders and it quickly becomes clear how important safety actually is. And even if a fall isn’t fatal, it can still be life-changing.

Why You Need Aluminum Roof Ladders

There are many different reasons why people need to have these types of ladders. And there should be no need for people to call in expensive professionals every time they have a little job that needs doing either. Some of the reasons why people may require ladders, be they roof ladders, step ladders, or extension ladders, including:

To clean the gutters, paint their house, or change lightbulbs.

To complete their trade, such as painting, carpentry, or electrical work.

To complete general maintenance or stack goods in warehouses.

The list is endless! But no matter how endless it is, and no matter why someone uses a ladder, safety must come first at all times.

What Never to Do

Never:

Stand on the ladder’s top step, it will make it wobble.

Over-reach. If your belt buckle is outside of the ladder’s rails, you’ve gone too far.

Walk the ladder (standing on it and moving it)).

Place the ladder on unsuitable surfaces (slipper, wet, unstable, uneven).

Use the ladder when under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including medication), while tired, or when injured.

Forget about electrical wires. Aluminum ladders in particular conduct electricity and should not be used near wires at all.

Leave the ladder unsupervised.

What Always to Do

Always:

Make sure the ladder is completely open.

Put the braces securely in place.

Check the ladder is stable by wobbling it on the first step.

Hold the ladder properly.

Take all tools off the ladder’s top before you climb back down or move the ladder.

Work with a partner.

Check the ladder is suitable for your weight and that of the materials you are taking up with you.

Ladders are incredibly useful tools that are used in many different trades, but equally by domestic users, especially when doing home renovations. And that is a good thing. They have enabled us to complete a wealth of jobs, and they have made people more independent as well. Imagine having to call out a tradesman every time there is a leaf stuck in the gutter, or every time you need a lightbulb changing! However, it is incredibly important to remember that ladders are trade tools and they have inherent dangers associated with them. You must respect that fact so that you can use the ladder in a safe and responsible manner that does not cause any danger to yourself or to others.

Brighten Up A Big Garden The Easy Way

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As you all know, gardening is a skill I have slowly acquired, actually, very slowly, but, I am now there, and the garden is really starting to take shape. However, I doubt most people would call me a keen gardener. In fact, I know I am not. The other day I was browsing through a real estate site and realized that there are some properties around here with quite large gardens. When I came across one with a garden that was nearly four times as big as ours I swear a shiver actually ran down my spine.

That garden is certainly going to take some looking after. However, while looking at Shrubs & Hedges from The Tree Center I realized that the way to handle a big garden is to fill it with big plants. In a garden like that, you have the space to plant a couple of huge trees and reduce its width by planting a wide hedge. Something that looks so much nicer than a fence does.

Plus, there is plenty of choice, making it really easy to buy plants that add a big splash of color and create shady spots. An important consideration if you do not want a huge lawn and big flower beds to take care of. A large shade tree can really eat into the space you need to look after because very little will grow under them. This means you can easily gravel or mulch around the base and locate a table and chairs under it, so you have somewhere cool to sit on a blisteringly hot day. If you choose the right variety, you can build a tree house in the branches for the kids. Or, better still a retreat room for the adults to enjoy.

For hedging, Laurel is a great option in a large garden. There are a lot of varieties available including some that tolerate really low temperatures. Hybrid Skip Laurel shrubs can cope with -10. Plus it grows at about two feet per year. This makes it a fast way to create a hedge. However, once it is at height it will need a lot of cutting. But, provided you buy an electric hedge clipper and have a way to dispose of the clippings it should still be manageable.

In a very large garden, planting an orchard could be an option. They look lovely and the blossom smells fantastic. Even one with just 8 or 12 trees in it could keep you in fruit for most of the summer. In fact, if you buy late varieties you can stretch that into the autumn, plus, provide you store them properly; fruits like apples can keep for months. With proper care you can enjoy fruits and vegetables in your garden and use them to cook in the kitchen, thus, saving you money!

If you have the climate, citrus trees are an especially good idea. They are evergreen and produce lovely scented blossom in the spring. Lemons do not have to be picked all in one go, so you can enjoy a year round supply of those. If you would like to learn more about planting and taking care of fruit trees, you can do so here.

Why You Should Consider Bog Mats For Your Next Business Event

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If you’re in charge of organizing a well-planned business event, you may want to consider hiring or purchasing bog mats for your event.


Why You Should Consider Bog Mats For Your Next Business Event:

Bog mats will ensure that your venue is easily accessible and can accommodate all of your guests

While your average guest may have no problem walking around on grass or dirt, guests who have mobility issues will greatly benefit from being able to walk on bog mats, rather than on unstable surfaces. If any of your guests, are elderly or get around in wheelchairs, it’s definitely well worth hiring bog mats for the duration of your business event.

Bog mats will decrease the chances of accidents occurring during your business event

When it comes to running a professional business event, your first priority should be your guests’ health and safety. To avoid your guests slipping over whilst walking around your event, it’s well worth placing enough bog mats down, that your guests will be able to safely navigate your event space, without any difficulty.

Hiring bog mats will ensure that your event gets set up efficiently and with plenty of time to spare

As a bonus, when it comes time to set up your event any workers who you may have hired to set up your venue, will be able to use your bog mats, to transport heavy equipment to various areas of your venue, quickly and easily. Which will help ensure that your event is fully set up, well in advance of your first guest’s arrival.

After all, there’s nothing more unprofessional, than having your first guests turn up to your event, whilst you’re still setting up.

Hiring bog mats will prevent your guests from exploring areas, which are off-limits to guests

By setting up a path of bog mats, to the areas which have been set up for your guests to access, your guests will be far less likely to wander off to sections such as a backstage section, which are strictly off limits. As most guests will naturally keep to any paths which have been carefully laid out.

You can place a wide variety of items on bog mats, to keep them from slipping

As most bog mats boast a rubber-like texture, you can rest assured that any chairs, tables or displays, which you place on your bog mats, will stay in place, all day long.

Bog mats can be used to protect your venue’s flooring 

Whether you plan on hosting your event outdoors or inside a large empty conference center, if you’d prefer to avoid damaging your venue, it’s well worth looking into bog mats for hire, so that your venue’s flooring or surface, isn’t damaged by the inevitable foot traffic which will traipse around your event.

So if you’re in charge of organizing a professional business event, which you hope will run smoothly and efficiently, you can make the process less stressful by hiring adequate bog mats to cover all of the areas of your venue, which will be walked upon by your guests.