Life's Changed: Reasons to be Cheerful

Hey friends, I hope you're well? It's been a long time since we caught up as life is changing for me and I just don't find the time or the enthusiasm to sit down and blog in the way I used to. I supposed it is to be expected. I wrote my first blog post in May 2008 and it is now April 2022, fourteen years later. That's a long time to keep a hobby going.

In truth, my hobby turned into a job. One that was convenient and allowed me to be available for my family and to do lots of volunteering, whilst earning some money. But I never loved it. Being self-employed and blogging has never given me the satisfaction of previous jobs, where I felt needed and fully immersed. 

I'm so glad to say that I'm back in a job like that, well more correctly, God has revealed to me it is a ministry rather than a job, as it is His work I am doing and His will I'm following. Back in January, I was appointed as the Project Manager for the Bexhill and Battle foodbanks and as the first paid member of staff for Churches Together in Bexhill I knew it would hold some challenges but since I started on March 1st I have fallen in love with my role, with my team, with my clients, with all the possibilities for a better future service, for serving Jesus in a way that is really needed.

I'm away at Spring Harvest at the moment, the Christian conference that I have gone to most every since (excepting Covid) since around 2005. This has been the best time for me, as God has revealed so much about the future and how I should manage and take forward the foodbanks. I now have a guiding bible verse and ideas for the future. Where I saw blockers before, I now see opportunities in His perfect timing. 

Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Photo by Jonathan Ybema on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

When choosing to install a new roof or simply repairing the one you have, your choice of contractor is fundamental. It will determine the success of your installation as a credible contractor can use the proper and robust materials which will help to protect your house from weather and climate changes.

Chances are, you'll have heard from friends or in your local Facebook group about a certain local contractor as the credibility of their work means that people want to share their great finds and give a good reference for the work that has been done. A good and reliable contractor will have numerous referrals, and often be the first choice that you hear about in your area. Their credibility will not just be based on hearsay, but also on photographic evidence, and a good contractor will be able to show you their roofing portfolio that gives pictorial evidence of previous and ongoing projects.

Be wary of any roofing contractor that turns up at your door when they have spotted some damage as they might be storm chasers who approach clients at the first sign of a natural disaster, such as a storm - hence the name! These contractors move hastily from town to town and are often difficult to track down after a job is completed, therefore offering no reliability and credibility. You can check whether a contractor is a storm chaser or not by searching for 'roofing contractors near me', and looking for a physical address for the company. If you can't find a physical address that should be a red flag, and even if there is, you might be worth checking on Google earth to see if the address actually looks like it could be a roofing firm.

Specialisation

Roofing contractors have different areas of work specialisation. If you have a more complex job or require specialised services, it will be important to choose a contractor who understands your needs and can meet the job requirements. For example, some contractors focus on installing skylights while others specialise in creating customised roof features or loft conversions. Trying to find roofing installers near your area that offer speciality services may not be as hard as you think.

Can Learning a New Language Help Improve Memory?

Photo by Compare Fibre on Unsplash

{This post is written in collaboration with Emily Jones}

It's called digital amnesia: Nowadays, we are entrusting our phones with all the things we used to remember on our own, effectively diminishing our memory. One in two people can't remember their children's phone number, and one in three can't even remember their partner's phone number. me included and he has had the same number for around a decade, it's crazy!

How can we train our ability to remember? Learning languages can help the brain improve concentration and aid memory, as explained in the infographic below - "SOS memory: does learning languages help the brain?" by Babbel, the world's first language learning app.

From Plato's aversion to writing, the culprit of taking away some of our memory, to fun facts about polyglots and the language of space, this infographic will take you on a journey into our ability to remember, and the difference that learning one or more languages can provide.

Short lessons, a new routine and spaced repetition are all useful tips and practices to help one's memory not only with a new language but also in all everyday situations, as proven by a Swedish study: Those who take language courses are better at remembering names of the people they just met.  

The Ultimate Guide for Families Travelling on a Budget: Top 9 Tips

Photo by Weiqi Xiong on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

 

If you're like most families, you're always looking for ways to save money. And when it comes to traveling, that can sometimes be a challenge. But don't worry – we've got you covered!

In this blog post, debt help experts Creditfix go over their top money-saving tips for families looking to travel on a budget. From everyday budgeting and savings tips to free advice on the latest solutions, Creditfix are financial experts and help thousands of people beat debt each year.

Check out their top tips below:

1. Plan ahead:

Your vacation is a time to relax and enjoy yourself, but it can also be a major strain on your budget. If you're not careful, the costs of travel, lodging, and activities can add up quickly. The key to any successful vacation, especially one on a budget, is planning ahead. By giving yourself time to research different travel options and compare prices, you'll be more likely to find the best deal for your family. You should also look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. For example, you might want to consider renting a vacation home rather than staying in a hotel. 

2. Set a budget:

One of the most important aspects of planning a vacation is setting a budget. You need to know how much you're willing to spend on travel and accommodations before you start searching for deals. Keep in mind that vacation prices can vary depending on the time of year and the destination. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find a better deal. It's also a good idea to consider the cost of activities when you're budgeting for your vacation. If you're traveling with family, look for vacation packages that include family-friendly activities.

5 Cost-Effective Tips for Creating a Beautiful Space

Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

The aesthetics of your everyday environment can make a world of difference in our lives. Your house can be a reflection of who you are - your personality, interests, style preferences, etc. It may be a cosy comfort haven full of hygge vibes or maybe a geometric dream with sharp angels and a vibrant colour palette, whatever works for you, just make sure it encourages positive emotions.

Who doesn’t want to have a beautiful space, right? While at times, creating that beautiful space in a home can be costly, the fact is, it actually doesn’t need to be pricey at all. So these are some fabulous tips for creating a luxurious and beautiful space in your home, all on a budget!

Ensure that each space has a specific purpose

When it comes to decorating a space, you're going to want to think about practicalities and identify what purpose the room has. So wander from room to room and determine the purpose of each room, or maybe some need to be multi-purpose. Having a solid understanding of what the space will be used for and what atmosphere you want to evoke will make it easier to decide how to decorate and what key furniture pieces you need to invest in. You can make your playroom beautiful while still maintaining a pristine adult-focused living room.

Add some memories

Memories are what make a house into a home. Don’t be afraid to add something inspiring and original to your walls, shelf, or other pieces of furniture in your home. Something such as large photo prints is one of the best ways to get your space looking grand and to make it really unique and personal to your family. You can add family photos to these huge prints or something such as landscapes as well but memories don’t need to be limited to photos. Souvenirs such as postcards or knick-knacks are also a couple of great ways to decorate a space on a limited budget.

Declutter

A clean and tidy home is a happy home. One of the most affordable ways you can make a major transformation in your home, completely free, is by cleaning and decluttering. A little effort can make a real difference but a lot can go even further, so put some time aside and get ruthless with your sort out. Cleaning the house top to bottom, sprucing it up, and ditching most of the clutter will make your home feel breathable. This also allows other elements in your home to have a chance to shine as well. Decluttering and housekeeping are essentially free and this is going to be a sure-fire way to create the affordable aesthetics your space needs.

How To Help Your Parents Transition Into Retirement

Photo by Tyler Farmer on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

Your parents have spent a lifetime guiding you through life, and their pending retirement is the perfect chance to pay them back. Going from a full-time job to no work can be a little problematic but your support can help guide them to a place of contentment. 

Here are five fantastic ways to support your parents as they make their biggest lifestyle change in decades.

Plan a retirement bash

If your mum or dad is lucky, their boss will arrange a retirement party just before they leave. This will give them a great opportunity to say goodbye to their colleagues. However, throwing a family bash is equally worthwhile. Hiring a hall or decorating the garden for an afternoon spent with friends, family, and their closest work buddies will work wonders. You can always check out the best retirement gifts for women to mark the special occasion. Your family celebration is sure to serve as the perfect way to begin the new chapter in style.

Spend more time together 

Once they no longer have the routine of a job, your parents will have a lot of time to fill. They might not tell you, but spending more time with the family would be their preferred option. Including them on family days out or short breaks to family holiday parks can be a great option. Meanwhile, arranging to visit them or have them come to you more regularly can have a positive influence. It is something that all parents will appreciate but can be even more rewarding when you only have one parent still in your life.