7 Key Contractor Partners You Need to Build Your Dream Home

There are a lot of steps in the process of building your dream home. From choosing a plot of land to finalizing the design, there's a lot to think about. One of the most important parts of the process is finding reliable contractor partners involved in this process from start to finish. 

Hiring qualified contractors at every step is essential for ensuring your home can be built within budget and on time, which is why we've put together this blog post outlining seven key contractor partners you need to build your dream home!

Keep in mind that some companies will combine some of these tasks. Fewer individuals will be necessary to hire in that case.

Via Pexels

Thursday Favorite Things (TFT) Link Party #523

 Happy TFT day everyone!

Returning to School at 40 (or later?) Yes!

If you’re wondering if you can go back to school at 40 or beyond, the answer is: Yes. You. Can! 

Far too many of us decide against returning to school when we’re older because that awful thought that we’re ‘past it’ persists. Yet, in other places around the world like Europe and Australia, this is a well-trod path for many women.

Let’s get real with each other. It isn’t going to be easy, but the things that are the most worth it very seldom are, and we believe that as women we have a unique set of experiences and talents to offer to the education environment at the tertiary or senior level.

But, with a little smart planning and knowing what you’re in for, it's very possible!


Let’s discover how.



Image By mohamed_hassan




FIRST, THE FACTS

Going back to school at 40 might be difficult, but difficult in the sense that it’s unfamiliar and could be challenging well-held ideas that you’ve relied on for the past 20 years or so. Also difficult in that you have a set of life issues to navigate, that the vast majority of your fellow students won’t have. But, it is not as uncommon as you might think. The National Center of Education Statistics reports that 17 percent of part-time undergraduates attending public four-year institutions are 35 and older.


So you won’t exactly be the only one. But it is going to take some solid thought and planning, not least of which is financial as well as pathway planning.

Enjoying the Process of Home Organizing

It's probably fair to say that most people don't always love the process of organizing, tidying up, decluttering, and cleaning their homes.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

But, keeping a well organized,  clean and functional home helps it keep its value and helps us enjoy our home so much more. For many of us, our home is one of our most valued possessions, which is one reason why real estate websites enjoy such high overall popularity. 

Even the most fantastic home environment can become stressful and frustrating if you allow it to become overly messy and cluttered.

Here are just a few tips that may help you to enjoy the process of organizing a bit more, so that you can better manage to keep your home in top condition.

Thursday Favorite Things (TFT) Party #522

Happy 2022! Honestly, this year went by so fast and seems like it was such a re-run of 2020, that I'm a little disoriented. I'm in the "wait, what happened to 2021?"  mode.

With that said, I'm much more hopeful and excited about the coming year.  While COVID is still very much in our lives, I seem less anxious about it and feel more in control.  

This year, I want to be the best me I can be. I want to be more communicative and affirming and more in tune with my health and well-being. I want to take better care of myself. I want to be more consistent in every way - with my home, my health, my family, my blog, my goals, etc. So, here's to 2022 and goals!

Thursday Favorite Things (TFT) Link Party #521

Hi, and happy *almost* new year!  I hope you have been (and still are) enjoying this holiday season. I'm especially grateful that we were able to gather with family this year. I appreciate it so much more now than I ever have.

It's been just 2 weeks since the last TFT party, but it seems much longer. I'm glad you've joined us today!

I'm excited to tell you  that my blog will be getting a big makeover soon (I've haven't really changed anything about the design for about the last 6 years), so I can't wait!

And, don't forget about the giveaway that is going on now until January 2.  You can enter to win a charming farmhouse doorbell and a $50 gift card to Target or Amazon HERE.

Tips for Hosting a Dinner for Your Family and Friends

Hosting a dinner party can be incredibly stressful and a lot of hard work. You need to make sure the house is clean from top to bottom, set the table, create an atmosphere and cook and present a delicious meal to your guests. And let’s not even go into the clearing up afterwards!


The thing is, it really doesn’t have to cause all that stress. If you concentrate on being a relaxed hostess, your guests will relax, and even if things don’t quite go to plan, you will all have a good time.




Photo credit

Here are a few tips to help your dinner party go with a swing, and you to appear as the host with the most!