Family Ever After Blog

Family Ever After Blog

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Keeping Your Kids Occupied at Home

Because of the pandemic, families are spending significantly more time at home than they did at this time last year. While many kids understand what’s going on and the need to stay at home, it doesn’t make it any more pleasant. Kids get bored easily without a plan for structured activity. As a parent, you might be asking yourself, “what can I do?”

Parents have a tendency to recommend the obvious; reading, playing a board game, etc. When children reject those ideas, they end up sitting idly at the computer or television, and sometimes they even pick fights with each other. Times like these call for more creative ideas

The infographic, Engaging At-Home Activities for Kids, suggests a variety of ideas you might not have thought of otherwise. The piece provides ideas for crafts, learning and healthy activities that can keep kids occupied for hours. You might even catch a break and get some of your own work done!

Most of these ideas are cheap and don’t require a lot of money or resources. In fact, many of these suggestions involve using free online resources. As long as you have an internet connection and a printer at home, you can provide kids new coloring pages, puzzles, games and math worksheets. It’s easy, and we hope our suggestions are only the beginning of ideas for keeping your kids busily learning!

Take a look at the infographic we created to let you in on a few ideas that we came up with for combating boredom at home. We hope you use these as a springboard to come up with more ideas. Whatever you may think of the Internet for kids, remember: It’s a helpful resource for children’s learning websites and activities. Read on if you’re ready for your kids to start having fun at home!

Engaging At-Home Activities for Kids from ClickInks

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How to Buy Insurance for a Rental Property

Rental properties are a great avenue to earn additional income. If renting out a residential property for the first time, you may not realize the risks and liabilities that tag along. You need landlord insurance to cover any liabilities arising in a home where you don’t reside.

Whether you’re renting out an apartment, home, or space inside your own home, you need to buy insurance for rental property to protect yourself and your property.

Why You Need Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance gives a landlord an added home insurance coverage for exposure to any lawsuit filed by the tenants. Whether you’re renting out a house or apartment unit, you need to get the insurance for a rental property to cover the risk that arises out of renting to a tenant.

Consider the below scenarios:

  • Lost Rental Income: You may find that a tenant has paid the rent, but you never received it. Now, the same tenant wants to sue you for wrongful evictions.
    • You can handle this situation with landlord insurance, as it offers temporary rental reimbursement to cover the money.
  • Property Damage: The tenant may leave something on the stove, and the house catches fire, destroying your personal property and appliances which you rented along with the property.
    • To handle this situation, you can get coverage for risks, such as a natural disaster, fire, earthquake, electric/gas malfunction, etc. If possible, choose a policy that offers replacement cost rather than actual cash value.
  • Liability Protection: Sometimes, a tenant may be injured badly while cleaning the window. In a lawsuit, they may claim that their injury is your fault and try to make you pay for the medical bills.
    • You can get coverage for medical or legal costs that arise if any tenant or visitor suffers injury due to a property maintenance issue.
  • Your insurance for rental property will not only cover the property but will provide liability coverage, protecting you from such lawsuits.

Rental Home Insurance for Your Basement Apartment

If you want to rent out a section of your property or a basement apartment, you need to check with your insurance agent first. It may be necessary to secure your separate entrance. Make sure you remain compliant with the carrier’s requirements.

Don’t just choose a minimum coverage if you’re renting out a room. Insurance has to be taken for a rental unit that is attached to your home. At least, write a clause in your lease that requires a tenant to carry rental insurance at all times during the lease.

How to Get Rental Property Insurance?

When shopping for insurances, make sure you ask your homeowner insurance provider about a bundle of options. Don’t simply assume that it will cover all damages and liabilities while you’re not living in the property. Before you begin price shopping, talk to your agent extensively about the type of rental dwelling, consider what you need to address, and protect your rental property.

If you’re looking to protect your home and rent it out nicely, landlord insurance is necessary. It offers additional landlord liability coverage for the risks associated with being a landlord.

 

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Five Foods You Shouldn’t Give To A New Baby

Babies eat baby food. Everybody knows that. That’s why baby food is a multi-billion dollar industry, and the companies involved in making it have released so many different products and formulas. Babies don’t only eat baby food, though. They’re naturally curious, and they’ll eat almost everything we feed to them. They won’t be able to cope with every type of food before they get their ‘real’ teeth, and they’ll enjoy some foods more than others as they develop their taste buds, but experimenting with different food types is something that all parents do as they prepare to transition their newborn away from baby formulas and on to conventional food.

As is the case with most things in life, moderation is the key to success. We all know which foods are bad for us, and because of that, we all know which foods we should only eat in small portions, or only on occasions as opposed to every day. Even then, though, there are some foods that are more dangerous to babies than they are to adults – and they’re food types that would never occur to you as being dangerous. All of us would be horrified to discover that we’d accidentally put our baby’s life at risk by feeding them something that they shouldn’t have eaten, so let’s avoid the risk of that happening. Here are five things that you should never feed a baby who’s less than one year old.

Citrus Fruits

Scientists and dietitians are forever telling us that we should eat more fruit. We all know that we should be getting our ‘five a day,’ and many of us fail in the attempt to do so, but we’re keen to ensure that our babies get their fill of fruit because we know it’s good for them. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Citrus fruits (that’s limes, oranges, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries) have exceptionally high levels of Vitamin C. Those Vitamin C levels can cause rashes in adults with allergies, but those rashes are far worse in infants. Stomach upsets are also common. In very extreme cases, such reactions can be fatal. Stick with non-citrus fruits and fruit juices until they’re past their first birthday.

Cow’s Milk

This is similar to the situation with citrus fruits. We’re all told that milk is good for us because it helps to build healthy bones and teeth. In fact, many of us were ordered to drink cow’s milk every day when we were at school! We’re not saying that milk isn’t good for you, because it is, but where that milk comes from matters to very young children. Breast milk is still the best option, but we appreciate that not everybody can or wants to go down that route. There are still substitutes available, though, and they should be used in place of cow’s milk because cow’s milk contains such high levels of lactose that it will inevitably lead to stomach upsets. Surprisingly, it’s a myth that cow’s milk is essential to any step of a child’s development – other forms of milk work just as well.

Shellfish

Some people never develop a taste for seafood in their whole lives. Others swear by it, and because they swear by it, they’re keen for their children to start eating it as soon as possible. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it’s totally up to you as a decision – but save their first dose of shellfish until they’re at least one year old. Even then, it’s probably wise to consult your pediatrician before they enjoy their first portion. Aside from the fact that shellfish and seafood allergies are reasonably common, some shellfish contain high levels of mercury that your infant’s developing digestive system simply won’t be able to process and cope with. The best fish to start developing your baby’s palate with are softer, gentler fish like cod and flounder. They can work their way up to shrimps and lobster as they get a little older!

Sugar

While we could start listing things like chocolate and ice cream one at a time, it’s easier for us to put them all in one category and say that any babies younger than twelve months old should be kept away from sugar. We’re not sure whether sugar should be more accurately referred to as a food type or a national obsession. It inspires such devotion that it’s even been used as a theme at online slots websites, where you’ll see it in free spins casino like “Sugar Train” and “Sugar Rush.” Perhaps there’s a clue in that. Online slots websites are targeted at adults, so we should take the hint that sugar is for adults, too! You shouldn’t be any more inclined to allow a small child near sugar than you would be to allow them access to online slots – by which we mean they shouldn’t be consuming any of it at all. It can turn them off breast milk, cause obesity, and prompt them to reject other foods that don’t taste as sweet.

Raw Vegetables

Yes, just like fruit and milk, raw vegetables are bad for small children. We’ve spent our whole lives believing that eating fruit and vegetables and drinking milk is the key to a healthy lifestyle, but it won’t be for our children if we start them on it too early! There are two reasons why you shouldn’t give raw vegetables to a baby. The first is an obvious one – they’re hard and chunky, and so they present a risk of choking. The second is something that most people don’t know, which is that raw fruits contain a surprisingly high level of nitrates. That won’t be a problem for a child who’s two or three, but it could easily be too much for a younger child to deal with. Processed or cooked vegetables are a different matter, and you can start introducing those at around the six-month mark, but raw vegetables should only be on their plate after their first birthday.

How many of these surprised you? We all knew sugar wasn’t good for us, and perhaps some of us could have taken an educated guess about shellfish, but milk, fruit, and vegetables? We were as shocked as you are when we found out! Now you know, though, and so you can keep them off your baby’s menu!

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Things to Do if You Are Not Spending Christmas with Your Family

Christmas 2020 promises to be memorable for no reason other than it is the first one Americans are spending in a pandemic in more than a century. Since COVID-19 has profoundly affected every aspect of our lives this year, it should come as no surprise that Christmas will bear the same fate.

Whether you are spending the holidays alone out of choice or because of our ‘new normal’, here are some suggested activities:

Online casino games

With a smart device or computer and an internet connection, why not add a little zing to your holidays by trying a casino online? These platforms offer loads of entertainment, giving you a choice between slots and table games. Some even provide for sports betting if that better whets your gambling appetite.

If you are playing for fun and not because you need a huge payout, it is possible to spend hours playing games at an online casino. Make small bets and take advantage of bonuses that these platforms provide new and existing players specially during Christmas time.

Observing Christmas traditions

While you might be moving to a new city and not know anyone, it is still possible to observe some common Christmas traditions. Even if it is a tiny light-up tree, have something out to remind you of this special time of year. Friends and family may have had packages delivered to you before Christmas. Do not open them until the big morning and try to video call people as you open their gifts.

Most stores are closed on Christmas Day, so ensure you have bought food ahead of time. Cooking for one or two people is a lot of effort, so that is one tradition you might want to ditch in favor of a prepared meal you only need to microwave.

Put your feet up and relax

Christmas is about family and friends, but it is also about taking time to reflect on your year. Between all that thinking, use the holidays to download the best TV shows in 2020 that you might have missed. This is the ideal time to kick back and binge-watch a few seasons of your favorite shows.

If you are alone, there will be no arguing over the remote and whose viewer choices need to be observed. For this reason, if no other, make a bowl of popcorn, put your feet up, and take advantage of the privilege.

 

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5 Summer Activities To Keep Your Kids Busy

Although we as parents love spending time with our children, it can be challenging to keep them entertained when they are home all day during the summer. Between trying to stay cool in the heat and find enough activities to keep everyone busy, summer can be a stressful time.

However, it helps to have a list of go-to activities to turn to when you find yourself at a loss.

Take a look at some of the best activities to keep your kids from getting bored in summer.

Explore Nature

Summertime is one of the best times to go out and explore nature. Get out and explore some parks or natural attractions near your home. You can pretend you’re nature explorers and even collect plants. You could even set up your own fossil dig, or make a tree fort!

Kids love the outdoors since they can be so active outside, and it’s also a great way to educate them.

Go Camping

If there’s one thing that children love, it’s camping. The great news is you don’t need to go to a campground or a mountain to enjoy the benefits of camping. You and your family can pitch up a tent in the privacy of your very own backyard. Light up a fire and enjoy making s’mores. Tell stories by candlelight. Above all, have fun and enjoy the adventure of sleeping outside.

Put Together Puzzles

Puzzles are the gifts that keep on giving. While many toys may cause children to burn out after a few minutes of playtime, puzzles keep them occupied for hours. The best thing about puzzles is that you can do them together as a family.

Younger kids will enjoy smaller puzzles that are simpler to put together. However, as your kids get older, you can start taking on more complicated puzzles together as a team.

Go Swimming

If there’s one thing that summer is known for, it’s swimming. Swimming can be enjoyed in all sorts of places. Whether you have a public swimming pool near your house or even a local lake, nothing says summer like swimming.

Enjoy the fun of swimming together as a family. If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, you should consider getting a pool of your very own. You don’t have to invest thousands into a fancy pool either. Something as simple as an inflatable above pool can be hours of fun for children.

Just make sure that you always watch your children when they are enjoying pool time. Even a shallow amount of water can be incredibly dangerous.

Make Ice Cream

Did you know that you can make your very own ice cream? It can be fun looking up all the different ice cream recipes that you can make from the comfort of your very own kitchen. There are all sorts of flavors and fun combinations that you can make with your family!

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Tips on How you can Help your Child with Homework

Children should be trained to perceive homework with positivity. Just like the guardians and parents care about the child’s welfare, especially in education matters, children must take assignments as a must-do activity in their lives. As a parent, you must create an environment that shows the importance of homework in your children’s lives. But then, how do you ensure your children stray on track and finish the task on time? Well, use the tips below:

  • Remove Distractions.

There are things in the studying environment that will always divert a child’s attention from concentrating on doing homework on time. Items such as toys, televisions, mobile phones, noise, among many more, are a significant distraction in the studying environment. Ensure there are no toys around, the television is off, and no noise in the background to create attention.

  • Show an Interest.

Children learn a lot from their parents or guardians. The example you set is what the kids will always emulate. If you show you don’t care whether the child has done homework or not, they will think it is not a must. To achieve this, talk to the child on the importance of homework, gather some necessary resources to help the kid to do math homework, or even create some time and take the child to the library. With all these efforts, the child will view the assignment positively. In any case, follow up on what your child has done for each day. Ask them questions relating to what the teacher taught.

  • Set a Specific Time.

Any vital thing happens best at a specified time. The same applies to homework. Since the homestead has different activities, it is crucial that you set time to enable children to accomplish their tasks. Analyze your child and find a suitable time for them to do their homework effectively. When selecting the time, consider the age of the child. Some prefer doing the homework after dinner while others, especially the younger ones, concentrate best after playing in the afternoon.

  • Offer the required Resources.

For homework to be useful, there must be requirements like textbooks, exercise books, a pencil, dictionary, pens, among other things. Imagine if your child luck the basics to accomplish the assignment. Will they manage? Well, they can’t. As a guardian, step in and provide all the requirements, and your child won’t have trouble finishing the homework.

  • Select a Suitable Place.

Not every place qualifies to be a study area. A study area should have a captivating environment that encourages the child to accomplish the homework. There must be a study chair and table with good lighting to encourage the kids to do their homework without straining much. Include some colorful arts and plants that create a calm serenity for reading and doing homework.

Conclusion

Children, just like any other adult, need guidance on how to do their homework. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to keep checking on their kids to ensure they are on track. Provide the right environment, resources, and above all, be a good example as you encourage your children to do their homework.

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Budget Friendly Homeownership Tips

Owning a home is both a grand adventure in life, and a pain in the neck, depending on what day it is. There is the independence, the freedom to perform DIY fixes or renovations sans permission, and the overwhelming sense of achievement knowing that you have a place that you can truly call your own. But then there is the flip side, which is normally felt by beginner homeowners, in which you constantly ask yourself “what on earth do I do with this place?!”

 

After you have paid your monthly mortgage installment, your electricity bills, your water bills, and restocked the refridgerator and cupboards, there tends to be little money left to spend on yourself, or on accessories for your home. That is, until the next time you receive an income, and then, the monthly expenses shrink your bank account once more. But surely there must be a way to make a home your own and have some money left over as well. The answer, of course, is yes, and here are some budget friendly homeowner tips, to get you started.

 

 

First, get those bills down!

It’s nice having money to spend, but what’s nicer is not having to spend so much in the first place. Instead of looking to cut your outgoings, how about saving a little bit on them instead?

 

Energy bills, particularly in the UK and Northern Ireland, are seemingly on a constant hike. No sooner have they gone up in line with the annual rate of inflation, that they increase because of a tariff change or company merger. It’s a silent antagonist too, as you tell yourself that this is the last year that you will use an energy or electricity supplier, only to find that you have automatically renewed your contract with them by ignoring their quiet reminders. Change has been a long time coming, but now is the moment to put your foot down and get those bills lowered.

 

 

The good news is that there is help out there to find you a better deal on your energy charges, and it comes in the form of comparison sites like Moneygains. This is a company that lists and then compares the cost of electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland, helping residents to find better deals and make more informed choices as to which suppliers they should use. Although they are currently only covering the NI market, their growing success is at a rate that suggests it won’t just be Northern Ireland electricity that they will be comparing before long.

 

But no matter who you use to compare your bills, whether that be in Northern Ireland, or not, finding a new tariff that is cheaper and better for you will leave you with more money in your pocket.

 

 

Need a fancy new painting? Do it yourself.

Before we get into this, no one is suggesting that you go around your house and splash different colors of paint all over each wall, in some loose style that is more muddled, than Monet. But regardless of whether you being an artist is a pasttime or has passed its time, it is actually possible to add some colorful decor without breaking the bank, simply by doing it yourself.

 

 

Artistry websites like Paint Loose are offering more than custom paintings for you to purchase, (which, incidentally, would not be a bad idea, as they are of an incredible standard and worth more than the asking price), as well as artist supplies. In addition, the Houston-based painter sells DIY art and painting kits, and hosts online videos on how to make up your color palette.

 

Having artwork on the walls of your living room is one thing, and not having to spend a ridiculous amount of money on them is a bonus. But having your own artwork adorning your home, which you put together on a budget? That’s worth a try, at least.

 

 

Bring some life into the home.

Having a selection of plants, and live plants at that, is one of the most cost effective ways to spruce up a home. But fresh flowers and houseplants do far more than look beautiful, and bring life into the space. Greenery, whether that be indoor plants in the front room, or outdoor plants in the garden, have a range of other benefits. They promote mental wellbeing, as well as naturally purify the indoor air, and increase your homes curb appeal should you plan on moving home later.

 

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Especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic, florists and plant sellers such as Lively Root, are offering house plants delivery to your door, with the option for free shipping too. If the time you have to look after your new houseplant is limited, then there are variety to choose from that are considered low maintenance. Snake Plants, for instance, are indoor house plants that require indirect or low light, and not a lot of water, meaning they are easy to care for. If you have a bit more time on your hands, then get yourself some colorful Orchids and ensure they are in the best place to receive lots of sunlight, and are pest free.

 

But Snake Plants and Orchids are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what is available for budding planters. Finding house plants that are altogether a cheap and lovely addition to any home is easy.

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5 Tips For Moving To A New City

Moving is never easy, and moving to a new state comes with its own set of unique challenges. Without planning and preparation, relocation is even more difficult. Whether your reason for relocating is professional or personal, a new start in a new city can be an exciting new chapter. While adjusting to a new place can be a process, take your time and invest time and effort into the moving process, you’ll find it makes everything go a little bit smoother. If you’re planning to move and you’re unsure where to get started, let’s go over five tips for moving to a new city.

1. Enlist expert help.

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It’s important that you work with professionals who know the city you’re moving to and can help you with all the specifics when planning your move. Try to focus on people and companies with specific expertise in your area. Venterra Living, for example, manages apartment communities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Kentucky. Every city has a different real estate market, a different climate, and a different lifestyle. Trusting a company like Venterra Realty that has local expertise and a focused approach on just a handful of states or locations is a great way to make sure you’re choosing a great place for your new home.

2. Find a storage unit.

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Most of the time, you’ll find that you pack more than you actually need, and sometimes more than you can actually fit in your new home. If you don’t want to throw everything away, it’s easy to rent a storage unit from a local storage company and hold on to your belongings without letting them take up so much space in your residence. Whether you’re moving to Columbus or Los Angeles or Tupelo, it’s easy to look online and find the best deals on a storage unit. Often you can find great deals like heavy discounts on your first month’s rent. You’ll be grateful for all the extra space you have in your self storage unit, without the clutter in your new place.

3. Be realistic about packing.

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While you’re thinking about packing, remember to be realistic when you’re deciding what to take with you. If you’re moving somewhere with a radically different climate, you might not want to bring clothes you don’t have a use for. Get measurements for the space you’re moving into and think carefully about how much you’ll be able to fit in that space. It’s easier to sell, donate, or discard old furniture before you move rather than waiting until you’ve hauled it to a different city.

4. Look for career opportunities.

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If you’re not moving with a job already lined up, finding work is one of the most important parts of moving to a new place. Look for opportunities that offer advancement and a reasonable wage considering the cost of living in your location. Understanding the cost of living and estimating your monthly expenses is essential to know before you start looking for work.

 

If you’re having trouble or want to make a switch, look into a training program or certification program that could help you qualify for more advanced positions in different fields. One great example of a certification that can help in the modern job market is an OKR certification. OKR, or objectives and key results, have become a crucial part of the business world, and an OKR certification can qualify you to be an OKR coach. You’ll learn how to promote growth, manage an OKR program, and boost productivity in any working environment. People with OKR certification can find work as project managers or even as a regional manager, handling a variety of difficult decisions and paperwork for large companies. This kind of training program can be a great opportunity for advancement in a great company.

5. Prepare to make changes.

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A move is, ultimately, a big lifestyle change, and you have to be ready for the fact that your day-to-day life in your new city might not look the same as what you’re used to right now. Being open to change and embracing what makes the place you’re living special is the best way to adjust to moving. While it can be hard to let go of the routine you’re familiar with, in the long run, you’ll find that you’ll feel comfortable more quickly if you let yourself try and enjoy all the new things your home has to offer.

 

There’s no doubt that a big move to a new home is a huge undertaking, especially in trying times like these with the ongoing global pandemic. From finding storage for your belongings and making plans for your career to making lifestyle changes, it can often seem like you have more to do than what feels possible. Start to evaluate logistics, find helpful information about your new zip code online, and make plans at least six months in advance if you can. Be thorough and efficient with your packing, and be open to trying new things once you move. After you’ve settled in, take some time to relax, and then go ahead and get started exploring your neighborhood, you’ve earned it.

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3 Reasons To Use An Agent When Selling Your Home

Selling your home is a big deal. Not only are you having to pack up everything from one house and move it to an entirely new location, but you also have to deal with the legal and administrative tasks of transferring ownership of that property at the right price and to the right people.

While you can do this whole process on your own, you may find that working with an agent will help to smooth things along, even if you do wind up paying a bit more in the process. To help you in making this decision, here are three reasons why you would want to use an agent when selling your home.

To Maximize Your Home

One of the hardest parts about selling a home is knowing how to handle the pricing structure of the whole thing. While you might feel like you know how valuable your property is, having an objective perspective on things like this isn’t necessarily easy for many homeowners. Because of this, you might want to use an agent to help in this area.

According to Zillow.com, agents can use their knowledge of the housing market in your area to maximize your home for you. Not only will they have access to comparable homes that are selling in your area to help with a pricing strategy, but they also know what fixes or repairs will pay off the most in the long run for you. All of these come together to ensure that you’re getting the absolute best price for your house.

To Widen Your Pool Of Buyers

Sometimes, trying to sell your home on your own can make the pool of buyers much smaller than if you’d have used an agent. This is because, according to Amy Fontinelle, a contributor to Investopedia.com, many agents have had bad experiences with homes that were being sold by their owners. So if other owners have burned them in the past, they might be less willing to show your home to their buyers.

To Make The Whole Process Easier

The amount of details that you have to keep track of when selling a house would make your head spin. Because of this, many people feel that working with an agent is worth the money simply for the ease with which they make selling their home. Elizabeth Weintraub, a contributor to The Balance, shares that things like purchase agreements, legal paperwork, negotiations, and more can easily be handled by an agent while these are areas that you might struggle with if you tried to sell your house on your own.

If you’re going to be selling your home soon and are wondering why you’d want to work with an agent to do so, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you learn these benefits.

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3 Ways To Enjoy Your Backyard As It Gets Colder

While most people think of spending time in their backyard during the long summer nights, your outdoor space can be equally as enjoyable during the cooler months as long as you’re prepared for the weather or other elements that you might face there.

To help you with this preparation, here are three ways you can continue to enjoy your backyard as it gets colder.

Bring In A Heat Source

In the summer, having a water feature or fans can help keep you cool. But in the fall and winter, you’re going to want some kind of heat source to take the edge off the cooler weather.

According to Lisa Hallett Taylor, a contributor to The Spruce, some of the heat sources that you might want to consider bringing into your backyard could include a fire pit, an outdoor fireplace, or a portable patio heater. All of these options will help give off more than just the body heat that you’d create by snuggling under a blanket. And if you live in an area where temperatures drop down pretty low, you’ll need an additional heat source to make being outside in your backyard a little bit more bearable.

Put Up Some Curtains

While most people know that putting up curtains over the windows in your home can help to keep the heat in, this same principle applies when you’re outside as well.

To make use of curtains in your backyard, you’ll need to have some kind of frame or structure that you can attach the fabric to. Once you have this, you can put up outdoor patio curtains that can be pulled all around your sitting area and help to block the wind as well as keep the heat in. Ideally, Mackenzie Grant, a contributor to Bustle.com, shares that you’d want to get waterproof curtains so you don’t have to worry about bringing them back inside if it were to start to rain or snow.

Install Some Lighting Options

In the summer, it stays lighter for much longer at night, which means you can enjoy your backyard without having to bring in a lot of outside light sources. But if you’re going out in the colder months, you’re going to want to install some lighting options.

According to Elizabeth Segran, a contributor to FastCompany.com, if you have access to electrical plugs in your backyard, you have all kinds of options for light. But if you don’t, you might want to focus your efforts on lighting pathways and other areas that you’ll need to take extra care around in order to be safe.

If you’re still wanting to spend time in your backyard even though the weather is changing, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you stay safe and warm outside.