Harlem Globetrotters – Family Fun!

February 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment

We had the opportunity to go see the The Harlem Globetrotters a few weeks ago. We traveled down to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, FL. The Stephen C. O’Connell Center was a perfect venue, small and cozy for lots of family fun.

 

The globetrotters did not disappoint. There was plenty of live action and comedy. Silliness and audience participation were also included.

I took my 17-year-old daughter. We had fun but this would have been more suited to younger children. However, we still had lots of laughs!

 

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Get ready for high-flying fun as the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters make their victorious return with their 2025 World Tour! This is your chance to witness the world record-breaking, trick-shot stars of basketball LIVE as they bring their signature SPINS, DUNKS, and SLAMS to the court, taking on their determined rivals, the Washington Generals.

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Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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Unlocking the Secrets to Successfully Owning a Property

February 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Owning property is often seen as a significant milestone; it’s a sign of financial stability and personal success, as well as a secure future. However, navigating the path to successful property ownership can be complicated. With careful planning and the right approach, you can unlock the secrets to turning this dream into a reality.

 

Photo by Kindel Media: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-holding-miniature-wooden-house-7579132/

 

Start with a Clear Financial Picture

 

Before diving into property searches, it is important to have a clear understanding of your current finances. Create a budget that outlines all of your income, expenses, and potential costs, such as down payments, closing fees, and any ongoing maintenance expenses. Establish a solid financial foundation to help you determine a realistic price range and prevent unexpected strains in the future.

 

Research the Market Thoroughly

 

Real estate markets can vary greatly from one location to another. Spend time researching different neighborhoods, property types, and current market trends. Consider factors such as property values, local schools, future development plans in the area, and community amenities. Paying attention to these details ensures that you make a well-informed decision that aligns with both your lifestyle and future finances.

 

Work with Professionals

 

Navigating property ownership is much easier when you have the guidance of professionals. Real estate agents, legal advisors, and mortgage brokers can provide you with the experience and knowledge to help you make the right decisions. Their insights can help you negotiate better prices, understand complex contracts, and avoid potential pitfalls. Becoming a property owner is tied to your knowledge and finances, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice.

 

Understand the Importance of Legal Documents

 

Legal documents are crucial in any property transaction. Among these, one tool that can be particularly beneficial in some situations is a quitclaim deed. Unlike traditional deeds, a quitclaim deed is a legal tool used to transfer interest in a property without guaranteeing that the grantor holds a valid title. It’s often used among family members or in situations where trust is established, such as during divorces or transfers within a business. The key here is that this process can be quicker and less expensive, providing a simplified option for property transfers.

 

The Benefits of Using a Quit Claim Deed

A quit claim deed can streamline your transfer process, which means that when the property’s history is well-known by both parties, it can be beneficial to use this option. If you’re transferring ownership between family members, this deed can help bypass some of the more cumbersome procedures needed for a traditional transaction. However, it’s essential to consult with a legal advisor regarding a quitclaim deed to ensure it is the right tool for your specific situation, as it does not provide any warranties regarding the title’s validity.

 

Plan for the Future

 

Successful property ownership goes beyond just buying the property. You also need to consider the long term, such as potential renovations, possible resale of the property, and property appreciation. Creating a plan for ongoing maintenance and updates can also help maintain the property’s value, ensuring it continues to meet your needs over time. By following these tips, you should be able to make informed decisions and successfully work your way toward property ownership. Embark on your journey today with confidence, armed with the knowledge that you need to transform your dreams into reality.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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Improving Your Home One Step At A Time When You’re On A Budget

February 5, 2025 By Leave a Comment

If you’re hoping to start improving your home, we think that’s great. There are so many positives to doing this such as making you fall in love with your home again, and adding value so that when the time comes to sell down the line, you get the most out of this.

While it can be hard to get your home sorted the way that you want it, you just need to break it down into pieces and steps that are more manageable. So, that’s what we’re going to be talking about today! Down below, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the steps that you can take to make home improvement on a budget a little less of a nightmare. Interested in what we’ve got to say? Let’s get into it then!

Start With What Needs Fixing ASAP

Image Credit – CC0 License

 

The first thing that we’re going to say is that you should start by looking at what needs fixing sooner rather than later. If you know that there are issues in your home, then you need to make sure they are sorted out before you can start making any other improvements. You’ve got to do the basics before you can build on them, right? It’s not the most fun job, but we guarantee you’re going to be glad that you did it first and didn’t let whatever the problems are create more issues down the line. 

An example of what may need fixing are your pipes. Have you looked at any of the pipes in your home lately? What kind of condition are they in? A lot of people don’t realize that pipes are not put in with the intention of them lasting forever, and in fact cast iron pipes which are common in older homes only have a lifespan of about 50 years. So, if you’re in your forever home, the chances are that you’re going to need a cast iron pipe repair at some point to keep them working well.  

Decide Which Order Things Will Be Sorted

Once you’ve got all the repairs sorted, you then need to be looking at what order you want the rest of the work to be completed in. This is going to depend on a number of different factors, your budget, what you want completed and so much more. Don’t let anyone tell you that the order you want to do things is the wrong one, because this is a personal choice and one you should make for yourself, nobody else.

It is true that there are more practical ways of doing this than others, but it all depends on what you want to do. There is absolutely no reason that you can’t complete your work in whatever order you want, unless there is a safety issue that you didn’t notice previously. In this situation, plans would need to be changed. 

Think About Adding Value To The Property

Even when you’re on a budget, you should be able to add value to your property with certain changes. If you do your research, you will notice that there are things that you can do to make your property look more expensive, and as you have plenty of time to make changes, you get the chance to save up for them. A lot of the time, the money that you invest in your home will be returned to you significantly higher when you sell your home, as long as you sell at the right time and for the right price.

Some of the simple options for doing this is to change up the kitchen, adding built in appliances is a fantastic way to do this. Upgrading the flooring throughout the home, building an extension and all things like this are simple ways that you can boost the value of the property overall. Of course it’s going to take some money to get your home in the condition that you want it to be in, but you don’t have to do it all at once if money is tight.

Start Planning The First Room

Source Pexels – CC0 License

 

Once you’ve got an idea in your head of what you want and you know where you want to start, that’s where the planning comes in. You can start planning the first room that you want to change so that you’ve got a solid plan that you can follow. This is helpful to keep you on the right track, especially if you are going to be hiring professionals to help with the work. Everyone needs to be clear on what they are doing and on the same page, otherwise you’re going to struggle to keep everything organized.

Once you’ve got the plan for the first room completed, it’s up to you whether you want to continue on with the planning for the next room, or if you want to get the work done on this first one before. The former allows you more time to save up for the next stage of your home improvement though, so if your budget is pretty tight, this seems like the best solution.

Start Saving

If you’ve not started doing so already, now is a good time to start saving for your improvement plans. You’re going to need to pay for everything, and the more that you can save, the less pressure there is going to be on you when the time comes for you to pay for what you need. This is just a good way to save the future version of yourself a little bit of stress, and we’re sure that you’re going to thank yourself for it.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now have a better idea of the various steps that you can take to improve your home when you’re on a budget. You just need to take this process one step at a time, and then the task won’t feel so daunting. When you break things down into small chunks, it becomes much more manageable, right?

You’ve got this, you just need to work on keeping yourself calm, and getting your home in the condition that you want it to be in.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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Taking The Next Step In Life: Where Will Your Career Take You?

January 25, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Life’s journey is a series of steps. Some feel like tiny, incremental changes; others feel like giant leaps of faith. When it comes to your career, you may find yourself at a crossroads, wondering where to go next. Whether you’re feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or simply curious about new opportunities, taking the next step in your career is a chance to redefine your purpose and reignite your passion.

Via Pexels

Reflect On Where You’ve Been

Before you start mapping out your next step, take a moment to reflect on your journey so far. What have been the highlights of your career? Which accomplishments brought you the most pride, and which challenges taught you the greatest lessons?

Consider your values, strengths, and skills. Are they aligned with the work you’re doing now? If not, that misalignment may be the reason you’re feeling stuck. Reflection isn’t just about looking back; it’s about identifying patterns and understanding what truly motivates you.

Explore New Horizons

The career path of today’s professionals is rarely linear. In fact, some of the most fulfilling opportunities come from unexpected places. When considering your next move, think outside the box:

Switch industries: Your skills may be more transferable than you think. For example, a project manager in tech could thrive in the nonprofit sector, or a teacher might excel in corporate training.

Pursue further education: If you’ve been eyeing that MBA or certification program, now might be the time to invest in yourself.

Consider entrepreneurship: Have a business idea you’ve been quietly nurturing? Take steps to explore its feasibility. Starting your own venture might be your next great adventure.

Opening your mind to possibilities allows you to see beyond the confines of your current role. Sometimes, what feels like a plateau is just the prelude to a breakthrough.

Experience What’s Next

Making a leap in your career often requires hands-on experience to determine if a new path truly aligns with your vision. For example, if you’re considering an entirely new field, find ways to get a closer look at what’s involved.

One of the best ways to do this is by shadowing professionals or volunteering in areas of interest. Maybe you’re curious about emergency medical services (EMS). If that’s the case you could tag along to witness EMS in action and decide if it’s something you would want to pursue. Real-world exposure can give you invaluable insights and help you make an informed decision about your next step.

Set Your Sights On Growth

Growth is the lifeblood of a fulfilling career. If you’re feeling stuck, it might be because you’ve outgrown your current role or environment. The next step should challenge and excite you. 

Ask yourself:

  • What skills do I want to develop?
  • What type of work excites me?
  • Where do I see myself in five years?

Growth doesn’t always mean climbing the corporate ladder. It might mean deepening your expertise in a specific niche, building stronger relationships in your network, or making a lateral move to a role with more variety.

The Road Ahead

Your career is a living, evolving entity. It’s not a static endpoint but an exciting process of discovery and reinvention. Reflecting on your past, exploring new possibilities, and taking bold steps forward can help you to break through any plateau and find your way to a brighter, more fulfilling future.

So, where will your career take you next? The answer lies not in where you’ve been, but in your willingness to dream, take risks, and trust the process.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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Home Maintenance Tips Through the Seasons

December 19, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Photo by Blue Bird
Maintaining your home throughout the year is key to ensuring it remains in good condition so you can avoid costly repairs. Each season is going to bring some unique challenges but all you have to do is have proper planning for each.
This will keep your home in peak condition. Take a look at some of the critical tasks for each season and how they contribute to the longevity of your home.

Spring: Refresh and Inspect

Spring is the perfect time to address any damage winter may have caused. As the weather begins to warm up you can start focusing on inspecting, cleaning and preparing your home for the new year that is ahead..

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Winter storms can clog your gutters with debris if you are not careful. Make sure you clean out the leaves and twigs to ensure that water keeps running smoothly through this season. This will prevent overflow of your gutter that can damage your foundation and your landscaping.

2. Inspect Your Roof

You should be on the lookout for missing or damaged shingles and repair them as quickly as you can. Winter weather is going to cause a lot of wear and tear so you need to address issues early in order to prevent leaks from happening.

3. Service Your HVAC System

You should schedule a professional HVAC checkup as this is going to ensure that your system is ready for the summer. Go ahead and replace filters. You should also consider duct and vent cleaning services so that you can improve the indoor air quality and energy efficiency of the system.

4. Wash Windows and Screens

You should work at removing grime and dirt from your windows and clean your screens to let fresh air and light in. Make sure you inspect holes or tears in the screens and have them repaired as soon as possible.
Remove dirt and grime from windows and clean screens to let in fresh air and light.

5. Tidy the Yard

You should rake the leaves, remove dead plants and reseed bare spots in the lawn as well. Spring offers you an excellent time to fertilize and irrigate your yard for healthy growth in the seasons ahead.

Summer: Maintain and Protect

Summer is all about jumping into that preservation mode to keep your home looking great. At this time you should address any ongoing maintenance issues that you may be having.
This season’s focus should be on any indoor and outdoor tasks that need to get done, so you can ensure that your home stays cool throughout the season.

1. Check Outdoor Plumbing

Summer is a great time to inspect your outdoor plumbing. Make sure that you are inspecting your hoses as well as your sprinklers. Look at outdoor faucets to see if there are leaks or damage. When you sart repairing the smaller issues from now, you will save water and money during those very hot summer months.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Examine caulking and weather stripping for gaps. This is the time to seal the cracks so that you can keep your home as energy-efficient as possible. This is going to reduce your cooling costs significantly and lower all of your cooling costs.

3. Clean and Maintain Decks and Patios

Wash your deck or patio to remove dirt and stains. You should consider resealing the wood decks in your yard. Doing this is going to protect them from any summer heat and the humidity that is happening during the season.

4. Monitor Pest Control

When there is warm weather you can be sure insects and rodents won’t be too far from your home. This is especially true if you do not seal up the gaps in your homes exteriors or keep garbage and food properly secured. You must do everything in your power to keep your yard as clean as possible.

5. Maintain Your Lawn and Garden

You should water your lawn early in the morning so you can minimize any evaporation that will take place. Too much evaporation will prevent your flowers from getting the watering they deserve.
You should always make sure that you are keeping your bushes and trees as trimmed as possible. This will prevent overgrowth that is going to damage your sidings or your roof.

Fall: Prepare for the Cold

Autumn is a critical time to ready your home for winter. If you put out a little bit of effort now it can save you some major headaches during those colder months of the year.

1. Inspect Your Heating System

Before the temperature drop you should schedule a furnace inspection. This will ensure that it operates efficiently. You should go ahead and make sure that you change the air filters too. Don’t rule out getting a professional clean to ensure that things are working correctly.

2. Clean Chimneys and Fireplaces

If you use a woodburning fireplace you should have it cleaned and inspected as soon as possible. This should be done by a chimney sweep that is certified. It will prevent creosote buildup and reduce that fire risk in your home dramatically.

3. Clear Gutters Again

Falling trees can cause your gutters to get clogged up very quickly, so it is in your best interest to prevent water from pooling and freezing which is going to cause ise dams to start forming.

4. Store Outdoor Furniture

Protect outdoor furniture by storing it or covering it with weatherproof materials. When you do this you will effectively extend the life of the furniture and reduce a lot of wear and tear that can take place overtime.

5. Check the Roof and Attic

Inspect for leaks or weak spots in your roof and attic. When you have proper insulation and ventilation you have all the things that are essential for maintaining your indoor temperatures during the cold winter season.

Winter: Protect and Monitor

Winter maintenance revolves around keeping your home warm and safe during the harshest conditions. It is one of the most critical times of the year and it is always a good idea to ramp up your efforts during this time when it comes to maintenance of your property.

1. Protect Pipes

Wrap exposed pipes in insulation to prevent freezing. Always make sure you are keeping a trickle of water flowing through your tap especially during the extreme cold. What this does is it prevents your pipes from bursting.

2. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter means increased indoor heating and the use of fireplaces. This mkes it important for you to check you detectors monthly. It will ensure that they are all functioning properly.

3. Remove Snow and Ice Safely

Shovel walkways and driveways promptly to prevent ice buildup. You should use eco-friendly ice melt because this is better for the environment and it is going to help protect your pets as well.

4. Inspect Windows for Drafts

Even small drafts can drastically reduce heating efficiency. Whenever you notice drafts you should make it a point to use draft stoppers. You should also consider applying insulation film to keep the cold out as much as possible.

5. Maintain Indoor Humidity

Dry winter air can cause issues for both your health and home. It is a good idea to use a humidifier to maintain the best moisture levels that you can throughout the winter. This is a very good idea if you have wooden floors or furnishings.

Year-Round Maintenance Tips

While many tasks are seasonal, certain maintenance habits should be followed all year. When you do these regularly you are going to save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run.

1. Regular Cleaning

A clean home not only looks great but also functions better. You should be dusting, mopping and vacuuming when necessary to prevent build up. Dust, vacuum, and sanitize regularly to prevent buildup. A house can be a breathing ground for allergens and pests if you are not careful.

2. Routine Appliance Checks

You should start inspecting your major appliances as soon as a season hits. Try to replace parts as it becomes necessary to give them an extended lifespan.

3. Monitor Plumbing

You should check for leaks in sinks as well as the basement of your home. When you start fixing your plumbing issues promptly it is going to prevent some larger and more expensive problems from happening later on.

4. Stay on Top of Landscaping

You should try to regularly prune plants if possible, mow your lawns and clear away debris from around the foundation of your home. This will prevent pest infestations and it will also protect your home from having excess moisture.

5. Keep Tools Handy

Having a well-stocked toolbox is essential. Make sure you have all your essential tools such as a screwdriver, hammer and wrenches. This ensures that you are ready for minor repairs without having to worry about delays. Remember though that if you need professional help with anything it is best to reach out for it, to prevent costly mistakes.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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