What to Look For When Buying Your First Home

Are you in the market for your first home? If so, congratulations! This is an exciting time. But it can also be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider when buying a home and relocating with the help of Black Tie Moving. But don't worry; we're here to help. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on what to look for when purchasing your first home. So let's get started!

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Location - Look for a neighborhood that you feel comfortable with and is in a good location. Consider the commute to work, schools in the area, and public transportation.

When looking for the right location to settle down in, there are several factors to consider beyond just the home itself. For instance, your commute to work is an important factor, as it affects your stress level and your budget. In addition, consider schools in the area if you have or plan to begin raising a family. Finally, look into public transportation options, including bus schedule, cost, and proximity - having a reliable system can make all the difference when trying to get around town quickly and efficiently! By being mindful of these considerations when you're looking for a neighborhood that you feel comfortable with and is in a good location, you can find the perfect spot for any stage of life.

Size - Make sure to pick a size that is comfortable for you. You don't want to be cramped up in a small space or too spread out in a large one.

When it comes to size, comfort should always be the main priority. You want to ensure you don’t feel too closed off in a small area or too spread out in a large one. Pay attention to how much space you need and if this will grow or change over time. When investing in furniture, items, or appliances, you never want your size selection to be a limiting factor. Research your options so that no matter what you choose, the size is something you won’t have to worry about for many years down the road.

Budget - Don't overspend on your first home just because you think it will appreciate in the future. Stick to a budget you are comfortable with and be mindful of future repairs that may need to be made.

Buying your first home is a huge step and should be taken seriously. It’s important to remember not to get carried away with the hype of potentially making a big profit on the property in the future. It’s essential to budget for the cost of owning and operating a home and plan ahead for potential repairs you may need to do throughout the years. Stick with a budget that leaves you comfortable and able to ease into homeownership. Being prepared prevents unnecessary surprises in the long run while maintaining room in your budget for improvements or additions down the road.

Maintenance - Be prepared to do some upkeep on your new home, whether it's painting the walls or mowing the lawn. It's important to factor in these costs when budgeting for your new home purchase.

Maintenance tasks can significantly influence the overall cost of owning a home, so it's important to factor them into your budgeting. Regular maintenance activities such as mowing the lawn or painting the walls are essential to keeping your home looking in top condition. This is especially true if you plan to resell your home at some point in the future since potential buyers will be drawn in by good curb appeal and other signs of upkeep. Keeping up with regular maintenance on your property enhances its appearance, longevity, and resale value, thereby making it well worth the investment of time and money.

Buying a new home is an exciting process, but it's also one that requires careful consideration. Taking the time to research and select the right neighborhood, size, and budget for your needs is essential. You don't have to be an expert on the housing market, but it’s important to understand the reality of homeownership - you'll need to budget for maintenance costs as well as future repairs. With enough time and effort, homebuyers can find a great place they can call their own. Ultimately, having your own home gives you the freedom and stability that renting may not provide, so take this opportunity to purchase something that will last for many years to come.

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4 Reasons to Book a Family Vacation

 

You just moved into your new home with the help of Black Tie Moving and you and your family are absolutely exhausted! You’ve been thinking it might be time to take a family vacation as you all have been incredibly busy lately.

 

There are plenty of wonderful reasons to go on a trip with your family. We’re offering up 4 reasons to book a family vacation.

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Let’s get into it!

Quality Time is Important

 

Quality time with family is incredibly important. It allows you all to connect on a deeper level. We are often so busy with our day-to-day lives that it’s hard to find time to sit down and spend that valuable time with our loved ones. This is where a family vacation comes into help!

 

Going on a family vacation allows you and your family to enjoy precious time together. You all get to experience a new environment while not having to worry about getting things done. Instead, you’re all in a relaxed place focusing on your surroundings and one another.  

 

Explore New Cultures

 

One of the most wonderful benefits of traveling is that you get to explore new cultures. This is beneficial to not only you but your family members as well. Even as we get older, we never stop learning. Booking a family vacation is a great way to take on a new adventure with you and your family.

 

Family vacations also provide a great opportunity for your children to expand their view of the world. Chances are, you’ve done more traveling in your lifetime than they have. Visiting new, exotic places helps to open your children’s perspective up to different parts of this beautiful world we live in.

 

Gives Everyone a Break

 

We all need a break! Taking a family vacation allows you and your family to have some much-needed rest and relaxation time. Life gets incredibly busy, and it’s important that you set aside time to slow things down a bit. Family vacations do just this.

 

If you’ve found you or your family members stressed out lately, booking a vacation might be just what the doctor ordered. You will all get a chance to leave your worries behind and enjoy a few days or a week focusing on having fun and exploring. You’ll all feel much more refreshed after you return.

 

Create Lasting Memories

 

As children get older, it’s even more important to create those lasting memories with them. What better way to do so than going on a family vacation together? Adventuring to a new land is something that none of you will ever forget. That’s why you should consider booking a family vacation.

 

While you might not appreciate the memories now, you certainly will as time goes on. You’ll want to be sure to take plenty of pictures and videos while you’re all enjoying your vacation together. You could even consider making a scrapbook of everything you and your family experienced while on vacation. The memories you make will be both timeless and priceless.

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Common Misconceptions about Divorce and Women's Rights.

Divorce and women's rights are two intertwined subjects that have been surrounded by a lot of myths, misconceptions, and stigmas. In many parts of the world, divorce is still viewed as a social stigma that reflects poorly on women who choose to end their marriages. Women's rights, on the other hand, are often misunderstood or overlooked, leading to a lack of protection and support for women during and after a divorce. In this blog, we aim to address some of the most common misconceptions about divorce and women's rights and shed light on the truth behind them.

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Misconception #1: Women are to blame for the divorce

One of the most persistent misconceptions about divorce is that women are solely responsible for the failure of a marriage. This notion has been perpetuated by many cultures and societies that hold women accountable for the breakdown of a relationship. However, this could not be further from the truth. Divorce is a complex process that involves multiple factors, including communication issues, financial problems, infidelity, or incompatibility. Women are not always the primary cause of a divorce, and it is unfair to place the blame solely on them.

Misconception #2: Women do not have equal rights in a divorce

Another common misconception about divorce is that women do not have equal rights when it comes to the distribution of assets, custody of children, or spousal support. While this may have been the case in the past, women's rights have come a long way, and today, they are entitled to equal treatment under the law. In most countries, women have the right to demand an equal distribution of assets, to request spousal support, and to seek custody of their children. The courts take these rights into consideration when deciding on divorce-related issues, and women are no longer considered second-class citizens.

Misconception #3: Women cannot initiate a divorce

Many people believe that women are not able to initiate a divorce and that the process must be initiated by the husband. This misconception is based on outdated cultural norms and beliefs that assign women a submissive role in the marriage. However, today, women have the right to initiate a divorce and file for a legal separation if they feel that their marriage is no longer working. This gives women the power to end toxic or abusive relationships and start a new chapter in their lives.

Misconception #4: Women will not receive spousal support

Another common misconception is that women will not receive spousal support if they divorce. This is not necessarily the case, as spousal support is determined by the court and can be granted to either spouse. In many countries, the courts take into consideration the earning potential of each spouse, the length of the marriage, and the standard of living during the marriage, when deciding on spousal support. Women are entitled to receive financial support to help them maintain their standard of living and to ensure that they can start a new life after the divorce.

Misconception #5: Women cannot keep their assets

It is often believed that women will have to give up all their assets if they divorce. However, this is not necessarily the case. In many countries, assets are divided equitably between spouses, regardless of who acquired them. This means that women are entitled to a fair share of the assets acquired during the marriage and that they are able to keep their assets after the divorce.

Misconception #6: Women will lose custody of their children

Another persistent misconception about divorce is that women will automatically lose custody of their children if they divorce. This is not true, as custody of children is determined by the court and is based on the best interests of the children. 

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5 Ways to Turn Your New House Into a Home

 

When you first move into a new house, it can feel like a completely foreign place. While moving your furniture in with a reliable moving company like Black Tie Moving is a great first step, you’ll need to do a lot more before you can actually call your house a home. This isn’t just an abstract concept either. Your children, your spouse, and even your friends will know the difference between a mere house and a place where you’re family feels completely comfortable and at ease. So, in today’s guide, we’re going to take a closer look at 5 ways to turn your new house into a home!

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Decorate Empty Walls

You can find empty walls anywhere. An office building, a shopping mall, and an empty house can all have bare walls. So, to really make your house feel more “homey,” dress up your walls with fun and stylish decorations. And don’t worry — you don’t have to be an expert in DIY crafting to decorate your walls. You can just throw some family photos up on the walls to make every room a reflection of you and your family.

Invest In Comfortable Furniture

Making a comfortable home is all about ensuring that people actually want to spend time there. While you may find beautiful furniture that fits with the aesthetics of your home, it doesn’t mean that the furniture will actually be comfortable to use. So, try to invest in comfortable furniture. This will make your home more appealing as a hang-out spot for both family and friends. 

Host Cookouts and Parties

Making a house into a home isn’t all about changing the decor. It’s also about how you treat your home. If you never invite anybody over or never have special family events in your house, then it’s just a building where you sleep. It doesn’t really have any special meaning and it won’t hold any special memories years from now. For this reason, it is vital to fill your house with fun, laughter, and love!

Use Soft, Warm Lighting

Nobody wants to walk into a house and see bright lights white-washing everything in sight. It can be a strain on the eyes and very unappealing. While cheap fluorescent lights might be fine for the basement or the laundry room, you should invest in soft, warm lights for areas of the house where people will congregate. For example, it is best to use soft, warm lighting in places like the living room, dining room, and even the kitchen. Additionally, remember to make the lighting welcoming in your foyer or entryway!

Add Your Personal Touch to Every Room

You might be inclined to take all of your decoration ideas from Pinterest, but you should also try to personalize every part of the house. For example, if you really love flowers, try to make flowers a big part of your interior design. From wall decorations to dining table centerpieces, look for interesting ways to add your personal touch to every room!

Did you like this guide on 5 ways to turn your new house into a home? If so, be sure to check out some of our other articles on First Happy Family today!

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3 Tips to Be More Mindful in Everyday Life

You just scheduled your move with Black Tie Moving and thought about how you have been so busy lately. With so much going on in the world, it’s hard to take time for ourselves and to be more mindful.

 

That’s why we’re offering 3 tips to be more mindful in everyday life. Let’s get into it!

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Mindfulness Meditation

 

It comes as no surprise that meditating is a great way to help you be more mindful in your daily life. So often, people think that in order to meditate, they need to sit for hours under a tree. The good news for you, is you can meditate practically anywhere.

 

Mindfulness meditation only requires you to have a comfortable, quiet spot to sit. The whole purpose of mindfulness meditation is to focus on your breathing and any thoughts that pop in your mind. During your practice, you’ll notice thoughts come in – which is completely normal, by the way – and you simply observe them and release them.

 

If you practice mindfulness meditation every day, even for 10 minutes, you’re sure to notice a change within a few weeks. You’ll likely feel more focused, less anxious, and have more energy. Mindfulness meditation teaches you to sit with yourself, instead of running away.

 

Practice Self-Awareness

 

Self-awareness goes along with mindfulness meditation. However, to practice self-awareness outside of your designated meditation time is key to living more mindfully. After all, you want to try and remain mindful throughout the day, not just for short stents.

 

Practicing self-awareness takes time and energy on your part. If you start to feel anxious or overwhelmed, self-awareness brings you back to yourself. In doing so, you aren’t taken down the stream of overthinking or acting based on impulse.

 

It’s key that you give yourself patience when it comes to self-awareness. Try not to judge or condemn yourself if you get angry or upset. Instead, accept the feelings that are inside you and they will naturally dissipate overtime once you acknowledge the triggers for those unwanted feelings.  

 

Spend Time Outside

 

It’s hard to not be mindful when you’re looking at the waves crashing on a shore or a full moon on a clear night. However, nature surrounds us with beauty all the time – no matter where we are. We often forget just how magical and vast the world we live in is.

 

Allow yourself to spend at least 10 minutes a day outside in peace. Put away your phone for a while and focus on what’s around you. Acknowledge the trees, the blue skies, the sound of birds, and the wind hitting your face. Just breathe and feel with nature.

 

Spending time in nature has a slew of positive benefits for our mental health, including being more mindful. Even if it’s cold outside, you can always bundle up. You can go for a walk or sit on your front porch. It doesn’t matter as much your means for getting outside, it’s more about the intention. The intention is to connect back with the beauty and wonder of nature.

 

 

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How to Be a Supportive Parent to Preteens

The preteen years are a tricky time for both child and parent. The last of your furniture was just delivered by Black Tie Moving, and you start to wonder how your preteen will adjust to the new move. They didn’t seem as happy about leaving their friends and school behind. Now, more than ever, it’s important you let them know they have your support.

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Here’s a guide on how to be a supportive parent to preteens.

 

Compassionate Listening

It’s one thing to hear your preteen talk, but it’s a whole other thing if you practice compassionate listening with them. The preteen years are a confusing, complicated time for children. Often, they don’t feel they have anyone to talk to or who understands them. Compassionate listening means that you listen to what they have to say, without judgment or interrupting. You pay attention not only to the words but their nonverbal communication. Do they appear happy, sad, anxious, depressed? Listen to them with your heart, without an agenda.

 

Encourage Creativity

If you find out your child likes to draw, paint, or play music – encourage them in these creative hobbies in every way possible. Consider signing them up for classes or showing them online tutorials to expand their knowledge when it comes to their artistic expression. You want to let your preteen know that you support and appreciate their unique gifts.

 

Don’t Force Hobbies

While you want to encourage your preteen to be creative, you don’t want to force it on them. Creativity and hobbies are meant to come directly from the individual. You can suggest hobbies to your kids, but you don’t want to put any pressure on hobbies if they reveal to you that they don’t enjoy it. This could turn into resentment later in life, and it certainly makes them feel as if you don’t support them in the way that they need.

 

Words of Affirmation

What you say to your preteen has a profound impact on their wellbeing. Therefore, it’s crucial that you choose your words carefully. You want to express to your children that you support them, that they are loved, and they are safe. Words of affirmation are something you should practice daily with your preteen. Even if they aren’t as receptive to your positivity at this time, it will still have a positive impact on them.

 

Don’t Be a Best Friend

It’s hard to not want to hang out with your preteen sometimes. Yet, there’s a fine line between being a parent and being a friend. While it’s healthy to enjoy your time with your preteen, you want to always remember your role as parent. If you find yourself acting as more of a friend, your preteen isn’t getting the support that only a parent can give. In turn, this could backfire and make them feel as if they have no authoritative or parent figure in their life.

 

The Rundown

We all want our children to feel supportive. It’s tricky to navigate this. Speak openly with your preteen – ask them if they feel supported by you. Communication is key when it comes to building a supportive foundation for your children. Remember to just do the best you can!

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3 Skincare Tips to Reduce Signs of Premature Aging

The natural effects of aging can leave your skin looking dull, wrinkled, and dry. Certain factors, such as lifestyle choices like smoking or the misuse of products and tools with harmful ingredients, can speed up the aging process. While there is not much you can do to stop the aging process from taking a toll on your skin, there are a few precautions you can take to keep your skin looking youthful for as long as possible. 

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A few simple ways to reduce premature aging of the skin include:

Wear SPF 

This is one of the most simple but effective ways to reduce signs of premature aging of the skin. The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage your skin, leading to premature wrinkling and putting you at risk of medical complications such as skin cancer or permanent sun damage. Wearing SPF every single day, even when you are not planning on spending time outdoors or in the dreary winter months when the threat of sun damage is not as present, is crucial for keeping skin looking youthful. 

Avoid Smoking and Drinking 

Smoking cigarettes is one of the worst things you can do for your overall health and can have severely negative effects on your skin. Smoking can rapidly speed up the aging process, leaving you with premature fine lines and wrinkles and making you look older. Additionally, drinking alcohol can dry out your skin and cause severe damage over time. Managing both of these lifestyle choices and making the decision to cut out cigarettes and alcohol is one of the best things you can do for the appearance of your skin and for your general health. 

Seek Professional Help 

Even the most thorough skincare routine cannot do as much to protect your skin from the natural effects of aging as a professional treatment from a clinic like The Institute of Natural Health. Consulting with a medical professional to get targeted advice regarding your skin type and to undergo treatments and services such as facials is one of the best things you can do to preserve your skin over time. Keep your skin looking youthful and healthy with the help of professional treatments alongside your own lifestyle choices and skincare routine, and you will be surprised at how great your skin looks as you age! 

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