Serendipity Mommy

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Easy Home Renos For You This Summer

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Now that summer has truly set in and the kids are out of school for the season it’s a fantastic time to think about some of those home renovation ideas that you have been putting off. School time is a busy time for everyone, what with ushering kids to and from school in the morning and afternoon, after school clubs, homework and not to mention your own jobs and having to take care of chores around the house. With the summer here it frees up some of your time, and if they’re going away to camp it’s even better as it gets them out of the way too, so you can get down to business on your home improvement jobs!

Click And Place Tile Flooring

You could hire someone to come in and replace your floor or carpeting but many people these day are opting for the easier installed click and place tile flooring. With carpet tiles available as well, there has never been an easier way to upgrade any flooring in your house. Whether it’s wood or tile, these click and place tiles make replacing flooring an easy breeze and many find they can often redo an entire room in just a few hours. Of course if you have a friend helping you, you could redo the flooring in a house in a day or two, perfect for when the kids are out of town visiting Grandma and Grandpa or at summer camp!

Deck Builds In Time For Summer

The long weekend may be over, but there’s still plenty of time to build yourself a deck. Decks are a great way to enjoy the lazy summer sun in style, with plenty of room for friends and family to kick back, relax and chow down on some delicious barbecued food. Depending on how big, high and detailed you want the deck to be, you can easily build one with the help of a friend or relative in under a week and for only a couple hundred dollars. Decks are one of the most favoured ways to enjoy the hot summer weather with friends, and for good reason. Something about a good deck just screams summer barbecues and lazy afternoons that slowly push toward evening.

A Lick Of Paint

Everyone knows that adding a couple coats of paint, especially if it’s a new colour, can really add vibrancy and a breath of fresh air to many spaces. If you find that you only have the time or budget for a small update or upgrade this summer, make it painting. With so many colours to choose from as well as finishes and even patterns if you’re feeling brave, it’s easy to see why many people are choosing to just give their spaces a lick of paint this summer as well. Add to that the fact that painting a room, especially if you’re only doing a feature wall, can be a matter of hours. Start in the morning and be enjoying your newly painted room by that evening!

So here you have a couple of great ways you can do up your house this summer for cheaper and easier than you might expect! So get started this summer with some DIY home changes that will leave your space feeling fresh and refreshed.

Unravel the Historical Heritage of Athens At These 5 Famous Spots

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The birthplace of famous legends like Plato, Solon, Socrates and Pericles, Athens has always remained a place perfect for that perpetual quest of the people who love to feel the grandeur of Classical Greece. The city still preserves the glory of its great past in the historical monuments located in its heart.

If you are also interested in getting the glimpse of its grand olden days and are still thinking whether to surf the travel websites like Yatra to book Emirates flight tickets online in India, then we would like to introduce you to the majestic places of Athens. Go on an unravel the historical heritage of Athens at these 5 famous spots:

1. Acropolis of Athens

The “Sacred Rock,” of Athens, it is one of the most significant archeological site representing the city of Greece itself. Situated on the Acropolis hill, this ancient citadel was developed in the 5th century BCE and contains some of the most important historic building and structures such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaia. A stone theater, known as The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is also situated on the southwest slopes of the Acropolis. Each monument has its own story to tell, and it’s your chance now to choose which one fascinates you the most.

2. Daphni Monastery

Located approximately 10 kilometers from Athens, Daphni Monastery was built by the Byzantines in the 11th Century AD. Designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 1,000-year-old old building stands rose from the dilapidated temple dedicated to Apollo giving it a classical touch. Since its existence, the monastery has been destroyed many times by both men and nature.  However, a restoration drive has helped it stay alive on this golden land. As the monastery opens for a limited time, we advise you to mark it in a special place when you make your travel plan while you are still thinking to book Emirates flight tickets online in India.

3. The Temple of Olympian Zeus

Another marvel of the Greek architecture, The Temple of Olympian Zeus stands under the azure horizon symbolizing the grandeur of the past of Athens. Though its foundation stone of the temple was laid by tyrant Pisistratus, it was finally completed by Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD. One of the major highlights is the regularly spaced Corinthian columns which are capped by highly decorative Corinthian capitals carved from two massive blocks of marble. Famous as the largest temple in Greece during the Roman period the temple, it once had 104 colossal columns, and we know that you can hardly wait to behold their magnificence.

4. Ancient Agora of Athens

If you want to catch a sight of an excellent example an ancient Greek agora, then this is your perfect gateway. Holding a significant place in the ancient Athens, this was the marketplace and civic center where most of the social, political, commercial and cultural events took place and hence gives you a wonderful opportunity to examine those times. The famous monuments like the Temple of Hephaestus, Altar of the Twelve Gods, Altar of Zeus Agoraios, Strategeion and Temple of Aphrodite Urania are also a part of the Ancient Agora.

5. Plaka

Walk near the foothills of the Acropolis and enjoy the splendor of Athens’ oldest district, Plaka. With its delightful neoclassical architecture and labyrinthine streets, this place offers you a peek into the lifestyle of traditional times.  Today, it is visited by thousands of travel buffs every year, who have a keen interest in the history of Athens. And if you have decided to go there then don’t forget to visit its famous museums!

With this list, we are sure that your quest for the ancient ruins, sacred wonders, and world-famous landmarks of Athens has found its direction. And now that you have the direction then don’t bother yourself about anything, book that flight and take that historical Yatra of your life and have a lifetime experience!

Finding the Right Pet Sitter

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With summer vacation plans in the works, have you decided who will watch your furry friends while you’re away?  Be sure to find someone who will put your mind at ease. Rover.com has a few recommendations in your search.

After you’ve narrowed your list of potential pet sitters, set-up meetings to request what you need, gauge their interest, and ensure your pets & your sitter are a match!  Here are important qualities to look for in a sitter:

Trustworthy

Whether your pet sitter is coming to stay at your home or you’re dropping off your pets somewhere else, be sure you choose someone you can count on.  Do you trust this person with a key to your house?  Do you trust your pets will be safe and secure in your pet sitter’s home?  Spend the time to get related to your sitter, and trust your instincts.

Reliable and Flexible

Be clear and specific about what you are expecting from your pet sitter.  It’s okay to communicate your deal-breakers. Is timeliness and attention to detail important?  Be honest about what you need, and find out what your pet sitter is available for and willing to do.  You may also need someone who is flexible in the event that your travel schedule changes.

A Pet Lover

You want your pet sitter to love their job!  If you think you’ve found the right person, schedule a time with your pets and the sitter to make sure the feeling is mutual.  If your pet sitter loves your pets, they will go the extra mile in caring for them.

Prepared to Learn

You’ve already put in the effort to train your pets; your sitter should be ready to learn and put into practice the commands you use and the routines you have in place.  Spend time working with your pet sitter to demonstrate how you work with your pets so everyone is happy and healthy.

If you take the time, you may discover a few quality pet sitters available for your busy schedule. It’s worth the effort to find the right person for the job!

5 Ways To Make Your Travel Adventures More Enjoyable

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Traveling is exciting, but it also requires careful planning. Not taking the proper precautions could leave you in a sticky situation. Take steps to plan your vacation the right way and you’ll have a better time exploring your destination.

There are actions to take that’ll increase the amount of fun you have on your trip. It’s not recommended you travel without doing a little research and educating yourself about the area prior to departure. Do what’s in your power before you leave to ensure you have a safe and pleasant trip without any mishaps. See five ways to make your travel adventures more enjoyable.

Plan Ahead

You should always plan ahead before leaving on a big trip. Your goal is to feel prepared and equipped to handle the expedition in front of you without any uncertainties. Research the local areas and get an idea of what you want to do and where you want to eat. Book reservations early, if possible. Look at the weather prediction so you can plan your outings and clothes appropriately.

Put your Safety First

Be smart when you’re traveling. Lock up any expensive items in the safe in your room or don’t even pack them in the first place. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your purse on you at all times. Tourists are targets for crimes, so always be aware of your surroundings. Read safety tips for the specific places you’re traveling before you leave and always report any suspicious activity.

Check In Back Home

Remember the friends and family who are back home thinking about you. Write them a note and let them know how you’re doing and that you miss them. Go online and seek out postcard templates to get you started. Create custom postcards for free by choosing a theme, image and typography. Your friends and family will love that you were thinking about them and the personal touch of the post card.

Take Pictures

Capture each part of your trip with pictures. Photos are a great way to tell a story about your trip without needing to put it into words. You can never take too many photos of a vacation. Capture a bunch and then go back and delete the ones you don’t want later. This way you’re sure to get a few that you really like in the end. Upload them to an album online or print them out and create a scrapbook when you get home.

Experience the Local Culture

Walk around the town or city and talk to the locals. Eat their food and experience their culture firsthand. Read up on what activities they like to do and must-see attractions in the area. This is your chance to learn about how other people live and why they’re so proud of their city or country. Have new conversations and experiences to take with you the rest of your life.

Conclusion

Traveling to new areas is exciting. Have fun, but be smart about where you go and what you do. These are five ways to make your travel adventures more enjoyable.

Four Things to Look for in a Family-Friendly Hotel

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Going on vacation with your family is always going to be different from traveling alone, with your partner, or with a group of adults. When you take a vacation with little ones in tow, you’ll need to make sure that you find accommodation and activities that are suitable and safe for your children. Along with that, there will also be several things to consider that you may not have thought about, such as the distance from the hotel to the beach or other activity areas, whether there is a play area or children’s pool available, or even whether there’s a children’s menu at the restaurant. We’ve listed some of the main things to look out for when choosing a hotel to stay in with your family.

#1. Taxi Shuttle Service:

If you were traveling alone or with your partner, then you may have no problem getting from the airport to your hotel by using public transport or simply calling for a taxi once you arrive. However, traveling with children is different – usually, little ones will be tired after a flight or a long train ride, and you’ll want to be able to quickly get them to the hotel to relax once you arrive. Opting for a hotel that offers an airport pickup and drop-off service, such as WhiteBuffaloClub.com, is a great idea, since your taxi will be waiting and ready to take you all straight there once you arrive.

#2. Children’s Play Area:

If you’re planning to go on vacation for several weeks, then it’s important to make sure that you choose a hotel that accommodates children. Many hotels will have play areas or kids’ clubs where little ones can hang out and have some fun with other young guests. If you are taking a summer vacation, then it’s also ideal to ensure that you choose a hotel that offers a children’s pool; this will be safer for your little ones to play in and will give you more peace of mind. It’s also essential to choose a hotel that has a lifeguard on duty if a pool is one of your requirements.

#3. Knowledgeable Concierge:

When choosing a hotel, it’s a good idea to find accommodation that has a family-savvy, knowledgeable concierge who’ll be able to give you more information about local family-friendly amenities. For example, you’ll want to have somebody at the front desk who’ll be able to point you in the direction of family-friendly activities in the area, playgrounds, and even drugstores or supermarkets that you might need to visit to pick up the essentials for your little one.

#4. Family-Friendly Amenities:

Lastly, it’s important to opt for a hotel that offers a range of family-friendly amenities in the rooms. If possible, a refrigerator in your room is a good idea, since this will allow you to keep food items in stock without having to worry about going out to get them. Other amenities that you might need include cribs, microwaves, bottle warming facilities, and high chairs.

What do you look for in a family hotel? Let us know in the comments.

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