Men's LifeStyle Blog

Summer brings with it the promise of so many new things, including new home décor. It is the perfect time to update your décor and because summer activities imply that you will be spending a lot of your time indoors and outdoors, you have plenty of excuses to decorate. Though time-consuming, physically taxing, and mentally exhausting at times, redecorating your home for summer is one of those little joys that every homeowner should relish.

With a little creativity on your part, it is entirely possible to make some big changes to your interior and exterior decor with limited resources. The key to a successful summer makeover is the use of light fabrics, bright colors, as well as adding touches of beach-inspired décor here and there.

You can easily update your home with just a few accessories or you can alternatively go big, especially if your budget allows it. Best of all, most summer décor can be stored away when the next season rolls in, which will help to keep your décor fresh when summer returns once more. If you are looking for fun ways to decorate a summer home, then here are some things that can help:

Deck it out

Do you have an outdoor cozy space? There is so much you can do to your deck for summer. For instance, adding a fire pit on your deck can help you create a super cozy vibe for those summer nights that you would like to spend in the open air.

To channel a coastal feel, go for neutral colors, modern lines, and top the look off with graphic or eye-catching throw pillows. Consider opting for rattan furniture as well as adding plenty of greenery. If the space calls for it, you can also incorporate some interesting games that will work well outdoors such as a pool table or a quality ping pong table. You should also consider getting a few affordable paddles (great buying guide here).

Pick a color scheme

Picking a color scheme that you can work with throughout the house will make your space cohesive and it will make it so much easier for you to find knick-knacks that fit with the theme so that you can integrate them in your space with ease.

When looking for a color scheme, go for bright colors such as pink or aqua as they will help you add a punch of color to your décor. Throughout the process, select accessories that fit into the color scheme that you have chosen.

Transform your bedroom into a retreat

There are some inexpensive things that you can do to bring a beachy summer look into your bedroom. One thing that you can do is add a new duvet color that brings out the beach vibes that you are going for. Look for duvets with light fabrics and cotton so that you can have comfortable bedding when the weather starts to really heat up.

Duvets with beach-inspired patterns and colors such as blue and aqua are always great when you are decorating for summer. To break the monotony of the beach style, try and add fun art pieces such as this personalized custom star map from Twinkle in Time of the day that you purchased your home. Better still, place several maps symbolizing various special family moments all through the house.

Brighten your bathroom for summer

An affordable and straightforward way to brighten your bathroom up for summer is to add a summer-inspired shower curtain. When cleaned, dried and stored properly, you can rotate shower curtains to suit every season so that you can switch up the mood of your bathroom naturally. For an extra touch of summer décor magic, try and include a set of seasonal towels that match your shower curtain.

Stowaway certain items

Whenever you are stumped for summer décor ideas, try and think of your home as a vacation rental, which will allow you to approach the décor process differently. Open all your windows, as well as your curtains and get rid of any gloomy or fussy pieces. Put your heavy accessories away in storage until it is time to change things up for the fall weather.

Summer weather presents the perfect opportunity for you to declutter and Hygge your décor up. Sleek lines and decluttered rooms are always a great choice for the living room as well as the kitchen area. The Danish-inspired concept of Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) encourages relaxation, luxury, and comfort above all else.

Add summer flowers

Whether you are going to get some pretty blooms from your yard or your local farm stand or grocer, flowers will naturally help your summer décor to come alive. Seasonal arrangements such as peonies, dahlias, and sunflowers can help you create the summer feel that you are going for with your décor.

Place them in vases, jars, vintage bottles and bowl and place them all over the house. Add a rustic touch to your deck by placing some arrangements in a bucket or metallic watering can. You can also plant some in baskets or reclaimed wooden planters to decorate your balcony or front porch. To up the ante, you can also DIY a door wreath with an array of your favorite summer flowers.

Add some greenery in your kitchen

Is your garden overflowing with green herbs and plants? Why not use some to create a fragrant centerpiece or two for your kitchen? Mix up the textures and shapes of the herbs and shrubs and add a touch of color with edible flowers and colorful blossoms. Place your arrangement in a vase, pitcher or jar and place it somewhere central where they can be appreciated by everyone.

Final Thoughts

Ah, summer! The season means lots of barbecues and patriotic celebrations, as well as hours upon hours of lounging idly in the warm sun. But is your home ready? For the sort of entertaining that summer calls for, you will need to create a set up that encourages a relaxing and easy-going atmosphere.

As the long summer days wind down into balmy nights, ease the transition from day to night by adding twinkling candles and fairy lights.

Spruce up your home for summer with these decorating tips and touches.

Interviewing for a job can be a nerve-wracking process. You want to make sure you’re prepared professionally, and that you’re ready to handle anything that may come up during your interview. A great place to start is with your wardrobe. For men, this can be an intimidating topic to think about. But the truth of the matter is, what you wear and how you present yourself will be the first things that your interviewer notices about you. Jacques Poujade, a Managing Partner at LendPlus in California, knows how intimidating the interview process can be, and how important it is to dress for success. He’s sharing some of his men’s style tips for job interviews.

Jacques, what is your professional background?

I’ve worked in financial services for more than three decades. During that time, I’ve had many interviews and held many roles. I started out getting my Bachelor’s Degree in commerce from Concordia University, Loyola Campus, before getting my Master’s Degree in finance from McGill University. Now, I’m a Managing Partner at LendPlus.

Tell us about your work now.

It’s my life’s work to make lending solutions accessible for everyone. I believe every person and family deserves to have access to helpful and alternative mortgage solutions, because everyone deserves to achieve the American Dream, by financing their home. It can be a daunting process that seems inaccessible to many, but I’m here to tell you it’s possible, with the right lender.

What are some of your style tips for job interviews?

You want to look sharp and put together. I always say the simpler the better. Leave your crazy tie at home that day. Of course, you can show your personality through your clothing. But as someone who has attended a lot of interviews, and who now interviews a lot of people, I feel that neat and simple clothing says a lot. I always prefer to stick with neutral colors, such as black, white, tan, and brown. Dark blues can also be a safe bet. Basically, you want to only attract attention for how sharp you look. Other than that, your outfit shouldn’t be something the interviewer notices.

How can men make sure they look presentable?

The little things go a long way. Iron your shirt and pants, even if you usually don’t. Make sure your hair and nails are trim and neat, you don’t want to have shaggy bed-head when you show up for your interview. Take steps to straighten your teeth (see these Invisalign before and after) Make sure your beard is taken care of, no matter how long it is. And matching socks are a must.

How can people learn more about you?

I’m always sharing information I think will help people in various industries. I was recently featured in an article where I recommended some cryptocurrency wallets. plus, I’m always sharing information on my blog. It’s really my life’s work to help people find success with their lending solutions, but also in whatever industry they work in.

If you are thinking about going on your next holiday and you want to try something adventurous, you should think about hiring a yacht to discover an exciting location in Southeast Asia. Indeed, if you want to enjoy an exhilarating experience using one of the finest available yachts as well as feel relaxed in a fantastic natural location, then you should think about taking your next holiday in Southeast Asia. For more information about how to go about the process of hiring a yacht for your next holiday, you should think about consulting an online business directory that can provide you with the details of a number of hire companies across the region. However, you should also be aware that sailing can bring you a number of new experiences as well as several health benefits. If you are looking to enjoy an exhilarating holiday where you can improve your stamina and cardiovascular health, you should think about chartering a yacht to explore this beautiful part of the world.

·        Physically challenging holiday

·        Improve your health

·        Learn new skills

·        Explore the region

1.            Enjoy a physically challenging experience

If you want a physically challenging experience when you are enjoying your next holiday, you should think about sailing around Southeast Asia. Indeed, given the physical nature of sailing, your body will get a fantastic workout as you will have to manage the various aspects of sailing a yacht. This is especially pertinent if you want to improve your cardiovascular health while you should also be aware that sailing can help to improve your mental state as you enjoy this fantastic experience.

2.            Improve your mental state

In addition, you should be aware that taking your next holiday on a yacht can provide you with a fantastic way to relax. If you want to find some of the best yachts across Southeast Asia, you should think about searching for a company such as Yacht Sourcing. This is especially pertinent if you want to hire a particular size of yacht or if you want to accommodate a specific number of people.

3.            Gain new skills

Furthermore, it is important to remember that as part of the crew, you will be responsible for working collaboratively with the rest of the team as well as the captain. Indeed, you will need to develop your level of attentiveness as well as use simple communication skills to make sure the yacht is controlled correctly. Sailing requires a number of people to work together while certain skills are also required to make sure the yacht is sailed correctly.

4.            Explore the region

Lastly, you should be aware that by hiring a yacht you can explore parts of the region that are inaccessible to a large number of tourists. Indeed, if you want the freedom to explore the beautiful scenery of Southeast Asia, then you should think about hiring a yacht for your next holiday.

Therefore, in conclusion, if you are looking to enjoy a sailing holiday, then you should think about sailing in Southeast Asia as you can enjoy a physically challenging experience, while you can gain new skills as well as become more relaxed.

Lorina has now written a book, titled “Miracles of Faith,” that goes into the details of her family’s journey through the medical and legal systems and how their faith saw them through it all. She’s currently writing a second book, a continuation of the first, which will consist of her journey towards healing and advocating for legislative changes. Her first book is available directly through the publishing company, Westbow Press, A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan.

Tragedies are happening all over the country that can be prevented.  In Michigan parents lost custody of their 6-week-old son after a doctor observed marks on the baby’s abdomen and reported them as “diagnostic of physical abuse.” The children were returned to their parents by a judge after hearing evidence that the lesions were likely caused by the straps of a baby swing.

 After adopting a child in Wisconsin, that child was removed from her pediatrician parents when confusion between bruises and birthmarks arose.  Not only was the child removed from the home, but their careers were impacted as well. Even though a multitude of physicians testified with evidence exonerating the two pediatricians, child welfare services ignored all the exculpatory reports. One doctor even said, “Honestly, this all seems quite preposterous.”

These are just a few of the stories shared with NBC News and the Houston Chronicle by more than 300 families from 38 states, following a yearlong investigation focusing on the plight of parents accused of child abuse based on inaccurate reports by doctors. The never-ending flood of parents in these predicaments – all over the United States – demonstrates the need for second and third opinions when it comes to suspected abuse.

One story that wasn’t included in the television program was that of Lorina Troy. Shortly after moving from California to Texas, she had their second son, JJ. And, she had no idea that just a few months later, she and her spouse would lose custody of both of their children. 

When JJ was born, nobody knew the newborn had a birth-related injury.  That’s because none of the doctors Lorina saw were up front with her about it. They didn’t spend enough time or effort on an ultrasound near the end of the pregnancy which had shown JJ’s head to be two weeks larger than normal. Even after his birth, Lorina was never told that her son’s head was larger than it should have been. After noticing that it continued to grow, Lorina became concerned, but not alarmed. 

However, when JJ started vomiting a lot, he was diagnosed with a stomach virus. His mother was told to keep him hydrated and bring him home to rest. However, the vomiting didn’t stop. At the local urgent care facility, they said the same thing.  Then came the hospital. Everyone came up with the same diagnosis – a stomach bug – even though his head continued to swell with each visit.  

Eventually, after begging for help for her child, Lorina finally got the doctors to agree do an MRI of her son. It showed that there was a build-up of fluid in her son’s brain. Because, in some cases this can be a sign of head trauma, the doctors assumed the worst, accusing Lorina’s family of child abuse. Her request for a second opinion was denied on site. Begging the doctors for help, Lorina said, “I told him, my son has never been hurt in any way, could this be anything else? And he told me, yes, but since he’s a baby and can’t talk, we are just going to go with abuse and walked away.” As a result of a misdiagnosis, Lorina’s children were taken from her and placed in foster care.  This was time she could never get back.

Shortly after, the children’s father was charged with two felony counts of child abuse, carrying a sentence of between five and 99 years. He immediately lost his high-paying job. The couple searched for a lawyer to take the case. And in the end, in order to get her children back, all because of a doctor’s mistake, her family lost over $80,000 in fees, medical expenses, and lost wages.

Over the following two years, JJ was seen by numerous doctors but continued to be misdiagnosed. Eventually, a doctor in Maryland discovered JJ had Benign External Hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the cranium, causing an enlarged head among other symptoms like vomiting, seizures, and breathing difficulties. It can be present at birth and is the result of genetic abnormalities, problems with fetal development, or complications at birth. With the new diagnosis, the charges against Jason were dropped.

The Troy children were only in foster care for about 5 months. But in many of the cases investigated by NBC News and the Houston Chronicle, parents are still separated from their children; some due to the case working its way through the system and some due to a termination of parental rights. In all the cases, the outcome was due to a misdiagnosis of child abuse.

Finding ways to earn passive income is a big dream for many people. Being able to bring in extra cash with minimal effort can be a transformative financial tool, and help you achieve and even surpass your financial goals. There are many avenues you can pursue to earn a passive income, including real estate. We wanted to talk to an expert about the secrets of earning passive income from real estate. Michael Andrew Lauchlan is a Las Vegas rental property investor who knows the tricks of the trade, and he’s sharing some of his secrets.

Michael, why do you think rental properties are a worthwhile investment?

In general, buying rental properties is an excellent way to get into real estate investing. If you choose your property wisely, it shouldn’t be long before it generates a positive cash flow for you. After that, you have a reliable source of passive income, which can give you the financial freedom you’ve been looking for. And the great thing is, almost anyone can jump into the world of rental property ownership, which I think is amazing. But before you do jump in, there are definitely some things you want to be aware of.

What are some of your tricks when it comes to buying rental properties?

You want to make sure you have a good idea of your budget before you begin this process. Make sure your finances are in order, and you can afford unforeseen circumstances, such as long-term vacancies or big repair jobs. Aside from finances, when you’re picking a property, you want to make sure it doesn’t need too much work. Cosmetic work and minor repairs are fine undertakings, but any more than that, and you may be getting in over your head.

What should people specifically look for when picking a rental property?

Aside from the property itself, you want to take a look at the neighborhood as a whole. How long are rental units sitting on the market, what is the average rental unit price? That will give you a good idea of how to price your own property, and if you’ll be able to even fill your space at all. Other indicators of success include the job market in the area, what the school system is like, and neighborhood features, like if there’s a community center or a park nearby. All of those things can be big selling points for your rental unit.

Related: Top 25 Tips for Selling a Rental Property From the Pros

What are some things to watch out for when it comes to rental properties?

If you have an easy tenant, and your rental property is in great shape, it can mostly be a passive way to earn money. The trouble can come when you have a difficult tenant, or if your space needs a constant flow of repairs. Also, it can be really helpful to have a few extra skills in your toolset. What I mean is, if you’re able to fix that leaky faucet yourself, you’ll really help offset your costs.

Any advice for first-time rental property investors?

Pick a property that won’t financially drain you. It’s better to pick a safer option, which will end up yielding you slim yet positive results, than to pick a bigger project which ends up just costing you money. If you find success with your first project, then you’ll have a better idea of how to work on more complicated properties.