May 26, 2022

What Are the Best Window Blinds for Your Bedroom in Toronto?


Summary: Are you looking for high-quality blinds for your bedroom in Toronto? Discover the most popular types such as zebra blinds, fabric roller blinds, Venetian blinds, and Roman blinds. Then choose the kind that best fits your needs. 







Your bedroom is your refuge. It’s where you rest and refresh your body and mind. And window treatments can play a key role in determining its function and style. 



Blinds sourced from top blinds brands in Toronto such as Hunter Douglas and Maxxmar enhance your bedroom’s visual appeal, comfort and solitude. 



But what type of blinds should you choose? In this post, we explore the most popular types of window blinds that are perfect for your bedroom. 



Let’s take a look. 



Choose the Best Bedroom Window Blinds in Toronto 



Here are the most popular types of window blinds that are perfect for your bedroom. 



Zebra Blinds 



These window coverings mix solid and sheer fabrics to create a darker room or a brighter sunlit space. When the sheer fabric overlaps, the natural light comes in, and when solid fabric lies on top, it is blocked. In other words, these coverings can quickly transition from being closed to open. 



Zebra blinds function in a similar way to roller blinds. Both manual and motorized options are available for your Toronto home. 



Their light-filtering capacity and chic design are perfect for bedrooms. All you need is to leave them open to have light in the room; just scroll them down when you want privacy. You can also lift them into the valance to get an unobstructed view from outside. 



These window blinds are available in diverse colours, designs, and fabrics. Based on your personal choice, you may either choose bold and bright colours or go for neutral hues. 



Fabric Roller Blinds



These blinds are available in a wide range of textures, colours, and styles. You may also have them custom-made using the fabric you like. 



For light control and privacy, select roller blinds with blackout fabrics. Choose double roller blinds if you want absolute privacy at night and light dispersal during the day. 



Venetian Blinds



These stylish and slatted window coverings are not as dark as roller blinds made from blackout fabrics. Indeed, Venetian blinds allow you to make adjustments in the slats as per your lighting needs. 



They are made from tough materials such as vinyl, metal, and wood. Their louvers or slats may be tilted open and closed with cords running through the blind’s length. 



One unique feature is that they may be adjusted in order to let in natural light during the day and closed for maximum privacy at night. They look attractive and are available in a variety of designs and colours in order to match well with any bedroom decor. 



Roman Blinds



The unique mechanism for these blinds stacks the fabric neatly in folds when this covering is raised. When pulled down, it has a similar look as that of a roller blind, but some of its fabric may be folded or bundled near the bottom. This brings a comfortable and casual vibe to the bedroom. 



Roman blinds are one of the best options for bedrooms because they have a special blackout lining in order to make them opaque. This helps to block unwanted light that would otherwise disturb your sleep or privacy on a lazy morning. Plus, their exclusive design enhances the look and feel of your bedroom. 




For most homeowners, their bedroom is their comfort zone. It’s where you relax and enjoy a good night's sleep. For others, it’s their home office. No matter its purpose, your window coverings, furniture and lighting play a vital role in building its overall ambience. Now you know what types of blinds are suitable for your bedroom. If you want to learn more about window blinds and blinds brands in Toronto, contact a leading window blinds store now. 





Sources:



https://www.momjunction.com/articles/best-blinds-for-bedroom_00697680/



https://www.blindstogo.com/en/inspiration/room/bedroom



https://www.windowblindsdirect.ca/blog/sleep-easy-best-blinds-and-shades-for-your-bedroom/



https://www.centurianwindowfashions.com/5-impressive-bedroom-blinds-ideas/#:~:text=Their%20sleek%20design%20and%20ability,no%20obstructions%20from%20the%20window.



https://www.zebrablinds.com/blog/best-window-shades-for-bedrooms/



https://www.lifestyleblinds.com/blog/bedroom-blinds/



https://www.gotchacovered.com/blog/2019/june/how-to-pick-the-best-window-treatments-for-each-/



https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-blinds/



https://www.factorydirectblinds.com/blogs/articles/a-buyer-s-guide-to-choosing-the-best-blinds-for-your-bedroom



How to Help Your Child Make Friends After the Move

 

two young girls in dresses holding hands

By now, you are certainly aware of the detailed and difficult process that is moving your entire household. And according to the experts, long-distance moving is two times more difficult than local moving. You had to take care of many tasks such as hiring movers, decluttering your home, getting moving supplies, packing, and many others. But after doing all of these things, you and your family still have the job of settling into your new home and neighborhood. In the first stages, your children might need your help getting used to the new environment. No matter how old they are, they will be leaving behind the security of friends and family, so finding a new support network is crucial. The best way to help them do so is to introduce them to the people that live there. So, in this article, we are going to cover some of the best ways to help your child make friends in your new hometown. 



Children and long-distance moving


You might be well aware that the adjustment of your children to a new home and neighborhood might not be an easy task. That is why it is essential to first make them feel settled and familiar with the new house. You can prepare your home for children by first setting up the kids’ room. Seeing their favorite toys and other belongings will make them feel more at home.



Man next to a moving truck
A long-distance move can be hard for your child.



In the same way, you were preparing for your long-distance move by carefully choosing a moving company with the best recommendations to handle all the tasks, you should carefully enter the process of adjusting. When your moving company has finished unloading your belongings from the moving truck and unpacking them at your home, there are still going to be many things left to do. A great way to reduce the stress after the move is to get your child involved in the process of arranging a new home. So, you do not have to do it all alone. Your child will probably be happy to be involved in the process and will therefore feel like they are a part of this new chapter in your family’s life.



Ways to help your child make friends in the new neighborhood


Once your child feels comfortable and safe at your new family home, it is time to get familiar with the neighborhood. Luckily, there is a variety of things you can do to help your children with this, but also to have some fun and make friends yourself. You may start with some of the things from this list if they seem appealing to you:

  • Get to know your neighbors – the best way to help your child make friends is to make some yourself

  • Throw a party – a housewarming party that will have a theme appealing to children is a good idea

  • Research activities for children – sports and other activities are a great way for your child to meet new people

  • Let your pet make friends for you – having a pet makes it easier to bond with other animal lovers



Getting to know your neighbors


One of the best ways to help your child make friends after the move is to make some friends yourself. It is common for people to come to introduce themselves to new neighbors, but why not be the one to make the first step? You could be the one to introduce yourselves. A good idea can be baking cupcakes with your child and then offering them to some neighbors. There might be a lot of people who have children among your neighbors. If you befriend them, your children may become friends with their children. Then it would be easier to schedule playdates or do fun activities with the other family.



A family with children lying on the grass with their eyes closed
Get to know your neighbors – they might have children who can become friends with your children


Throwing a housewarming party


Another great way to introduce yourselves to new people is to throw a housewarming party for your neighbors. A good idea would be to make the theme around something that is appealing to children. There are many great ways to spruce up the party. For example, put on the invitation that children are free to dress up as a favorite cartoon character. You can also make decorations for the party together with your child that revolve around the theme.



Sign your kids up for an activity


According to the experts from Here & Now Movers, many towns have their own sports centers where kids can indulge in their favorite sports activities. Visit your community’s website and find out what the upcoming events are. Ask your child if he or she would like to be a part of a sports team that plays their favorite sport. Team sports are a great way for your child to meet peers and make new friends. If your child is not that into sports, there are always many alternatives like dancing lessons, drawing classes, and others. Talk with your child and decide together where they would feel the most comfortable.



Sports activities can help your child make friends
Signing them up for activities is a great way to help your child make friends.


Let your pet make friends for you


If you have a dog, making friends with other dog lovers would be a piece of cake. You and your child can take the family pet for a walk in the park. There will certainly be other people with dogs there, and maybe some parents with children who also love animals. You can let your child talk to those children, or if they are shy, you can approach the parent and start having a conversation. 



Additional advice


Some children make friends easier than others. Sometimes you only have to set the stage for them to meet people, like throwing a housewarming party. On the other hand, many children – especially school-age children can be shy and will need your help. The best way to help your child make friends is always setting an example for them. You are a figure that they look up to and will want to follow in your footsteps. If you are open and welcoming to other people, your child may be encouraged to act more in the same way. That is when all of your additional efforts will pay off.



Photos used


https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-girls-wearing-dress-while-holding-hands-3662817/


https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-blue-t-shirt-and-black-pants-standing-beside-white-van-7464643/


https://www.pexels.com/photo/cute-family-picture-160994/


https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-group-of-kids-playing-football-at-the-field-8813512/







May 24, 2022

Considering a Tummy Tuck This Summer – Here’s What You Should Know

Swimsuit season is approaching, which means many of us are thinking about how to get in shape and look summer-ready. Experts say that a healthy diet combined with exercise is the best way to get a flat tummy, but as anyone who’s struggled with stubborn fat knows, there are times when the pudge just won’t budge.



Could surgery be the solution?



Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is one of the most sought-after plastic surgeries. The procedure involves removing excess, and often stubborn, fat and/or loose skin from the abdominal area and reshaping the underlying muscle tissue for a more aesthetically pleasing and toned look. 



Image:pexels.com


Who Is a Suitable Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?



The best candidates for a traditional tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) are healthy men and women who have lost a lot of weight but are left with excess, flabby skin in the midsection. Another group of candidates includes men and women who have some excess fat and skin below the navel. This can be addressed with a mini tummy tuck, which focuses on tightening and flattening the skin below the belly button.



Tummy tuck isn’t really the best solution if you have a lot of excess fat that you need to get rid of. However, you may qualify for a tummy tuck combined with liposuction for maximum sculpting results.



Who Is Tummy Tuck Not Suitable For?



Tummy tuck is not a suitable procedure for everyone. Cases where a tummy tuck is not recommended include: 

  • Patients with BMI over 30 (your doctor may recommend that you lose weight by dieting first, or have liposuction) 

  • Patients with chronic diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes

  • Prior abdominal surgeries

  • You’re planning to get pregnant (in this case it would be better to wait until you’ve had a baby)



Why Thailand is an Affordable Option for Tummy Tuck Surgery



Thailand is an international hub for cosmetic surgery, and for a good reason. Thai cosmetic surgeons are highly trained and have an excellent reputation. The country also has several international standard medical hospitals with excellent facilities and cutting-edge technology. Yet, prices are extremely affordable compared to most Western countries, which makes the country an extremely attractive destination for medical tourism.



It’s also worth keeping in mind that full recovery from your surgery is going to take a while. Luckily, Thailand is a very affordable holiday destination, which means you can easily enjoy a couple of weeks’ holiday and have an incredible time on a relatively modest budget while you’re healing.



How Much is a Tummy Tuck in Thailand? 



The price of tummy tuck surgery can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, but overall tummy tuck prices in Thailand are very affordable. Prices generally range from $3000-$3500 for a mini tummy tuck to $4,000-$5000 for a full abdominoplasty. On average, Thai prices are at least 30-40% cheaper compared to similar procedures in US hospitals. A tummy tuck may also be combined with liposuction for maximum fat removal and body contouring results. The price of a tummy tuck with liposuction is approximately $5000-$6000.





May 20, 2022

How to Break Free From a Codependent Relationship

 

Codependency is complex, and it is difficult to describe in a single sentence. Put simply, codependency is a term used to describe a specific relationship dynamic where one person’s well-being relies on the approval of others. 



Many different types of relationships can be considered codependent. You could be in a codependent relationship with a child, a parent, a close friend, or, most commonly, an intimate partner. Regardless of the type of relationship, codependency will cause you to struggle to prioritize your own personal needs. Instead, you will put the other person’s needs ahead of your own–even when doing so means sacrificing your personal success or happiness.



Image:pexels.com


Codependency most often occurs in relationships where one person is struggling with addiction. Codependency and addiction are closely related because people often feel responsible for taking care of their addicted loved ones or shielding them from consequences. Of course, loving an addict isn’t easy, but it doesn’t mean your well-being has to come second.



If you are in a codependent relationship with someone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, the best thing you can do for both yourself and your loved one is to begin taking steps to break free from codependency. Here’s how you can do it.


1. Dig Deep to Conduct a Personal Emotional and Moral Inventory


The first step towards any kind of healing is taking an honest look at yourself. Examine your behaviors, pinpoint things you do that enable your loved one’s addiction, and ask yourself why you feel responsible for someone else’s actions that you know you cannot control. In order to break free from codependency, you must understand your own codependent behaviors, where they come from, and how they serve you. 



Many people engage in codependent behaviors because they have pure intentions–-they want to keep their addicted loved ones safe from harm. However, this “protector” role often becomes toxic, forcing you to sacrifice your own happiness and emotional security for someone else’s well-being. 



Consider making a list of enabling or codependent behaviors as well as a counter-list that provides examples of ways you can stop enabling your loved one’s addiction.


2. Address Past Trauma in Your Life


Now that you are more self-aware of your emotional state, motivations, and unhealthy behaviors, it’s time to address past trauma that may prevent you from healing. Many people who struggle with codependency come from families with trauma or codependent dynamics. Perhaps you were raised in a home where you always felt as though you had to please everyone else but yourself. Or, maybe you were raised in an abusive or neglectful household that required you to put other people’s needs ahead of your own. Either way, codependency is often a delayed response to early traumatic experiences.



Working with a trusted therapist can help you identify and work through past trauma. You may have to face some painful feelings or scary memories, but doing so will be well worth it. Overcoming trauma will allow you to recognize your true worth so you can begin to put an end to codependent behaviors.


3. Practice Small Acts of Self-Care


One major characteristic of codependency is a lack of self-care. Because you are so busy taking care of your addicted loved one, you may neglect or minimize your personal needs. 



Putting yourself first isn’t always easy–especially if you are used to coming second. That’s why you should start by practicing small acts of self-care. Go buy that new purse you’ve been eyeing to treat yourself to something nice. Or, start taking a short walk outside every morning for your mental health. You may even fill up the bath with bubbles, epsom salt, and essential oils to relax your body at the end of the day before you get to bed. There are many small ways you can show yourself some well-deserved love and compassion.


4. Shift From Negative Thinking to Positive Affirmations


Breaking free from codependency is more about you than it is about them. It’s about learning to love yourself and understand that you are worthy of love, affection, and compassion. While small acts of self-care are a great way to work toward self-love, another powerful tool is positive affirmations.



Codependency often goes hand-in-hand with negative thought processes (sometimes called “stinking thinking”). Unfortunately, it can be difficult to move away from stinking thinking if you are used to thinking this way. Affirmations are one of the best places to start.



Affirmations are phrases you repeat to yourself until you believe them. Examples include:



  • “I am confident”

  • “I am beautiful”

  • “I am worthy”

  • “I am grateful for ____.”



Affirmations start with the words “I am” and use the present tense. Repeat them out loud each day for at least 5 minutes. While this practice can feel cheesy at first, you will begin to hold these statements as truths. From there, your self-love can grow.


5. Set and Enforce Healthy Boundaries


Boundaries are a key feature that codependent relationships do not have. Boundaries are also the final step to breaking free from codependency. As a result, it’s vital that you set and enforce healthy boundaries with your addicted loved one.



Reflect back upon your emotional and moral inventory. What actions does your loved one take, or ask you to take, that you simply do not feel comfortable with or that you have identified as unhealthy? Pick one or two things and decide where you draw the line. For example, if your loved one is always asking you to call in sick to work for them, explain to them that you will no longer do so or tolerate being asked to do so. Enforce this boundary by sticking to your commitment. Don’t let guilt get the best of you. 



When you set boundaries and stop enabling, your loved one will have to face the brunt of his or her consequences head-first. You are no longer there to shield them from consequences, so they must experience how painful their addiction has become. Only then will your loved one realize they have a serious problem that requires professional help.


Things to Remember


Healing from codependency isn’t an overnight feat. It is an ongoing process that may involve some trial and error. It’s important that you don’t give up, continue practicing self-care, and remember that self-care is not selfish–it is crucial for your well-being.



Watching a loved one struggle with addiction can be heartbreaking, but it doesn’t have to destroy your life, too. Start taking these steps today to break free from your codependent relationship.







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