4 Benefits of Buying a Fixer-Upper

 

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Searching for a new home can be stressful. You want a place that's close to work, schools, and easy for your parents to visit when they want. But, it’s often tricky to tick all of these boxes, especially with newer homes or properties in up-and-coming areas. Still, you shouldn’t panic just yet, because there is another option. A fixer-upper could be a great way to get the home of your dreams, so consider why so many people are testing their skills by transforming an old house. 

A Cheaper Price 

No matter where you are in the world, buying a house seems unachievable for a generation of people wanting to settle down, get on the property ladder, and start a family. A fixer-upper could be the answer to this. With less competition, you won't need to pay as much as you would for a new property. 


Of course, there;’s a reason it’s so cheap. There could be extensive repair work inside, and you may need to pay more in the long run. However, if you have the skills and the patience (and are not in a hurry to move in right now) this may not matter. 

A Clean Slate 

With many homes opting for replicas of the one beside them, you may feel stuck into a specific home style, and while this can be convenient, it also may not work for you. You might have specific needs or ideas about how to transform your home to make it perfect, and a fixer-upper provides a clean slate to achieve this. 


This clean slate includes doors, floors, and even getting the windows in top condition and cleaned with guaranteed satisfaction to bring in plenty of light. With a fixer-upper, you can do whatever you want and design a house that is perfect for you


A Controlled Quality 

The clean slate also allows you to control the quality of everything, from materials to appliances to furniture and accessories that will make your new home cozy once you’re settled in. 


As you expect to do some work on the house yourself, you can look for the best deals and find specific fabrics, metals, and styles that suit you. You’re also not restricted by contracts with the builders, so you can find a company that works best for you and your budget. 

A Feeling of Accomplishment

Do not be under any illusion that fixing up your home will be a walk in the park. It will take plenty of hard work and stress. But, when you’re finished with your DIY adventure, you will feel something that people who buy their homes will never understand. 


A feeling of accomplishment will make all the sweat and long days so much more worth it, and that first night in your fully finished (and furnished) property could be the best night of your life so far. 

Fixed Up 

Buying a fixer-upper can be a significant risk, but it can also be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. If you have the time, patience, and skills, your project could be the start of something special. So, while it may not look good right now, imagine how this will change once your journey is complete.


How Clear Aligners Have the Edge Over Braces

 


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Clear aligners are taking the world of orthodontics by storm at the moment, and — if anything — they only seem likely to continue to grow in popularity as time goes on.

Traditional wire braces have been the standard orthodontic on offer, every time anyone has wanted straight teeth in the past. But wire braces can be uncomfortable and visually unappealing, and even come with certain serious risks for overall dental health if they’re not applied and monitored carefully.

Here are just a few reasons why clear aligners have the edge over braces.

By being all but invisible on a day-to-day basis

One of the big selling points of clear aligners is the fact that as you wear them and go about your day-to-day life during your treatment, they are all but invisible to the naked eye.

In fact, it would often take someone staring into your mouth intently for a while in order to notice that you were wearing them at all.

Traditional wire braces, on the other hand, are immediately visually recognisable. Some people don’t mind the way they look and don’t feel discouraged from wearing them for that reason, but many other people do.

Due to their being essentially invisible, clear aligners are a great option for anyone who is potentially self-conscious about the appearance of their mouth. They are also a good option for adults who might feel that braces convey a childish look so, having looked up things like the Invisalign cost, have decided to save for this type of treatment as an alternative. The look of traditional braces ends up being the factor that prevents those individuals from getting their teeth straightened at all.


By allowing you to avoid any food restrictions — as you take out the aligners to eat and drink

One of the banes of traditional wire braces is that they end up quite seriously limiting the foods that their wearers are allowed to eat during treatment. Certain foods can end up damaging the braces, or are likely to get stuck and cause tooth decay or other issues.

Since braces are fitted “permanently” and don’t come off for the duration of treatment, this could mean that you might go for a couple of years without being able to eat some of your favourite foods.

Clear aligners, on the other hand, are taken out every time you eat or brush your teeth — and they are quick, easy and painless to remove.

These Marlborough dentists add that clear aligners help maintain overall oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Since they are removable, you can also use floss and mouthwash more effectively, reaching areas that traditional braces might obstruct. This ensures that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout the treatment process, reducing the risk of long-term issues like gum disease or plaque buildup.

As long as you remember to take them out when eating (this is extremely important), you can eat or drink whatever you want.

By allowing for better and easier cleaning of teeth

Many sets of teeth have ended up becoming badly damaged due to tooth decay that occurred while wearing traditional braces.

In some cases, this is because the braces weren’t being properly monitored by the orthodontist. In other cases, it’s because the patient wasn’t able to consistently clean their teeth properly while wearing the braces — as cleaning your teeth while wearing braces is significantly more tricky.

Clear aligners, on the other hand, are far less likely to lead to tooth decay and other dental issues. You simply take out the aligners and clean your teeth as you normally would, twice a day. Far less stressful. Just remember not to eat or drink anything other than water without taking the aligners out.


How to Get Your Children to Start Exercising

 Kids are more likely to be physically active than adults. They are more active than adults because they have a lot of energy, they don't have many responsibilities, plus kids naturally like to stay physically active compared to adults. While children tend to stay active during school thanks to recess and physical education, it’s important that outside of school, a child stays active as well.


You want your kids to stay physically active. Parents want to do this because physical activities help in bone and muscle development. They can also play a positive role in improving mental health. However, physical activity is not restricted to just playing sports. If your child is interested in dancing, you can send them to a top dance school in Singapore. Dancing is a physically exhausting activity that can help them with growth and development. It is also an exceptional skill to pick up.


When you start exercising with your kids, it can be a very enjoyable experience for both of you. You'll be able to bond over physical activity, and your children will get in shape and learn how important physical activity is for their health. Many people find that exercising with their kids is a great way to start getting them involved in healthy habits from an early age. These healthy habits can last a lifetime, and it helps push your child into knowing and understanding the importance of these habits.

While the idea itself of getting your child physically active seems easy, it’s also something that you don’t want to force or push on too heavy. As this can risk them only losing more interest in staying physically active. So these are some ways to get your child to exercise, whether it’s with you or alone.

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What Are Some Great Ways to Get Kids To Exercise?

Your family could be making health mistakes right now, and none of you could notice it. One of the more common mistakes a family makes is the lack of physical activity, i.e. exercise. Some of the ways that parents can encourage their kids to exercise are by making it a family activity, going on walks together, and taking part in outdoor activities.

 It is important for parents to create a routine for their children and make sure that they are doing something every day. It is also important for them to make sure that their children have fun when exercising. The key is finding what works best for your family and sticking with it.

Different Ways to Help Kids Stay Motivated through Exercising

While making exercise a family activity is great, it can be hard to push your child into feeling the motivation to do that, let alone other forms of physical activity. So what are some of the best ways to keep your kid motivated to exercise? It doesn’t hurt to think outside the box! One of the more popular ways to get a child active is through video games. 

While video games are known for getting kids to sit and be glued to the couch nonstop, some games were made for the sole purpose of staying active. This can include games that were meant to be used for working out (such as Wii Fit), boxing video games, and even dancing video games such as Dance Dance Revolution.

While video games can be one of the more unique ways to get your little one to exercise, it’s not the only way either. Another way is by doing a variety of physical activities that they enjoy. And one more way would be by listening to music and having fun at work while trying to work out. One of the best ways to get kids motivated would be to have them participate in an activity they are passionate about. For example, if a kid loves football, then it would be easier for him or her to stay motivated and to play it. You can even top it all off by giving your child some sportswear singlets to wear for exercising as well. Overall, when it comes to children, you just have to think outside the box to get them to feel motivated.

Do Exercise Programs Work?

The phrase “exercise program” can be quite flexible as it has different meanings. For some, it may be something such as a camp or retreat, and for others, it may be just workout classes or a sports team. In general, exercise programs can be a great way to push your child to stay active while also getting them to be social. This can include a sports team, dance classes, karate classes, and so much more. Just talk to your child to see what they may like.

What Age Can Children Start Doing Certain Exercise-Related Activities?

While it all depends on a child's age, it’s best to try to get them hooked on exercise/ physical activity at a young age. Small children, especially toddlers absolutely love to run. So why not encourage some running? While different physical-related activities all depend on the age of your little one, you can usually just use your intuition on what may be age-appropriate. For instance, it’s age-appropriate for a 6-year-old to ride a bike or roller skate, and it’s age-appropriate for a 13-year-old to try out skateboarding. 


Healthy Ways to Start Taking Better Care of your Mind and Body

 If you want to start taking better care of yourself, then you are already taking a very positive step towards a healthier lifestyle. If you aren’t quite sure what changes you need to make or if you want to try and get the biggest results in the shortest period of time, then this guide will help.

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Get Outside

Believe it or not, ditching the comfort of your own home is the best way for you to improve your physical and mental health. Spending time outside is great as it benefits the brain. Research has also shown that by looking at pictures of nature, you can then spark some positive activity in the brain.  If you cannot leave the house because you have work or anything else of the sort, then simply change your desktop screensaver to something more naturistic. If you can do this, then you will soon find that you can feel the stress melt away.

Pay it Forward

If you can do your bit to help others, then you may find that you can also help yourself. If you can lend a hand, then this will boost your mental health and it will also help you to live a much longer life. If you are making other people happy, this can encourage you to be happier too. Volunteering is also a very good way for you to boost your self-confidence, your self-esteem and also your wellbeing in general.

Breathe in Good Scents

Breathing techniques are ideal if you want to relax. That being said, you have to remember that what you are breathing is just as important as how you breathe it in. Scientists have often talked about the benefits that come with aromatherapy, not to mention that orange in particular can help you to eliminate stress and anxiety. Sniffing rosemary can also boost memory in some people. It’s important to know that scent is somewhat subjective and what soothes one person may not do so with another. Finding your favorite aroma and then having them on-hand, whether it is through a candle or whether it is through an infuser, can help you to create the best environment to unwind. If you want, you can even check out the products at CBDistillery.

Be Mindful

If you can take the time to try and focus on what is happening right now without judgement, then this will help you to feel much more liberated. This is known as mindfulness, and it has become essential over recent years. The main reason for this is because of technology. Tech has made it so we can work from anywhere and be constantly accessible. Although this is a good thing, you have to think about the toll that it is having on your body. If you want to do something about this, then you need to try and shut yourself off from it all. You also need to focus on how accessible you are making yourself while also putting yourself first where possible. If you can do things like this, it will work in your favor.

Visit your doctors

Regular health checkups play a vital role in preventive care, helping to detect and address potential health concerns early. Routine screenings can catch issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or certain cancers in their initial stages, making treatment more effective. These visits also provide an opportunity to stay up to date on vaccinations, discuss healthy lifestyle choices, and receive tailored advice for maintaining optimal well-being. If you check out this dentist in Saratoga Springs NY, they'll tell you that by prioritizing regular medical appointments, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your health and prevent the development of chronic conditions.

10 Tried And Tested Ways to Improve Your Child’s Health

 10 Tried And Tested Ways to Improve Your Child’s Health 


Many of us are fortunate to live in a country that has access to the best medical service for children but most of the kid’s growth into an adult will always happen away from the doctor’s office. This is why parents must identify ways to improve their kid’s wellness through easy and natural ways for healthy living. Here are a few ways that will help you and your child gain health and wellness. 

  1.  Catch the sunshine

An important essential for the child’s healthy bone and development of the immune system, Vitamin D can shape your child’s overall health. But many adults and kids suffer from a deficiency of vitamins. A major source of the vitamin lies in the sun rays and you should ensure that your child does not spend all the waking hours scooped inside the home. Spend at least 10 to 20 minutes under the direct sunlight every day to give the child all the vitamins they need. You must encourage exposure to the sun before 10 am and after 4 pm so that it is not too hot for them. 

2.  Get the right diet 

It is highly recommended that adults and kids consume at least two fish servings in a week but many consume less than that. Now this means you are missing the essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from your diet. They are important for the cell turnover and healthy development of the child. You must try to add a couple of fish servings to the child’s diet every week to ensure optimal health

3.  Allow them to be themselves 

Leave the sports aside and take your child to a park. Children are always energetic and they love to exercise. Simply give them the right framework and they will naturally participate. Avoid giving them a lot of structure or asking them to stick to a particular time and format. Let them be and you will see how much they enjoy in the park. 

4.  Get closer to nature

The easiest way to connect with nature is to plant a small garden and children will benefit from it. When you plant a garden, they learn to love the veggies since they have worked hard for it and they get dirty. It is important that children interact with the soil, dust, and dirt to enjoy a solid immune system.

5.  Work with the good bacteria

There are good bacteria present in the human body and it helps with nutrient absorption and healthy digestion. However, there are many kids who struggle with tummy aches because their digestive system is not working efficiently. You must ensure that your kids have enough probiotics to allow the good bacteria to grow.

6.  Focus on oral health


If you ignore the oral health of your child, they will have several problems in their body. Ensure that your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day. Winter Family Dental, the top dentists in Arvada co recommend that you take your child for an oral check-up every six months. This will help ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy and free of cavities. 

7. Enjoy the bath time

The bath time means a lot of fun and it is also a good chance to bond with your little one. But many parents are not aware of the fact that it is also a time to enhance their health. You can add a little amount of Epsom salt to the bathwater to calm the itchy skin. It also helps ensure a restful sleep at night.

8. Eat the greens and beans

Introduce veggies and beans to your child’s diet at a young age so they do not fuss about it when they are older. It is important to have the right proteins and fibers in the body. Consider replacing the chicken with beans for a couple of days in the week. Avoid sugary snacks and try to eat a well-balanced healthy meal regularly. 

9. Jog

Many children suffer from chronic constipation and it could become a headache for parents. You can use stool softeners and medicines but you should consider natural remedies first. Take your child outdoors to jump, play and jog and then drink water. Constipation will manage itself once they exercise regularly. 

10.  Sleep well

Nothing is more important for kids than sleep. However, many children do not get enough sleep and they become cranky the next morning. Consider co-sleeping if you and your partner are comfortable with it.  If you check out this dentist in Decatur TX, they'll tell you that poor dental health, such as untreated cavities or grinding, can also disrupt sleep, so regular dental checkups are essential for ensuring restful nights

There is no need to spend a lot of money to boost your little one’s health. Simply make these small but significant lifestyle changes and you will notice an improvement in your child’s health, development, and overall wellbeing. 


The Psychological Approach To Better Parenting

 If you are keen to be the best parent you can possibly be, there are a lot of things that you might want to bear in mind. One of the most essential areas that you will probably want to focus on is your own psychology, for this affects everything else that you are going to do in your parenting efforts. The good news is that it is also something that you can easily work on and improve, and as long as you do that you are going to find that your parenting skills improve greatly in general.


In this post, we are going to discuss how to improve your mindsets and work on your emotions as a parent, with a view to improving your parenting too. You’ll find that all of the following is incredibly useful, so it’s certainly something you are going to want to think about.


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Understand Your Parenting Style


First of all, it might be helpful to look at parenting styles. Everyone has their own way of parenting, and it’s possible that you do it in quite a distinct and different way to those around you, or even to your partner. This is okay, but it is something that you will want to understand as thoroughly as possible. Understanding your parenting style means looking at how you approach issues of control and behavior with your kids, so that is something to look into first and foremost.


Once you can see your own style in process, you can then work out whether you might be doing things differently or whether it’s possible that you need to change any elements within it. That could prove to be a really important thing that you are going to want to focus on.



Positive Parenting


A concept that might be helpful in all this too is that of positive parenting. This is a broad term that simply refers to a manner in which you can approach parenting which will enable you to produce the most positive effects for your children, and it’s something that is going to prove to be really useful and fruitful if you approach it in the right manner. For one thing, it means knowing how to develop your children healthily and in a mature way, and that in particular can be really good for them and for you. Find out more about positive parenting and you should be able to find it really helps you out.



Focusing On Safety In The Right Way


A lot of parents struggle with focusing on safety in the proper manner, which means that they either look at it too hard or they don’t look at it enough. You really need to try and strike a balance here, otherwise there is a good chance that you might end up causing a lot of trouble for your children in particular. Focusing on safety is something that you are going to want to think about in order to ensure that they are kept safe in general, of course, so it is nonetheless vital that you are doing this as best as you can.


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On one end of the scale, you have the extreme of never thinking about their safety much. You might then accidentally feed them with formula that is known to cause harm in babies, for instance - and you can read a guide to baby formula lawsuits to help you out here - and this can cause them trouble and harm. On the other end of the scale, if you are overprotective, then you might be harming them psychologically in other ways later on in life. So as we saw, getting a balance between these two things is really important if you are going to be able to raise your children right.



Becoming A Behavior Expert


In one way or another, you need to make sure that you are becoming an expert in your child’s behavior, and this might actually be easier than you think to achieve. Actually it is just what happens when you are a parent, and it’s something that you can easily prepare for and achieve if you are keen to make sure that you are doing so, so that is something to bear in mind. The more you understand their behavior, the better you can act in helping them to be happy and healthy throughout life, so it’s important that you are thinking about this.



All in all, these pointers will help you to be a better parent in no time.


Fun Crafts You Can Explore With Kids At Home

 Are you spending your day with your kids at home? If so, then you might want to explore and plan some activities that you can enjoy together. There are lots of options worth considering here so let’s look at a few to ensure that you have a great time with your little ones, even if you are stuck in doors. 


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Clothing Design 


First, you should think about designing clothing with your kids. This is a great way to get them to think creatively and ensure that they have something that they can use or enjoy. There’s no limit on the type of clothing that you can create if you have the right materials and equipment. For instance, you can use holographic vinyl to add wonderful designs to any item of clothing from t-shirt to jackets. If you’re not sure how to begin with this possibility, then you’ll find some great guides online.

Wood Work


Next, you should explore woodwork options. This is something that you can explore if you have older children as it might be too tricky for younger kids. You might think that this is going to mean investing in a lot of equipment and items but it doesn’t have to. You just need to get some wood to work with. You could also think about exploring upcycling ideas. This will allow you to create items from old pieces of wooden furniture and accessories that you probably have lying around the home. Again, there are some great YouTube guides for woodworking with kids at home. 


Painting 


You might also want to think about painting with your kids. This could be an activity such as repainting a room or you might want to let them get creative with arts. If you are interested in letting your kids stretch their artistic muscle, then you should make sure that you get a blank piece of paper or a blank sheet from a home depot store. You can spread this out over the floor and just let them go a little wild. You might want to explore possibilities such as finger and hand painting as long as you don’t mind cleaning them up afterwards. 


Homemade Playdough 


Finally, kids love playdough. It allows them to get creative and design anything that they can imagine. Whether that’s pretending to make food in a restaurant or styling an egg. You can buy playdough, but why not think about creating your own instead? This in itself can be a fun activity to explore with your kids. All you need to create your own playdough is flour and salt as well as a little time. You can also use food colouring to create play dough in a wide variety of different colours. It’s a little messy but a fantastic option for time with the kids. 


We hope this helps you see that there are some great ways that you can spend time with your kids when you are stuck at home. Whether you want to get messy or just chill, we’re sure you’ll have a great time.


Finally, foster care kids love playdough. It allows them to get creative and design anything that they can imagine. Whether that’s pretending to make food in a restaurant or styling an egg. You can buy playdough, but why not think about creating your own instead? This in itself can be a fun activity to explore with your kids. All you need to create your own playdough is flour and salt as well as a little time. You can also use food colouring to create play dough in a wide variety of different colours. It’s a little messy but a fantastic option for time with the kids. 



Solar Panels: The What, Where And Why

Solar Panels: The What, Where And Why


Home solar panels are fast becoming a hugely popular choice for energy generation across the country, and

in addition to its green benefits, it also comes with great money-saving capabilities! If you’ve been in any

doubt as to whether or not you should join this movement, here are a few reasons why you should.  

The beauty of sunlight is that it cannot be worn out, and is your first frontline ally in achieving a lifestyle

of environmental conscientiousness and financial savings. Taken over an average of several years, the

benefits of solar are undeniable. Still need that final push to get things going? Here’s why you should go

for it. 

Do solar panels cost a lot?

Prices can range a lot, from individual components to a full installation. But an even more pressing

consideration is - what are the consequences of not opting for solar? The sun is renewable and free - at

least for the next few million years - so through consistent use and constant creation of renewable energy,

you might even find yourself returning usable power to the grid, in exchange for kickbacks and benefits!

If I use a solar power company near me, can they do the full installation?

Remember that a solar system is about much more than just the panels. The best call is to run what you

have in mind past a few installation companies, to see what their solutions might be, and how they can

help you. When you finally decide and say I found the best solar companies near me to run , make sure

that they are able to deliver all the services you need in their installation. A company worth their salt

should be able to advise you on whether your roof will be able to handle the installation in its current

state, or whether you will need to do any roof alterations before attempting to add any additional weight

to the structure. 

Another vital component is an inverter, as without that, your system is unlikely to work, as it is necessary

to generate an alternating current suitable for home use from the direct current that a solar system generates. 

Batteries to store the additional energy will also be useful to help you store backup energy in the event of

heavy weather when the solar system might not work as well as intended. 

The flip side of the deal

Everything has its pros and cons, and solar energy is no exception. While it is easy to get excited about the

plusses, you will also need to consider the other side, which most often comes down to the huge cost of

installation. While this cost will eventually be offset through savings over time, the initial outlay can be

intimidating. 

Another factor to consider is that you need to find an installer near you who can deliver the goods in a

legal and industry-compliant way. Taking short cuts can lead to greater repair costs being incurred further

down the line. 


Why Should Government Leaders Prioritize Environmental Issues?

 You might not hear many leaders solving environmental issues as the center of their political campaigns. It can even go the other way where some aspiring politicians use it as a wedge issue to divide their constituents. It’s easier to shrug this problem off and see it as a non-issue. However, the truth is environmental issues must be a priority. Here’s why. 




We only have one world

Sure, many scientists are looking into the possibility of exploring space and finding a new planet for humans to live in. While it’s within the realm of possibility, it’s a long shot. Besides, it also costs a lot to make it happen. If that amount goes into the rehabilitation of this planet, it would have been easier to solve global warming. Scientists warned us that we only have a few years left to change the situation, or we won’t have the world as we see it now. Hence, there’s no doubt that it must be a priority. If you agree, consider service providers in scrap metal Kansas City for trash disposal issues at home. You don’t have to go through the process alone if you let these people help you. 


We can start feeling the effects now

Some people might say climate change isn’t true. Even if it is, it could take a while before seeing its impact. People in cold places also believe it’s untrue since it’s cold where they live. Global warming affects us in many ways. Storms are more intense, and flooding is heavier. Earthquakes occur more often in many places. Forest fires and drought have led to the distraction of lives and properties. The problem is here, and action is necessary now. 


It's cost-effective

It’s also easy to argue that solving global warming is expensive, and the government has a limited budget. However, the truth is, the cost of its impact is way higher. Hence, we should start acting now. These natural disasters brought by global warming cost the government a lot, and we can’t afford to keep it going. It's like dealing with trash at home. Working with experts in scrap metal Kansas City might be costly, but it’s a great option. It’s easier to deal with trash with their help. 


It's a winning message

Sure, there are skeptics about using the environment as a primary platform. It’s not the “sexiest” political message. But, the truth is it’s easy to connect this topic with other issues out there. From the economy to jobs, the environment is at the center. Hence, prioritizing it is a winning message. It's just sad that not everyone sees it that way.

For these reasons, politicians have to prioritize climate-related issues. The problems might seem impossible to overcome, but we can get there. We need more leaders who understand the urgency. Politicians can shape our future because they can craft and enact laws. We have to organize and have more leaders who can drive us in the right direction. It’s never too late to do something now. 

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9 Terrific Ways to Celebrate their Retirement

9 Terrific Ways to Celebrate their Retirement

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Retirement is such a big life change, it should be celebrated properly. Help the retiree in your life commemorate this

great achievement with a new tradition, a getaway or even something that pushes their comfort zone. Now that their

punching-the-time-clock days are over, guide them into a greater, even more fulfilling mindset with these nine terrific

ways to celebrate. 

Create a Career Memento Collection.
Now that the retiree has the time, why not map out a strategic road map to all of the places they’ve worked? Take along a camera and scope out every place they’ve punched a clock to make the all mighty dollar. If they lived out of state, make it a road trip with the idea of collecting thoughts, ideas, dreams and goals for the future. And of course, memories in the form of written text and photos to compile in an album that will mark their new beginning.

Focus on Health.
Now that time is theirs for the taking, the greatest currency they have is their health. Help the retiree with changes they can make in their life to put health at the top of their priority list. Entering a 5K (even if they walk), joining the spin class at the YMCA, and even looking up recipes for eating healthier can be motivation enough to change for the better. Being consistent in these changes is key, so be sure you are there for support and encouragement.

Build a Gift Basket.
Receiving a gift basket is always fun and goes a long way in expressing admiration and appreciation. Building one yourself for the retiree in your life gives you agency over what will go inside. So ask yourself, what are their favorite things? Their favorite places? Their goals for the future? Fill the basket with items like health products, motivational books, travel ideas, gourmet snacks, and egift cards that can be purchased from any one of thousands of retailers nationwide. They will delight in the thought and care that went into making it.

Plant a Tree.
Chances are good that if the retiree had planted a tree on their first day of work, today it would be standing tall and proud. Now that they’ve entered into this new phase of life, accompany them to the garden center, choose a tree that will do well in your area, and help them plant it in their yard or other location. It will require nurturing, which in turn will give them a new sense of purpose and responsibility.

Redecorate the Home Office.
Just because they won’t be ‘working’ anymore, doesn’t mean that their home office can’t go to good use. It all depends on their focus, of course! Are they planning on consulting part time? Maybe they would like room for crafting, indoor gardening or meditating. Ask them how they envision the room and then work together to refashion it into a place that best represents where they are in life now.

Do Something Unconventional.
At the end of a person’s life, what they most regret are the things they haven’t done. This bucket list might include adrenaline-rush opportunities like skydiving, ziplining or learning to ride a motorcycle. Or, it might be a bit more mellow like learning to cook French cuisine or reading the top 100 books of all time. Ask them to write down a few things they’ve always wanted to do but never have, and support them in their mission to accomplish them.

Go Permanent.
Many people never see retirement. They may see retirement age, but are unable to truly retire due to various reasons. Celebrate your loved one’s retirement by purchasing a piece of jewelry or even getting a tattoo that commemorates and affirms their mantra for success. This might be Chinese letters, their spirit animal or a phrase they uttered to themselves when times got tough.

Give Back.
Chances are good that after a long, successful career, the retiree has much wisdom that can be given back to the community. Encourage them to teach a class, start a YouTube channel, create an informational TicTok account, whatever fits their personality and gets them inspired.
Start a Tradition.

People celebrate all kinds of days – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, so why not turn retirement day into a brand new day to celebrate annually? Specifically take that day to cross something off the bucket list, go out to dinner or commemorate it quietly. Either way, it will be a yearly reminder for the retiree that life is short but also sweet.The retiree in your life deserves special treatment after a long, fruitful career. While gifts are always nice, think about how you can help them