I love this week’s book club choice, The President Wears Pink by Mandana Vetto. It makes the best Valentine’s Day gift for all the girls in your life. I love the message and I think you will too…

“Sometimes it’s hard to see so many presidents that don’t look like me.”

Beginning with a simple but powerful observation, this delightful children’s book is a call to action. It empowers and affirms the boundless potential in girls everywhere while celebrating a powerful color.

At once an inspiring testament to the strength, intellect, and passion that girls of all ages bring to our communities, The President Wears Pink also provides a timeless reminder that true power and leadership are at their best when wrapped in kindness and inclusivity.

For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.

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Renovating your backyard can be a big and exciting project that can transform your outdoor space into a functional and beautiful area for you and your family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to create an inviting outdoor living space, a relaxing oasis, or a place to entertain guests, there are many factors to consider when renovating your backyard. From determining your goals and budget to choosing durable materials and focusing on functionality, there are several key steps you can take to ensure that your backyard renovation is a success. In this article, we’ll provide seven tips to help guide you through renovating your backyard and help you create the outdoor space of your dreams. 

1. Determine your goals and budget

It’s essential to determine your goals for the space and create a budget for the project. Think about how you want to use your backyard, what features are most important to you, and how much money you’re willing to spend. For instance, if you want to refresh your pool deck, you will need to find the best pool deck paint cost and include it in your budget. This will help guide your decision-making process and ensure that you have a space that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

2. Assess your space

Take a close look at your backyard to assess its current state and identify any problem areas. It’s important to look for areas that require repair, is overgrown, underutilized, or don’t meet your desired goals for the space. You can list the changes you’d like to make and prioritize them based on your budget and goals.

3. Plan your landscaping 

Landscaping is one of the most significant aspects of backyard renovation, as it can greatly impact your space’s general look and feel. Consider the plants and trees in your backyard and decide which ones you’d like to keep, remove, or replace. Think about the layout of your outdoor living spaces and how you’d like the landscaping to flow with those spaces. Finally, choose plants that are well-suited for your climate and will thrive in your backyard.

4. Invest in durable materials 

When renovating your backyard, choosing durable materials that will withstand the elements and last for many years is essential. This includes materials for your deck or patio, fencing, and outdoor furniture. Look for weather-resistant and low-maintenance materials. Consider investing in high-quality materials that may cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run by lasting longer and requiring less maintenance.

5. Focus on functionality 

Your backyard can be a useful space you can use and enjoy all year. When planning your renovation, focus on creating functional outdoor living spaces that are comfortable and inviting. Consider adding outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and pergolas to extend your living space into the great outdoors. And be sure to consider lighting and shade solutions to make your backyard comfortable even in the hottest or darkest parts of the day.

6. Create a focal point

A focal point is a visual element that draws the eye and provides a sense of purpose to your outdoor area. A focal point can make your backyard feel more cohesive and visually appealing, whether it’s a beautiful garden, a stunning water feature, or a unique piece of outdoor furniture. When creating a focal point, it’s crucial to consider the scale and placement of the element in the rest of your space. For example, a large water feature might work best as the centerpiece of a spacious backyard, while a smaller feature might be better suited for a smaller patio area. Also, consider the style and aesthetic of your backyard and choose a focal point that complements the space.  

7. Choose a color scheme 

A well-chosen color scheme can bring unity to your backyard and make it feel more like an extension of your home. When selecting a color theme, consider the existing colors in your outdoor space, such as the color of your house, fencing, and outdoor furniture. Consider the general aesthetic you’d like to achieve: a calm and relaxing oasis, a vibrant and playful entertainment area, or a traditional and timeless space. You can choose a color theme that includes a few key colors, or you can opt for a monochromatic scheme with varying shades of the same color. You can also incorporate color through landscaping by selecting plants with foliage in your chosen colors or by adding pops of color through outdoor accessories like throw pillows or cushions. You can create a cohesive and visually appealing backyard that reflects your style by choosing a color theme.

Following these seven tips, you can renovate your backyard into a space that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a backyard that you’ll enjoy for years.

There are 2 new fashion trends that are so popular right now…flare jeans and cool New Balance sneakers. Flares are popping up all over. They have replaced skinny jeans and look great in all shapes and sizes. Below are some fab options. Also, funky New Balance sneakers are the most coveted look for all ages. I have found some great options as well…Click the numbers below for more information or to purchase the items!!!

ONE//TWO//THREE//FOUR//FIVE//SIX//SEVEN//EIGHT//NINE//TEN//ELEVEN//TWELVE//THIRTEEN//

FOURTEEN//FIFTEEN

A Quick Guide To Suitable Choices

Has your business just signed up a new client? Great!

Depending on where you are based and your ethos, it may be time to send a corporate gift to your new client. This is a trend that is more commonly seen in the United States but is also seen in Europe and Australia.

However, it’s worth noting that not just any gift will do and, unsurprisingly, there is an etiquette to which gifts are better received. So, here is a short guide relating to business or corporate gifts that will really help to build those long-lasting business partnerships.

Food Gifts

Food gifts are always a hit. They can be a way to show appreciation for a job well done or to celebrate a special occasion. Gourmet food baskets, corporate chocolate gift boxes and cookies are popular choices when you are looking to cement new business relationships. You can also consider giving a gift certificate to a restaurant or a food delivery service. Food gifts can also be customized to suit the recipient’s dietary restrictions or preferences.

Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts are a great way to show appreciation and build stronger relationships with employees, clients, and partners. They are thoughtful and unique, and they demonstrate that you have taken the time to consider their individual preferences and tastes. Personalized gifts can range from custom-made items like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases to engraved jewelry, office supplies, and even tech gadgets. A personalized gift with the recipient’s name or initials can make it truly special.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are a popular choice for corporate gifts because they allow recipients to choose what they want. Gift cards can be for a variety of businesses, such as restaurants, spas, and department stores. They can also be for online retailers like Amazon, which offers a vast selection of products. Gift cards can be a practical choice, especially if you are unsure about the recipient’s preferences.

Technology Gifts

Technology gifts can be a great way to show appreciation for tech-savvy employees, clients, or partners. They can include gadgets like smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, or headphones. Other technology gifts can be customized flash drives, phone chargers, or tablet stands. Technology gifts can be a bit pricey, but they can be an excellent investment in building stronger business relationships.

Office Gifts

Office gifts can be practical and useful gifts for employees, clients, or partners. They can include items such as desk accessories, coffee mugs, or tote bags. Personalized office gifts like pens, journals, or business card holders can be a thoughtful way to show appreciation when you have a new client. Also another benefit of sending such gifts is that office gifts can be customized with the company’s logo or colors, or even your company’s logo or colors, which can also help promote your brand.

Experience Gifts

Experience gifts are a unique way to show appreciation and build stronger relationships. They can be anything from tickets to a sporting event, a concert, or a spa day. Experience gifts can be a way to encourage employees, clients, or partners to take a break and enjoy themselves. They can also help build memories that last a lifetime. So, if you want to get to know your new clients, then why not join them during this experience gift? 

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Nobody wants to think about it, but financial emergencies can happen to anyone. If you’re not prepared, they can quickly spiral out of control and cause a lot of damage. Before that happens, read on for some tips on how to avoid a financial emergency and stay on top of your finances!

1) Make a budget and stick to it

Creating and sticking to a budget is one of the best ways to avoid a financial emergency. With a budget, you’re able to determine how much money you have coming in as well as what expenses you need to cover. This way, you won’t be spending more than what you can afford.

The best way to get started when making a budget is by calculating your total income and dividing it into categories such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food, entertainment, and savings. Once you have all of this information laid out before you, then it’ll be easier for you to decide how much money should go into each category based on what’s most important for your finances.

It’s also wise to leave yourself some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected expenses or emergencies that may come up. Utilize this additional money wisely and don’t use it on unnecessary items or activities that could put you further over budget. In addition, try not to tempt yourself with too many “luxury items” that are unnecessary for day-to-day living.

2) Don’t fall behind on bills and payments

Another way to avoid a financial emergency is by making sure that all of your bills and payments are up-to-date. Falling behind on any kind of payment can lead to additional fees, interest, or even worse — debt. It’s best to be proactive when it comes to paying your bills, so make sure that you’re always keeping an eye out for due dates and create reminders for yourself if needed.

If you find yourself falling behind on payments, don’t panic! Contact the company as soon as possible to discuss available options such as deferment or reduced rates. Additionally, if you need help with budgeting or managing money more effectively, consider talking with a financial planner, who can help you find ways to keep up with your payments and stay on track.

3) Get a lawyer if debt collectors come calling

If you’re already in the midst of a financial emergency, and debt collectors are coming after you, it’s best to get a lawyer. Debt collectors tend to be very aggressive in their pursuit of payments, so having legal representation can help protect your rights and ensure that any agreement made is fair. It could also help to have a slip and fall attorney if you’re ever injured at work or in a public place so you can be sure you’ll have someone fighting the good fight for you while you’re working on recovering.

No one ever plans for an unexpected financial emergency, so by following these tips you’ll hopefully be able to avoid them in the future. Keep a close eye on your finances, create and stick to a budget, don’t fall behind on payments, and cut back on expenses whenever possible. Doing this will ensure that you’re in a much better position to handle any financial surprises that come your way.