Health and fitness are a key component in today’s busy lifestyle. Good fitness helps you to reduce stress and have the energy you need to get everything done you need to do. The problem is that it’s also easy to get stale in your workouts, or if you’ve never worked out before, you may not know where to start. These strategies will help you start and maintain a fitness program so you not only get the results you want, you will also get the body you want.1. Train in Different WaysThere are three areas that are a must for getting in shape and staying in shape without injury: cardio, muscle training and stretching. Cardio helps you burn fat. Muscle training helps you to create the shape you want and build muscle, which burns more fat. Stretching keeps your muscles limber and prevents injury. Make sure you include all three elements in your fitness routine.2. Mix Up Your RoutinesDoing the same routine day in and day not only increases your chances of getting injured because you may get lazy or sloppy about how you do it; it also leads to plateaus, which aren’t good especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Different workouts help you to avoid injury by training different muscles and making them stronger. It also keeps you from getting bored or hitting a plateau. Change your workouts about every six to eight weeks for best results.3. Do Different Workouts According to SeasonIf you live in a cold climate, you risk serious injury especially if you have to deal with snow and ice. This may be the time to buy fitness DVDs and workout indoors. You don’t have to give up your favorite walk though. There are many DVDs available to make it fun.4. Always Stretch After Your WorkoutsIt’s a bad idea to stretch before your workouts when your muscles are cold from inactivity. You want to gradually warm your muscles by doing your activity slowly at first and then move to full speed after a few minutes. Once you’ve completed your workout, then stretch your muscles well so they are nice and limber.5. Exercise to MusicUnless you are doing fitness DVDs, your normal routine may get boring. Listening to music can help you avoid boredom and inspire you in your workouts. It’s also a great way to increase your speed if you listen to music that has more beats per minute than you are used to. Choose music you like and then change it out regularly so you don’t get tired of listening to the same thing.6. Record Your WorkoutsYou want to keep a record of your workouts because this will help you keep track of your progress, especially if you are just starting out. It’s also a great way to show you where you need to improve as well as keep you inspired and avoid plateaus.7. Make Fitness a PriorityIf you want to get fit and stay fit then it’s important to stick with it. It takes about 30 days for anything to become a habit and about one year for it to become a lifestyle. Keep working out because eventually you won’t have to think about doing it. You will simply do it, and you’ll stay healthy and stress free.
Dubai Property Law and freehold: Overview:Prior to 1999 Non-GCC expatriates resident in Dubai were only permitted to rent or own property under UAE federal law approved 99-year leasehold interests.In 2002 – the Dubai government announced that it would permit expatriates to own freehold property in selected projects – and instantly created the Dubai international property sector.Earlier projects had been commenced by the Dubai Government owned or part owned Emaar and Nakheel Properties.Emaar started with Dubai Marina in 1999 – and later with the Emirates Living Community projects – Emirates Hills, The Meadows, The Springs, The Lakes, and The Views – which were initially offered on a leasehold basis – and subsequently on a freehold basis.In May 2002 – Dubai’s then Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – signed a decree permitting foreigner investors including local residents – to buy and own freehold property in selected projects – and the Dubai property sector rapidly grew in size and importance immediately after this.Nakheel concurrently launched the Palm Jumeirah – as a freehold project – and all previously developed leasehold property was automatically converted to freehold.The new 2002 freehold policy – and the decision by the major government owned master developers – to subdivide master plots into individual sub plots for sale to other developers opened the market to new entrants such as:Damac Properties,
Dubai Properties,
Mizen,
ETA Star Properties,
Union Property.Although the freehold liberalization policy was announced in 1999 – it was not officially incorporated into the law until the 14th of March 2006 – when the Dubai government issued a law authorizing foreign ownership of property in designated project areas of DubaiWith the freehold property law in effect – any property purchased by a foreigner is listed under his or her name for life – and this enables the property to be registered with the Dubai Government Lands Department.The owner then has full rights over the use and possession of the property including the right to sell, lease or rent it.Registration of property including off plan units: Law no 14:Law no 14 came into effect in Dubai in October 2008 – and requires all off-plan units to be registered with Dubai Lands Department – which will make the Dubai real estate market a safer place for home purchasers and investors – and responds to past complaints from investors – especially off-plan investors.The new law also establishes a mandatory procedure applicable to any developer seeking to terminate a sale and purchase contract.The new property law requires that the sale of all off-plan properties be fully registered with the Land Department before they can be resold.This will have a natural slowing effect on the rate at which any property can be subject to speculation – and be flipped and resold.The registration information must include:the name of the purchaser and the vendor;
the value of the property;
the location of the property;
any relevant mortgage or payment plan details;
the payment history and fees paid and chargeable.Any sale that is not registered will be considered void – and therefore unenforceable in any court of law.An interim registration law came into effect on August 31 2008 – providing that any ownership change of off-plan properties in Dubai will be invalid if not registered in RERA’s Interim Register.Upon registration – all registered sales are then officially recorded in the Land Department Register.Sale transactions executed before the law came into effect are not exempted – and must be registered within 60 days of the laws enactment.The law will also prevent unscrupulous developers and agents charging transfer fees – although they will still be able to charge administration fees which will be capped – and only payable upon the Land Department’s registration of the sale.So bad news for speculators – as the registration procedure will slow down the market – but good news for home owners and long term property investors who will have a well protected title under a Torrens registration system similar to that in place in Australia.The new mortgage law:The new mortgage law – which came into effect on October 30 2008 – states that mortgages will be invalid if not registered at the Dubai Land Department or the new Interim Real Estate Register – and it sets out all procedures concerning a mortgage and its legal effects on the parties to it.It also includes execution procedures for the mortgaged property – and prescribed proper conduct between the bank and the borrower.The mortgage law is designed to provide greater regulation within the Dubai property market to protect buyers.Under law 14 a mortgage may only be offered by a registered financial institution – like a bank or finance company – and the mortgage is required to be fully insured.Each mortgage has to be registered with the Land Department – the details required for registration being:the amount of the mortgage;
the value of the property being mortgaged;
the name of the person to whom the money has been lent;
and the repayment period and terms.
Real Estate Regulatory Authority [RERA]:Reforms of Dubai’s real estate sector’s regulations started in July 2007, when a Real Estate Regulatory Authority [RERA] was established in Dubai to set policies and to create awareness of rights and responsibilities in the property sector.The Strata Law:The Strata Law was issued and came into effect on March 31, 2008. It defines the responsibility of property owners and developers in the management of common areas in multi-owner developments, like gated communities and apartment buildings.Dubai Property Court:A new specialist Dubai Property Court was established in September 2008 – solely to adjudicate over property disputes.It is likely to reduce the workload of RERA – which since it’s formation – has been swamped by property cases – including many for developer project delays and noncompliance with the property developer’s original description.In summary the new Dubai property laws introduce a regulatory system in respect of the Dubai property market that in many respects now offers superior consumer protection to Dubai property purchasers to that offered by many western jurisdictions.A detailed summary of the new laws may be obtained from [http://www.2dayDubai.com/dubai-property-investment.html].
Tips On Making Money OnlineThe internet has brought about a million different ways through which a person can earn money in a few simple steps. Unlike yester years, whereby a person had to go through many hard phases to acquire his dream job, today a person need not stay in the house sending a hundred job application letters daily, when they have access to the internet. The best ways to make money online are literally inexhaustible. A person can choose to follow their line of career or just choose to start all afresh in a new fresh line of thought for making money online. The online world has no boundaries and a person should not feel cut off in doing any of the things that they like.- Article Writing: Article writing or content writing, is one of the most lucrative ways, through which a person can earn a respectable amount every day. Numerous websites need article writers or web content writers. The owners either to sell or to fill a website page use these articles. A person who has a website and wants to add on some materials will not go far or strain their head and thoughts, but they will simply order for some articles to a professional content writer. Given the number of websites coming every day, and those that already exist, this is a job opportunity for many people who can put a continuous string of thoughts in writing.- Marketing: A person could have a small amount of cash invested or whatever the amount they are able to afford, and can easily log into major websites acting as a worldwide marketplace like Amazon, eBay etc. A person can simply buy an item online from a reliable seller, say a manufacturer; then such a person goes to these websites, one of them being eBay and auctions their item. People will bid on how much they are going to buy the item and of course, the best bidder wins. This is one of the coolest ways to make money online based on the fact that a person will be doing all this in the comfort of the couch.- Survey Jobs: Majority of the companies are going global. This means that these companies will be looking for ways to monitor their growth or will be looking for ways to establish whether certain markets are viable for the introduction of their products or services. It is for this reason those companies’ commission market surveys in different parts of the world. A person can also enter into paid emailing agreements with such companies, where a person is required to send marketing emails to as many people as possible. A person can make money fast online through this easy way in just no time.- Blogging: Blogging is another effective way through which a person can earn a good income from the internet. It is becoming one of the best ways to make money online because a person does not need to own a website in order to profit from blogging. Just put up a blog and let people put ads on the blog; which they pay for. Moreover, blogging acts an advantage to your content writing profession, because of the rapid exposure and fame, which it brings on being a successful blogger.
Whether you’re in the market for a major interior overhaul or you’re simply looking to give your home a quick and easy update, chances are you’ve spent some time online hunting for ideas and inspiration. That said, it can be pretty deflating to stumble upon a look you love only to discover the price to achieve it is well above your budget.
Fortunately, there are some killer home decorating blogs that show you how to refresh, revive, and fall in love with your home anew without breaking the bank. For a home that looks far more expensive than it costs to create, check out the following blogs for all of the interior inspiration and DIY tutorials you’ll ever need.
Welcome back to the week 5 update for the One Room Challenge. Check out the blog posts and updates for week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4 if you missed them. It’s crunch time now and I’ll be honest… I don’t know that this project will be completely wrapped up for the reveal date. The great thing is the reveal and hitting a deadline is not the only goal of reason for this challenge. Ultimately having a fully functional and hopefully beautiful bathroom is where we want to end up even it things are a bit delayed.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.
When we left off last time the countertops had been templated, the trim was freshly painted and the hardware had been ordered. The hardware took about 1 week to arrive. We chose the Menlo Park 4″ pull from Schlub in chrome because I think the pull has the perfect mix of square and some rounded elements that make it a great transitional hardware option. We went with all pulls for the drawers and doors since the knob option in that line weren’t our favorite.
Guest Bathroom Reno: Quartz Countertops and Grout – One Room Challenge Week 5
The quartz countertops are now installed and things can be put back together. Rectangle, undercount sinks were also purchased through the fabricator. The Marble look quartz from Pental and it is gorgeous with the warm gray veins running throughout. For the edge went for a flat polish eased edge for a clean, simple look.
Guest Bathroom Reno: Quartz Countertops and Grout – One Room Challenge Week 5
Two days after the quartz countertops were installed the tile installer came back to finish up tiling the niches, installing the tile base and grout everything.
Guest Bathroom Reno: Quartz Countertops and Grout – One Room Challenge Week 5
The electoral is being relocated for the new lights. There are some drywall and painting touch ups to do and plumbing fixtures to be hooked up. Plus adding all the finishing touches ???? All those little things like towel hooks, curtain rod, and accessories will bring this whole thing together.
It’s been too long since I’ve updated and even longer since this work has been started. This is me sharing remodel updates, mostly for myself (but also for my nagging family members). I’m sharing photos of the progress that has been made while also document the craziness that has gone on. This is just the beginning of the remodel.
Prior to moving in I had 3-4 weeks where my apartment lease overlapped with the possession of my townhome. This allowed me, with the amazing help of my family, to paint, tear-out carpet and somewhat put back together the upstairs portion of my place so that I could have a clean room to put a bed. At least one that wasn’t completely torn apart. One area that felt more livable that the rest. If you haven’t seen or don’t remember these are the before photos from when I took possession. To list it out here are the main things that I was tacking during those week prior to me moving in.
Phase 1 Remodel Projects
ripping out baseboard, carpet and tack strips upstairs and preparing for new hard surface flooring. (this flooring will go throughout minus the stairs and bathrooms/laundry)
installing flooring upstairs (one of my installers did this)
mostly gutting the master bathroom
installing a new tub and rough in plumbing for the master and powder bath
ordering and installing a rift white oak vanity for the master
Painting (and priming where needed) the ceilings and walls of the bedrooms. Caulking and painting the crown molding in the master
replacing and upgrading the baseboard heater in the master and patch the drywall
painting the hallway and down through the stairwell
adding skirt board to the stairs
installing new carpet and pad on the stairs (my carpet installer from work did this)
removing upper cabinets on the fridge side in the kitchen
partially demoing the wall diving the kitchen (prepare to move switches, outlets, heater and thermostat)
removing drywall on wall next to bar in dining area
painting the downstairs powder bath and removing vanity to prepare for a new floating vanity
Those were the main projects that took place and then I moved in the day after Thanksgiving. Getting rid of the original, nasty cat carpet and new flooring made a huge difference to the upstairs. Also neutralizing and lightening the paint made things feel so much more fresh. I still have no baseboards but I’ll get on that one day! For now here are some photos that I snapped along the way.
It’s been a while since been posting on here but I have some new updates and projects that I have been working on. Last summer into fall I was house hunting while knowing the lease on my apartment would be expiring end of the 2019. It felt a little crazy but was a fun process for me. After a bunch of searching I found and closed on a new home!
I was lucky enough to have a few weeks of overlap with my apartment (I ended up moving out 1 month early) so I was able to get started on projects and updates prior to moving in. I’ll share more about those in the coming weeks (there are still so many unfinished things!) but for now I think it’s best to start with some before photos. Also, follow along on Instagram where I post current project updates more often. The pictures show it in the state I bought it in. It’s a great first place to me and was functional as-is but as you might expect I’m here to make things my own by doing updates that I will enjoy while living here and that will also add value and functionality to the space down the line when I sell… or maybe even keep it as a rental. My dog, Nova, has been enjoying the space as well ???? There are a couple of things to miss about my Bothell apartment but I am very ready to have my own place and space.
In 2017 the guest bathroom was remodeled. You can see more photos and read about that here. Almost everything came out and all new things went back in. From emails and comments people have been asking for sources so I have rounded up what I could in this post to share paint colors, products and links that I could find for the bathroom.
Bathroom Sources and Details:
Wall color: BM Balboa Mist
Trim and door color: BM Chantilly Lace
Floor Tile: Pental Mark Chrome 12×24 matte
Shower tile: Jeffrey Court Weather Gray 4×12 gloss subway
Niche tile: Daltile clio mosaic
Bathtub: Maax Rubix tub
Cabinet: Spencer Cabinets – painted BM Cape May Cobblestone
Countertop: Pental Quartz Misterio polished 3cm
Cabinet hardware: Schaub Menlo Park Pull in chrome
Faucets: Hansgrohe Metris single handle in chrome
Shower trims: Kohler slide bar kit, wall mount supply and Hansgrohe tub spout in chrome
Mirrors: Homegoods
Towel Hooks: Delta Tolva robe hook in chrome