Tag Archives: space

When Things Start Closing In

I know that for most of us it is a little too early for cabin fever to be setting in, but from talking with some other single parents, I think there are those times when it really DOES feel like the walls are closing in—the house is too small, there is too much disorder and chaos, and it seems as though one will never get things into a manageable state again. My words might not help when you are in the midst of one of those periods, but it is temporary—things will open up again. I live in a moderate-sized, … Continue reading →

Google Earth and the Universe – Space Travel Fun

A few months ago, Jeff talked about Google Earth and how much fun it was to explore the program in one of his blogs. Now, with their latest version, Google Earth has gone into space. Now, not only can you type in San Francisco, you can type in Andromeda, Horsehead Nebula, or Orion. Google and NASA have compiled over a million Hubble Space Telescope and satellite images into a map of space. The project is mind boggling. And so is traveling through the universe! It’s so fun! You can type in an address and view the night sky from that … Continue reading →

Setting Up Your Scrap Area or Scrapbook Room

Setting up your scrapbooking area can be lots of fun. Especially when you have some of the latest and greatest storage options and a really pretty gallon of paint. Here are some ways you can get started setting up your scrap area. Paint Purchase a can of paint. Find a pleasing color that makes you relax and feel creative. Lighter colors lend themselves nicely, and make the room have a very relaxing feel. Paint the walls in the room you plan to scrapbook. Just adding a splash of color can really boost the appeal of the room. Storage Begin by … Continue reading →

What to Do When You Don’t Have a Scrap Space

This actually is a very common problem for scrapbookers. Many scrapbookers have to make do with dining room tables, living room cabinets and other odd spots throughout the home. Apartments can really be difficult especially because there is just not much space. So what do you do? First and foremost, you must take inventory of what you have, what you plan to buy and how much room you will need for future storage. Next, you will need to survey where you plan to actually scrapbook. How convenient do you need your supplies? If you plan to scrapbook on the living … Continue reading →

A Great Thing About a Home-Based Business—Plenty of Flex Space!

I attended a meeting recently where one of the topics of conversation was “flex space.” What is flex space you might ask? Well, according to the group I was with it is a trendy phrase for office and work space that can serve multiple purposes. Instead of having a traditional board room and offices, things can be moved and shifted about (portable furniture and tables, etc.) in order to foster creativity and “thinking outside the box.” I couldn’t help but want to gloat—working from home, it is all about the flex space! Portability and flexibility are one of the things … Continue reading →

Do You Have an “Open Door” or “Closed Door” When You Work From Home?

Many traditional companies and businesses will state that they have an “open door policy”—meaning that the doors stay open—either literally or figuratively and that anyone can talk to anyone else about work-related matters. I thought it might be fun to explore how this works in our home businesses—whether or not we can work with the chaos of having any and every family member come in and out of our work space, or if we need to sequester ourselves in order to get work done. Since I do not have an office with a door that closes in my home, I … Continue reading →

Rearranging Space and Environment May Make Things Smoother

We humans are affected by our environment. I’m sure you have noticed how the physical space of your household has an influence on your family. When things are chaotic or cramped or over-crowded, the family may reflect that. On the other hand, too much space may make a family feel disconnected. Sometimes, just rearranging how your space or environment is configured or changing the way things are used, can have a direct positive impact on your family. Over the years, my children’s living arrangements have changed. They haven’t always had the same room or even shared a space with the … Continue reading →

Outgrowing Your Work Space

When I started doing freelance writing from home, I invested in computer, fax, and a great compact desk cupboard that I can close up when not in use. After a couple years, that space definitely feels cramped and no longer as spacious and adequate as it once did. I am sure that I am not alone in facing the reality of outgrowing my home business space. I’ve written before about home businesses that might need extra storage space and some of the great ways to find more convenient storage without paying an arm and a leg. But what happens if … Continue reading →

Do You Need Extra Storage For Your Home Business?

Most home businesses require the storage and management of “stuff”—whether it is product or materials or equipment—having a home-based business usually means that we need to make room for some additional things we wouldn’t ordinarily need. However, if your home business generates a lot of “stuff”—including records, files or other materials—finding a place to store all that stuff can be a problem. I’ve mentioned before that it is necessary to store most business records (this includes receipts, financial records, sales records, etc.) for seven years. Depending on your type of home business, this may be as easy as putting everything … Continue reading →

Can You “Walk in” Your Walk in Closet?

Walk in closets are a dream come true for many homeowners (especially women). I wouldn’t buy another home that doesn’t have at least one. Walk in closets come in many shapes and sizes, but the shape doesn’t make as much difference to most people as the size does. The problem with walk in closets is that they are way too easy to pack full of stuff, sometimes to the point where you can’t walk in so easily any more. If you have seasonal gear in there and bring it out when needed, does the space it once occupied quickly fill … Continue reading →