Whether you are traveling for leisure or business, the more number of time zones you cross, the more chances you stand of being caught by jet lag. Some people are lucky and never get affected, however for many jet lag can be quite bothering and can take days to fully recover. In the meantime, you are most likely to experience the disruption of your sleep cycle. Most common symptoms of jet lag includes insomnia at night, sleepiness during the day, poor concentration, and, loss of appetite. In a nutshell, it is something you would really want to avoid, so here are some tips to fight jet lag.

Image via: Stag.ir

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Tune your internal clock

Few days before the departure, gradually change your sleeping time to coincide with your destination time. Depending on the zone you are traveling to, half to one hour change everyday will make the difference. For instance, if you are traveling from the West to East coast of the United States, you would face an approximate three hour time difference. So, sleeping one hour early for three days will help you adjust your internal clock.

Image via: And so we ramble

Stay hydrated

Drink lots of water before, after, and, during the flight. The humidity is extremely high in the aircraft and dehydration is one of the leading causes of jet lag. At the same time, avoid consuming alcohol or anything with caffeine when on board as both will only add on to dehydration.

Image credit: 2 Dogs

Consider overnight flights

This is perhaps the easiest way to avoid jet lag. You will have dinner at your normal time and will be more likely to sleep. Depending on the length of your flight, you will arrive at your destination during the daytime. Overnight flight is an ideal way to replicate your daily schedule.

Reset your watch

The moment you board the flight, reset your watch to the time zone you will be visiting. This will prepare you psychologically for the coming time change and will help to combat jet lag.

Jet lag affects different people in different ways and it may take a little trial period before you can zero down the methods that works best for you. Till then, we suggest you to follow these basic tips in order to keep the jet lag at bay.

For more travel tips on Stagetecture, click here.

I was thrilled to be asked by Joanne Mathis of Mathis Interiors to be featured on her Blog Talk Radio Show this Thursday, June 28th, 2012 at 6:30pm EST.

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This will be my first time on a blog talk radio show and Joanne is the perfect host to make me feel warm and welcomed to the blogosphere of radio!

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How you can join us and listen to the show and/or ask questions:

When/Time:

On June 28 at 6:30 pm EST Ronique Gibson will be on my show talking about her passion and inspirations.

What:

We have so much to talk about.  Ronique just launched a wonderful Ebook “111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home” I’m so excited to talk to her about this and other wonder things Ronique is doing.

How:

Listen to the show I will have the chat line up when you listen in and call in to get great decor tips from Ronique.  (347) 327 – 9451. Click here to be directed to the show.

Image via

Thanks Joanne for having me!

-Ronique

Joanne says, “My fascination with color, furniture styles, and decor inspired me to attend the Art Institute and pursue my design degree.  I started Mathis Interiors eight years ago “Specializing in reinventing your space.”  The idea for my radio show happened when I realized that there were so many creative people who settled for the everyday nine to five and put their passion on the back burner.  I created “Artist, Designers and Things Oh My”  My guests are people who are living their passion and want to inspire others to do the same throughout their life story.

Join us this Thursday, June 28th 6:30pm here –> Mathis Interiors – Blog Talk Radio Show

For 111 tips to help 11 rooms of your home, get 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook here.

If you just bought a home that is a fixer ‘upper’ or you are in the process of renovating your outdated home, you may be confused as to where to start for home improvement. From budgeting for the project, pricing out materials to knowing if you should hire a contractor or do it yourself, home remodeling can be a lot of work.

Here are tips to get your mind thinking in the right direction before you attempt your home remodel.

Image via: Krys Hopkins.Pinterest

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Home Design – What do you want your home to look like?

The first step to be considered for home remodeling is the home design.  At first most of the people think on what way will their home look better and what is the possible design that will fit for the natural aura of the place.  The concept of design for home remodeling in this sense comes in.  So for the design for home remodeling you should decide if you want to hire an architect, a designer expert, or other home remodeling masters to visualize your home remodeling ideas.  In such case, it is necessary to think for the design for home remodeling that you can afford and you really love.   And then, decide for a certain budget for your home remodeling and stick with it.

How will you get it done?

If you decide to use a contractor you will want to get on the same page as them. In this move for you home remodeling, you must plan and review your home remodeling design with your contractor for any suggestions that will help you in your home remodeling whether about the flow or about the costs.  Then choose materials and products for your home remodeling project.  If possible try to select first those materials for your home remodeling project that is needed right away and those that need enough time.  The time for the home remodeling contractor to come up with a detailed construction schedule and procedures and to get some construction crews must also be given attention.

Image via: Pinterest

Prepare your home for construction

Lastly, the idea for setting up some things in your home remodeling project must also be considered.  Remove the personal things from the work area and if possible you try to put up a temporary mini kitchen in another part of the house. For your home remodeling, you should try to set up some trash bins, portable toilet, and construction fence for better movement.

For more Remodeling ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Best of 2011 – #2

5 Ways to Prepare for a DIY Weekend During the Week

We continue with Stagetecture’s Best of 2011! At the #2 spot is dedicated to all of you DIY’ers who are trying to find ways to make your home remodeling project take less time, money, energy, and oh yeah… preparation! It’s not a surprise that the second most viewed post of 2011 was how to prepare for a DIY weekend during the week. I for one have found these 5 tips will make you look forward to your DIY project, save more money/time and you may not have to travel back and forth to the home improvement store 10 times in one day… with these tips, maybe only twice.

Image via: Stylizimo

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Original Entry #422, February 18, 2011

I have always been a strong advocate for learning to do things yourself. Whether it’s to have the knowledge for yourself or it’s to empower you to take on greater challenges… doing things yourself will make you feel better and the rewards are immeasurable!

Tomorrow is already Stagetecture’s 36th D.I.Y. Saturday! That means for 9 months you have been armed with great DIY projects to get things done! After 9 months of bringing you DIY ideas, I started realizing that many people wait until the weekend before they arm themselves with materials, instructions… even what project they are going to do!

I thought I would give you 5 ways to prepare yourself during the week so when you get to the weekend you are ready to start when the rooster crows!

______________

5 Ways to Prepare for your DIY Weekend during the week

1.) Pick your project early:

While this may not stand true for small projects, it can certainly help for larger projects. Instead of trying to pick your project on the same day you gather materials, go to the home improvement store and start – take the week to pick your project. Research the difficulty level, research how many people you will need, and the pros and cons of taking on the job yourself.

2.) Ask for help before you need it:

Just because it is termed “Do it Yourself” does not literally mean to do it yourself! Ask for friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers help before the weekend! Ask people you know have the time, energy, and patience to help you through your project. If you can’t find someone to help for this weekend, consider holding off on your project until you do.

3.) Budget and buy supplies now:

Not only does traveling to the home improvement store on the weekend make your day seem longer, but its THE busiest time at the home improvement stores! If you can buy your materials during the work week, you will be surprised how quickly you get in and out, and how much more store associates can help you if you need it.

Budget how much you plan to spend now. If you wait until the weekend, you will most likely spend more because you have 50 more things to think about. Plan during your lunch break at work, when you have quiet, time, and a clear head.

4.) Prepare your space during the week:

Depending on your project, you may be able to start preparing the space for your project now. For example if you are painting the basement, why not start preparing the space now? Taping up trim, removing switch plates and moving and covering furniture with drop cloths is time consuming. Start little by little during the week and see how much smoother your weekend project will run.

5.) Get plenty of rest:

While many DIY projects don’t require you to lift 2 ton rocks, there is something to be said for being physically ready for your project. Many repetitive motion projects, such as painting, sanding, hammering, etc.. will make you use muscles that you forgot you had! Ensure you get plenty of rest to arm your body with endurance and stamina to get started and finish your DIY project. You also will make less mistakes when you are alert and not tired and groggy!

To see Stagetecture’s Best of 2011 – click here.

The holiday season has arrived and with it comes the hustle and bustle of shopping, travel and family festivities.

It is a time when people often put convenience ahead of conservation as things get more hectic, and in the rush water-saving habits are set aside to keep up with all the extra cleaning, washing and watering that the season brings.

This extra water use is normal and sometimes can’t be avoided, but there are things we can do to continue conserving water. Helping water charities over the holidays is a way we can encourage savings to offset increased use, and the five ideas below can make a difference.

Image via: Lavfaucet

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1. Promote Water Conservation Using Social Media

Social media is fast becoming the favored tool for advertising and promotion in every market and water conservation is no different.

Choose a water charity to “Like” on Facebook or tweet about and do so throughout the holiday season. Get people in your social network talking about your chosen water charity and you may find that you have made more of a difference than you thought possible.

There are dozens of national and international non-profit organizations and water charities that work to conserve water and combat the global water crisis, and they all could use additional help during the holidays.

2. Volunteer

A lot of people are busier during the holidays than at any other time of the year and have no time to volunteer. Those with no plans or who have a penchant for volunteering, however, may consider helping a local water charity in conservation or cleanup measures over the holiday season.

Water conservation volunteer opportunities often mean getting out and doing hands-on work, but there are many ways to help that involve advocacy and fundraising. The Water Project seeks holiday volunteers annually to help with fundraising and is a great way to lend a helping hand without having to put a hitch in traditional holiday plans.

3. Host an At-Work Fundraiser

Many non-profit water conservation organizations offer ways for people to organize and host fundraisers for projects that are already in progress. These charities can provide the necessary paperwork, media kits and even giveaways to help encourage giving in the workplace.

For example, Project Blue and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program are collaborating to raise money to provide water cisterns to villages in Tanzania, and is looking for fundraising support from volunteer organizers. This and many other opportunities await those who would like to host an at-work fundraiser to aid in the water crisis.

4. Donate

One of the easiest ways to help during the holiday season is to donate money to a water charity. For those who are in the habit of extra giving during the holidays, there is arguably a no more deserving cause than helping people get clean, fresh water.

As previously mentioned, there are dozens of non-profit water charities that are always in need of additional support. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is good place to start to find an organization in need.

Image via: Healthy Life Journal

5. Buy a Gift

Many local and national water charities sell items to raise money for their causes. As the gift-giving season approaches, water-saving gift buyers have many opportunities to donate while paring down their shopping lists and helping a deserving non-profit at the same time.

Items for sale vary by organization, but there is a lot of variety. WaterAid, which has been making a difference in global water conservation and sanitation for the last 30 years, is unique in that it allows shoppers to buy actual items needed to provide people with water. For example, $50 will pay for four faucets for a village water point, thereby giving a real gift to people in need.

There are tens of millions of people in need of clean, sustainable water year-round, and this season of giving can be a good place to start making a difference by helping a water charity during the holidays.

James Madeiros who writes for Seametrics, a manufacturer of water flow meters and a supporter of water conservation efforts.

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Every year I’m excited when the camelia’s start to bloom in our yard, because that means spring is only moments away. Then I look at the rest of the yard and realize, “oh no, spring is on its way!” From the grass to the shrubs and flower beds, it is time to start thinking about how to cut down costs that will be help save you money, time, and energy!

In This Old House, I found a good article on how to help save on precious Earth resources – and your own! See these  11 ways to save money on your landscaping:

Lawn

1. Limit the expanse of yard devoted to perpetually thirsty turf grass.

2. Cut back on fertilizer, mow high, and leave mulched clippings on the lawn to shade the soil and reduce evaporation. When you set up the sprinklers, make sure water is being absorbed; if you see runoff or puddles, you’re adding water too fast.

3. Here’s a simple test to determine when your lawn needs water: Walk on the grass. If the blades spring back, hold off on watering. If you see your footprints, switch on the sprinklers—unless rain is in the forecast.

Flower Beds and Borders

4. Water just the roots of your perennials, annuals, and shrubs—don’t shower the leaves. This cuts the risk of fungal disease and reduces evaporation.

5. Choose drought-tolerant plants adapted to your site’s climate, soil type, and sun exposure.

Containers

6. Plants in pots are especially vulnerable to drying out in hot weather because their roots are confined to a small area and can’t extend deeper in search of moisture.

Trees

7. Plant at least one tree in your yard—for shade, for beauty, and for posterity.

8. To water transplants efficiently, shovel soil and mulch into a donut-shaped berm as wide as the tree branches. Fill the berm with water, using a hose or buckets; then let it percolate into the soil slowly.

Gear

9. Keep your drip irrigation systems running efficiently by checking for leaks, cracked pipes, or plugged emitters. And watch for spray that drifts away as mist, a sign that water pressure is too high. Bigger droplets won’t get carried away in the wind.

10. Inexpensive soaker hoses ooze water through thousands of tiny pores all along the length of ruber tubing. Snaked through shrubbery and hooked up to a timer set for early morning watering, they can cut water use by up to 70 percent over conventional sprinklers.

11. Drip systems consist of plastic tubing with tiny, targeted emitters that drip water at a set rate. These systems target just the plants you are trying to encourage, not the spaces in between, so you wind up using less water and nurturing fewer weeds.

For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

I have always been a strong advocate for learning to do things yourself. Whether it’s to have the knowledge for yourself or it’s to empower you to take on greater challenges… doing things yourself will make you feel better and the rewards are immeasurable!

Tomorrow is already Stagetecture’s 36th D.I.Y. Saturday! That means for 9 months you have been armed with great DIY projects to get things done! After 9 months of bringing you DIY ideas, I started realizing that many people wait until the weekend before they arm themselves with materials, instructions… even what project they are going to do!

I thought I would give you 5 ways to prepare yourself during the week so when you get to the weekend you are ready to start when the rooster crows!

______________

5 Ways to Prepare for your DIY Weekend during the week

1.) Pick your project early:

While this may not stand true for small projects, it can certainly help for larger projects. Instead of trying to pick your project on the same day you gather materials, go to the home improvement store and start – take the week to pick your project. Research the difficulty level, research how many people you will need, and the pros and cons of taking on the job yourself.

2.) Ask for help before you need it:

Just because it is termed “Do it Yourself” does not literally mean to do it yourself! Ask for friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers help before the weekend! Ask people you know have the time, energy, and patience to help you through your project. If you can’t find someone to help for this weekend, consider holding off on your project until you do.

3.) Budget and buy supplies now:

Not only does traveling to the home improvement store on the weekend make your day seem longer, but its THE busiest time at the home improvement stores! If you can buy your materials during the work week, you will be surprised how quickly you get in and out, and how much more store associates can help you if you need it.

Budget how much you plan to spend now. If you wait until the weekend, you will most likely spend more because you have 50 more things to think about. Plan during your lunch break at work, when you have quiet, time, and a clear head.

4.) Prepare your space during the week:

Depending on your project, you may be able to start preparing the space for your project now. For example if you are painting the basement, why not start preparing the space now? Taping up trim, removing switch plates and moving and covering furniture with drop cloths is time consuming. Start little by little during the week and see how much smoother your weekend project will run.

5.) Get plenty of rest:

While many DIY projects don’t require you to lift 2 ton rocks, there is something to be said for being physically ready for your project. Many repetitive motion projects, such as painting, sanding, hammering, etc.. will make you use muscles that you forgot you had! Ensure you get plenty of rest to arm your body with endurance and stamina to get started and finish your DIY project. You also will make less mistakes when you are alert and not tired and groggy!

Get ready, I’ll see you back here tomorrow for D.I.Y. Saturday!

As many of you know, I decided to take my writing and blogging on full time from my Architecture career.  Between getting 3 hours asleep a night and enjoying my writing life 1000%, I decided to follow my passion, and not just my paycheck.

I was reading this killer article from ZenHabits. It is about creative ways not to become a workaholic – which I know I am.  Read on to see how getting 3 hours of rest a night isn’t going to win you a gold star.  In fact, I realized this about 2 weeks ago (the day of my resignation!) 

Zen Habits Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Tammy Strobel of Rowdy Kittens.

Our culture celebrates workaholism. We hear stories of people who “burn the mid-night oil” at the office, or about individuals who never take vacations. Working a lot doesn’t mean you deserve a gold star or a raise.

Working too much is likely to decrease your productivity, leave you creatively drained, and negatively effect relationships with friends and family. Don’t get me wrong, pursuing your passion is a beautiful gift and there is nothing wrong with working hard on projects you love. However, it’s essential to take breaks. Whether you’re working from home or in an office environment it’s essential to nourish your creative spirit.

Below are a few creative ways to avoid becoming a workaholic.

1. Set clear boundaries.

Make sure your working hours are consistent. For instance, if you work from 8am to 5pm make sure you leave the office by 5. Don’t stay late.

2. Get enough sleep!

“If you encounter someone who’s acting like a fool, there’s a good chance that person is suffering from sleep deprivation.” ~Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, Rework

Staying up late to work on a project and then getting up at 5am to go into the office is not a good strategy. Lack of creativity, diminished morale and irritability are a few traits of people who go without sleep. Work smarter, not harder.

3. Unplug from the internet.

Getting work done doesn’t require an internet connection. It’s amazing what can happen when you step out from behind the computer screen or your mobile device. Most of my killer ideas come to me when I’m taking a shower, on a walk, cooking a meal, and “not working.”

Everyone is creative and ideas can come to you at odd moments. Just because you have an idea doesn’t mean you have to implement it right away. Keep a journal with you at all times so that you can capture your idea and enjoy your down time.

4. Spend time in nature.

Spending time in nature is a great way reduce stress, disconnect from everyday worries and incoming work messages. Set aside time in your daily life to go outside. For instance, take a half hour walk everyday and be mindful of your surroundings. There is no need to rush. Take your time, try to understand your instinctual feelings and observe the natural beauty in your neighborhood.

5. Make time for friends, family and your partner.

If you’re working too much, you’re probably sacrificing time with friends, family and your life partner. Doing work you love is extremely important, but so are the people who love you. Consider how you spend your time and what is truly important in life. When you are with your family, friends and life partner, really be there. Make an effort to be present. For instance, if you’re having a conversation with a friend listen to what they are saying. Be engaged and ask questions.

6. Eat real food.

A side effect of working too much is eating out more and not eating real food. Real food includes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Before you head out to the office, take time the night before or early in the morning to prepare a healthy breakfast and lunch.

Most importantly, don’t eat while you’re working. Savor your food and enjoy every bite. Studies have show that if you eat food quickly, you’re more likely to over eat and gain weight.

7. Find a hobby.

Cultivate a hobby; preferably something that doesn’t relate to your day job. Start by brainstorming your interests. For example, you can start running, walking, knitting, reading novels, or writing. A hobby should be something that brings you joy; something you can lose yourself in and find your flow.

8. Listen to your body.

If you are working too much you will start feeling tired, cranky and apathetic. All of these symptoms are a sign that you need to slow down. It’s essential to listen to your body. When you listen to your body, you’ll know when your sick or just need some extra rest.

9. Constantly question your goals and life purpose.

It’s important to continually reevaluate your goals, life purpose and behaviors. For example if you constantly stay late at the office, sacrifice personal relationships because of work, or check your email obsessively, ask yourself:

• Why am I doing this?
• What is the end goal?
• Are my behaviors healthy?

10. Continue to cultivate healthy habits.

Developing healthy habits is not something that happens overnight. By working on one small behavior change everyday, you can make huge changes over the long-term. For example, rather than checking your email every five minutes, start checking it 3 times a day.

Also, consider incorporating small changes to your daily routine, like getting a half hour of exercise everyday, preparing your own food and being present when you spend time with friends and family.

11. Reach out to others with a good work-life balance.

If you think you’re a workaholic, reach out to others. Connect with friends, family, and consider therapy as an option. If you think this is negatively impacting your life, do something about the problem. We only get one life. So live it well and take care of yourself.

Tammy Strobel is the author of Simply Car-free: How to Pedal Toward Financial Freedom and a Healthier Life and writes about social change through simple living at RowdyKittens.

How will you be getting organized for the holidays?

Exactly one year ago today, I started the Stagetecture blog as a place for me to talk about my passions: home staging, organizing, decor, family solutions, and everything that surrounds your home. 245 posts later, a brand new look, and new adventures under my belt, I’m happy to say this has been a life changing venture.  The people I’ve met, the world that I’ve now grown closer to, I appreciate all of my old and new readers.  You all inspire me every day!

Happy Birthday Stagetecture Blog!

-Ronique

With school starting this month, I found it only fitting to re-run my first blog post, about using organization to save you time… still my motto.  I will periodically run Stagetecture Archives to show where the blog evolutioned from one year prior. Enjoy!

Organization Can Save You Time

(Entry #1, August 15, 2009)

It’s 7:00am, and you need to be out of the house in 30 minutes to make it to work on time. Your kids are asking where their clean clothes are for school. Your spouse is asking where are the car keys, it’s your turn to take the minivan. You’re in the kitchen trying to make a hot breakfast, but the pantry has Tylenol, crayons, and pepper in the same place, and they all just fell into the oatmeal.

Solution: Organization!

Every aspect of your life could use some form of it. Whether it’s at home, office, gym, or your social calendar!

Kids:

Help them, help themselves. After laundry comes out of the dryer, have children put clothes away as soon as possible. For larger families, have separate areas for dirty and clean clothes. (Separate laundry baskets, labeled bins, or clean each child’s clothes separately to avoid confusion.)

Morning Rituals

If you are like most of us, that have hectic mornings, make rituals for you and your family. Can’t find the keys? Assign an area that you and your spouse go to when you come home, and when you leave out. The same with purses, wallets, gym bags, kid’s backpacks.  Assign areas that before the family retires at night, they know in the morning, it will be the place as the “go-to” spot, before heading out the door.

Kitchen organization

The Kitchen is the most used room of any house, repeatedly through the day, and the one place that organization gets overlooked. Keep medicine for the family in a cabinet away from extreme temperature changes (not the bathroom!) Choose a cabinet

that young children can’t reach, but convenient for adults.   Place crayons, pens, markers and other art supplies in a utility room, upper shelf of a cabinet or pantry. This way, the walls won’t accidentally have writing on them, without you knowing Timmy was in the markers!

Add a spice organizer, simple or elaborate, to your kitchen. If you can find the pepper in 3 seconds instead of 3 minutes, think of the time you’ll save in the entire morning.

For more home organization ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

July is quickly approaching the end and before you know it we will be into August!  The summer is quickly fleeting and here are some summer time tips from Martha Stewart to make us appreciate the last few months of summer!

Love going to the beach, but hate the wind blowing sand up in your face? Here’s a perfect solution, Windscreen.

Have mementos of from the beach with these candles made from beach sand!

Always looking for the sunscreen and your favorite book once you hit the beach? These beach towels with pockets are a great way to keep everything in arms length.

Want to save your shells for home, but hate to clean all the sand out of them? Here’s some tips on how to clean shells once you get home.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.