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Friday, December 18, 2020
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Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Ideas to upscale your garden and transform your outdoor space
Nothing screams curb appeal more than an attractive outdoor space around your home. In most cases, the first thing people see when they visit your house is your garden and your home’s exterior.
Investing a little time and effort in your outside space can have a massive effect on its aesthetics – and can even increase its value if/when you decide to move on. Here are just a few ways you can transform your outdoor space and make your house more attractive.
Extend your living space by bringing the indoors, outdoors
There’s nothing particularly novel about the idea of a table and chairs in a garden but, if you extend the idea, you can make a truly liveable space outside your home and start enjoying the outdoors more.
These days there is a vast range of comfortable, well-designed garden furniture available – everything from outdoor couches and chaise longue to full dining tables and outdoor cookers/barbecues. Think creatively by bringing the indoors outside and start making more use of your garden.
Invest in artificial turf
A well-kept lawn adds an instant splash of color to your outside space and serves almost as a frame around your home. However, the upkeep involved in constantly mowing and weeding real grass can end up a time-consuming, laborious chore.
Rather than choosing to grow a grass lawn, why not think about installing all-weather, artificial turf? Artificial grass looks great year-round and will considerably cut down your time spent on garden maintenance. Companies like USTurfSanDiego.com have a huge array of synthetic grass products that look just like a real lawn – but without the hassle and upkeep.
Construct a fire pit
A fire pit can lend a focal point to an outdoor space and will let you enjoy your garden space long after the warmth of the day has passed and the sun has set. Sitting around a fire at night, bathed in warmth and light, with family and friends can be a truly convivial experience – and you could even add a grill above the flames to indulge in a spot of chargrill cooking.
Add a patio or decking
Outdoor decking has become increasingly popular in recent years and can add a completely different ambiance to your home. In particular, if you already have a conservatory, installing decking will give the impression of the indoor space extending outdoors. To complete the look, think about adding some furniture or shrubbery that complements the color of your flooring.
Zone your garden
Depending on how much space you have outside, you could look at clearly-defining zones in your garden – for example, adding a play area for the kids, a small plot for growing vegetables or a seating/eating area. Adding zones lends definition to an outdoor space and can end up a highly attractive feature, almost leading the eye from one area to the next.
Making even the smallest of changes to the space outside your home can have a huge effect on its aesthetic appeal and will lead to you spending more time with your friends and family outdoors in the fresh air. If your home has a garden, the ideas above could let you put the space to better use - and also extend your living area.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Who Is Courtney Whitmore?
Courtney is an interesting addition to the DC Comics family of superheroes. She has an interesting history that includes a name change and is instrumental to the success and longevity of the Justice Society of America.
The History of Courtney
According to the DC Fandom, Courtney came upon her superhero status by mistake. She was actually trying to make fun of her new stepfather, Pat Dugan, who was responsible for her having to move from her hometown in California to the boring landscape of Nebraska. She had stumbled upon the equipment he used when he was Stripesy, the only adult who ever acted as the sidekick to a teen superhero.
Wearing a patriotic outfit during her school's spirit week dance as a jab at Dugan, Courtney had no way to know that the Dragon King was planning on attacking. To save the school and bring about order, she and her stepfather came together to defeat the minions.
The result was the creation of a new superhero duo: Star-Spangled Kid and S.T.R.I.P.E. The man that she once had little regard for was now her partner in fighting evil.
After the debut of the duo, Courtney went on to fight evil with Young Justice. She also battled the Dragon King's villainous daughter, her arch nemesis, Shiv. Along the way, she also worked alongside Starman and the Shining Knight to battle the Dragon King.
Wearing a patriotic outfit during her school's spirit week dance as a jab at Dugan, Courtney had no way to know that the Dragon King was planning on attacking. To save the school and bring about order, she and her stepfather came together to defeat the minions.
The result was the creation of a new superhero duo: Star-Spangled Kid and S.T.R.I.P.E. The man that she once had little regard for was now her partner in fighting evil.
After the debut of the duo, Courtney went on to fight evil with Young Justice. She also battled the Dragon King's villainous daughter, her arch nemesis, Shiv. Along the way, she also worked alongside Starman and the Shining Knight to battle the Dragon King.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and when Starman decided to retire, he passed down his legacy to Courtney, the Cosmic Staff, she was reborn as Stargirl.
All About Stargirl
As Stargirl, Courtney puts her skills in hand-to-hand combat, gymnastics and kickboxing to good use as a junior member of the Justice Society. She made great friendships and learned new skills in her time with them until the group was broken up.
At that point, she began college and made a change to the equipment she used when fighting evil. Instead of the staff, she had a compressed rod that would grow when activated and made her costume appear.
Once the JSA reformed, Stargirl becomes a full member. However, things didn't last as fighting among members led to a split between old and new. Stargirl went with the JSA All-Stars.
The Television Series
The Stargirl television show, produced by Geoff Johns, follows Courtney's adventures as she leads the cosmic staff and inspires the formation of the Justice Society of America. The series began production in March 2019 with the premiere of the first episode in May 2020.
The show focuses on Courtney's origin story as Stargirl. It allows viewers to get to know the teen and her stepfather who is so instrumental in propelling her forward as a superhero. Episodes focus on telling different stories that highlight Stargirl's abilities and Courtney's struggles as a teen.
It airs on the CW network. The overall vibe of the show is very old-school with elements that harken back to the 1980s. It is meant to show the takeover of the JSA by a new generation with a focus on how Stargirl acts as a leader to bring about success. Despite some failures and setbacks, the good over evil trope plays out well in the storylines.
That's A Wrap
Courtney Whitmore is definitely not your ordinary teenager. She has a lot more on her plate than worrying about grades, acne, and who will take her to the next dance. With her alter ego being the amazing Stargirl, Courtney has a lot going on to ensure her life is never boring.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
How To Choose a Preschool
Preschool helps to form your child's relationship with school. It helps him or her to develop social skills, and in today's preschool environment, it also teaches him or her many skills needed for Kindergarten.
With the changing landscape of schooling, preschool is almost a necessity. Schools expect children to come into Kindergarten with some basic skills in place. Preschool becomes the foundation of all of your child's schooling.
Choosing a preschool is a big decision. You need to make sure that it will provide your child with the education and social aspects he or she needs to prepare for the rest of his or her schooling.
Consider Different Types of Educational Approaches
Preschools have different ways of approaching education. For example, a Montessori preschool Redmond WA will use a method that encourages independence and self-direction. It provides a creative approach with hands-on learning techniques.
Another example is HighScope, which involves a lot of structure, but play is the center of all activities. The approach seeks to make learning a fun thing where kids learn without even knowing it.
Assess the Teachers
You should also consider the teachers in place. Are there enough teachers? Preschoolers need a lot of one-on-one attention and care, so you want to be sure that there is enough staff to provide a safe environment for your child.
You should also watch the teachers in the classroom if possible. This will allow you to see how they interact with the children. You want patient teachers who are willing to allow children some freedom while also ensuring order over chaos.
Take a Look at the Classroom
Harvard suggests visiting the classroom and looking it over to get a sense of the overall feel. You should expect a preschool to be fun and happy. There should be a lot of activities. Look for a range of things that show the classroom is set up to teach a variety of skills.
You should also expect to see organization so that each activity center is clear. You want to see a lot of opportunities for the children to easily move from activity to activity.
Final Choice
Making your final choice in a preschool will require considering the overall impression you got from the school. You want to be sure it is a safe, encouraging, and welcoming space for your child that also suits his or her personality. Sometimes, a great preschool may just not be for your child, so make sure you take everything you learn about the school and consider how it matches your child to reach a final decision.