There’s something about becoming a mom that flips your entire world upside down. One day, you’re stressing over baby names and nursery colors, and the next, you’re holding this tiny person who relies on you for absolutely everything. And the wildest part? No one hands you a manual.

It’s all instinct, late-night Googling, and advice from every direction. But there’s one thing most people don’t talk about enough: the paperwork. It’s not glamorous. It’s not something you want to think about when you’re running on three hours of sleep. But it’s crucial. Because life happens fast, and the last thing you want is to be caught off guard.

 Nothing beats the feeling of standing back, looking at something you built with your own hands, and thinking, yeah, I did that. But let’s be real—DIY isn’t always as simple as the YouTube tutorials make it look.

Maybe you’ve been there: the project started strong, but somewhere along the way, things got a little… wobbly. The bookshelf tilts ever so slightly. The floating shelf isn’t quite so “floaty” anymore. And that “easy” trim installation? Let’s just say it’s now a permanent reminder that measuring is not a suggestion.

Precision. That’s the thing standing between a job well done and a job that makes you, say, close enough. But close enough? That’s how doors don’t shut properly, how floors creak when they shouldn’t, and how you end up redoing the same project a year later.

Via Pexels

Measure Twice, Cut Once (Seriously, Do It)

You’ve heard it before. But have you lived it?

Cut a board too short, and it’s game over. You can’t uncut it. And while adding a little extra here and there seems like a safe bet, that’s how projects start looking like a hot mess.

Use a tape measure. Double-check. Triple-check if you have to. And for the love of all things DIY, don’t measure once; get distracted and assume you’ll remember. You won’t. Trust the numbers, not your brain’s best guess.

Tools Matter (But Your Hands Matter More)

Ever seen someone with all the fancy tools but zero idea how to use them? It’s like giving a kid a $500 drone and hoping for a smooth landing.

Sure, power tools help. A laser level is great. A top-of-the-line drill? Fantastic. But precision isn’t in the tool—it’s in the technique. A person who knows how to use a simple hand saw will always do a better job than someone recklessly swinging a circular saw around like an action hero.

Learn the basics. Practice cuts on scrap wood. Understand how each tool works before going all in. Because a straight line doesn’t come from the tool—it comes from you.

Fasteners: The Little Things Holding Everything Together

People obsess over wood choice, paint colors, and fancy finishes. But screws and nails? They barely get a second thought.

And yet, fasteners determine whether your project stays together or slowly falls apart. Take deck screws, for example. They aren’t just screws—they’re built to handle outdoor elements, resist rust, and bite into wood in a way that keeps your structure solid. Use the wrong screws on a deck? You might as well start planning for future repairs now.

Small details matter. Don’t let a whole project fail because of something as simple as a screw.

Level Everything (Your Eyes Are Lying to You)

You swear it looks straight. But put a level on it? Not even close.

Eyeballing works for picking out a good avocado, not for home projects. A slightly uneven shelf will drive you crazy. A misaligned cabinet will mock you forever. And a crooked picture frame? You’ll try to ignore it, but one day, it’ll push you over the edge.

Use a level. Then, use it again. No exceptions.

Don’t Rush (DIY is the Slow Cooker, Not the Microwave)

Patience isn’t exciting, but you know what’s worse? Ripping out a half-finished job because you rushed it.

Paint needs time to dry. Wood stain looks awful if you rush it. Caulk needs to set, or it’ll peel up and ruin your hard work. DIY isn’t a sprint—it’s a test of endurance. Slow down, breathe, and remind yourself: doing it right once is faster than doing it twice.

Learn from the Mistakes (Because They’re Coming)

No matter how careful you are, mistakes will happen. The trick is to learn from them.

Misaligned cuts, bad paint jobs, uneven floors—it’s all part of the journey. The difference between a struggling DIYer and a skilled one? The ability to step back, figure out what went wrong, and do better next time.

DIY isn’t about being perfect. It’s about improving project after project.

Final Thoughts

Precision isn’t just about making things look good—it’s what keeps them standing, functioning, and lasting.

Having kids can often take a toll on your wellbeing. It is obviously a very stressful situation in general and there are lots of ways in which it does affect your health. But as much as your children are everything to you, you still need to find ways to take care of yourself as well, and this is something that you are really going to need to make sure you are doing as well as you can. Let’s take a look now at some of the main ways to ensure you are doing this.

Pic Credit - CCO License

Get Whatever Sleep You Can

Although it can often feel hard to come by, you really do need to make sure that you are getting as much sleep as you possibly can. Even just naps here and there make a difference, although what you really need is to get as many good hours of sleep at night as possible. If you can do that, you should find that it makes a huge difference to how you feel and that you are going to be caring for your health so much more as a result too. So this is really important to think about.

Keep Up With Your Health

As a parent, it’s easy to put your own health on the back burner, but regular checkups are one of the best ways to take care of yourself–especially as you get older. Staying on top of routine health screenings can help catch potential issues early, giving you the best chance of staying strong and healthy for your family.

Annual doctor’s visits are a great place to start, making sure your blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall well-being are in check. Eye exams are just as important, especially if you find yourself squinting at screens or struggling with night driving. And don’t forget about hearing exam–even mild hearing loss can be exhausting to deal with, making everyday conversations more draining than they need to be.

For moms, certain screenings become even more essential over time. Mammograms and pap smears help detect early signs of breast and cervical cancer, while regular skin checks can catch any unusual changes that may need attention. These exams might not always feel urgent, but prioritizing them now means you’re looking out for both yourself and your family in the long run.

Your health matters, and taking time for these checkups isn’t selfish–it’s a necessary part of being the best parent you can be.

Take Yourself To The Spa

From time to time, find someone who can look after the kids and take yourself to the spa. You can go alone or with friends, but the point is to have a truly luxurious experience and to really make the most of it as much as you can. If you can do this, you should find that it helps you a lot and that you are going to have a much better feeling of self-care. Consider buying yourself some gift cards available at Spencer's Spa and using them over time, as this is a great way to promise to yourself that you will actually keep the appointment with yourself.

Pic Credit - CCO License

Don’t Skip Meals

A lot of parents find that they end up not eating too well because of the needs of their children. While it can seem tempting to just try and get by on coffee, really this is not the best approach to take, and it’s much better to try and make sure that you are eating as much as you need to. Certainly try to avoid skipping any meals, even though it might seem as though you have to do this in order to find time. It’s much better for everyone if you eat what you need to eat.

Move Around

How To Make Any College Space Feel Like Home

Moving to college is exciting, overwhelming, and maybe a little bit terrifying… You’re stepping into a whole new world, surrounded by new people, new routines, and probably a space that looks more like a plain, lifeless box than an actual home. But the good news is your dorm or college apartment doesn’t have to feel like a temporary stop - you can make some changes (that don’t cost all that much and are fairly easy to do) and then turn your space into a cosy, comfortable place that feels like home. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. 

Photo by cottonbro studio

Cosy Bedding And Soft Lighting

One of the easiest ways to make a space feel welcoming is by upgrading your bedding - you’ve got to get good quality sleep if you want to get good grades, after all. The problem is that college-provided mattresses aren’t exactly known for their comfort, so investing in a plush mattress topper can make a huge difference. On top of that (literally), soft, high-quality bedding in your favorite colours or patterns makes the place feel a lot more like you, and if you add a cosy throw blanket, it’ll be just right. 

Lighting is also hugely important in making a place feel comfortable, and the last thing you’ll want is harsh fluorescent lights that make everything feel really clinical. Switch those for softer bulbs and it’ll be much better. Other things to do include having a bedside lamp and some string lights draped around the room or bed frame to make things feel lovely and relaxing. 

Add Personal Photos And Decor 

It’s true that your dorm or apartment might only be temporary, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel generic - in fact, you’ll want to get as far away from that as possible. That’s why it’s a good idea to fill your space with personal touches because that helps create a sense of familiarity and comfort. You can have lovely photos of friends and family, framed prints, or even a vision board filled with goals and inspirations, and all that can definitely bring an element of home to your new surroundings. Posters and artwork, whether they show music, movies, or travel, help make the space uniquely yours, and they’ll keep you motivated no matter how hard things get - that’s priceless. 

And don’t forget about the little things - small decorative pieces like a favourite mug, a fun desk ornament, or a stylish and soft rug can also add another layer of comfort to any space, including the most boring of college rooms. 

A Pet For Extra Comfort

Nothing makes a place feel like home quite like having a pet to keep you company - it’s why having an animal around the house is such a popular thing for people to do and why people love their pets so much. This can be tricky at college because a lot of dorms and college apartments have strict pet policies, but it’s not impossible and there are still options for low-maintenance pets that can bring joy and companionship without requiring a ton of care.

Fish, particularly betta fish, are a great choice since they don’t need a large tank or complicated setup. Hamsters and gerbils are another option, because they’ve got fun little personalities but they’re also contained in a cage so they won’t be making loads of mess. Or what about turtles? They can be a lot of fun, and they’re also completely silent, so they’re ideal if you don’t want to disturb anyone. Whatever it is, if you’re considering getting a pet, always check with your housing rules first, and remember that the best pets for college students are those that fit your lifestyle and can live quite happily in a small living space. However, if you can make it work, it’s the ideal way to make any college space feel like home. 

Have A Productive Workspace 

If you’re at college, it’s highly likely you’ll be spending a good chunk of time at your desk - you’ve got to study, after all! And that’s why it’s important to make it a place where you actually enjoy working - things can get pretty challenging in college, no matter how much you happen to enjoy the course, and the more productive you can make your workspace, the better it’ll be in the end. 

So what do you need? Well, a comfortable chair is a must, especially if you’ll be sitting for long hours studying, so it’s definitely worth spending a bit more than you might have budgeted for to make sure you get one. Plus, keeping your desk tidy and clutter-free can make a big difference in focus and productivity, so it’s a good idea to invest in organisers for papers, pens, and other essentials - then you’ll know where everything is. And how about a few small plants? They can really help liven up your workspace, making it feel less like a classroom and more like a place where you can be properly creative (plus they’ll help with the air quality of your room, so that’s a bonus that’s going to help you stay healthier during your time at college). 

Something else to remember is that scent can also play a role in creating a relaxing and productive environment, and a small essential oil diffuser with calming scents like lavender or peppermint can help you feel less stressed and more able to study - it could be what makes all the difference. 

Keep It Tidy 

The problem with a cluttered room is that it can make even the cosiest of spaces feel stressful, and the key to keeping your space neat is small, consistent efforts rather than big, overwhelming cleaning sessions that take loads of your precious time and feel like they’re a lot to handle - so often won’t get done at all. Things like making your bed every day only takes a minute, but it instantly makes the room feel a lot better and tidier. Plus, keeping some storage bins under your bed or on shelves helps keep things organised without taking up extra space. 

You can also get into a good routine with a five minute tidy up every night before bed where you put clothes away, wipe down your desk, organise papers, and so on. Doing that prevents mess building up over time, and when your space is clean and organised, it feels so much more comfortable and pleasant to be in, which is definitely going to make you feel much more at home.