Cynthia Nicoletti

If you are a large family with kids, or just simply two people in a relationship, turning the attic into a games room is a perfect idea. On the positive side, the pandemic hasn’t stopped them from binge-watching their favorite movies and TV shows from the comfort of their homes, be it in their bedrooms or in the living room. All you need to do is invest in a good quality TV, lighting, a small sofa (or large, depending on your comfortability preference), and some speakers – but that’s only if you really care about the sound. All you’ll need to do is buy a nice table, decorate the walls and floor a little, and (perhaps most importantly) make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection – as most attics are pretty high up in the house.

If you are unable to spend the day together in person, whether it's due to the coronavirus pandemic or other reasons, then the second best option is to schedule a pub-style quiz via online video-calls. Recreate the feel of a pub by making sure everyone has a drink before you start and keep the questions difficult to guess to make it really feel challenging. If you want something within a reasonable budget range that won’t fail to impress your mother, then your best bet might be simply to get her a lovely bouquet of flowers. Make sure to ask subtle questions about your mother's favorite flowers and colors so you can double-check to get her favorite type.

The past 12 months have taken a huge toll on the well-being of almost everybody, and at the same time also shone the spotlight on the fact that while things might not be going well for you, there is somebody for whom it is going far worse. You could help out at a thrift store that donates to your chosen charity or spend time using your expertise doing tasks that would otherwise cost the charity a lot of money, like accountancy or web design. If you are wondering about how to donate money to a local good cause or one that helps people worldwide such as the Red Cross in other ways, there are many options. While things like collecting leftover food and giving it to those who are homeless might immediately spring to mind, other deeds like collecting IT equipment that local businesses are about to throw out and handing them to nearby schools and community centers can also provide massive benefits.

Once you have taken care of your admin tasks, this should feel like a weight off your mind, and you are more likely to be able to focus on your other responsibilities. In any business, the bookkeeping is an absolutely essential task – particularly if you do not hire in any external help to take care of it all. The reputation of your small business can easily suffer if you find that you are regularly missing meetings or important calls with suppliers. This way, you can focus on the other numerous aspects of your company that help it to run in the most efficient way possible.