Month: August 2021

5 Simple Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mice

We all remember the shot of the screaming housewife, up on a chair, as Jerry runs about the kitchen looking for cheese in the infamous Tom&Jerry cartoon. And while that was all charming when we were children, the older we get, the more we understand that a rodent invasion is nothing to joke about.

 

What are the dangers of having mice on your property?

 

Unfortunately, mice are an incredibly common houseguest pretty much everywhere in the world. The little rodents are attracted to human dwellings chiefly because they provide their two most important needs: shelter and food. And while they may seem cute and cuddly on the outside, mice carry a wide array of serious diseases, like rat-bite fever, salmonellosis or hantavirus, which can endanger the welfare of your children and pets.

 

So what can you do?

 

While there are many options for getting rid of rodents, we’ll only explore some of the more popular ones. If you’re looking for a more in-depth study, visit ridmiceinattic.com to learn more.

 

  1. Try essential oils.

 

Essential oils are said to be one of the most efficient natural remedies against wild animal invasions. Strongly scented oils like cayenne, peppermint, or cloves, have been known to repel mice, among other wild animals.

 

You can soak some cotton balls in these essential oils (though beware you’ll need to replace the balls regularly, to maintain efficiency), or try planting some of these in your garden. 

 

  1. Cat urine?

 

We know it sounds weird, but cat urine can actually be a really efficient rodent deterrent. As we all know, rodents and cats don’t mix too well, and so, the best thing to do would be to get a cat, as its presence will deter mice from settling on your property. If that’s not an option, however, you can strategically place tubes of kitty litter (ideally dashed with cat urine) around the house. The scent of these will trick the mice into thinking you own a cat, and also that they should look for a new home before it’s too late.

 

  1. You can try ammonia. 

 

Ammonia works on a similar principle as the kitty litter above, since its scent is similar to the urine of various mouse predators. So once more, you could try soaking cotton balls into ammonia, or filling small bottles with the stuff and placing them around the house, to deter mice from entering.

 

Again, these will need to be changed regularly, if you want to maintain their efficiency. 

 

  1. Make your home as inhospitable as possible.

 

Remember what we said about mice being attracted to food and shelter on your property? Well, there are things you can do about that. Maintaining a clean and tidy home will reduce the leftovers and crumbs that mice have access to. So will sealing all holes and cracks in the walls and foundation (easy doorways for mice), and keeping your food in airtight, difficult to access containers.

 

  1. Try a humane mouse trap.

 

If you’ve had no luck shooing away a pesky mouse, you can always opt for a humane mouse trap. Basically, we’re talking about a cage that’ll lure the mouse in with bait, then tightly shut its doors on it, securing the mouse, without actually harming it, so that you can then relocate it.

If all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a professional wildlife removal service like First Choice Wildlife Services. They’ll get rid of your mouse problem for you, but also inspect your home and figure out what you’re doing to attract rodents in the first place!

7 Helpful Ways To Prepare For Labor

 

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As an expectant mother, it is common to anticipate the day of labor to welcome your little bundle(s) of joy. Data indicates that about 10,267 babies are born in the United States every year. The prospects and reality of childbirth are certainly overwhelming for many, so it is essential to prepare for this day as adequately as possible. If you wish to learn more about preparing for labor sufficiently, please consider the following points.

 

Eat Right

Proper nutrition is undoubtedly crucial during pregnancy for your health and the baby’s growth and development. Also, you can make excellent nutrition choices that fuel your body with the needed energy for childbirth. Consequently, fill your plate with nutrient-rich pregnancy superfoods like yogurt, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and nuts as you near the end of your pregnancy. Also, eating enough protein, leafy green vegetables, and reducing your sugar intake can minimize the risk of pregnancy-related conditions. 

 

A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reveals that women who ate six dates daily during the last month of conception were more dilated when they got to the hospital for labor. In addition, these women were less likely to require oxytocin and had shorter labors in general. Therefore, keeping a few dates around can’t hurt since these fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins and facilitate a smoother birth experience. Besides, dates can improve your bowel movements, so they can come in handy if you experience constipation during pregnancy.

 

Take A Childbirth Class

Uncertainty about the birthing process is typically a significant stressor for new moms-to-be, so it might be helpful to sign up for a childbirth class way before the day of labor. These classes enable you to familiarize yourself with the various stages of childbirth so you will know what to expect precisely when you go in there. In addition, these classes teach various comfort measures that will come in handy on an all-important day, so you can feel less anxious while giving birth. Childbirth classes also discuss numerous options for handling pain, including visualization, breathing techniques, and relaxation. Consequently, look around for suitable alternatives to get started. Also, pick a small class with preferably less than ten couples so you can have quality training.

 

Furthermore, ensure that your instructor is certified and has goals that align with yours directly. You will undoubtedly be given extensive lessons on breastfeeding, diaper changing, and other newborn care topics during these classes. As such, you will be well equipped to notice unusual symptoms in your baby, like crying and arching of the back and a lowered heart rate. These symptoms may indicate a birth injury’s occurrence, so it might be necessary to get legal help to assist you in obtaining justice and enough financial compensation for your newborn if necessary.

 

Prepare Your Mind With Positive Narratives

It is essential to be in an excellent mental state as labor day approaches to enjoy a great delivery. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid horror stories about labor since they can be incredibly upsetting and unhelpful. Instead, remember that for every bad experience, there are many mums out there with excellent labor day experiences, and encourage yourself with their stories. This positive outlook can be challenging if you’ve had a bad experience yourself, but you should try to maintain it as much as possible. Consequently, you can deliberately seek out positive birth narratives to believe the possibility of a labor session with minimal intervention and complications. Luckily, these stories abound in multiple places: the internet, books, and friends who have given birth, so you can take crucial inspiration from these sources to prepare for your labor.

 

Make Time For Yourself

Many mothers are so caught up with preparing for the child’s arrival that they forget to make time for themselves. However, before you have your newborn, the time available can be used for more than ticking logistical things off a checklist. Therefore, take time out for yourself, both alone and with your spouse. Some couples go on vacations before their children are born. As such, you can go for a vacation if you have the time, energy, and means to afford it. However, always plan this getaway during a time in your conception when it is safe to travel. Alternatively, you can explore weekend staycations in your city or plan downtime to stay at home. This way, you can have the opportunity to enjoy all the things you love doing before the baby arrives. 

 

Try Yoga

Yoga has one of the largest followings of all the prenatal exercise classes available for good reasons. Numerous studies of Yoga during pregnancy have shown that it effectively lowers depression, especially if you start doing it early on in pregnancy. In addition, Yoga can decrease pain and discomfort and significantly improve your overall quality of life while pregnant. Also, Yoga can help you focus on your breathing, which comes in handy during labor. However, you should only sign up for prenatal yoga classes that focus more on strength and stability than flexibility and endurance. Pregnancy hormones loosen your ligaments and muscles, increasing your injury risk if you push yourself too hard in terms of flexibility.

 

Similarly, the body produces a hormone called relaxin in high levels during your first trimester to relax muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This laxity can cause you to overstretch your muscles and joints mistakenly. Furthermore, consider using a wall, modifications, or some props to support each pose correctly. Finally, many medical experts generally recommend checking in with your doctor before trying Yoga during pregnancy, so keep this in mind.

 

Have Regular Sex

It is common to feel less inclined towards sex while pregnant for various reasons. Many mothers are uneasy about sex during pregnancy due to the numerous questions about safety, comfort, and practicality. However, sex during pregnancy has a wide range of benefits, so it isn’t surprising to see several doctors recommend it for expectant couples. For starters, sex can make your labor and recovery more straightforward than expected. This is because having an orgasm increases your pelvic floor contractions and strengthens the muscles needed for labor and after delivery. 

 

In addition, sex can prevent some common complications during pregnancy. A Danish study posits that frequent sex may be instrumental in avoiding pre-eclampsia. Researchers believe this is possible due to a protein found in sperm that can regulate the immune system. However, since pre-eclampsia’s exact cause remains unknown, attending your prenatal sessions and discussing your risk with your doctor is essential. Furthermore, sex can lower blood pressure, which is a massive plus because high blood pressure is bad news for you and your baby. Improved self-esteem, reduced stress, and fewer bathroom breaks are other key benefits you can enjoy from having sex during pregnancy.

 

Consider A Birth Plan

Birth plans can help you feel more prepared for the big day, so consider developing one if necessary. In this plan, you can outline the nitty-gritties of your big day, like wanting your spouse to cut the cord or preferring to sail through without an epidural. A birth plan lets your health care provider know your specific preferences, and this clarity can make any decisions that must be made during labor less overwhelming. This way, you and your spouse can feel less anxious after deciding on previously undiscussed issues. However, it is crucial to be flexible with your birth plan since things seldom happen according to plan. Moreover, you shouldn’t worry if things don’t go as you imagined. 

 

6 Best Side Hustles For Single Moms

As a single mother, you might find that it’s a real struggle to manage your finances, keep the family stable, and provide a good life for your children. Fortunately, nowadays, more and more side jobs have become available to individuals searching for convenient ways to earn extra money. Furthermore, some of them offer high pay and are even lucrative enough to turn into a full-time job so you can become a work-at-home mom.

Before checking the list of side hustle ideas below, keep in mind that they’re not get-rich-quick schemes. It is impossible to find a side hustle that can make you a large amount of money straight away. As much as we would like this to happen, this is not how it works. Of course, starting a wholesale sip trunking company, for example, will be able to provide you with monthly revenue when you are established as everyone needs technology, and while this is great to make extra money, don’t expect this, or the jobs outlined below to get you rich at a quick rate.

Instead, these are legitimate side jobs that can supplement your current income and help you keep the family going. If things work out well, you can turn whatever venture you’ve chosen into your main hustle.

Here are the six best side hustles for single moms:

  • Freelance Writing

One of the most prevalent side hustles that single moms can check out is freelance writing. It’s among the most accessible and flexible jobs in the freelancing industry, which is perfect for single moms whose schedules may vary from day to day.

This type of side hustle involves getting paid to write articles or research papers for different clients. Regardless if they require a formal or informal output, your writing must be organized, clear, and free of grammar errors and instances of plagiarism. If you believe your skills match this line of work, or you are willing to learn more by taking things like journalism courses nz or other writing courses, then don’t hesitate to consider taking on this job.

  • Online Surveys

Another side hustle you can do online is taking different paid online surveys. Although this may not be a real job that can make you rich in the long run, it’s an effective way to earn a few bucks on the side while you’re cozying around with your kids. Aside from money, some websites also offer freebies such as Prize Rebel’s gift cards in exchange for answering a few online surveys.

This type of hustle doesn’t require any specific skills since all you have to do is answer the questions truthfully. On that note, make sure to review the website first before signing up to ensure that it’s not a scam.

  • Social Media Management

This side hustle is perfect for single moms who are social media savvy and love to spend their free time on social media platforms. Companies and influencers often look at the likes of Instagram growth service reviews to find the perfect service to help their social media account thrive. The service they go to could be yours, whether you work as a freelancer or as part of a social management company. There are a lot of websites too, which offer services to buy TikTok likes, or Instagram followers – to expand their social media reach! However, it does not matter as long as you have the right tools such as a smartphone, laptop or computer, and good internet connection, you’re qualified for this side job.

  • A Baking Business

Do you have remarkable skills in baking bread and pastries? If so, are many of your friends encouraging you to sell your baked goods and make money out of them? In that case, it may be time for you to consider starting a baking business from home.

Nothing’s better than earning money from doing something you enjoy and are passionate about. Don’t worry because you don’t need to have a large capital to start your baking business. You can start slow, and as soon as you gain more profit, you can expand your menu and offer more types of baked goods. You can make your products available online by creating a social media account or a business website to spread the word about your baking services.

  • Become A Tutor

If you have previous teaching experience, or if you’ve tried homeschooling your children before, you can use your teaching skills and become a tutor. There are two ways you can go about this: do it in person or do it virtually. If you wish to tutor students face-to-face, make sure you have a specific area in your house where you can teach your young clients. You may also tutor them in their own home if that’s what their parents prefer.

If you wish to take the digital route, make sure you have the right equipment such as a computer with an HD camera, a pair of headphones with a noise-canceling microphone, and stable internet so you can teach clients all over the world. With this type of job, you’ll be in charge of your own schedule and earn good money online.

  • Pet Sitting

If you’re a pet lover and good with handling different pets, why not turn it into a side hustle? Pet sitting can be an enjoyable and exciting job for single moms. If you’re only starting out, you can limit your service by offering to take people’s dogs for daily walks. Later on, when you’ve prepared your home and a lot of people have heard about your pet sitting services, you can accommodate other types of pets and look after them while their owners are away.

Not only will you be paid to watch over cute pets, but you’ll also get plenty of exercise from walking and playing with them for hours.

Wrapping Up

Being a single mother is hard. Sometimes, you need to juggle several jobs while taking care of your children in order to secure a comfortable life for them. Thankfully, the continuous advancement of technology and the internet have made it possible for single moms to work remotely and have enough time to look after their children. You may refer to the side hustles listed above to determine which one would suit your skills and schedule best.

The World’s Love For Coffee

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There is no denying that the whole world is in love with coffee these days! It seems that we have more and more specialist coffee stores and cafes popping up all of the time. If you are an avid coffee drinker, we are sure you will know all about the different gourmet options that are available when it comes to drinking coffee, you probably have your own Mug Personnalisé (custom mug) that you have your morning coffee in. Below, we are going to explore this love of coffee in further detail. So, let’s take a good look.

Why Do People Love Coffee So Much?

Coffee is a funny drink to enjoy in some way. This is because a lot of people admit that they never enjoyed coffee upon their first time of drinking it. However, it ends up becoming somewhat of a habit that people simply cannot kick, and they love drinking it.

For a lot of people, coffee is the first thing they will consume when they wake up in the morning. It helps to get them through the day ahead. It can be very warm and comforting; almost like their security blanket.

There are then those that will enjoy a cup of coffee in the early afternoon to help them get through the afternoon lull at work, ensuring they feel much more relaxed and are more productive. Either way, it seems that we have grown very attached to this drink, and the love for coffee is only getting bigger and bigger around the world.

Best Ways To Make Coffee Healthy

There are so many different varieties of coffee out there today, and so you will want to make sure you choose a cup of coffee that is just right for you. If you are looking to maintain your weight or you have joined a weight loss clinic, you will be very interested to know about the healthy options when it comes to a cup of coffee.

First, you should make sure you choose a quality brand of coffee. It is a good idea to go for something organic (you could check the likes of Boulder coffee roasters) if it is possible. Furthermore, we recommend that you avoid artificial creamers and anything else of this nature. Syrups are widely being used in coffees these days, and they should definitely be avoided. You may want to even consider going for the likes of almond milk or another non-dairy alternative instead of going down the typical milk route. All of these can be beneficial.

Additionally, you should avoid adding too much sugar to your coffee in order to make it healthy. This is where many folks make mistakes. They add excessive amounts of sugar to their coffee, making it quite unhealthy. One of the finest things you can do for your health is to reduce the amount of sugar you consume. There are many additional options for flavoring foods and beverages. In addition, if you are a connoisseur of coffee and require exact water temperatures for your brewing procedure, you may switch to a plastic free electric kettle made without plastic to brew your coffee to perfection.

Setting Up A Mobile Coffee Van Or Stall For Your Event Stall

Setting up a mobile coffee van or stall is an idea you may have found for your event. While an obvious reason is to ensure that your java-loving guests get great tasting cups of coffee, there are other reasons that may be beneficial to your event stall.

Many companies – particularly start-ups – are looking for ways to engage potential investors or clients at trade shows. When you’re surrounded by competition, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd. It needn’t be anything to do with the quality of your sales team; all sorts of factors can affect success here. So you have to think of ways to draw potential investors or interested parties to your stall. And then you have to keep those interested parties engaged. Given that they may have already heard a dozen or so pitches from other attendees, it’s going to be a difficult task. That’s exactly why a mobile coffee stall or even a mobile coffee van can change the game. By including such facilities at your stall, you’re giving potential investors a liquid reprieve from the rest of their long day.

Not only that but drinking coffee can be a very social thing. Investors are more likely to listen to you if you pitch to them whilst they’ve got a great-tasting cup of coffee in their hands that you’ve provided. It creates a positive first impression of what you’ve got to offer them and really helps you stand out.

Here’s Your Ultimate Guide To Working From Home

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of office workers and business owners found themselves working from home. This quickly became the easiest and most effective way to maintain social distancing while keeping businesses running and effectively firing on all cylinders. Now that we are starting to see a recovery from the pandemic, it is expected that things are about to settle down and people will return to the office.

However, experts aren’t predicting this is what’s going to happen. Instead, it’s widely assumed that people are going to continue working from home. Why is this? Well, there are a few reasons.

First, working from home provides a more flexible lifestyle and it’s perfect if you have a lot of commitments that you need to juggle at any given time. The other point to keep in mind is that for businesses, working from home is cheaper and more cost effective. You don’t need to worry about issues with managing the heavy costs of a company office. This can really eat into your business budget.

However, if you are planning on working from home or even running your company from home, there are a few things that you need to understand. This guide will explain how to work from home the right way and ensure that you avoid some of the more common mistakes.

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The Right Set Up

First, you should think about ensuring that you have the right setup for your business office. Let’s start with your furniture. It can be tempting to work in the most comfortable place in your home such as in bed. However, this could be a problem because it might stop you being as productive as you need. It could also mean that you struggle to work with the wrong posture. This can lead to issues with chronic pain and that will slow you right down.

Instead, you should make sure that you do set up a space in your home that is specifically for working. At the very least, you’ll need a desk and a chair. The desk needs to be large enough that you can rest your wrists and forearms on it comfortably while you are typing. You should also think about choosing ergonomic furniture. Ergonomic furniture will guarantee that you are typing using the right position. This is going to guarantee that you do remain comfortable while you are working and avoid issues with pain completely. Ergonomic furniture is always going to be more expensive, but in the long term it will be worth the investment. Particularly when you can avoid issues with low levels of productivity.

You might have a separate room when you are working from home. Or, you could need to use a space or area of another room like your living area. If that’s the case, then you might want to consider investing in a room separator. This can be a great way to guarantee that you have a productive space where you will be able to work effectively without distractions.

You might also want to think about how you design your office space. For instance, you could add some artwork to the wall. This is a great way to inspire yourself to be creative as well as innovative.

Important Tech Options

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Next, let’s consider some of the tech choices that are available to you when you are setting up your business from home or simply working from home for your job. Implementing the right technology in your home office is vital for effective work. The type of technology you need will depend on the nature of your work. For example, if you work in an office that requires a lot of printing, a multifunction printer with customized solutions can be very helpful. This type of printer can help you save time and money by allowing you to print, scan, and fax documents all in one machine. In addition, it can also provide you with a variety of other features, such as the ability to connect to your email account and print wirelessly from your mobile device. Investing in the right technology for your home office can maximize your productivity and get the most out of your workday. You will definitely need either a desktop or a laptop. There are numerous different types of computers available on the market to choose from. We recommend that you look at the reviews to find the best one for you. Be aware that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the results that you want here.

When you are choosing a computer, think about everything from battery life to speed and of course the screen. Some people will benefit from getting two screens because it will mean that they can use one for working and another for research. This saves you using software to either show two displays on one screen or simply switching between different taps which can be far less efficient than you might like.

You also need to make sure that your computer or laptop is running effectively. For instance, if you are using a Mac it could be worth looking at how much Mac storage space is free. If you have a low level of free space then you’re going to struggle with a computer that operates significantly more slowly than you would like. That’s the last thing that you want when you are working from home.

There are a few ways that you can speed up a slow computer. For instance, you might want to think about rebooting it. You could also consider condensing down some of your larger files to guarantee that they take up far less room on your hard drive. The steps required to complete this action will depend on the computer that you are using. However, there are various guides only that you can explore which will help you on the way.

You should also consider getting your employees their own work phones and tablets from somewhere like My FoneTel. Supplying state-of-the-art equipment to your employees helps them to be more productive and allows them to get on with work without being distracted by their personal contacts on their own phones. Employees are often reluctant to use their own phones for fear of filling them up with work-related contacts and files that they don’t want to look at whilst at home, so supplying them with a work phone can help them to switch off at the end of the day too.

What About Security?

There’s a common misconception that businesses that are run from home don’t need the same level of security as a typical business and this is not the case. Instead, businesses that are run from home are more likely to be targeted. The reason? Criminals and hackers are expecting you to have a lower level of security. You can’t afford to prove them right and this means that you need to make sure that you do invest in the right security options.

At the very least, you should have antivirus software running in the background on your computer. It’s important to understand that a virus is still the option that most hackers will use to gain access to your company.

You can of course go further than this, such as hiring an IT management team. IT management teams can operate remotely and will ensure that you do not have to worry about holes in your home security set up. They will often provide a scalable solution so it is going to fit into the budget that you are working with in your company which is great news.

Besides IT protection, if your business comes under data protection policies like GDPR, it might be best to hire a consultancy to be compliant with the government regulations. Regardless of the physical location of the work, GDPR requires the same security measures to avoid data breaches. You can approach Privacy Helper (learn more straight from the source) or similar GDPR consultancy services and protect your business from the pitfalls of non-compliance.

Keep Productive

We’ve already discussed a few of the steps that you can take to ensure that you do remain productive working from home or running a home company. But there are other options that you can consider. For instance, you might want to think about exploring a screen time tracking app. An app like this is great if you think that you are wasting time on social media or different websites that aren’t relevant to your company throughout the day.

Another way to ensure a high level of productivity would be setting a schedule. If you set a schedule, you are always going to be in a far better position. You need to avoid working at times when you are going to be less than effective.

You should also consider how you’re going to stay organised in an effective way. If you work across different departments, between marketing and revenue, for example, you’ll need a quick and easy way to cooperate with the rest of your team. You can click here to see how different operating systems might be able to help you stay on top of things.

Think About Connectivity

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Finally, you should think about connectivity when you are working from home. It’s important to make sure that you do take steps to guarantee that you can stay connected to everyone from your employees to your customers. One of the first things that you will need to think about here is your broadband connection. It needs to be fast enough to deliver the right results. You might want to compare a few different broadband providers to discover the speed that will work for you.

Next, look at the apps and software available to ensure that people remain connected to your home company. One example would be WhatsApp and other instant messaging apps. The big benefit of instant messaging is that you can get immediate responses to queries and questions without any concerns about delays. That’s vital because it will ensure that your company is always on the ball. Another benefit is that these apps are free so you don’t have to worry about some of your team members being unable to access them.

Another option that you could explore would be a shared platform. You can set up a shared platform for your company using the right solution. A great shared platform can be custom built and created specifically for your business requirements and goals. For the customization part, you might want to contact service providers like the ones who deliver job management software australia, for instance. Shifting to an online platform can replace all your paperwork and manual processes that you do. You can also stay connected with your employees and customers together anytime and anywhere. What better ways than to stay connected with the help of technology!

Alternatively, you might want to consider using a cloud server. The big benefit of cloud servers is that information can be sent in your business instantly. Again, this means that there will be absolutely no delays. It’s also a great way to ensure that your business feels more professional to clients. That’s important, particularly when you consider that there is still a certain stigma attached to home run businesses.

We hope this helps you understand some of the steps that you need to take to guarantee that you can work from home effectively. If you explore these options, then you can make sure that working from home isn’t going to be a handicap for your business or even your career. Instead, working from home can be one of the best choices that you can make.

 

An excellent point for those looking to pick up a side gig or work full time is teaching English online. The TEFL Academy have written extensively about what it entails https://www.theteflacademy.com/teach-english-online/

8 Reasons Why Your Kid Should Play Sports

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As your kids grow, they’ll develop their own interests and hobbies, providing you give them the opportunity to try new things. While it’s common for children to commit to a particular activity only to want to give it up shortly afterward, it’s natural for them to try various activities and sports before they find the ones that are right for them. Sports can not only promote fun and exercise but kids can also get involved with activities such as sports cards that they can trade with their friends as they follow along, whether that be football cards, WNBA trading cards, or NBA cards, kids can connect with various sports as they bond with their friends.

While you can’t force a child to be interested in something they’re not, you can encourage them to keep trying different sports until they find something they like. With so many benefits on offer, it’s important that youngsters enjoy sports from a young age and continue this passion through the adulthood. To find out why, take a look at these eight important reasons why your kid should play sports:

  1. Improve Coordination and Motor Skills

When children begin playing sports from a young age, it helps them to develop their coordination and motor skills. Whether it’s a local basketball club, a soccer team or even playing catch in the backyard, learning how to run, catch and pass a ball helps to enhance hand-eye coordination and optimizes physical development.

By giving your child plenty of encouragement at a young age, regardless of their ability, it teaches them that sport is something fun. In turn, this leads to increased enjoyment and makes it more likely that they’ll want to take part in sports as they get older too.

  1. Better Physical Health

Today’s kids are generally considered to be unhealthier than some previous generations, often because of the reduced physical activity that they do. Of course, this can have serious consequences for them in later life. In fact, millions of Americans are dealing with the impact of an unhealthy lifestyle as early as their twenties and thirties.

From maintaining a healthy weight to optimizing lung function and cardiovascular performance, playing sports can transform your kid’s well-being and enhance their physical health. Take, for instance, the game of golf. Practising swings can help improve muscle memory while navigating a course gives you a greater sense of distance and depth. When kids play golf, their circulation improves, so their heart works as efficiently as possible. In addition, golf teaches accuracy, focus, and concentration. This game encourages creativity and creative thinking, such as foresight in anticipating where and how far the shot will go. That said, nowadays, golf can also be played indoors. Wondering how? With the latest technological golf tools like a golf simulator, enclosure, and golf impact screen (which can perhaps be purchased online by looking up keywords similar to “golf-impact-screen-new-poly-spacer-material-choose-size/ golf-impact-screen-new-poly-supertex-choose-size”), individuals can experience a similar outdoor experience while playing golf indoors.

Anyway, while some kids may be motivated by the health benefits that sports offer, this doesn’t need to be something that you focus on too much. Instead, making sports fun will encourage your kids to take part and enable them to enhance their physical health at the same time. It is important that they enjoy themselves, so when they get older and they want to do it in a more professional environment, they’ll take to it like a duck to water. However, you will have to brace yourself for some injuries as they may get into it depending on what sport they pick, as long as you have a good massage therapist like a massage jacksonville fl service such as sportsrecoveryannex.com on hand (or one like it) they’ll be able to get back out there as soon as possible. Remember that a sprain in the neck or leg should not be considered a massive setback and, therefore, should not hinder your kid’s interest to get involved in sports. Instead, teach them that these are just minor obstacles that can be vanquished with the help of physical therapy service providers like Fyzical.

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  1. More Educational Opportunities

Kids that are good at sport often have their pick of colleges and can even secure scholarships to prestigious schools. You only have to look at the College GameDay Predictions for 2021 to see what a big deal college football is! By encouraging your kids to play sports, develop their talents and become noticed, you can help them to secure future educational and professional opportunities.

When applying to colleges, applicants are asked about their hobbies and interests. Being an active member of a sports team or regularly taking part in sports can be hugely advantageous when applying to schools, so there are numerous educational benefits that can stem from a love of sports, even if a scholarship isn’t on the cards.

  1. Learning to Work as a Team

When a child plays team sports, they learn how to work with others from a young age. Furthermore, being part of a team gives them a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which is important at every age. As children grow, they need to develop their social skills and being in different environments gives them numerous opportunities to do this.

If you encourage your kids to play sports, attend activity classes or join a team, you’re also enabling them to broaden their social circle, make new friends and improve their social skills. As a result, kids can grow in confidence and become more adaptable when sports are a part of their lives.

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  1. Enhanced Mental Health

Regular exercise is well-known for delivering physical health benefits, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being. As we become more aware of children’s mental health, it’s vital to find effective ways to help kids manage their emotions in a healthy and proactive way.

Fortunately, sport is a fantastic way to do this. With regular exercise, kids can reduce feelings of frustration and anger and even relieve anxiety. In addition to this, playing sports and exercising releases endorphins, which helps to boost your mood and reduce stress. From tots to teens, playing sports can be an effective way to nurture your child’s emotional well-being and give them the opportunity to use up pent-up energy in a healthy way.

  1. Experience Friendly Competition

Winning and losing are part of life but this is something that many kids find hard to learn. If you’re worried that your child won’t cope well with not winning a tournament or being part of a losing team, there’s no need to panic. In fact, this is a common worry among parents when their kids first start taking part in sports!

However, established kids’ sports teams and classes are well-run and coaches are fully aware of how important it is for each child to be recognized for their efforts and accomplishments. At the same time, letting your child experience friendly competitions and sometimes losing helps them to learn important life lessons.

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  1. Learning Discipline

Kids need to learn discipline in order to function well in society. While kids are taught discipline by parents at home and teachers at school, sports offer another opportunity for youngsters to learn the importance and benefits of discipline. In many ways, the benefits of being disciplined are more apparent when it comes to sports, which means kids will learn the benefits more easily.

When a child dedicates themselves to a sport and attends practices regularly, for example, they’ll enhance their skills quickly and perform better. As the child grows in confidence, they can see that their hard work, commitment, and discipline is paying off. Not everything that requires discipline offers such short-term rewards, which is why playing sports is such an effective way for kids to learn this essential school.

  1. Improve Academic Performance

Many studies have shown that regular exercise can enhance your cognitive performance, which means can optimize their academic performance by getting involved in sports. From improving concentration to enhancing memory skills, taking part in any type of sport can help kids to reach their potential in the classroom.

As a result, kids who get involved with sports tend to perform better at school, which leads to additional opportunities in the future. While the short-term benefits might involve a higher GPA, increased confidence, and a desire to learn, long-term benefits can include more advanced classes, better college placements, and even a solid springboard for a thriving career.

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Getting Your Kid Interested in Sports

With so many very good reasons to get your kid involved with sports, it’s easy to see why it’s a top priority for many parents. However, persuading your kid to give sports a go isn’t always as easy as it should be. If your child doesn’t naturally gravitate towards sports, it’s important not to put too much pressure on them. Instead, find ways to make sports exciting for them and allow them to develop their skills at their own pace.

Similarly, encouraging kids to try a range of activities can help them to settle on something they genuinely like. Once you’ve found the sport or activity that your kid enjoys, you’ll find it easy to nurture their interest and support them from the sidelines. As you do, you can be confident that your encouragement will enable them to reap the rewards that sports offer throughout their life.

HOW TO CREATE A KEEPSAKE BOX FOR LIFE’S MOST SPECIAL MEMORIES & MILESTONES

At different ages and stages, there are those unique and special events in life that are fundamental in the moment, and important because of the incredibly precious memories that you can rely on for comfort, every day thereafter.

Ensuring that you have the keepsakes from these life events is an intentional act: one where you place importance on the items that will bring memories flooding back, a day, a year, or a decade into the future. Throwing these items into a random box doesn’t give these items the respect that the memories deserve. Think instead of creating a keepsake box to preserve and protect them for the future. A hand crafted and personalized keepsake trunk from Petite Keep is the perfect solution. Customizable and easily personalized, it’s a beautiful and meaningful way to preserve and display those memories for years to come.

Childhood Keepsakes

Young children don’t always have a lot of memories of their early years, so preserving mementos from their first year, their first day at school, their many firsts, is a worthy endeavor. They’ll be able to look at the items later and know that they were cherished: the proof is in the box!

-While ‘firsts’ are undoubtedly valuable memories to keep, there are plenty of other stages to commemorate too:

-Birthday cards and invitations.

-Baptismal keepsakes.

-A child’s favorite stuffed animal, or baby toy.

-Baby blanket, particularly if it is to be passed down to the next generation.

-Special vacation mementos: a jar of sand from a first beach vacation, for example.

-Milestone outfits: stepping up from kindergarten to grade 1 is an occasion never to be forgotten!

-Printed pictures.

Memories of high school graduation, sports team trophies, medals and ribbons, academic achievements and more, especially if they have a number of items from https://www.jostens.com/graduation/high-school/gifts-and-keepsakes and the like, are all wonderful to commemorate with keepsakes that will keep these memories alive and thriving. From the first pair of baby shoes to a high school yearbook or college acceptance letter, there are so many memories to treasure through these years.

For families who want to celebrate and commemorate their relationship with faith, a box of memories can include so many important mementoes. Whether for a First Communion and Confirmation, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or other important milestone in a person’s life with faith. These are valuable keepsakes that need to be cherished, as a person’s faith is with them for their entire lives.

Milestones and Memories

There are so many important moments in our lives, from milestone birthdays to the bucket list vacations. It all comes down to one’s own priorities. For some, it will be those special times with family and friends, celebrating an important event. For others, it will be about the goals one has achieved.

The range of keepsakes that could be included to keep these memories alive and well could include:

-Concert of theatre ticket stubs or programs.

-An invitation to an event.

-A coaster from a treasured venue.

-Photographs and artwork.

-A favorite scarf or tie, worn on a special day and preserved from that moment.

-A souvenir or two from the best vacation ever.

-Mementoes from the dream trip that finally happened.

If it matters to you, it matters. And the memories these keepsakes generate keep you steeped in the good feelings you had at the time. They are also a fun way to share your experiences with others, including your family.

Grandparents Memory Box

As acknowledged by Gavin Wallace from Great Gifts, buying a gift for a grandparent can be “very hard to do”, especially if they’re a first-time grandparent. Luckily, a memory box is the perfect solution. Whether as a gift for grandma, empty and waiting to be filled, or with a few well-chosen gifts inside, or for a grandparent to buy and fill with things they would like to share and pass down, a keepsake box from the generation before can become a precious treasure trove to the ones that follow.

-Cookbook with all the family recipes carefully noted for future generations to try their hand at.

-Artwork from the grandchildren that meant something.

-Cards, tickets, programs… Anything and everything that shines a light on a life well lived.

-Pictures and frames.

-Family linens or other heirlooms, to be kept safe and secure.

Wedding Memories

Whether as a gift to the happy couple, as an item on the registry list, a bridal shower gift or as a first anniversary present, the Wedding Classic Trunk from Petite Keep is a classic example of the perfect way to keep the memories of a wonderful day intact.

It’s up to the couple to decide what they want to keep in their wedding keepsake box, but some options include:

-Invitations from the shower(s), engagement party, or the big day!

-Cards received with gifts.

-Bridal shoes or the bride’s headpiece or tiara.

-Wedding favors.

-Dried boutonnieres or bouquet elements.

-Photographs or DVDs, music and images from the day.

-Program or menus from the day.

-Table numbers or other accessories.

In these unique times, even a mask would be a significant reminder of the uniqueness of the day!

What is meaningful to one person might mean nothing to another, so it’s important to include those items that remind you of the day, in the most positive way.

Beyond the wedding day, the memories of special anniversaries like the 10th or 20th, with mementoes from family gatherings and celebrations for these important events are worth holding on to and revisiting from time to time.

Keepsakes are tangible proof of a person’s life experience, and they carry significant meaning. Treating them as such preserves the memories in a way that is special.

About Lindsay Mullenger and Petite Keep

With the birth of her daughters, Heidi, Bella, and Louisa, came meaningful welcome cards, treasured baptismal mementos, and intricate, beautiful dresses that Lindsay simply couldn’t pack away in a plastic tub. She searched high and low for a classic keepsake box to store these many reminiscences and came up empty handed. That is how Petite Keep, https://www.petitekeep.com/, was born. Petite Keep are custom crafted, personalized keepsake trunks that store and display treasured keepsakes from life’s milestone events such as births, weddings, graduations and more. Each trunk is a one-of-a-kind heirloom treasure trove.

Staying Cool this Fall with ELEGEAR – ARC-CHILL

I love to be outside. Feeling the summer heat. It is just a mood booster for me.

But, when it comes to bedtime, I need to be cold. I cannot handle sleeping in the heat.

Thankfully I discovered ELEGEAR – ARC-CHILL and their line of cooling products.

 

Coupon Codes

 Elegear bamboo cooling blanket: COUPON: 10% J5ATISYA end date: 2021/12/31
Elegear Cooling Mattress Protector :COUPON: 10% S6WOCMSL end date: 2021/12/31

 

 

I switched over from a basic top sheet to a bamboo cooling blanket from ELEGEAR – ARC-CHILL. It is a HUGE difference. I was a slightly on the edge of non belief, but I am so glad their products actually work!

Their cooling blanket is a perfect lightweight blanket for all seasons. The way bamboo bedding can keep you warm enough without causing you to wake up overheated and sweating during the night. The sheen of the bamboo fibers and the small geometric pattern of the knit are very attractive. It’s pretty enough to be a decorative throw. It’s also an excellent extra layer for your bed.

This Bamboo blanket is naturally breathable, fabric weaving structure has a gap, moisture wicking and thermal regulating. It can keep your body snug and dry all night long that will have you waking up feeling rested and refreshed every morning.

 

 

 

Another crowd who can really appreciate a cooling product are the menopausal women. Doctors think that the change in estrogen levels cause a reaction which leads to sweating. I am starting to get night sweats from pre-menopause.  It stinks, and its gross. Waking up wet is awkward and embarrassing. Now you can help but a damper on your dampness by using a a cooling mattress cover from Elegear.  Elegear Cooling Mattress Protector is made of a Japanese Arc-chill Super Cool Technology Fabric. This technology can absorb human body heat and reduce skin temperature by 2 to 5°c. This product currently comes in two sizes: Twin/Twin XL and Queen. his deep pocket twin fitted sheets are designed for twin and twin xl mattress pad up to 18″, most suitable for 14″. The elastic stretch design allows the mattress cover to fit your mattress perfectly. Thankfully their products are machine washable and easy to care.

 

 

 

If you are considering trying a cooling product I sincerely suggest using this brand. The blanket is soft. It is pretty. But above all else, it works! I have gotten better sleep since switching to these blankets. They make perfect gifts for kids going to college, a mom who just had a baby, a holiday gift for your cousin…anyone can appreciate a cooling product.

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Installing Solar Panels

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More and more homeowners are installing solar panels nowadays through local roofing contractors in their area like the twin cities roofers Midwest Roof & Solar, and renewable energies are becoming much more accessible to all. You can use solar panels to power your appliances, conserve electricity, and even heat your home. Solar panels may be an investment at first but they will save you money in the long term and even add to your curb appeal. Today’s buyers are more eco-conscious so installing solar panels will increase the value of your home. Here are a few reasons why you should consider going solar.

Save money on your energy bills

By using solar energy to power the majority of your appliances, you’ll reduce your electricity consumption. This is one of the best ways to save on your utility bills. Solar panels are also cheap and easy to maintain. You’ll also get plenty of energy during the winter months and can use electricity reserves at night. If you’re looking to cut costs on your monthly expenses, solar panels could be one convenient solution.

Enjoy the tax benefits

Reducing your energy bills is not the only way installing solar panels can save you money. You can also benefit from a federal solar tax credit. If you’re a homeowner and you use your solar panels to generate electricity you should be entitled to this. It’s a government initiative to incentivize citizens to live more sustainably.

Make your more eco-friendly

Renewable energies such as solar power are much better for the environment. If you want to make your home more eco-friendly you could consider alternative ways to power your appliances, and for heating and cooling. As well as solar power, things like biomass systems, air or ground source heat pumps, and hydroelectric systems are becoming more popular. By making your home more sustainable you can add to its value and appeal to more buyers in the future.

Spruce up your exterior

Solar panels are a great way to advertise your home as eco-friendly and energy-efficient. This will help to boost your curb appeal. They’re also quite subtle and elegant looking. You may also want to consider carrying out roof maintenance before installing the to spruce up your exterior even more. If you’re interested in roofing services for your property, you can read more here. You’d be surprised how much difference a few little upgrades to your exterior can make to your curb appeal. Solar panels are a good example of how to appeal to today’s buyers.

Expect minimal maintenance work

Most φωτοβολταικα στεγης 2021 panels tend to be very robust and have fewer chances of succumbing easily to wear and tear. After the initial investment of setting them up, you’ll be unlikely to spend much on maintenance and repairs. Most manufacturers will also offer a warranty of 20-25 years. You can clean your solar panels once or twice a year yourself and maybe have the inverter inspected every five years. Apart from that, they’re pretty low maintenance. Solar panels are much more convenient than you may think, and from the money you’ll save on your bills, they’re a worthwhile investment.

National Geographic Shark Book Giveaway

Welcome to the Apple a Day Giveaway Hop

Enter for your chance to win a set of Shark books

from National Geographic

 

The Ultimate Book of Sharks (ages 9-12, hardcover, $19.99) by internationally acclaimed marine photographer and National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry is an underwater adventure like no other. With exclusive photographs and personal insight from Skerry, this book takes the reader below the surface and into the minds of these spectacular predators. Beyond the feared fins and terrifying teeth, readers will learn what its like to swim with these amazing fish, how they live, what they eat, their superhero-like senses and better understand why these graceful, confident, perfectly sculpted predators are also vulnerable animals that we need to protect.

 

 

 

NG Kids Sharks Sticker Activity Book (ages 4-8, paperback, $6.99) Rule the ocean in this activity book from National Geographic Kids that features over 1,000 stickers! This boredom busting activity book is packed with mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing activities, shark facts, and more. Shark-crazy kids are sure to love these pages loaded with fun, learning as they go.

 

 

 

 

 

Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean (ages 4-8, hardcover, $14.95 ) – An adorable animal reference that includes the sea’s high-interest animals, such as dolphins, sharks, sea otters, and penguins, and introduces kids to some of its lesser-known creatures. More than 100 charming animal photos illustrate the profiles, with facts about the creatures’ sizes, diets, homes, and more. This book will quickly become a favorite at storytime, bedtime, and any other time.

 

 

 

 

Extreme Ocean: Amazing Animals, High-Tech Gear, Record-Breaking Depths and Much More by National Geographic Explorer Sylvia A. Earle (ages 8-12, paperback, $12.99) An action-packed combination of science and adventure, famed National Geographic Explorer Sylvia Earle leads readers on an in-depth tour of life beneath the waves. Come face-to-face with whales and sharks, learn about the newest and most hi-tech ocean gear and gadgets, experiment with hands-on activities, and join Earle as she recounts her most daring dives. Packed with fascinating tidbits, animal profiles, and up-to-date science, each chapter combines stunning photography with fun, accessible text. Perfect for curious kids, ocean lovers, young explorers, and the classroom. Extreme Ocean reveals the mystery, majesty, danger, and — above all –the importance of our ocean.

 

So Cool! Sharks (ages 3-7, hardcover, $6.99 ) – Sharks are among the world’s top predators, but that’s just ONE reason why they are SO COOL. So who wouldn’t want to hang out with them to learn more! These books blend awesome animal photos with silly quips and info that will delight young readers and animal enthusiasts. For example, kids can catch the hunting habits of a great white shark while learning that its true nature is as chill as a frozen fish stick. This is the perfect little reader to get their brain buzzing and keep them laughing during their downtime.

 

 

 

Weird But True!: Ocean (ages 8-12, paperback, $8.99) Dive into these fishy facts: Did you know that the prehistoric shark, megalodon, had jaws so big that it could swallow a car? Or that goats, pigs, dogs, cats, and even an alpaca have all learned how to surf? And if that’s not weird enough for you, one man even rowed solo across the Pacific Ocean for 312 days! In this book filled with 300 facts and pictures, you’ll glimpse the ocean’s weirdest wildlife, uncover shocking shipwrecks, and meet sensational seafarers, from pirates and sailors to ground-breaking marine scientists. Perfect for ocean enthusiasts and trivia-loving landlubbers alike!

 

 

 

MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.