Author: MamatheFox

Bicycling Tips For the Family

Enjoying a good bike ride is a great way to get out and see the countryside, as well as getting such much-needed exercise. Not only that, but bike riding is a way to reduce your carbon footprint and give the kid a little bit of independence. However, it is not without its risks. As a conscientious parent, you will be all too conscious of the health and safety issue involved, and as a result, this may make you very nervous about letting the kids on the road. So, we have created some tips to help you enjoy those family bicycling adventures.

 

Image from Pixabay

 

The Right Bike

You need a bike that is actually the right size for your child. Can they easily stop the bike without wobbling and falling off? In other words, is the bike too big? Is it too small? Are they able to straighten their legs when the peddle is at the bottom? How about the reach to the handlebars? A bike that is too small or too large can be dangerous so make sure that the bike fits. This may mean, in the case of kids who have recently experienced a growth spurt, buying new made in the usa bikes (or any other kind of bike) might be the best choice.

This may mean purchasing new made in the usa bikes (any other kind of bike) if they have recently gone through a growth spurt.

 

Your Children’s Age

In order for kids to safely traverse the roads, they need to be a certain age. Although there is no age limit, as a conscientious parent, you should not be allowing 5-year-olds out on the open road, even if they have developed good riding skills. Perhaps you should take them to basic cycling skills lessons to help them. But, even so, children under the age of ten should really be on the back of one of the parent’s bikes, or be very closely monitored while cycling on a pavement. Once they are at least ten and have some road savvy ability, it is best they are between the two parents, and distances are not overly long. That is something you can build up over time, as they become stronger, more confident, and are more road savvy.

 

Maintain the Bikes

You need to ensure all the tires are inflated and without punctures. You need to oil the bikes and make sure the brakes are both in good working order. This is a simple prerequisite of cycling with children.

 

Safety Equipment

All of you need to be wearing helmets, even if you are used to cycling without one. You need to lead by example. That goes for children on the back of a bike too. They need sweat belts to boot. You will want clothes that cover elbows and knees too to minimize damage if an accident does occur. Think about a bicycle accident lawyer if the worse does happen.

 

Know Your Route

Plan your route beforehand. Know where all the twists, turns, and hazard spots are so you can be extra vigilant. If possible, cycle the route a few times on your own so you can really get a handle on how it needs to be ridden. Perhaps have a stop-gap place in mind so you can get off, check everything is ok, and have a drink while on the journey.

 

What To Do If Your Overspend As A Business

Whether you run a home business or a large corporation, overspending can get you into a lot of financial trouble. If you don’t recuperate the money or continue to overspend, you might result in experiencing debt. Debt should be avoided at all costs as it could mean the end of your business. If you have outstanding loans from people who owe you money through business dealings then it would be the right time to talk with a collection agency to see about getting that money back and hopefully lightening the load of your debt.

If you do overspend as a business, there are a few things to do to cover your back and get back on track.

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Seek expert help

If you overspend more than you expected and find yourself in debt, then you will want to seek expert help. Wyolaw Law Firm is a team that can help you get back on track and avoid putting your business at more risk than you need to.

Seeking expert help will ensure that you take the right actions for paying off your debt and getting back on your feet.

Investigate

If you do not know the reason for overspending, then you will want to investigate your spending habits. For this, you could consider engaging accounting experts from companies like middle, who can help you get to the bottom of your finances and discover how and why you spent more money than you could afford.

During the investigation, they may also assess your finances as a whole to find out where you could save money and avoid overspending in the future.

Set a budget

You might have overspent in your business due to not having a business budget. A budget is vital if you want to stick to a set amount each month. Without a budget, you will find it difficult to stay on top of your finances and you will also find it difficult to attain maximum profit. For instance, if you are an auto repair shop and you need to hire employees, there are things to consider for hiring mechanics that have to be factored in so you know you are spending the right amount on what you need and not hiring people that do not offer the right support, which could eventually lead to lost profits.

Set a realistic budget that is in line with your monthly expenses. Allow a little extra for random expenses.

Adjust your budget

If you do have a budget in place, then you are one step ahead of the game. However, you might want to think about adjusting your budget so that you can learn from your mistake and avoid overspending in the future.

You might want to consider tightening your budget so that you avoid spending more than you need to. If you are spending way too much on social media marketing with paid and display ads for example, you may want to cut back on what’s not working for you. You could use some of the budget to Buy followers or create good content, but figure out what’s ineffective and stop the cash flow to those strategies. For a month or so, practice spending only what you need to. You will be able to attain better control over your finances and avoid overspending again.

Switch your payment methods

Your payment methods might be the reason that you overspent in your business. You simply may not be using direct debits to pay your bills or might be recklessly using your business credit card for leisure expenses.

You should always avoid using credit cards as they can rack up debt and sometimes encourage you to spend money that you don’t need to. If you don’t have the money to spend sitting in your business bank account, then don’t spend it.

Switch your payment methods to current accounts and set up direct debits. You will be able to pay your bills on time and only spend the money that you can afford to.

Home Improvements To Add To Your To Do List

(image credit)

Home Improvements are something we always look to do. It helps us turn a house into a home. Somewhere we feel happy, comfortable and can forget about the worries of everyday life. You want your home to be the space you go to feel calm and relaxed not to give you stress. There are different home improvements you can do which can make your home look incredible and some of them are very affordable and will work for any budget.

Revamp Your Wood And Doors

Unfortunately, there are certain areas in the home which manage to get dirty and are used more so to wear and tear is more obvious. Take the stair bannister for example. How many times do people walk up and down then and hold on to the bannister? The paint starts to thin, it gets dirty or the varnish is worn. A nice quick fix that will give your home a cleaner and fresher look is simply to buy a tin of gloss emulsion paint. You can then run a quick layer of them all and give them a brand new look. It can completely transform the look of the room with very minimal effort.

Kitchen Cabinets Budget Makeover

Our kitchen cabinets are another overused part of the house. Looking worn, chipped paint and maybe even outdated. They can be given a makeover without the crazy expense of whole new cabinet units. You can buy wood or furniture paint and can get a brand new look for your cabinets. You could go modern and sleek and go for black or change things up and add a pop of colour. However, if the cabinets are damaged due to moisture or heavy pressure, you might have to replace them with new ones. In that case, why not go for inset cabinets that can sit flush with the cabinet frame giving a modern and futuristic look. Also, one way to make them look attractive could be by having new handles put on, you can pick them up from any DIY store.

Replace Your Windows

Windows are something that needs to be replaced every so often. Whether that be a double hung window replacement or a side window replacement, you need to assess your home to see what has to go and what requires a little bit of TLC. Windows are an important part of the home, keeping in the heat, not letting drafts in and being the way your home gets its natural light. So if your windows are looking a bit worse for wear it may be time to replace them completely. You can get amazing deals on things like a bay window replacement but you will need a specialist to do it for you.

Add A Lick Of Paint

One of the simplest ways to look at changing the way your home looks. It’s cheap, refreshing and can transform your space. You could look to just simply add a neutral colour all over and then you can build on that in the room to add more character from a cushion, home decor, art and ornaments. The other option is to introduce a feature wall. This is where you have 3 neutral walls then one completely different so it stands out.

Replace All Of the Sealant

Sealant is in different areas in the house. The most common of course is the bathroom. You know the drill, it starts to go a bit brown, then becomes cracked, mouldy and brittle. It’s not a nice site so spend an afternoon getting some sealant and going over it all so it looks fresh and new. You can even get easy applicators now so it comes out like toothpaste and is easy to apply.

Add A Secret Hideaway Room Into Your Home

Have you ever seen a spy film where they just make a room appear from nowhere, how amazing would it be to have that in your home? If you have a spare room that you don’t really use then you too can have that without it costing a lot. It could be a secret playroom for the kids, a work space, a place to relax and unwind or maybe even a place to hang out with friends and have a drink. All you need to do is install a bookcase door and it will hide the location of the room.

Transform Your Entrance To An Inviting Sight

A few simple changes can make the entrance to your home very inviting and a welcome sight to come home to. One of the first jobs is to paint the front door. Choose a cheerful and bold colour to make or stand out. You can also update the door with new hardware like a new knocker, letterbox and door handle, as well as your house number if it is on there. Maybe add a beautiful drum shade chandelier to create a statement look to your entryway! Then a few finishing touches like introducing a quirky or beautiful door mat, whatever your style is. Add some potted plants and even a small tree on each side of the door and it will be transformed. You could easily do this all in an afternoon on a weekend.

Create A Whole New Atmosphere In The Room

A quick and simple way for you to change the atmosphere in your room, introducing a more romantic vibe on date night, cosy lighting for Autumn nights in and the vibe of a restaurant when you are having dinner guests is by simply installing dimmer switches. It means you can choose the level of lighting in the room and you don’t have to have really dark or really bright lights as your only two options. You can also create a new atmosphere by adding in some home decor items. You could find awesome things that cost 30 dollars or less and change the whole vibe of the room. If you’re not sure where to check for such affordable things, check sites like novelty street.

Add More Storage To Your Home

Everyone always needs more storage, we are always buying new things and needing to find places for them to live. It could be as simple as introducing some floating shelves, or bookshelves to a room. Or you could add some bigger storage spaces like adding storage cubbies under your stairs or expand the closet space you have if you want to go big and add a walk in wardrobe. However, in a hurry to create more storage options in the room, homeowners often forget that removing the unnecessary and unused items can also help create a larger storage area. By removing the hoarded items from your old wardrobe or bookshelves, it could be possible to get the extra space that you need. Yes, you might need the help of Junk Buddy or similar junk removal service providers to clean the hoarder junk. But in the process, you can at least be sure that you do not have to do the daunting task alone.

Transform Your Attic Space

Most people use their attic space to store old things that could probably of been donated or thrown away, to keep the Christmas tree in lots of other stuff. However it is such an amazing space to make use of, the size of your house with a bit taken away due to the roof. It is one of the more expensive home improvements but you can add a whole new room to your home. It could be another bedroom, a playroom for the kids, a home office or simply anything you want it to be. You will need to hire help for this but when it’s finished you will be so pleased and will make your home feel new as well as adding a lot of value to the house price.

Can A Healthy Gut Improve Your Mental Well-Being

Mental well-being is rightly discussed often these days. The pandemic has highlighted many struggles as well, shining a light on critical issues all around the world. 

Fortunately, frequent studies are also raising awareness, giving a voice to those who often feel silenced. Everyone needs to be heard, especially at times where options seem few. Feelings of hopelessness must never be allowed to persist.  

Still, there are numerous ways to improve mental well-being. While many people rightly focus on things like meditation and medication, there are numerous other avenues to explore too. 

Every mental wellness plan should have ‘improving gut health’ considered for the agenda. The connection may not seem obvious, but the two things are closely interconnected. You can see why for yourself down below. 

 

Reducing Self-Consciousness

Being self-conscious about trivial things is quite common on occasion. However, should these matters go unaddressed over the span of years, some insecurities can become debilitating. 

Unfortunately, poor gut health can be responsible for major changes in your appearance, including:

  • Weight gain – The bacteria in your gut significantly influences how much weight you do or do not gain. You may find yourself changing size rapidly in the worst cases. 
  • Skin disruptions – If you have any eczema that often flairs up, it may make you more self-conscious about how you look. 
  • Constipation and diarrhoea – People often make light of these issues, but they are not fun to deal with in reality. Navigating your life under the threat of many embarrassing moments can be enough to destroy a person’s self-confidence, and sadly, their overall happiness too. 

If you experience these symptoms, investigate your gut health further. Do not chalk these incidents up to some measure of bad karma or an unknown health defect. Pay closer attention to your gut health, which may be enough to rectify many of these problems. Always consult your doctor for guidance if you have any further concerns about these symptoms. 

 

Improving Sleep Patterns

Poor gut health can cause major disruptions in your sleep pattern. If you do not get a good night’s rest, your energy levels and mood will decline rapidly.

From a starting point of sleep deprivation, any current anxiety disorders you experience may worsen. When you do not rest, your sense of time and perception may also become disorientated. Your appetite may be plunged into chaos. Your grades or job performance may slip, leading to undeserved feelings of inadequacy. 

As you can see, spiralling out of control after so many consequences would be quite common for many people. All of this chaos could potentially be prevented by maintaining your gut health. Constant disruptions during the night will impact the quality of your sleep. In the end, your mind will only be at ease when the rest of your body is, so keep that in mind when turning in. 

 

Enforcing Better Eating Habits

When you are in low spirits, you may gravitate toward eating junk food. It may seem like comfort food, but what you consume here can do you more harm than good after a while. 

Foods that are high in sugar and fats should be swapped for whole foods and healthy meals. Coincidentally, many of these goods also increase your capacity for mindfulness, so it may be a good idea to switch things up slightly. Research some fun and delicious recipes, and you will not need to worry about experiencing more mundane meal plans either. 

Healthier eating may give you a better sense of agency too. Cooking can be a therapeutic pastime, and having a more significant say over what you put in your body can give you a recurring sense of fulfilment. Take back control of your eating habits, and both your gut and your mind will benefit. 

 

Providing Quality Support

Many of the issues highlighted so far can lead to problems with isolated suffering. You will struggle to wholly be yourself so long as you are experiencing these afflictions. 

However, support services are out there if you need help during this crucial time. For instance, you could learn everything there is to know about the elemental diet under the guidance of Dr Ruscio’s Clinic. If you have short gut syndrome or bacterial imbalances, you can receive expert input here. They specialize in gut health and are passionate about providing practical, scientifically-validated and cost-effective care to all patients. 

Some may elect to go through their gut health problems alone. However, knowing that there is a support framework in place could work wonders for your mental well-being. You would have a professional to confide in who can provide encouragement and set you on the right path. A dynamic such as this may also give you huge relief in finally addressing any deep-rooted insecurities.  

Try not to delay in seeking the help you need. The sooner you address these problems, the sooner you can improve things. Be prepared to action any of the guidance that professionals offer you. 

 

Motivating More Exercise

Regular exercise can also help you maintain a healthy gut. Of course, exercise can improve your mental well-being via its own merits too. 

Getting out of your home and being proactive can do wonders for your state of mind. New experiences and friends could await you should you join a club. You may also have the feeling of perfect multitasking and efficiency as you improve these aspects of your life alongside your gut health. 

You can also prevent sickness through exercise too. The gut is a large part of your body’s immune system, so as you exercise, you will also combat many potential illnesses by maintaining your gut’s health. 

Remember, you don’t need to become a world-leading athlete to mark progress here. Build the intensity of your workout over time if you can. However, a basic series of stretches and a daily walk should be enough to make a difference as well. 

 

Conclusion

If you are unhappy with how you look or your feel, then addressing any gut problems may help substantially. It may also give you more motivation to improve numerous other aspects of your life. You may feel more energized and committed to a flourishing self-improvement regime. In time, you may come to feel more at home within your body, and more fulfilled in general. 

Cheeky Pumpkins Giveaway Hop Sign Up

 

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 10/16 – 10/31
Start time: Oct 16  – 9:00 am EST
End time:  Oct 31  – 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 11/1. Events must be open to US entrants.

Adding your link means you agree to the following terms:
Your post must include the following:

The full HTML which will be provided by email.
A clear form of entry (a giveaway form or a blog comment)
The giveaway hops image (in HTML and also included by attachment to the email)
The linky must be included in your post (code will be sent in email)
Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
Must include disclosure included in email
A Link to the hosts: MamatheFox (https://mamathefox.com)

This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only

If you sign up and can no longer participate please let me know so I can remove you from the linky.

Scaredy Cat Giveaway Hop Sign Up

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 10/1 – 10/15
Start time: Oct 1  – 9:00 am EST
End time:  Oct 15  – 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 10/16. Events must be open to US entrants.

Adding your link means you agree to the following terms:
Your post must include the following:

The full HTML which will be provided by email.
A clear form of entry (a giveaway form or a blog comment)
The giveaway hops image (in HTML and also included by attachment to the email)
The linky must be included in your post (code will be sent in email)
Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
Must include disclosure included in email
A Link to the hosts: MamatheFox (https://mamathefox.com)

This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only

If you sign up and can no longer participate please let me know so I can remove you from the linky.

Falling into Leaves Giveaway Hop – Sign Up

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 9/16 – 9/30
Start time: Sept 16  – 9:00 am EST
End time:  Sept 31  – 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 10/1. Events must be open to US entrants.

Adding your link means you agree to the following terms:
Your post must include the following:

The full HTML which will be provided by email.
A clear form of entry (a giveaway form or a blog comment)
The giveaway hops image (in HTML and also included by attachment to the email)
The linky must be included in your post (code will be sent in email)
Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
Must include disclosure included in email
A Link to the hosts: MamatheFox (https://mamathefox.com)

This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only

If you sign up and can no longer participate please let me know so I can remove you from the linky.

 

Top Five Items You Need When Traveling with a Baby

Whether you’re hopping on a plane to explore faraway places, staying in an Extended Stay Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio, or you’re planning a weekend staycation in a nearby city, traveling with a baby can feel overwhelming. We get it. It’s challenging trying to decide what items from home you’ll need on your trip.

It’s an adventure (for sure), but you are going to create a lot of memories with your family which is going to make it all worth it, plus, if you go on holiday every year you can commemorate this through creative ways like picking up gifts from each state/country, picking up a travel map from websites like modernmapart, for example, to pinpoint the places you’ve been. There is so much you can do during this time, yes it can be stressful and time-consuming, but as time goes on you’ll be able to hold onto the little memories of what you all did together.

Getting back on track, we want your upcoming trip to be a success. With that in mind, check out our top five must-have items that will seriously simplify traveling with a baby!

1. Easy Baby Food Solution

Here’s the thing – whether you’re at home or on the go, mealtime with your little one can get pretty messy. That’s where Babeehive Goods comes into play. They have this amazing baby food bottle. All you do is put the pureed food in the bottle and feed it to your baby. It eliminates open baby bottles and spoons, making it ultra-easy to take care of mealtime on the go.

Whether you’re in the car or on the plane, this baby food bottle is a must.

2. Port-a-Crib Cover

Perhaps one of the biggest anxieties that parents face when planning a trip with their baby is how they’re going to help their little one sleep well. Even adults struggle when they transition to sleeping in a new place, so creating an optimal space for your baby to sleep is a must.

More likely than not, you’re going to have a port-a-crib for your baby. Make sure you also pack a cover so you can make it as dark as possible while they’re sleeping. You probably won’t have black-out curtains where you’re staying, but a cover can act like one making it easier for your little one to sleep.

3. Portable Baby Monitor

Next up is a portable baby monitor. When you lie your baby down, you’re not necessarily going to be by their side the whole time. You’ll be visiting with other members of your family or friends that you’re traveling with, in the kitchen, in the next room or just outside. Even though your little one will be close by, you’ll still want a portable baby monitor so you can listen for anything they might need.

4. White Noise Machine

Another way to help your baby sleep well while traveling is to have a white noise machine on hand. Especially if they have one when they sleep at home, having a travel white noise machine is going to be a must. We recommend getting one with a hook. That way, you can loop it onto a part of the porta crib that’s out of their reach while still giving them the white noise they’ll need to sleep well.

5. Pop Up High Chair

High chairs can get pretty big and bulky, and the thought of bringing your home high chair with you on a trip can feel daunting. That’s why we recommend having a pop-up high chair with you while traveling. When it’s not in use, it folds up and is easily tucked into a diaper bag or in the storage pocket of your stroller. It even comes with a tray.

Don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from traveling as a family and making memories with your little one! Snag all of the baby travel essentials today and get ready to embark on your next adventure.

Swing your Digital- Must-Gift Subscriptions to your Life’s Superhero

Is your beloved father’s birthday approaching? Are you tired of boring gifts? If yes, then you might be looking for some unique ideas to make your dad’s birthday special. Now that you’re scrolling through the internet to find ideas, you come across subscription boxes. 

 

Voilà, you scream in utmost joy!

 

Yes, everyone will agree that subscription boxes for dads are an excellent idea for his birthday. Also, with so many themes available, you’ll indeed find a subscription box that’ll tick all his boxes to the best levels.

 

Can’t wait to find the best subscription box gift for your daddy, dearest? Well, here are some ideas that excite you to unexceptional levels. And, the best part is you won’t be sorry. So, let’s get going with discovering some of the most popular ones:

 

  •  Beard Care Club:

 

One of the best ways of keeping your beard luscious, long, healthy, and full of life is using beard oil regularly. If your dad sports a well-groomed beard that even the Greek Gods would be jealous of, then signing him up to a Beard Care subscription box is the best thing you can do. 

 

  • Monthly Watch Club:

 

It’s certainly time for a great birthday gift- all thanks to the awesome subscription box. The Monthly Watch club is all you’re looking for. It’s a subscription box that will help you unleash the benefits of a brand new and custom timepiece delivered right to the door of your choice every month. 

 

Knowing that this gift works wonders for you, especially when your dad possesses a profound love for watches, this box will help him make a style statement. 

 

  • Wine Subscription Box:

 

Guarantee delight to your father by giving him a personalized yet best wine subscription gift tailored to the specific taste palate. What’s even better is that the wine subscription has a sophisticated algorithm, which your dad will love. 

 

Know that each bottle comes with handy cards that explain the wine origins, flavour notes, pairing suggestions, and a lot more. 

 

What’s even better is that with a subscription, your dad will have new wines delivered at their doorstep at the frequency of their choice. All you’ve to do is swap a wine bottle for a new one anytime. 

 

This gift is perfect for your dad if he’s a profound wine lover. 

 

  • Shirt Subscription Club:

 

Subscription boxes are a fantastic idea for shopping for your dad as shirts are something that you always want to keep giving. Considering Forma Supply Co. is a box that pledges to keep your dad’s fashion sense alive by delivering them with premium shirts every month. 

 

  • Magic Room Brand:

 

Magic Room Brand swears to supply inquisitive musicians with eco-friendly accessories, drum sticks, and guitar plectrums. If your superhero is fond of making music, this box is sure to make him happy. 

 

All you’ve to do is choose your subscription option and go away with it. 

 

The Bottom Line

 

You can consider some other subscription boxes: salon box cocktail kit, nakd wrist, spiffster club, and others. 

 

Indeed, this list was capable of giving you a gist of some awesome subscription box gift ideas to make your daddy dearest super happy. All you’ve to do is know what he’s fond of and which box will bring out much usefulness to him.