Author: MamatheFox

If You Blame Your Bad Teeth On Your Parents, You Might Want To Read This

As with so many things to do with our health, it’s not genetics that matter, but the environment. Whether we can inherit “bad teeth” from our parents is still unclear. Evidence to date suggests that most issues crop up because of environmental factors – stuff that we can control – not deterministic biology.

Pixabay – CC0 License

Take a look at these examples of bad teeth and the extent to which your parents might be to blame.

Yellow Teeth

Yellow teeth are a big problem during an age in which nothing less than pristine pearly white will suffice.

There are many reasons for yellow teeth. Some, as you might imagine, are genetic. Genes program teeth to incorporate more substances into the enamel, making it appear duller. This yellowing is intrinsic to the tooth and there’s not much you can do about it.

Most of the causes of tooth yellowing, however, are entirely environmental. Smoking, for instance, will stain the teeth and increase the chances of decay by fostering the growth of harmful bacteria. Similarly, eating a diet full of sugar will slowly erode the white enamel, revealing the yellower dentine in the core of the tooth.

The trick to making your teeth less yellow is to follow healthy lifestyle habits. Where possible, refrain from eating sugar and don’t smoke. Try, if possible, to drink tea through a straw as it can stain your teeth if it comes in direct contact with them. And if you want professional help in getting rid of your yellow teeth, consider this dentist in oakbrook terrace il.

There are environmental factors that can play into the yellowness of your teeth also. These include things like conditions in the womb and even the level of toxic substance exposure.

Tetracycline antibiotics used in childhood can also have a profound effect on the color of teeth. Some people can develop a yellowing or greying of the teeth than no amount of whitening treatment will fix.

Crooked Teeth

Why do some people have crooked teeth, and others don’t? The answer from science seems to suggest that it, like yellow teeth, is a combination of genetics and the environment.

The arrangement of teeth in the gums is fundamentally genetic – at least to start. Teeth, however, can migrate, depending on how we eat, the forces as we chew, and even our speaking and breathing habits.

If you used a dummy when you were a child, you’re at a higher risk of crooked teeth. The same applies if you sucked your thumb. Interestingly, many dentists believe that if the position of our teeth was genetically determined, using orthodontics to realign them wouldn’t work. They’d just shift back to their original position. Most of the time, though, that doesn’t happen.

In short, you can probably blame your parents for your crooked teeth. They should have intervened earlier to stop you from sucking your thumb or making excessive use of pacifiers.

Tooth Decay

When it comes to teeth problems, tooth decay is the big one – something that affects most of us at some point during our lives. It’s something that you’ll want to deal with promptly, and you will need to find top rated dentists to help you with. But before you do that, it’s important to understand what it is and what causes it.

Whereas the preceding two bad teeth problems are unavoidable, tooth decay is not. If you have decay, it is probably your fault. Sorry.

Tooth decay comes from two sources. The first is failing to maintain good oral hygiene standards. If you eat a regular western diet with plenty of sugar, brushing twice per day probably isn’t enough. Brushing after every meal and using interdental brushes between the teeth is probably the safest option.

The second is the diet itself. By eating sugar every day, most people continuously pour fuel on the fire, encouraging decay all day long. Is it any surprise, therefore, that they wind up with tooth decay issues?

The science of tooth decay has progressed tremendously over the past few years. Dentists increasingly accept that the mouth contains both good and bad bacteria, like the gut. The good bacteria complement our health, and the bad harm it. The idea right now is to eat foods that encourage the growth of these good bacteria and keep the detrimental ones at bay. Where possible, people should avoid sugar and bakery products made of small flour particles, like white bread, pastries, and so on. Instead, they should consume more in whole foods, like whole fruits, vegetables, and beans. These foods seem to naturally protect the teeth and prevent the spread of decay.

It’s Not Just About Bacteria

While bacteria are the trigger for tooth decay, they aren’t the sole cause. Sometimes genetics do play a role.

Suppose, for instance, that your teeth are a little crooked. Many people don’t see this as a problem, believing that as long as they brush their teeth correctly, they’ll avoid decay. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Bacteria can get into gaps you can’t reach with brushing, allowing them to grow and multiply. Eventually, the bacteria build up so much that plaque makes its way below the gum line, leading to periodontal disease and pain.

Crooked bottom teeth are probably genetic and tend to run in families. It would be a little unfair to place the blame on your parents for this. The good news, though, is that you can deal with misaligned teeth pretty quickly. A few months of wearing a brace, and they’ll migrate to the perfect position, cutting the risk of decay in midlife.

Cosmetic Dentistry

The good news is that even if you do have problematic teeth, you don’t have to put up with them. In today’s high-tech world, dentists can fix just about any problem. Dr. Mace, for instance, says that people have a variety of tools at their disposal; everything from veneers to full mouth reconstructions. This means that if you’ve been on the lookout to sort out your teeth through cosmetic dentistry clearwater fl services, then you’ll be in luck with the myriad of skills they have. In short, it doesn’t matter what state your teeth are in, modern dentistry can reconstruct your smile front scratch, giving you beautiful teeth you’ll want to show off. Even if you have lost your entire set of teeth from your upper or lower jaw, there are natural-looking alternatives to dentures, including all-on-4 dental implants, that can help you restore your confidence.

In A Nutshell

So what’s the conclusion to all this?

First and foremost, you no longer need to walk around with a set of teeth in your mouth you hate. Modern dentistry is a miracle worker and can restore practically any smile.

Second, you can’t always blame your parents for the state of your teeth. Most of the time, the way your teeth look has to do with your lifestyle. The decisions that you make today can profoundly affect how your smile will look twenty years from now.

If you want to avoid decay, here are some general rules of thumb:

  • Cut down your consumption of refined sugar, preferable to zero. Even low levels of sugar passing through the mouth can change your microbiome unfavorably
  • Brush twice per day for two minutes, using a timer and the correct technique. Frequently use interdental brushes to remove plaque stuck between teeth
  • Where possible, eliminate smoking as this damages both the teeth and gums and puts you at a higher risk of tooth decay
  • Seek orthodontic treatment early to prevent issues from cropping up later in life
  • Brush both your gums and teeth to prevent plaque bacteria migrating below the gumline
  • Don’t chew tobacco

Third, it’s worth pointing out that the state of your teeth relates to both environment and genetics. Strangely, the habits you had when you were young can determine the state of your adult teeth considerably. In some cases, parents are to blame, but not all.

Finally, the majority of tooth problems have to do with decay – that’s what keeps people having to go back to the dentist every couple of months. Most professionals, however, believe that it is entirely preventable and put the blame squarely on your shoulders for not following basic oral hygiene rules, not your parents.

Velvet Ice Cream Giveaway

Welcome to the Hugs, Kisses, Valentine’s Wishes Giveaway Hop

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter for your chance to win a Velvet Ice Cream Prize Pack

Includes:

  • Velvet Tshirt
  • Velvet Dipper
  • Container of sprinkles
  • Velvet Ice Cream FREE Coupons

 

 

 

 

 

Top Valentines Day Gifts For 2020

Valentine’s Day is around the corner … are you ready?

Whether you go to a fancy restaurant, write each other Erotic Poetry, have a casual night in, or go away on holiday, there are so many different ways to celebrate your love for each other! And gifts are the perfect way to show how passionate you feel.

This year MamatheFox put together a round up of gifts ideas for the ones you love. Before we start, take a look at TruePheromones.com to get yourself a perfume that will have your partner swooning at your feet. And when the perfume has done the magic, and aroused the wild desires that inhibit both of you, you can use something like fleshlight girl to enhance romantic experiences between you and your partner.

May this Valentines Day be filled with love and joy for each and every one of you.

Gifts for Grown Ups

High Beauty

High Beauty is one of MamatheFox’s favorite beauty brands. They have taken best CBD oil to the land of beauty products and we are loving the results. CBD is a form of cannabis extract from the leaves or stems. CBD produces anti-anxiety or anti-inflammatory effects, which make it ideal for beauty products. By using CBD they are able to get us a product that is nutrient dense, has all 20 of the amino acids, and gives the highest percentage of essential fatty acids. Their High Eye-Q gel is amazing. The High eye-Q will provide a cooling effect reducing puffiness around the eye as well as smoothing any fine lines while providing hydration for healthy, beautiful skin. It goes on so smooth and soft that you will instantly take a breath and know you are going to get results from the gel. If you are looking for something useful, exciting to get and unique then order this High Eye-Q gel today.

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Wallaroo Hats

With the thoughts of a warm summer and a hot vacation in your future, there is nothing better to receive than a fun hat for those sunny days. The Wallaroo Hat Company has established itself on their top of the line hats that not only look amazing but provide you with UV protection as well. Their mission has been to help eliminate the threat of skin cancer through information and prevention. As a leader in the sun-protective hat industry, Wallaroo takes this health threat very seriously. All of our hats are tested and rated according to their UV-blocking capabilities. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the material of every Wallaroo hat with a UPF rating and a 3+ inch brim as an effective UV protectant. So be sure to order for yourself and your little ones a hat before the summer months are here.

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TrailKeg

If you are your into brewing your own craft beers, or purchase your craft beers from a local brewery then TrailKeg is going to be a slice of heaven. Their half gallon kit comes with all the parts you need to try your hand at brewing your own beer. You can also do a homebrew kombucha on your own countertop. If you have ever visited somewhere like the Stanley Park Brewing company, you will know that beer needs to be kept at the right pressure for perfect carbonation but can’t come racing out of the tap too fast, or you will get a glass full of foam. This is especially hard with small keg systems. TrailKegs solution is their Perfect Pour Dip tube. This allows the right amount of pressure giving you the perfect pour every time. TrailKeg helps you enjoy your favorite beverages, cold and perfectly carbonated, in great places.

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The Skin Saint – Dream Eye Cream

Few things get me excited like beauty products do. The fun of the first smell, to discover how it feels and most importantly to watch my skin to see if it truly has a benefit for me. I recently found out about The Skin Saint. Creator of the line, Holly Cuter, struggled with cystic acne, endometriosis, and the awful emotional damage the comes from that struggle. She worked hard to discover how she could repair skin on a molecular and cellular level, and when she did she was eventually able to repair 80% of her own scarring left from acne. This Dream Eye Cream is a rich and restorative, all-in-one, anti-aging eye cream. It contains peptide complexes, a breakthrough Retinoid, and a form of Vitamin K, to reduce dark circles, promote collagen production to improve fine lines and wrinkles. Dream Eye Cream also increases cellular turnover resulting in healthy, younger-looking skin in this delicate area.

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Beyond the Equator – 5 Seed Butter

With all the sweets we are surrounded by during Valentines Day it’s a smart move to try to make something sweet and healthy for you. In steps Beyond the Equators 5 Seed Butter. This is a jammed packed product with all the nutritional benefits you are looking for. By combining chia, flax, pumpkin, sunflower and hemp in their 5 Seed Butter they came up with a nut free butter that is perfect for any family. 5 Seed Butter is free of the eight most common allergens and contains healthy ingredients that you will love without sacrificing on taste. Use it as a substitute the next time you make No Bake Energy Bites.

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Lotus Trolly Bags

Reusable shopping bags are the way to grocery shop these days. They’re so convenient, and a really smart, easy way to cut down on plastic bags. Lotus Trolly Bags are the next level of innovation and include numerous features to streamline grocery shopping. All their packing is plastic free and these bags are multi-purpose. At the store the trolly bag can hang on the cart with the short handles and are easily assessable. At check out the bags can spread across the cart and stay open for easy packing. Each bag is detachable and the poles are removable so you can use them at the beach, road trips, picnics and more. Lotus Trolly Bag also sells a set of 9 reusable produce bags. No more flimsy single-use plastic bags and keeps food safe from BPA. The bags can also be used as a strainer for juices and nut milks. Lotus Trolly Bags are a family owned small business with family policies and customer service.

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ChocZero

Chocolate lovers pay attention! ChocZero is going to be your new Valentine’s Day treat obsession. Choczero makes sugar free, no sugar alcohols, and no artificial sweeteners and chocolate. Sweetened with their own exclusive monk fruit and fiber blend. Being low carb: only 1g net carbs per serving it is perfect for Keto lifestyle and other low carb diets. They use fair-trade cocoa beans and are made in the USA. They offer us chocolate treat bites, sugar free syrups, chocolate almonds, and an amazing Keto Bark! These treats are so tasty and affordable they will be an easy choice for the chocolate lover in your life this Valentine’s Day.

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Gift for Kids

Feltman Brothers

Nothing is sweeter than a baby on Valentine’s Day. This year dress up your dear one with Feltman Brothers beautifully made clothing. People will stop and fawn over how delicate and stunning your child looks as they are showcasing Feltman Brothers perfectly designed outfits. When you put on their clothing on your little princess or prince, they will surly look the part. Feltman Brothers vintage baby clothes feature the classy, antique look you love, with lots of lace trim, smocking, handmade pintucks, and hand embroidery – because you deserve an heirloom quality baby layette you can pass down for generations to come.

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Welch’s Valentine’s Day Exchange Fruit Snacks

Welch’s is a staple in most homes for a reason – because they taste great and make an easy snack choice for busy parents. Welch’s did us mom’s a favor and has rolled out these Valentine’s Day exchange Fruit Snack bags just in time for our kids Valentine’s Day parties at school. The box comes with 28 pouches, great for any classroom size. On the front of the bag is an area for you to write the “to” and “from” names. Tasty, easy and affordable – thanks Welch’s for your help this Valentine’s Day.

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Always More Love

From the author of Dont Push The Button comes a new uplifting book for the preschoolers in your life. Always More Love is a heartwarming story and fun experience for families to share together about how the love for those special ones in your life only grows more and more each day. Just tap, shake, or flip the book to show the many ways your love grows.

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Girls Can! Crate

Are you looking for a unique but powerful gift for a young girl this Valentines Day? The Girls Can! Crate is going to check all your boxes. Each month, a new kit celebrates the life of a strong, diverse female role model such as Bessie Coleman, Marie Curie, Madame CJ Walker, Althea Gibson, Clara Barton, Mother Theresa, Ida B. Wells, Susan La Flesche Picotte, and more. Crates include the GIRLS CAN! 20-page activity book with an original story celebrating a featured woman and other fun activities, 2-3 hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities with necessary supplies, a play prop, a collectible button, and much more! Subscriptions start at $27.95 for the Original GIRLS CAN! CRATE, but there’s also a smaller Mini-Mailer for $18.50 per month. Check out the inside of a crate here.

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Schleich Flower Dragon and Child

Schleich products are made with the detail and quality that a true toy maker respects. They take concepts from in house and work them out into beautiful toys daily play. Their newest release are the Flower Dragon and Child. Dragons are very popular in pop culture today, and very relevant in children’s imagines now-a-days. Usually when you think of Dragons you think of fire-breathing, dangerous creatures that lurk in caverns and on mountains, but there are all types of Dragons. In eldrador, Dragons can range from scary and dangerous to friendly and caring, such as this mother Dragon and her Dragon baby. Covered in light blues, greens, and pinks, these Dragons are as beautiful as they are unique.

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I Love You Like No Otter

There’s no better way to say “I love you” than with a sweet and heartfelt animal pun! I Love You Like No Otter combines a warm message of love with beautifully illustrated animals, making it the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day and all year round! Each page has a clear image for the child to focus on and on the accompaning page has a short rhyme/pun about love the type of animal in the image. This is a class style board book that will be a hit in any home library.

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Blume Baby Pop

Do you have a blind toy lover on your Valentines Day list? This brand new to the market toy is in instant best seller. Blume Baby Pop has so many surprises your kids will be on the edge of their seat. The concept is you have a garden with 5 sprouts. Pull out the sprout to see if it reveals a baby or an empty stem. Will yo get 3, 4 or even 5 babies? Under the babies lay more surprise accessories. After you have your babies, removed their swaddle to see which designs you have. Lastly for the gender reveal! Dip the Blume Baby into water and see their diapers change to blue or pink.

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Sock Ons

With little ones they seem to always lose a sock! Whether they fall off or get pulled off it gets annoying. Thanks to Sock Ons you can save those socks. The Sock Ons easily slides on over the child’s sock. They are conformable and affordable. This concept is just what you need in your life right now. They come in 2 sizes – 0-6 month and 6-12 month. With a multitude of colors (white, light blue, dark blue, red, pink, light pink…) there will be the option you prefer best with a quick few clicks. Over 1 million have been sold already!

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I Love You to the Moon and Back (Precious Moments!)

Share your heart with the one you love most in the world and wrap them in the security of God’s protection with this newest picture book from renowned inspirational brand Precious Moments. Written in sweet, rhyming verse, this is the perfect book to share on Valentine’s Day or all year round! I have so many fond memories of reading from my Precious Moments bible, coloring in my Precious Moments coloring books and paging through their prayer books. Gifting this to your child will evoke all other sentiment feelings while creating new memories with your loved ones.

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Hairdorables Hairmazing Fashion Dolls

Hairdorables have been a hit for a few years now. These dolls are appealing to so many young girls. So to keep up with demand and what girls want they just released a new line of doll, the Hairmazing Fashion Dolls. Hairdorables motto is big hair, don’t care. This same attitude is what these Fashion Dolls are still proclaiming. The dolls stand 10.5 inches tall and with 6 girls to choose from you little girl will be smiling ear to ear with her new doll. There are six surprises included in four surprise compartments. The box even doubles as a runway for your doll! Each doll has a unique style and look. Being the all the same size your child can interchange the outfits and accessories between the dolls.

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Highlights Longest Hidden Pictures Puzzle Ever

MamatheFox’s kids love doing puzzles and mazes, especially while traveling in the car and at restaurants. We have always depended on Highlights to come out with the next fun idea. This new Longest Hidden Picture Puzzle Ever is such a treat. It was even awarded the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the longest hidden picture puzzle fold-out book, this amazing 16-foot-long fold-out Hidden Pictures puzzle features a whopping 280 hidden objects! It is great for siblings, they won’t fight about who gets to work on the puzzle, they will be excited to work together for a change!

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HABA 3D Arranging Game Creative Stones

HABA is perfect for the parents looking for simple, clean, and screen free toys. This set allows your child to make amazing 2D and 3D patterns both on and off the board. Children as young as 2 will enjoy making their own structures and patterns using free play, or experimenting with the simpler pattern cards. This toy is sure to hold the attention of older builders as well with the 2 and 3 star degree of difficulty pattern templates. Adults will even want to join in on the patterning fun! Rest assured that HABA’s wooden toys are made in Germany. Made of plywood and beech from sustainable forestry and treated with water-based, solvent-free stains.

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I Love You All Ways

From the author of Be Brave Little One and If I Could Keep You Little comes I Love You All Ways, an adorable exploration of how love surrounds us, no matter what we do or where we go. From morning to night ― through the happy, playful, and mischievous moments ― I Love You All Ways is a sweet celebration of the never-ending love for a child. This book is perfect for children ages 2 to 8 years old.

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Magformers – Milo’s Mansion Set

Magformers have been a huge hit in the STEM toy market. Parents and teachers are looking for new STEM based toys that are fun, engaging and age appropriate. With Mil’s Mansion Set you can click, connect and create. Explore endless construction possibilities. Your little one can build anything they can imagine when they use the Magformers Magnetic Rainbow shapes, characters and accessories. When the child is done playing they are easy to stack up on top of each other making storage simple.

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Rainbow Gummy Candy Lab

Thames & Kosmos has been one of MamatheFox’s favorite brands for years now. The reason they stay so high up on our list is because they are constantly providing us with creative toys and projects that help my kids grow and learn through play. For Valentine’s Day this Rainbow Gummy Candy Lab is the perfect gift for elementary aged kids. Make your own delicious, fun gummy shapes using a gelatin mixture. Simply pour your mixture into the included mold and concoct a spectrum of flavors and colors to personalize your unicorn, cloud, and rainbow-shaped gummy creations. You can even add citric acid to make sour gummies. Most importantly your kids will learn about the scientific properties of natural polymers as you cook up these delicious treats! This kit includes all the food ingredients needed for a rainbow-gummy good time.

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Love: from Sesame Street

Sesame Street is one of those shows that stuck with society over time. Many people have theories on why…but we think the glue is love. Each Sesame Street character taught us as children how to deal with our emotions. How to handle different situations. The theme that carries each message is love. In the new book Love: from Sesame Street the listener and reader feel that message truly sink in. It is now a New York Times Best Seller. Explore all the definitions of love with your friends from Sesame Street. Simple sentences on each spread define “love” through the eyes of different character from Sesame Street. For Big Bird, “Love is a sunny day.” The Count says, “Love is infinite-bigger than all of the numbers.” However, for Oscar the Grouch, love is about acceptance, even when life is messy.

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Chicco Trainer Cup

Small children seem to go through so many cups and bottles. After trying all the brands out there, we seem to always go back to Chicco. It is just such a trusted brand with well made products. They have released this new line of trainer cups with an insulated lids. The double-wall design provides insulation essential for keeping cold drinks cool longer, and the narrow-edge spout is designed to train toddlers to drink from the rim of a cup. With a unique ergonomic design, this spout encourages proper lower lip positioning with plenty of space for little noses. With the one-piece construction silicone valve in place, gentle sipping activates the flow of liquid from the spout. You can flip the cup upside down and all around without leaking a drop. Lastly, you can easily remove the valve for practice with free-flow drinking.

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Hidden Pictures Two-Player Puzzle Book

Siblings are going to finally get along and give you a break when you bring this new puzzle book to the next restaurant you visit. Highlights created a new concept puzzle book, one that you can play together using. Race to see who finds items faster in identical Hidden Pictures scenes, or look for the same set of items in different puzzles. More than 800 hidden objects in all, for hours of seek-and-find fun. We love the pages where you lift the middle page as a divider (think of the classic battleship game) so you are figuring out a puzzle secretly from each other. This book is great for kids ages 6 – 10.

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Morning, Sunshine!

Get your name on the waiting list for this exciting new book from Kelly Parrack. It will be released 3/24/20 and we cannot wait! Morning, Sunshine takes its readers to predawn animal activities in rural, suburban, and urban settings. Using haiku styled poetry the reader feels the rhythm and beat of the story as it unravels. Each stanza focuses on an aspect of the natural world or a creature going about their daily business as the world wakes up. There are instructions also included that help you learn how to write in the haiku style yourself. This makes a great gift for young readers and for the home schooled kids in your life.

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Valentine’s Day Mini YoCups

Brand new mini YoCups by Compound Kings hit stores just in time for Valentine’s Day. The Mini YoCups come in Glitzy Pink and Glitzy Red and each comes with a pack of colorful heart mix-ins. They make the perfect non-candy Valentine’s gift for classmates and friends. MSRP $2.99, ages 4+. Available at Target.

Available in-store at your local Target

Fluffy Cloudz

Fluffy Cloudz is the hottest new slime to hit the toy aisle! Sure to ooze children with delight, the colorful, super-stretchy CLOUD SLIME assortment features fruit flavored scents including Berry Blast, Cococraze, Grape Squeeze, Melon Mania, Peach Paradise, and Piney Party. Also comes with surprise charms! Hold it high and let gravity drizzle the slime down. MSRP: $4.99, ages 4+.

Available in-store at your local Target

Our Birthday Ice Cream Party with Velvet

Who doesn’t love a fun little ice cream party?

Celebrations seem to lean towards what sweet treats and this next birthday we are dishing out creamy Velvet ice cream!

 

 

Max, MamatheFox’s youngest child, is turning 6! Can you believe it? We sure can’t.

Max is not a big cake or cupcake guy, but ice cream is one of his favorite treats.  This birthday we are enjoying Velvet Ice Cream as his sweet treat.

 

 

 

Velvet Ice Cream is an Ohio brand with homemade roots.  Since 1914, Velvet Ice Cream has been family owned and operated in Utica, OH.  Their premium craft ice cream, with it’s signature velvety texture, has grown to be a staple in homes throughout central Ohio and across the region (OH, KY, WV, MI, IN).

 

 

MamatheFox was able to use the Store Locator “Where To Buy” tool on the Velvet website. Search your zip to see where you can find Velvet by you.

 

They have unique and classic flavor options. Banana Cream Pie, Buckeye Classic, Campfire S’mores, Elephant Ear, Fresh Strawberry, Raspberry Fudge Cordial, Cookies and Cream and so many more.

 

Velvet was started in In 1914 by Joseph Dager who immigrated from Lebanon via Ellis Island to Ohio. He began making ice cream in the basement of a confectionery in three flavors: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. After just two years, the company produced 200 gallons of ice cream a month and the creamy, velvety texture of the ice cream inspired the name: Velvet Ice Cream. After thirty years of leadership, Joe passed the torch to the fourth generation, his daughters Luconda and Joanne Dager. He is still very much a part of the heart and soul of Velvet Ice Cream as he serves as Chairman of the Board.

 

Velvet is such a sought after ice cream line that they went the extra mile to make their ice cream available for corporate uses. Schools and business cafeterias can now stock and sell Velvet Ice Cream. With single serving cups, soft serve, ice cream sandwiches and other products for mass consumption.

 

 

 

Head over to your local retailer and try out Velvet, you will not be disappointed.

What Are the Benefits of Ceiling Tiles?

It seems like nowadays, everyone wants to achieve a rustic look in their home – especially in the kitchen. One way to do that is by installing antique-looking ceiling tiles. But, the project might seem intimidating if you don’t necessarily have a background in home improvement. 

 

So, are ceiling tiles really worth it to give your kitchen a farmhouse feel? Or, should you focus your attention on decor, instead? 

 

Let’s look at some of the benefits of ceiling tiles, so you can make the decision based on your needs, budget, and skill level. 

Pixabay

 

They Will Boost Your Home’s Value

 

Whether you plan on selling your home in the future or you just want to upgrade it for yourself, adding ceiling tiles is a quick and easy way to boost its value

 

They add to the overall aesthetic appeal to the home. And, if you choose tiles that are “on-trend,” it will even add more value since people are looking for certain styles and environments when they’re seeking out homes. 

 

They Are “Soundproof”

 

Okay, ceiling tiles aren’t completely soundproof. But, they will certainly help to block out lot of excess noise, which can create a homier, cozier environment within your house. Whether you want them in your kitchen or in other rooms within the house, they can keep a lot of sound from traveling around. That can be especially helpful if you have kids at home!

 

They’re Inexpensive

 

As far as home upgrades go, ceiling tiles are actually a pretty cheap and effective way to make a drastic difference to a room. They’re also very easy to replace if they ever get stained, chipped, or you just eventually want a different look. So, as far as decor goes, they’re one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade your space. 

 

They Save Energy – and Money!

 

Ceiling tiles work as insulation for the home, which can not only keep you and your family warmer, but it can help to trim down your energy bills. Most heat in a home is lost through the ceiling and roof. By putting a barrier between the rising heat and the roof, more of that heat will stay trapped inside, so your furnace won’t have to kick on as much. Keep track of the savings you see on your utility bills. It won’t take long before the tiles pay for themselves!

 

They Hide Wires

 

If you have a lot of wires or conduits on your ceiling, tiles are a great way to hide them while still allowing them to be useful. Additionally, if you just have an old ceiling that just doesn’t stand out or look good, tiles can give it a quick and effective “facelift” without a lot of work involved. 

 

The bottom line? If you’ve been considering ceiling tiles for a while now, it’s good to know some of these benefits. You can achieve that rustic, farmhouse look you’ve been wanting in a very short amount of time, and it’s a great DIY project to tackle that shouldn’t take more than a weekend to accomplish. 

 

How to Choose The Right Nursing Home

Moving your loved one into a home can be an extremely hard decision to make. It can be an uncomfortable one too, as both parties may have separate opinions on the matter. This can potentially cause some serious arguments and falling out. If this is the case, choosing the right nursing home is going to be incredibly important. This is both for your loved one and their transition, and for your own peace of mind as well.

There are thousands of nursing homes though, and they really do range when it comes to quality. From the excellent to the just outright awful. Knowing which one to pick can be incredibly hard.

So how do you choose the right one?

Well, you need to find a checklist that works for you. If you haven’t got one already. Here are some things you should be looking for.

First and foremost, you are going to want to check that they have both Medicare and Medicaid certified, as this is crucial. When it comes to learning about Medicare certification, it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with more about Medicare part B and part A and the surrounding medical coverage it provides, as well as the details specifically pertaining to nursing homes. It is also very important to make sure they are licensed by the relevant state.

Next, you should probably check that they have a bed in a nice spot for your loved one and that if they need any special services, these will be provided at no additional cost, for example, respirators or other medical apparatus.

Another good thing to look at is the distance from the loved ones family and friends. It does not matter how great the home is if it is two hours away. You and your loved one’s friends are going to want to visit after all. We suggest anything up to a 40-minute drive away is the sweet spot.

When it comes to the management of the home, you want one that is going to be upfront about any additional fees. They also need to be highly rated on the medicare.gov. They should always be actively improving and training their staff as well as maintaining a high level of quality care. By law, they have to show you the latest inspection sheet carried out by a federal or state agency, so ask to see it. In addition, the nursing home should have a proper workflow wherein they employ the use of patient whiteboards to track their patient progress and to get the information about the personnel assigned to the patient. The home should also have a great safeguarding policy. They should be able to tell you what they are doing to prevent abuse, be upfront about the issue, and what they would do to deal with an abuse case.

The home should be within a good distance of a hospital, and there should be a thorough plan for transporting patients there, especially in the case of an emergency. The staff should also be kind, professional and polite. They should address the residents by their names and should have a warm manner. Also, they should have enough experience in this field to care for the elderly. For example, during physical therapy for seniors, the nursing home should be adequately prepared to have enough staff and therapists to assist them.

Lastly, the home should be a nice environment. There should be good lighting, the place should be clean and the furniture should be soft, yet sturdy. There should be family quiet areas and the noise level should be pleasant.

If you find a home that can answer all the questions above in a manner that pleases you, you have probably found a great potential new home for your loved one.

Why Healthcare Continues to Improve

One of the best things about living in the modern world is that the level of healthcare is so high. We’re prone to take many conveniences of modern life for granted, but this is perhaps the positive aspect that is overlooked the most. If you had been born in, say, 1700, then you’d have to contend with many more illnesses and diseases than you do now, and when you did fall ill, you may have been subjected to treatments that would not be allowed today. Additionally, we have so much technology at our fingertips that they couldn’t have even dreamt of 100 years ago, let alone 300. With artificial intelligence and health analytics now being the way forward, it’s hard to imagine what a life without advanced medical care would have been like.

And it’s not as if healthcare organizations have just advanced to a certain standard, and then stopped. They carry on developing and improving, in order to offer the best care possible. In fact, just recently, essential healthcare programs such as Medicaid and Medi-cal (check out some of the medical benefits here) have made it possible for people who come from low-income families to receive vital healthcare that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to get. Even the thought of there once being a time that this wasn’t possible is disheartening, and we should be glad that services and healthcare professionals are continuing to make advancements when it comes to the services that are being offered to the wider community.

Thanks to technology, healthcare is now more reliable than ever. We can be confident when we go into hospital that we’re going to come back out again cured of whatever illness or injury we were suffering from. This is partly due to the high reliability of management software nowadays, helping operations to run smoothly. Gone are the days of faxes and pagers – everything is run on one centralised system, keeping everyone up to date and in the right place.

Another way they do this is through benchmarking. This is the process of establishing standards and then comparing those standards with other hospitals and healthcare practices across the country. This can help a healthcare organization to determine where they’re excelling, where they’re falling behind, and what they’re not doing at all.

There are many benchmark parameters used, but the five most important are probably ones relating to the treatment of heart attack patients, emergency department care, and overall hospital performance. Hospitals like the Cardiovascular Group and similar others who are into heart care tend to be looking at these benchmarking parameters as the use of these parameters can help hospitals to become more efficient with their care and improves the standard of care for patients.

Of course, in order for this process to work well, there needs to be reliable data and interpretation of this data. To learn more about the process, check out the infographic from USC below.


Infographic Design by USC USC

Tips For Advancing Your Career

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You may be at a point in your life where your kids are a little older, and you’re ready to now focus on yourself and your goals. One of your objectives may be to give more time and attention to your career in the upcoming years.

It’s going to take hard work and dedication to get ahead in your career and advance to new levels of success. You can’t sit back, hoping and wishing that an opportunity will fall in your lap. Instead, be proactive and use these tips to help you beat out the competition and make sure you get noticed at your workplace.

Discover Your Passion

You’re more likely to get far in your career when you love what you’re doing. Therefore, it’s worth taking the time to figure out your true passion in life and how you want to spend your days. It might be working with kids or finding a job that will require you to problem-solve regularly. You can advance your career when you can pinpoint what’s going to make you feel excited to get out of bed each morning. For example, if you are an outgoing individual with strong interpersonal skills, you might want to consider careers in pr. The more you’re able to apply your skills and strengths and challenge yourself, the more engaged you’ll be in your role and motivated you’ll be to push yourself.

Learn to Earn More

Another tip to help you advance your career is to learn ways for how you can earn more. For instance, if nursing is your passion, then you can apply for programs at a school such as Regis College and understand ways for how you can earn a better salary and increase your earnings. Get ahead in your role by pursuing further education and certifications, gaining experience over the years, and getting better at negotiating what you think you should be earning. Knowledge is power, and the more of it you have in your particular field or industry, the greater respect you’ll gain and more job opportunities that will come your way. Gaining knowledge and educating yourself by acquiring new skills is always a good option to level up your career. This could be accomplished through classes or certifications that might help you in strengthening or elevating your skills. For example, if you work in IT, signing up for Microsoft Certification Exams (such as an az-104 exam), could improve your insight into the tech sector.

Set Goals & Track Your Accomplishments

It’s essential to always be improving your skills and abilities in your field if you’re serious about reaching new levels of success. Advance your career by continuously setting new goals you want to achieve. Never settle for mediocre and avoid getting too comfortable in one role or place at work. Not only come up with new goals but then track your accomplishments yourself so you can make others aware of what you’re doing to help the company progress. Take these notes with you to your performance review meetings and make sure your boss is aware of all the hard work you’re doing. Instead of waiting for people to assign you responsibilities, take the initiative to find the gaps, and come up with solutions to everyday problems you and your team members are facing.

Go Above & Beyond at Work

When your job becomes easy or mundane is usually the same time you become bored or disengaged in what you’re doing at work. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to go above and beyond at your job and step outside your comfort zone regularly. To earn a promotion, you’re going to have to take on new responsibilities that may not be in your job description and realm of knowledge. You can’t be afraid to make mistakes and do more than what your superiors expect of you. You can advance your career by volunteering to lead challenging projects or raising your hand when your boss is looking for someone to work with a difficult client.

Network

You never know who you’ll meet that’s going to be able to help you advance your career. Continue to build your network of contacts throughout your professional life, so there are people you can turn to in times of need, or to discuss business over a cup of coffee. It may also be helpful to find a mentor or work with someone like ApexCareerServices.com to get some career advice from and depend on to guide you in finding more success in your industry. Stay in touch with those you meet and try to give back to others when they need help with their careers as well.

Be Patient & Keep Your Options Open

Being able to advance your career isn’t going to happen overnight and will take time. Remain patient and continue to take care of and look out for yourself throughout your journey and avoid letting obstacles that arise get you down. Gain as much experience as you can over the years and remind yourself how far you’ve come whenever you’re feeling frustrated or defeated. Keep an open mind because sometimes getting ahead means changing jobs, switching companies, or finding a new career path altogether. Maybe start a business, if you have any product ideas. You can approach a business consultant for advice and make use of trade show displays to market your product. You never know when an appealing opportunity will present itself, so stay flexible and receptive to new ideas and options that come your way.

Speak to Your Boss

If you’re happy in your job and with your career overall, then all it may take to get ahead is to have a conversation with your boss. Let him or her know that you like what you do but have the desire to take on a higher level and more challenging role in the future. Come up with a game plan together for how you can get from one place to the next in a timely fashion. They may have ideas and feedback for you that you haven’t thought of or previously considered. Show an interest in your job and career, and those you work with will likely be receptive to helping you meet your professional goals.

Conclusion

It’s never too late to make a change or give yourself another chance when it comes to your career. Apply these tips, and you’ll likely find success when it comes to advancing your career and improving your skillset. There may be roadblocks and struggles along the way. It’s good practice to view these instances as learning opportunities instead of allowing them to define you or determine your future. What’s most important at the end of the day is that you enjoy what you’re doing and are proud of the work you’re producing.

Gulf of Mexico Summer Vacation

The Gulf of Mexico is surrounded by extraordinary beauty and adventure on all sides. The coastline encompasses five US states and five states in Mexico, and offers up a dazzling array of beaches, landscapes, and cultures, perfect for a summer vacation. While a trip of this kind might not be possible with a single person planning it, a luxury travel guide or an expert in the field would be able to help you witness the beauty of this resplendent holiday destination.

That said, in some cases, people love going so much that they’ll consider getting a timeshare. However, make sure you know what you are getting into and beware of Mexico timeshare scams. If you are not using it much and are finding it hard to keep up with payments meaning that when you do go away your vacation is not as fun because of the worry, you may want to look into timeshare exit companies to see how they can help you with this. Your vacation should be enjoyed at these amazing spots, so do the best thing for your family.

One of the best ways to see the Gulf of Mexico is in comfort and style on a cruise from Tampa. Enjoy the luxuries on board, and take the chance to see as much of this wonderful coastline as you can. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite spots, on both sides of the border, to make the perfect summer vacation itinerary. Read on, then pack your bags and start planning your holiday today!

New Orleans

The Big Easy is often overlooked as a cruise destination, tucked away on the Mississippi and Lake Pontchartrain, but it is a fantastic first stop on a Gulf of Mexico trip. From the gorgeous architecture and immense nightlife of the French Quarter, to rocking jazz and blues on Frenchmen Street, to mouth-watering flavours and epic Deep South history in the Garden District, New Orleans is an exceptional holiday destination full of extraordinary sights and bursting with cool, under-the-radar experiences.

Coastal Bend

The Great Coastal Bend in Texas is one of the prime vacationing spots for winter tourists from the rest of the US (known locally as ‘snowbirds’). This delightful stretch of coastline includes arts and culture in Corpus Christi, the gorgeous sun-drenched beaches of North Padre, and unbeatable sports fishing from Port Aransas. Stretching all the way from Port Lavaca to Brownsville, there are an almost unlimited array of excellent spots to stop and explore, and awesome sights to see everywhere you turn.

Heroica Veracruz

Veracruz is a world away from the nightlife of Corpus Christi and the debauchery of New Orleans. This sleepy Mexican city is loaded with faded grandeur and glorious Spanish colonial architecture, and is the perfect place for travelers looking for a slower pace of life. Beaches up and down the Veracruz coast are picturesque, flanked by waving palms and beautiful sand dunes, while the city itself offers a delightful taste of Latin life, culture, food and music. Further inland, Pico de Orizaba National Park boasts the highest volcano in Mexico, and is well worth a trip.

Cancun

Cancun might be best known as the Spring Break capital, but this buzzing city straddling the Gulf and the Caribbean is popular for a reason. With some of the best beaches in the world, and hospitality to match, Cancun’s jumping nightlife, luxury resorts, unbelievable reefs for diving and snorkeling and even an underwater museum means there is something for every sort of traveler. Surrounded by lush jungle, Mayan ruins at every turn, and deep, mysterious sinkholes known as cenotes, it would be unthinkable not to extend your summer vacation here with further exploration of the Yucatan peninsula.

4 Ways You Can Help a Loved One Who is Returning From Military Service

When you have a loved one returning home from military service, your sense of pride is almost overwhelming. You’re going to want to ensure that their return home is one that is filled with joy and happiness. However, it’s important to remember, that a job in the military is a little different from your average 9-5. It’s a fully immersive role and a completely different way of life that’s difficult to understand or comprehend unless you have also served in the military.

Therefore, your loved one may have mixed feelings about their return home and it’s worth bearing in mind that their time in the military may have changed them both physically and mentally.

Emotions will be running high, so the best course of action is to ensure that there is plenty of support, understanding and love waiting for them. It will hopefully make the transition easier for both of you.

Read on for 4 ways you can help a loved one who is returning from military service.

Ensure they’re receiving their entitlements

The world of VA benefits and compensation for those returning from service with an injury or a disability is not an easy system to navigate. It’s confusing and frustrating, to say the least. Check out this VA disability rating calculator if you’re looking for some straightforward information. The system is frustratingly complicated, however, and it’s important that despite the frustrations of your loved one, you help them seek the advice they need and in turn receive the money they are entitled to after years of service. Don’t let them feel discouraged. There is always help out there, whether it be in the form of employee disability insurance for their next job or even just a support network for coping mechanisms after some undoubtedly traumatic events. You could start off by finding the right legal counsel for their disability claims – firms that can help them understand and receive the right compensation. Legal offices similar to Wagners Law Firm (or others in the same field of work) could prove useful in your endeavour to help your loved one.

Look for signs of mental stress

If your loved one has suffered an injury or has been exposed to conflict during their deployment then the possibility of their mental health being affected is likely. At this stage, you need to be vigilant and be watchful of signs that they could be struggling. Don’t push them into describing how they feel or even pressure them into admitting they’re having difficulties. Just try to be there for them and when they do reach out to you, help them. Additionally, if you think they might have developed mental disabilities like PTSD, you can also suggest recovery assistance facilities like ndis recovery coach or rehab to help them recover from the trauma. They might not heal completely, but could gain enough confidence to live a seemingly normal life.

Don’t pressure them

Life in the military is regimented and uniquely different from the life you lead back home. Therefore, you must help your loved one adjust in their own time and don’t put pressure on them to do or be something they’re not. They may struggle to find a job straight away, so it’s important not to make them feel guilty and support them through the process instead. Progress may be slow, but any assistance you can give will be appreciated. Offer advice on creating a resume or writing cover letters and encourage them every step of the way. It also might be possible that they suffered from an injury during their military time that led to a permanent disability. In such a situation, you might think that taking assistance from some disability home care might be beneficial for them. Still, you must give them the space to make this decision themselves and not pressurize them to accept things before they are ready.

Acceptance

It’s important to accept that things may be different from how you remember them. Your loved one may have changed both physically and emotionally during their time in the military. What’s important is rebuilding your connection and supporting them in any way you can now that they’re back home.