We all want to be happier and have more confidence in ourselves, and a healthy diet and lifestyle is the main way to achieve this. However, the way we dress and the clothing we buy does have a massive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. When you wear clothes that you like and that make you feel good, this will reflect in your confidence and how relaxed you feel. Many clothes have the ability to make you feel self-conscious and insecure. Women are not the only ones affected by this; men can feel these pressures too. Here’s what you can do to find clothes that make you feel better in yourself.

Clear Out Your Wardrobe

One of the best ways to start dressing to make yourself feel better is to clear out your wardrobe. Sometimes, it can be hard letting old items go, especially if you don’t have much to start off with, but getting rid of old clothing that makes you feel unhappy reduces the risk of you putting it on and feeling that way. This will also motivate you to buy yourself something nice when you can afford to do so. 

Think About Your Shape

Everyone has a different shape. Whether you rock the dad bod or you’re a gym goer, there are clothes out there that are guaranteed to complement you – you just need to take the time to find them. Once you find the clothes that work well with your body, you will be able to wear clothes that complement your shape, size, and height, making you feel fresh on a daily basis.

Fully Understand Your Style

You will have your own style based on your job, lifestyle and what makes you feel comfortable. You need to fully understand your style before you purchase any items of clothing, and if you like to stick to the trend, you should research what’s currently in fashion. Once you know what’s in trend, you can ensure that any new clothes are too, which will make you feel good. 

Try Before You Buy

Online shopping is extremely popular nowadays, and many high street stores are beginning to close their doors due to this. Online shopping can be great, but the people the clothes are modelled on may not be an accurate representation of your height and shape. Ideally, before you buy anything, you should try it on to avoid disappointment and to see how good you feel when you are wearing it. 

Look at Designer Brands

Designer brands can be expensive, but most of the time these highly fashionable and high-quality items make you feel much better than cheap alternatives. Plus, people tend to notice these items and will be sure to compliment them, making you feel good in return. This can be anything from a Gucci sweater to Givenchy sneakers, which can be found on high-end fashion stores like SSENSE. SSENSE have plenty of sales too, meaning you can find a designer item at a great price. 

What you wear has the ability to change the way people perceive you and the way you feel about yourself. Once you realize the positive difference wearing the right clothing brings to your life, you will become a much happier and more confident person, which is something we all deserve. 

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Choosing a type of floor for your home or office is a big decision. After all, you need to find the perfect balance – a floor that looks good but is also going to last for a long time as well. There are many different options you have at your disposal, however, most people will agree that hardwood floor installations are the best options to go for. All you might need is a reliable Wood Flooring Supplier who can get you the best ones for your home renovation plans!

Keeping that in mind, read on to discover all of the benefits associated with hardwood flooring and the Benefits of fixing damaged concrete with Miracote…

According to Carpet Cleaning Sacramento, the first and foremost, one of the main reasons why so many people choose this type of flooring is because it looks simply stunning. No one can deny the aesthetic beauty of a hardwood floor. As you will see if you were to visit this website for some inspiration, it is elegant, classy and sophisticated. Nonetheless, you should also consider the fact that wood literally brings warmth into your home, and therefore it works brilliantly when creating a cozy vibe as well. In addition to this, don’t ignore the possibilities at your disposal. You have a wealth of different colors, designs, and finishes to choose from – the options are endless. If you are looking for a stylish way to enhance your home before selling it, even if it’s old, this is an investment that is definitely worth making.

Another reason why hardwood floor installations are in high demand is that they require very little maintenance. You don’t have to worry about spending countless hours trying to get rid of dirt or dealing with pesky scuffs and scrapes. Hardwood floors are generally more durable and do not become damaged easily, especially when oak skirting boards (or the particular hardwood skirting board) cover the floor’s expansion points. And, if a scratch was to occur, all you would need to do is have the floor sanded, smooth and refinished. When it comes to cleaning, all you need is a mop – cheap and effortless!

In fact, when you consider the lack of cleaning required, you also see how hardwood flooring is a lot safer and cleaner as well. This is because it does not hide the harmful particulate matter, as carpets do. This is something that is extremely important, especially for those who have asthma or pick up illnesses easily. Hardwood flooring is also a healthy choice in relation to the environment. This is because wood is a natural resource.

On a final note, one of the reasons why a lot of people tend to go for another type of flooring is because they deem hardwood to be expensive. Whilst it is true that you may pay a little bit more, you need to consider the fact that maintenance costs a lot less and you are going to benefit from a floor that will last you for many, many years. Thus, when you consider things on the whole, it is actually the more cost-effective solution.

When you take everything that has been mentioned into consideration, you can see why more and more homeowners are going down the route of having a hardwood floor installed in their home. You will not be disappointed with the end result it has on your property.

Picture the scene: you’re heading to your job every day, you come home to your children at night, you spend Friday nights having a good time with your friends, your weekends are packed with activities.

And then you get a phone call: your mother or father has had a fall, and they can’t live alone anymore.

You knew they were getting old. You knew that they were a little unsteady on their feet. And now you are faced with a choice. Do they come to live with you, consider moving into senior living or do you place your parent in a nursing home for round-the-clock care? It’s not an easy decision to make, but it’s one that most families talk about before the time comes. Plenty of elderly parents don’t want to live in nursing homes because of the horror stories in the news. They read about individuals in care homes needing the help of the best Rosenfeld nursing home abuse lawyers available. They read about being left forgotten about by their children, and that doesn’t inspire confidence with moving into a nursing home. But popular in home care is a growing avenue to consider.

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Your option, then, is to bring your elderly parent home to live with you. Whether you choose to cover their costs of living or just provide a roof over their head is up to you. There may not be any vacations abroad, but you’re going to be able to look after them. A simple fall can cause all kinds of complications for an older person, but being in your presence and the presence of any grandchildren can do more for their recovery than any number of medicines and physical therapy classes. You get the chance to be in their lives and ensure that they don’t get hurt – and this is a privilege. Nevertheless, if you don’t have that privilege, you may want to Look for carer in London or wherever you’re based to provide them with the best care possible.

The one thing to know is that if you decide not to take your parents home with you, this isn’t the wrong decision. You can’t make the wrong choice here. Life is busy, and if you don’t have the space to add another person to your home, you can’t help that. It’s a conversation that you must have with your parents before they become too frail and can’t manage to get around on their own. If it’s about the lack of time and not about money, you can either hire a stay-at-home caretaker for them or look for an assisted living facility near your location. If you find a 55+ senior community nearby, you can also visit them regularly or bring them home on weekends. However, before taking any decision, you may ask for their suggestions if they’re interested in a senior living community and know their wishes. You should also ensure that if you plan to have them move in with you, you have the space available.

We all subconsciously prepare for our parents to become old and infirm, but we need to make a decision about what we want to do when that happens. Ensure that your parents are a part of the conversation, and you’ll never have to worry about what happens later. You deserve to consider yourself and what you can handle in this equation, too. If you can’t cope with the idea of having an elderly parent living at home, this doesn’t make you a bad person. Whichever decision you make, ensure that you know where there is help available for you and your parents to lean on.

We all have dreams of travelling the world, yet we all need to do our bit to save the planet, reduce greenhouse gases and diminish our carbon footprints. But do these two statements ever go hand in hand? Can you travel the world and be kind to the environment?

You might have plans regarding the insurance. If you’re planning a trip abroad then you’re going to need insurance, but you’re confused by all your travel insurance options don’t worry. You can get the lowdown on travel insurance vs health insurance here, just click the link. However, traveling eco-friendly is something new. With beaches in some of the most beautiful places on Earth being closed after extensive damage to coral reefs and wildlife eco-systems, all due to the negative impact of tourism, being an eco-friendly traveler seems a little unrealistic, right?

Wrong. You can, in fact, be a climate-conscious traveler, as long as you make certain choices and do a few swaps! There are many ways to travel green. You have the option to win prizes and competitions with Daymade or similar prize platforms that promote causes that helps the planet. If budget is not the issue, read on to learn how to be an eco-friendly traveler.

Say No to Plastic Bags

Did you know that plastic bags can take up to 500 years to decompose? Meaning that the small bag you use for on average 2 minutes, will then be stuck in a landfill for the next five centuries! Shocking, right? The solution here is simple; when you go travelling make sure you take a reusable shopping bag with you. That way, if you’re picking up some nice souvenirs at a local market or you want to hit the supermarket and make something fresh, you won’t need to buy a plastic bag. They fold up so they don’t take up too much space in your luggage too.

Head to an Eco Hotel

When it comes to choosing a hotel or a holiday package, choose a company that matches your ethos. You may be surprised to hear that more and more hotels are turning towards greener options to do their bit for the planet, which means finding an eco-hotel shouldn’t be too difficult. Look for hotels that are members of the Green Hotel Association, or hotels that have renewable energy sources, low flow toilets, and showerheads, water conservation policies, highly rated energy-saving appliances, locally grown produce in meals, and lots of recycling bins, natural fiber sheets, among others. For instance, you can check out sustainable hotels similar to hotels britomart, if you happen to visit New Zealand.

Travel on land and use public transport

If possible, avoid flying at all costs. So, if you’re travelling from one end of the country to another, opt for a car drive or a train ride rather than stepping onto a plane. You’ll get to see more of your host country that way too! Also, once you reach your destination, check out the local transport routes. For example, if you are traveling to Italy, firstly, you can search “italy best places to visit” and then decide on what type of travel mode you can choose. When you opt for local transport options, not only would you be contributing to the environment but also exploring more places.

Pack as lightly as possible

If you do have to fly, then remember to pack light. Remember that the more the plane weighs the more harm it’s causing to the environment. So don’t pack the kitchen sink, just take what you need.

Say no to bottled water

There’s no need to buy bottled water on holiday. All you need is a reusable water bottle that you can fill up as and when you need to. Not only is it kinder to the environment but it will also save you a lot of money!

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Who is Kindred Clothing Co.

When MamatheFox finds a small shop run by a power house mom, we just have to jump right in and support!

Kindred Clothing Co. is a design studio and boutique, as well as the headquarters for their premier line Little & Lively.

The dream was built when the owner, Carmen West, started making her daughter’s clothes due to frustration in finding locally-made baby leggings that fit cloth diapers!

I know all our Fluff Love Mamas can relate!

A family making clothes for families led to the beautiful name The Kindred Clothing Co. ‘Kindred’ literally means family; it was a perfect way to encompass their passion and heart for all families! Each article of clothing is styled and designed for taking on life with littles. Clothes made for messes, snuggles, games, errands, school, and every other adventure a family faces.

Ethically Made

Carmen’s goal as a family focused business was to honor and uphold the principles and philosophy they had as a family, that meant being an ethical and transparent business. They designed a system to source materials from ethical factories, manufacture locally, set narrow price margins, and manage resources efficiently.

They live in the same community as their headquarters location and sewing facilities. The owners take pride in seeing how The Kindred Clothing Co. is enhancing and bringing life to the community they love so dearly.

Seasonal Fabrics, Same Style

One of my favorite elements of Little & Lively is their changing of seasonal fabrics but continual simplistic design of clothes.

We’ve all done it, at least I know all of our kids have…

We find a shirt, dress, leggings, or pullover that fits perfectly. We wear it until it embarrassingly becomes apparent it is loved. Then we return to our favorite store to buy said article of clothing, and its gone.

Little & Lively design clothes that are minimalist and classic. The cuts and shape of each of their pieces are timeless and leave you feeling confident and true to self. So when your family becomes obsessed with their most perfectly designed leggings, you don’t have to fear. Little & Lively stay tried and true to their designs but spice it up with new fabrics each season.

Throughout the year new collections of prints, patterns, florals, and solids are released, sparking a whole new love for modern fashion and style. Their fabrics beautifully reflect the moody hues of the season as well as what is trending in today’s market. We are greatly anticipating the Spring Collection inspired by the colorful Latin cultures of Central and South America!

The newest collection drops 10am (PST), February 6 so mark your calendars! 

So when your daughter insists on only wearing the Little & Lively Daphne dress, you can fill her closet with a collection of stylish prints and colors! Then when a growth spurt hits, you size up and indulge in the next season’s collection of fabrics.

Our thoughts on Little & Lively Collection

There are so many things to love about the Little & Lively collection!

The first think I noticed when we opened our box of Little & Lively clothes was how soft the fabric was! Made with a blend of bamboo, cotton, and spandex the fabric is welcoming to any little who prefers to run around in their birthday suit. My son who would prefer to live life in his pajamas, was happy to wear his new pullover. He immediately  commented how cozy he felt and I immediately commented on how stylish and put together he looked.

Both of my boys rocked a graphic and inspiration design from the Little & Lively Courageous Creatives Fall Winter Collection. Just like their fabrics change so does their pressed graphic designs; some of which are created by a local artist. I am not one for letting my kids wear text on their clothing, so it was a big deal for me to happily choose not one, but two, text shirts! I just loved the simplistic, universal, and modern presentation of their graphic attire.

“Explore More” perfectly depicted my rambunctious, nonstop, curious 4 year old.

“Wonderfully Made” was for our son who we just recently adopted because yeah, he is wonderfully and perfectly made!

However, my son is not modeling his shirt due to sizing. My adorable nephew was a great stand in model for our review pictures. It seemed like all the clothing ran on the bigger side. The Wonderfully Made T-shirt is a size 1T-2T and my nephew is a very average sized 2 year old. My sister and I both agreed it was still a tad too big.

I do however think some of their clothing is meant to look over sized and styled as baggy. Long cozy sweaters or scrunched up cardigan sleeves are adorable paired with fitted leggings. So just be sure to check out their size charts before ordering.

My daughter, also feeling cozy, was too adorable in her ruffle-sleeved shirt and floral leggings. At a recent party she got endless compliments on her outfit including:

“I don’t love ruffles but her shirt has just the perfect amount. I need one in my size”

She put to test the durability of Little & Lively when she ate chili and then chocolate dessert at the party. Her shirt was black so I can’t completely attest to staining, but to me it seemed like her clothes washed easily and came out looking new while still feeling as soft as ever!

It was love at first sight when it came to Little & Lively leggings. Made with the same gentle bamboo blend fabric, these leggings were a hit! The best part is their baby leggings (0-24m) feature a “pitched” waist band that is higher in the back than the front to offer ample room for diapers!

And yes mamas, they didn’t forget about you! They make leggings all the way to women XL.

Little & Lively actually sell clothes for the whole family!

They design clothes for men, women, children, and infants; ranging in sizes from mens XL all the way to newborns! They also include accessories, hats, beanies, swimwear, and bonnets. Almost all their fabrics and pieces overlap into each collection making family coordination simple! Mom’s and daughters can wear matching dresses, dads and sons can have matching pullovers, or everyone can be wearing the same fabric in a variety of pieces!

This will not be the last time Little & Lively dress our family! With Little & Lively, my husband can be happy he doesn’t have to sacrifice his style, if you can even call that, to match the family. The boys are happy because their clothes are comfortable and durable and let them explore and create.

My daughter takes delight in feeling pretty and feminine while having staple wardrobe pieces that can be bought again. I am relieved because everyone looks put together and not begging to change the second we get dressed.

And the world is happier because another company is delivering style and creativity while still upholding ethical and quality business principles.

I call that a Win! Win! Win!

So don’t forget to mark your calendar for February 6, and dress your family in Little & Lively’s newest collection! 

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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