You May Win Giveaway Hop Sign Up

 

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 5/16 – 5/31
Start time: May 16 – 9:00 am EST
End time: May 31– 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 6/1. Events must be open to US entrants.

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Your post must include the following:

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

This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only

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

 

 

Mother May I Giveaway Hop Sign Up

 

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 5/1 – 5/15
Start time: May 1 – 9:00 am EST
End time: May 15– 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 5/16. Events must be open to US entrants.

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

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

This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only

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

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

This Mother’s Day don’t overthink finding the perfect gift for the special Mama(s) in your life. The writers of MamatheFox have done the thinking for you. Whether you are looking for something utilitarian or sentimental, we have your covered!

Our 2019 Mother’s Day Gift Guide is featuring gifts for new & experienced mamas, grandmothers, aunts, adoptive mamas, and even moms at heart!

This comprehensive gift guide covers everything, whether you’re looking for customized jewelry for your mama from jewelry stores in baltimore, or utilitarian gifts for hard-working moms, or a simple gesture to show your affection!

Enjoy shopping by clicking through each link to purchase…or drop a hint to your family by leaving your browser up on MamatheFox!

(You can thank us later)

OXO Space Saving Drying Rack

OXO Tot delivers some of the most innovative and simple solutions to life with kids. The OXO Tot space saving drying rack is perfect for any kitchen, but especially ideal for small spaces. Its vertical design frees up counter space while still efficiently drying bottles and accessories. The angled pegs assure water gets out and leaves dishes moisture free. Pacifiers and small parts can conveniently dry on the top or base. Give the gift of organization and some extra space to that new mama in your life!

 

Clever Made Tote

Is this SnapBasket LUXE Tote not the cutest? Clever Made Totes are designed with chic style and sturdy heavy-duty material. The canvas body and vegan leather handles gives this tote the power to haul up to 30 pounds. It is fully collapsible with the use of built-in snap hinges and includes a built-in WrapStrap for easy storage. Clever Made offers 4 modern colors to best fit the style of mama you are shopping for. This Mother’s Day I could see this Tote being the perfect foundation of an adorable gift basket. Add flowers, wine and chocolate, or even a spa day goodies to treat the mama you love best! I promise it won’t disappoint!

Hosanna Revival You Are Collection

Hosanna Revival is a beautiful company inside and out! Katie, the founder, made the first steps to now Hosanna Revival when she hand painted her personal Bible. Her goal was to personalize the precious book that was so special and significate t0 her. Today her passion has expanded to designing Bibles, journals, stickers, and more. Katie’s loving heart is to inspire women to be excited about digging into the Word! A beautiful heirloom Bible might just be what someone needs to excite and engage them into opening up their Bible and start studying. Hosanna Revival shop has a vast collection of unique hand painted products that can even be customized. In addition, they also carry digitally printed products that are carefully designed by the Hosanna Revival team. Their new hand script tees are a perfect piece of swag for your favorite mama. At least take the time to check out Hosanna Revival’s FREE lock screen images. This season give the gift of inspiration and encouragement by gifting one of Hosanna Revival’s beautiful products.

Elephant Organics Family Pajamas

If we are being honest us mamas are a little, if not more, excited to see our little ones getting gifts too! The Elephant Organics is your one stop shop for treating newest arrivals all the way to mom. Choose from a huge collection of Mom and Me pajamas coordinating in modern patterns or vibrant colors. The Elephant Organics also offers Gift Trunks for new arrivals as well as mom and me boxes. The boxed gift set is a collection of specially selected pieces packaged beautifully. The Elephant Organics is made with high quality organic cotton and bamboo that is produced in an ethical way and all eco-friendly, leaving you feeling good about the clothing your family is wearing. Treat the whole family this Mother’s Day with The Elephant Organics.

Ellie

Give the gift that goes beyond Mother’s Day and lasts for months and months. With the Ellie subscription box, you can give comfy workout (or everyday wear) clothes to to a woman you know. The best part – it’s delivered right to the door of whoever you gift it to! Seriously amazing. The Ellie brand works to create clothing that is comfortable; they want to help take your workout to the next level. Having workout clothes that are comfy and cute can change your attitude and mindset, feeling good in what you’re wearing is a huge confidence booster. The subscription box is simple; just choose a collection, and wait for it to be shipped to your door. With a minimum of three items in each collection, you’ll be sporting the cutest trends. Any woman will be happy with this subscription box as a gift!

The Soapcreek Company

 

What woman doesn’t want some self-care products? The Soapcreek Company creates handmade soap and body care products that are high quality. These artisan soaps offer amazing skin nourishing benefits all while being a beautiful work of art. With products ranging from soap, lotion, lip balm, and scrubs, all of The Soapcreek Company’s products are made from natural, sustainable ingredients that set their products apart from other brands. The Soapcreek Company encourages all customers conserve, re-use, and recycle in hopes to make the world a better place for all.

one acre DESIGNS

One Acre Designs is an Etsy shop that creates faith based digital prints, journals, bibles, and stickers. The hand designed products are beautifully created and are a great gift idea for anyone you many know. Hand lettering and watercolor painting really set these products apart. Help personalize someone’s home, office, laptop, water bottle, or car. Show someone how much you appreciate them by giving them a personalized gift from One Acre Designs.

Zoku Mixology Ice Mold Set

Known for their housewears, Zoku creates innovative, easy-to-use, well-designed products. Many of their products are full of bright, fun colors that will add a little bit of sunshine to anyones kitchen. These fun ice molds are a great addition to any house party. You and your guests can enjoy your drinks without diluting the flavor of them, The molds are easy to open and reveal a unique ice shape. These ice mold sets are great for a hostess at heart.

Capresso Froth Control

The new Froth Control is the first automatic milk frother with a special hot chocolate function. Accommodating chocolate chips and chunks, your hot chocolate is about to be frothier than you’ve ever experienced. Having four settings to choose from and only one operating button, anyone will be able to use this machine. Four recipes are included when buying the Froth Control with many more at capressoblog.com. Women who like warm drinks will love this great gift.

Humble-Bee

Anyone who has kids knows that when you’re on the go there are a lot of things to bring. Trips to the zoo, mall, museum, even the park involve many different baby and mom products. The Humble-Bee Mini Charm Stroller Organizer keeps your essentials right where you need them, when you need them. This With two detachable, reflective straps and one removable shoulder strap, this bag can also double as a purse. Machine washable, water repellant exterior, and OMG free (aka wipeable), all necessities when having kids and babies around. Any mom or soon to be mom will be grateful to have this bag on hand.

Fissler Crispy Steelux Fry Pan

We’ve all gotta cook, right? Since 1845, Fissler has given their best when it comes to the processing and finishing of metal. With constant and continual changes to their products, Fissler is able to be successful because of their enhancements and adaptations. The high-quality stainless steel brings long lasting life to these pans. This pan is unique because off the novogrill frying surface designed for fat-reduced searing with a grill affect. Many features come with this pan: specially shaped pouring rim, integrated measuring scale, and safety handle with a heat buffer. High-quality is all around when it comes to the Fissler brand. This specific pan – the Crispy Steelux Fry Pan – offers three different sizes; but the whole Fissler line gives endless possibilities for gift giving.

Frieling French Press

Coffee is all the rage these days. This dishwasher safe french press is the perfect gift for any coffee lover in your life. Four minutes is all it takes for delicious coffee to be served. Heat is retained four times longer than glass because of the double lined wall insulation. The French press isn’t just for coffee, brewing loose tea is also an option. You can even use the pitcher for other drinks such as water, milk, ice tea, juice, and more. Coffee lovers will be thrilled to receive this gift for Mother’s Day!

Wowe Lifestyle

Wowe Lifestyle seeks to create an eco-friendly environment inside and outside the home. These stainless steel straws will help reduce the global footprint and keep plastic straws off the ground. Although the straws are 100% dishwasher safe, a cotton straw cleaner is included when buying any pack. These Wowe Lifestyle stainless steel straws are designed to last a lifetime, but just in case you don’t like them, the 365-day money-back guarantee gives you assurance when giving these straws as a gift. Be sure to check out the other Wowe Lifestyle products.

ArtCult

Prints are such an easy way to spruce up a room or home. That’s why the ArtCult Etsy shop is the perfect pace to search for a gift. For a small price, you can help any woman update a space with these gorgeous prints. Simply buy the digital download and re-print the image as much as you need. With many different options to choose from you can buy prints, gift tags, circle, square, and oval prints for necklaces, bookmarks, and more. ArtCult’s printable artwork is a great gift for any woman you may know.

Altec Lansing Mini Lifejacket Jolt Speaker

Who doesn’t love listening to music? Everyone has their favorite genera, why not let the mother in your life tap into that? This Altec Lansing Bluetooth speaker is a durable device that allows you to bring your music anywhere. Features that are offered by thi speaker include: waterproof, shock proof, and snow proof. Really, this speaker is durably built. A long battery life of up to 16 hours gives lots of time for listening in any location. One of the coolest aspects of this speaker is that there is a built-in smart phone charger, seriously, what person couldn’t use another phone charger? The speaker has a large, 100 foot wireless range too.

Groove Lift Silicone Rings

Silicone rings are all the rage and Groove Life has the highest quality rings at an affordable price! Groove Life is different because it is designed with patented breathable grooves. The grooves keep fresh air circulating and bad odors from bring trapped. Meaning this is one silicone ring you can keep! Groove Life has a passionate and reliable team that offer the best of customer services and warranty. They are dedicated to bringing functionality and fashion to a universal consumer, and their women’s line is something to checkout! These rings are not only perfect for the extreme lifestyle but also for the messy mama, dedicated nurse, marathoner, artist, hands-on employer, and any other life adventure! Make Mother’s Day personal by customizing a Groove Life ring for that special mama in your life.

Down the Path Creations

The Etsy shop Down the Path Creations designs and sells beautiful, digital art work. As with most any downloadable print, you can purchase the file and print as many times as you want or need. That means you can gives these multiple times! This handmade vintage sheet music set is a beautiful gift to give any mother. Songs included in the set are: In The Garden, Amazing Grace, Old Rugged Cross, Blessed Assurance, It Is Well. These 8×10 prints are perfect to hang in a home or office.

Isabelle Grace Jewelry

Nothing is more significant than gifting that special mama with a personal piece of jewelry. Isabelle Grace Jewelry creates keepsake pieces that carry on the tradition of family. Timeless style and enduring quality is what sets this brand apart. Designers in Massachusetts hand craft and design each piece out of the best materials. Isabelle Grace personalized jewelry includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keepsakes, and Swarovski. They also have a special collection specifically designed for moms; making Isabelle Grace Jewelry your one stop shop this Mother’s Day season!

 

bbluv Digital Baby Scale

Every new mama worries about the health of their new baby. And every good mama knows the important signs of good health is weight gain. bbluv’s precise digital baby scale takes the wonder and worry out of baby gaining weight. This accurate and easy to use scale has a high precision weighing sensor that can detect even the smallest of weight change. Even the difference of baby’s weight before and after nursing; knowing exactly how much has been ingested. The Large LCD display makes it easy to read baby’s weight in kilograms, pounds, or ounces. The bbluv digital scale is giving the gift of peace to your favorite new mama.

Starlux Games

Add excitement, action, and adventure to this Mother’s Day with Starlux Games. Family time is getting harder and harder to find in this busy world. Starlux Games provides families with the tools to play classic outdoor games. Each game is designed to play in groups so everyone in the family can be involved. The best part is each game has a modern twist with the help of glow in the dark equipment. Starlux Games offers three different game packs that include directions for multiple ways to play in the dark! Gather your family for hours of quality fun and give the gift of togetherness this Mother’s Day!

 

Nectar Bath Treats

What more does a Mother want other than some peace and quiet? When the kids are tucked in for the night – the house mood changes to “me time”. If this sounds like you, then you are going to really appreciated the full line of products from Nectar Bath Treats – they feature indulgent and affordable bath products. For Mothers Day they have put together a stunning basket that any girl would swoon at receiving. The basket includes : (4) Foaming Heart-Shaped Lavender Bath Bombs, (1) 8oz Lavender Blossom Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub, (1) 8oz Lavender Blossom Shea Body Butter, (1) Very Blackberry Vegan Macaron Lip Butter & (1) Lavender Honey Macaron Soap. This set includes many of the top of the line products that Nectar offers, but they have so much more. Check out the link above (MamatheFox just loves their Bath Bubble Scoops and Milkshake Bath Soaks!!)

How to Keep Your Family Safe for the Easter Holidays

If you would like to keep your kids safe during the Easter holidays, while you are still working or running a business from home, it is important that you plan every day carefully and make the most out of the latest technology. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to take time off work whenever they feel like, and this means that you will have to find a way to know where your kids are and what they are doing. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Plan Your Journeys

If you want to get away for the weekend, you will need to give your kids some responsibility to pack the bags and get the house tidied up while you are working. This will not only keep them busy but also out of trouble while teaching them some responsibility. In case you have teenagers in the family, you can put them in charge of doing the research and planning the itinerary, booking lodges and mode of transport, so you can sit back and spend less time on planning. If you are bringing your pet along on vacation, then make sure you are the one to plan on how you will be traveling with them and check out a Pet Friendly Hotel for them to stay in, you can put your teenager in charge of packing the pet’s things like food and treats so you don’t have to do everything.

Get Insurance

The last thing you want as you’re trying to celebrate is for someone to suddenly be taken ill. The best thing you can do is to get insurance to ensure you’re always covered. Take a look at this national family assurance life insurance review if you’re interested in insurance that covers a wide range of issues you may encounter in life, not just during the holidays.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

It is crucial that you have your phone on when you are leaving the kids at home alone. If your teenager already has their own mode of transport or they are going out alone with friends, you will have to ensure that they are able to deal with the traffic and can be trusted with driving the rest of the family around. You will need to have an insurance cover that will not only deal with a potential accident itself, but also allow you to get help from a injury lawyer in case you need their services.

Get Your Car Checked Up

Image via PxHere

To plan a getaway, you will have to book your car in for a checkup well before the vacation. You need to be prepared for a waiting time, so it is important that you are keeping the best dates in mind and make the booking a couple of weeks before you are planning to travel. If your car needs work, or your tires will need changing, you don’t want to spend your time and vacation budget on last minute repairs.

Avoid Open Waters

No matter how warm it is and how much your kids love the water, never allow them to go swimming in open water with or without you, unless there is proof that it is safe, or there is a lifeguard on site. You never know what is going to happen, and open waters are full of surprises. Your kids might get into a deep end where the water is too cold, get a shock, and the trouble is just around the corner. Take them to safe parks, such as Lettuce Lake Park and enjoy the water safely together.

Stock Up on Allergy Pills

In case one of your family members has allergies, such as food or bites, you will need to ensure that you check your stock of antihistamine tablets and sprays. It will he hard to obtain these during the holidays, and you are likely to be asked to pay extra for urgency. Not to mention that a dog bite or an allergic reaction can ruin your family vacation, if you are not prepared.

Phone Tracking

Image via Flickr

If you want to know exactly where your kids are all the time, you will need to find a way to track their phones. Teenagers can be especially crafty when it comes to not telling you that they are taking risks they shouldn’t. A phone tracking facility can help you get the peace of mind that you can find your kids and contact them when they are not where they are supposed to be. This simple technology can save you from a lot of worry.

Social Media Controls

Social media is one of the latest risks parents need to deal with effectively. You should find a way to control the social media use of your kids. If they use Snapchat, ensure that their location settings are turned off, so they cannot be approached by people they don’t know. You can block different social media sites from their devices that you find inappropriate for their age, including games that are too violent.

Keeping kids safe during the school holidays is one of the greatest challenges of parents. The weather might already be nice enough to go for a walk or spend a day in the park with friends, but if you are working, you cannot keep an eye on them all the time.

10 Important Reasons Why We Need Water Purification

If you haven’t got a water filter already then it’s time you considered getting one. It’s very easy to
simply turn on the tap and assume the water is safe to drink. Unfortunately, the reality is different.
In fact, there are 10 good reasons why you need to get your water filters sorted today:

1. Flavor

You won’t notice the tang that tap water has until you try the same water through a water filter. It
removes the tang that chemicals and other compounds added to the water; leaving you with a
better tasting drink.

2. Lower Chlorine

Chlorine is not good for your health, but it is added to water to ensure all the bacteria are killed
before the water is piped to your home. A water filter will remove this chlorine making it safer for
you to drink.

3. Reduced Risk Of Cancer

Research shows that a variety of chemicals and other substances can get into the water supply.
Some of these are linked with an increased risk of cancer. Filtering out these compounds makes
sense!

4. Remove Bacteria

Although the water treatment works to eliminate bacteria it is possible for them to find their way
back into the water while it is in the pipes. A water filter gives you peace of mind against this.

5. Gets Rid Of Pipe Contaminants

Pipes age and start to deteriorate, this isn’t a visual thing as the deterioration starts from the inside;
compounded by the constant flow of water in them. This can lead to tiny pieces of debris coming off
the inside walls of the pipe and merging with your water. Drinking these can be harmful to your
health, although you won’t know you’ve done it.

6. Reduced Carbon Footprint

By using a water filter you don’t need to keep buying bottled water. This reduces the production of
plastic and lowers your carbon footprint. A water filter can actually help you t save the world.

7. Cost Savings

In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, not having to buy bottled water is going to be better
for your wallet. Bottled water may be cheap but the cost still adds up.

8. Improved Skin

Did you know that you are 60-70% water? It is essential for the proper functioning of your cells. By
using filtered water you’ll be giving your body the hydration it needs without toxins. It will show in
the look of your skin.

9. Increased Wellbeing

Equally, the consumption of high-quality filtered water will help to ensure all your organs and cells
are working properly. This will help your body to function better, improving your physical and
mental wellbeing.

10. Better For Your Pets

Finally, if you have pets then you’ll probably want to give them the best in life. Filtered water is safer
and better for their bodies too; even if they do seem to drink any type of water normally!
If you haven’t got a water filter then it’s time you got one.

Love Your Home? Here’s How to Care For it Even More

We all love to unwind and relax at home after a long day. Some of us love it so much that we constantly try to make our homes just a bit cozier, slightly more relaxing, and even more comfortable. More often than not, this ends up costing quite a bit of money – but it really doesn’t have to.

Image from: Pexels

 

If you’d like to find some affordable but still luxuries-looking home upgrades that can make your home both cozier and healthier to live in, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a handful of ways to make it happen so that you can enjoy your time at home a bit more.

 

First: Ensure its health

 

While you’re busy relaxing on the couch, your home could currently be slowly deteriorating. Unless you keep your eyes open for signs of mold, pest, and general home issues, you might end up with a hefty bill at the end of the day – and, of course, a home that is less than happy and healthy.

 

If you should notice any of the most common signs of pests, you should call up a pest control professional immediately. These signs include the actual sight of bugs in your house, their droppings around on the floor, as well as the sound of scratching and crawling inside your walls.

 

They won’t do that much damage immediately but, if you leave the issue unattended or don’t spot it soon enough, they could cause some major issues.

 

Signs of mold, on the other hand, include the regular musty smell we’ve grown to dislike so much, condensation on the windows, and general frustration over towels that never seem to get completely dry. Keep your house well-ventilated at all times and invest in a dehumidifier to get rid of this problem.

 

Next: Give your windows an upgrade

 

 

If your home is rather new, you probably won’t need this one – but everyone with single glazed windows will definitely want to contact Window World and upgrade their windows as soon as possible.

The problem with older windows is that they’re not only weak and frail, but they tend to isolate much worse than a double glazed window does. This will, as we know, increase your electricity bill unless you’d like to sit in a freezing home – and, during the summer season, you’ll enjoy the added expense of a blasting air conditioning system.

 

By investing in upgraded windows as soon as you’re able to afford it, you’re going to save yourself a ton of money, in the long run. It might cost a bit now, but your home will both look and feel so much more comfortable now that you’re protected from the outside world.

 

Upgrading your windows might cost a bit initially but, after some time, you will save a ton on your energy bills. This kind of makes up for it, after all, and the inside air quality will feel so much better as well. It’s the kind of stuff that makes it a lot better to relax and unwind inside after a long day.

 

Fold it Up and Away

We previously had a large, wooden table in our basement that we would use on a semi-regular basis. My husband used the table once a week and we would very occasionally use it to play board games on.

It took me months of convincing my husband to finally get rid of that table so we would have more space in our basement.

I could only get the table out of our house with one condition – I had to find a replacement table that was very sturdy and wouldn’t move while working or writing on it. This condition (per my husband) was needed in addition to my condition – it had to be foldable.

After much research and lots of reading of reviews, we finally found the perfect table. The table we landed on is the Cosco Zown collection.

The Zown collection products are made from heavy duty blow mold and are constructed with high-quality polyethylene and a power coated steel structure. This design makes the products extra lightweight; different than many other folding systems. UV protection allows this high quality, low-maintenance collection be used both outdoors and indoors.

Many of the Cosco products, including both the heavy duty folding table and chairs, have a limited 10 year warranty.

48″ Rectangular Heavy Duty Folding Table

Built for long term commercial use, this table is sure to last long term in a personal setting.

One of the best features of this table is how light weight it is. I am able to carry it up and down our basement steps with no trouble.

Don’t let the light weight-ness fool you though, the durability of this table is incredible. The sound structure and secure base is what sold us on it. We’ve used this table for eating, playing games, writing, and typing. All of these activities were done shake free. This table doesn’t move when your using it. No wobbling back and forth or shaky, swaying top; those are things of the past.

One of the main differences I’ve found with this table is the curved support on the short ends. The arched cross braces allow end of table seating with no issues at all. No more hitting your knee or shin on the bar that’s right in front of you. Such a good design method!

The seamless inter-locking system really sets these Zown tables apart. This lock system allows you to connect tables together in order to create a wide variety of configurations.

Commercial Heavy Duty Folding Chair

These are chairs that I foresee my family having for many years to come.

Heavy duty, strong, light weight, durable, and the list goes on. This folding chair far exceeds my expectations, and we’ve only had them for about three weeks.

Very different than many other folding chairs, this one provides lasting comfort. That’s because of the contoured seat and back – its made to fit your body.

These chairs are light weight, but heavy duty too. Just as the table, the construction of this product outshines many others. I love that the chair is heavy duty enough for my three year old to sit on it. I have no hesitations that the chair will fold up on him, like I do with many other folding chairs.

The one downside that I have found with these chairs is the design of the feet. They are constructed at a slant, so when you stack them and lean them on a wall – as you do many times with folding tables and/or chairs – they slide right down. I quickly found this out when we had the chairs leaning on the wall and my child touched one, down it went. No one was hurt, Praise the Lord, and I learned to never lean them like that again. This downside does not affect the function of the chair, so to me it is a very minimal negative.

Cheers!

Owning Property Abroad? Here’s How to Make it Happen

So you’d like to own a property overseas somewhere. Preferably somewhere exotic, perhaps, even near the beach so that you can have one of those early-morning swims just as the sun rises before mixing up a tropical smoothie.

Image via: Pexels

Or maybe you actually prefer the colder climates a bit more so that you can get all of that skiing done when the seasons are right? Preparing the fireplace after a long trip outside, enjoying the slight snowfall outside your window and watching your dog fall asleep on the carpet by your feet – the cold weather isn’t all that bad either, after all.

No matter where you’d like to own property in the world, it’s really not that hard to accomplish as long as you have a bit of money to invest and a slight idea of what you’re doing. If you do need help with investing your money so you can get to this stage of property investment, then you may want to look into helpful Stock signals alerts that can provide you with financial assistance if you decide to use the stock market to build on your portfolio. Here is a handful of clever tips so that you can reach your goal a bit faster and get started on preparing your skis, your diving skills, or whatever it is you have in mind.

It just makes it a bit easier to look even more forward to the future and all the things you get to experience.

Where should I buy property?

Before you start to look for a way to finance your dream, take a look at this Real estate investing guide to help you determine what is best for you. It’s also a good idea to figure out which countries you’d be better off investing in. You could focus on Spain, for example, as well as New Zealand and Panama.

Let’s start with the first one. A fantastic holiday city as well as a great place to invest in property; the Spanish bankers are trying hard to win over foreign investors. You can score a two-bedroom apartment in the middle of Barcelona for a lot less than here at home, and the wealthy tourists that the city keeps attracting as basically a guarantee for a good return on your investments.

Many of these European holiday cities will be an excellent choice to put your dollars in as the holiday season keeps attracting new tenants. Make use of it yourself when you need it, and rent it out for the rest of the year.

This country has ranked on the top lists for a few years now and for good reasons. The market is stable and, although the prices are not particularly low, the population is – so you can bask in an uncrowded market with a lot of room to grow. It is a beautiful country too which gives you great opportunities for holidays when you’re in need of a break.

Because the market is so stable, it’s a lot easier to get a mortgage from the bank as well since they’re able to see a proven property market and not one of those in development and with ‘potential’ for growth. New Zealand promises growth because the population is low and their economics are stable, and your investment should give a great return if you choose to sell in a few years.

Image via: Pexels

Unsurprisingly, Panama ranks as a great country for real estate investments with US dollars. It is the third largest economy in Central America, after all, and the country remains in a strong position with its dollarized economy and strategic ownership of the Panama Canal which has driven their real estate market to a true boom.

However much Panama has been in the newspapers the last couple of years, it still features a robust legal system and a healthy economy, and has averaged about 8 % annual GDP growth over the last five years.

This shows that not only is Panama is excellent choice for investing in property as you won’t spend as much as you would here at home, but you’re almost promised a high yield on the money you put in.

There are many other countries that are great investment opportunities, though, so don’t just consider the once mentioned here. Have a look at a property website, first of all, and consider the best options for you.

How do I buy property abroad?

Now that you know where to begin looking for your next dream house, it’s time to get down to business. How do we even start when we want to invest abroad and none of the guidelines we usually follow in our own countries apply anymore?

Luckily, it’s actually quite straightforward to buy property abroad as long as you have someone with you who knows the specific area you’re planning on investing in. We’re talking about a lawyer, of course, and preferably a real estate agent as well. A lawyer can be useful as they know all of the ins and outs of investing. Investing can be a tricky business, and there are lots of opportunities for it to go wrong. If you fall victim to investment fraud, for example, an investment fraud lawyer will help you to get out of whatever pickle you’re in. A local estate agent, meanwhile, knows all the best places in the area for you to invest in – they know the value of each property, and they know whether the value is going to go up or down over the next few years.

So between them, they’ll show you the ropes and make sure that you don’t sign anything that’s not to your benefit.

After this, you need to get started on finding financing for your new summer house, winter cottage, dream house or whatever it is you’ve been searching for abroad. This is usually the trickiest part for foreign investors as the banks at home can be reluctant to financing property overseas while those abroad might not want to take on a foreign investor.

Luckily, you will be able to find banks that don’t mind this all too much so don’t give up the search before you find one. If you already own a home, you might want to take out a second mortgage on this or perhaps even finance it yourself if you’re able to.

The latter would, of course, be the best option as you’ll have no debt on your new property and nothing holding you back, in general, so go all out if you’re able to.

After a few years or maybe even just a few months, you should have a solid property portfolio to call your own. Ideally, you’ll be making lots of profit, so you may need a wealth manager to keep on top of things for you. This will save you the hassle of sorting your own finances and will free up time for you to search for new properties far and wide. The more properties you can acquire, the stronger your portfolio, so don’t stop at just one or two, keep going!

Now all you need to do is sit back and research the area of your dreams. Keep in mind, however, that some areas in certain countries are more up-and-coming than the rest so don’t just gamble on an area because you’ve heard that the country is a safe bet.

Getting Started With Investments: A Guide For Parents

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It is a well-established fact that raising a child is expensive, so it makes sense that most parents tend to focus their financial thoughts on the here-and-now when they first choose to have children. However, over time, many parents begin to think about their future finances too, with concerns over the need to fund college courses and property down payments in future slowly becoming all the more pressing while also trying to set up their retirement.

If you have previously been focusing on present-day financial matters, turning your thoughts to the future can initially seem overwhelming, especially given the massive variety of available investment opportunities. This is why many couples go to financial advisers middlesbrough so they have help on planning their investments and savings. They know their money is safer if they get advice from a professional rather than trying to do it themselves. In an effort to provide a little clarity, below, we have detailed the types of investments that you may wish to consider…

Peer-to-peer lending

Peer-to-peer lending is a relatively new innovation, but one that has enjoyed increasing popularity over recent years. The idea is simple: you, via an intermediary, lend money to another person; hence “peer”. The person you lend to will then pay back that loan, along with interest; the rate of which is usually higher than that offered by standard savings accounts. The idea is that everyone benefits: applicants can access the funds they require far more quickly than they can through conventional lending methods, and you – as a lender – receive a good return on your investment.

When all goes smoothly, peer-to-peer lending works exactly as described, and both you and the person you loan to can enjoy the benefits of this innovative practice. However, the downside is that the process doesn’t always go smoothly, which can mean that your funds are never returned – the platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer lending do not usually take responsibility if your funds are not repaid, nor are there any government protections in place. Due to this risk, it’s usually best to only turn to this form of lending for relatively small amounts, to thoroughly research peer-to-peer companies and only opt to use platforms that do all they can to ensure their applicants are able to repay.

Stocks

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When people hear the word “investment”, nine times out of ten they will immediately imagine the stock market – and then immediately cringe. Most of us know that the stock market is inherently volatile, and there’s every chance that you might lose a significant amount of money, so why would we even suggest it?

Quite simply, because it works, and the returns can be far higher than you would see with a conventional savings account. While the stock market can crash, and substantial sums can be lost, there are ways and means of preventing your entire savings going up in smoke – primarily through diversification. When you are looking to safeguard your portfolio try investing in the best dividend stocks. It is a combination of the fruits of capital gains and regular income payments.

However, it’s important to note that investing in stocks is every bit as tricky as you have heard, so you will likely need the assistance of an experienced expert in order to protect your investment and see good returns. While it is possible to take a DIY route, this adds extra volatility and risk to an already-risky proposition, so it’s best to play it safe and seek the advice of the experts (click here for more information).

Overseas real estate investment

Overseas real estate investment enjoys similar benefits to domestic property investments, such as good rates of return and a relatively low risk profile, but a few added bonuses. For one thing, local property tends to be expensive; in contrast, overseas properties can be far more reasonable, which helps to ensure you get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. Secondly, any property you buy overseas can also function as a vacation home for your family for a few weeks each year, which could save you a small fortune on holiday costs. Last but not least, when you’re not staying, you can let the property to other travelers – a choice that can often be far easier to manage, and cause less stress, than earning an income from long-term tenants. If you’re looking to invest in real estate investment in Australia (for example, Warrnambool), you could invest in apartments or hotels warrnambool so that you could enjoy your vacation and also, get revenue out of it when you’re not in the city.

Most first-time overseas investors will find the process simpler if they choose an English-speaking country; so Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are worth considering, with the opportunities available in Singapore via a resale HDB portal also potentially lucrative. It’s worth noting that the UK would once have been on the list of countries you could potentially invest in, but unfortunately, the uncertainty of Brexit makes it less favorable, so it’s best to focus on the English-speaking countries who are enjoying more settled times.

Passive income investments

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In their simplest form, investing involves using a sum of money in order to achieve a financial return. As a result, investing does not necessarily mean putting money into something separate and external; it can mean investing in your own small business. The result of doing so will largely be the same: you pay a certain amount of money and receive profits in return.

If you’re not looking to actively start a business, then investing in the establishment of a passive income stream is likely to be the best choice. The idea of a passive income is relatively straightforward: an income that you receive with little to no regular effort. Check out click bank affiliate marketing as a form of income. While you may have to create the source of the income, when it’s set up and in place you should be able to look forward to a continual rate of returns – which makes investing in establishing a passive income form an unusual, but viable, type of investment.

There are a number of different types of passive income to choose from, with affiliate marketing perhaps the most common choice. You’ll then need to spend some time getting your chosen passive income stream up and running, which can be time-consuming, but most investments require some form of time dedication either in terms of research or searching for the right opportunity. After this initial setup period, however, you should be able to look forward to a continual income with minimal extra effort required on your part. An unconventional form of investment, but one that could well work for you.

Money market or investment accounts

Money market and investment accounts have enjoyed continued popularity and, upon inspection, it’s easy to see why. This type of account tends to earn higher interest than a standard savings account, are easy to access, and most accounts are FDIC-insured. There are many banks providing different kinds of accounts for investment purposes, with some you can even choose where the investment goes. For example, if you are interested in the environment you could Make sure your money is invested in sustainable businesses with Atmos Financial.

The one issue with money market accounts is that you’ll usually need a decent amount of money to invest if you wish to use one. You’ll also be somewhat limited in terms of the number of withdrawals you’re allowed to make, with up to six per month permitted – more than enough for most people, but still worth noting.

While you wouldn’t want a money market account to be your only form of investment, the fact that funds are relatively easy to access is undeniably beneficial if you’re just getting started with investments.

Gold

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Investing in gold is one of the oldest forms of investment in the world, but its continued popularity is a testament to how reliable it is believed to be.

The process of investing in gold is incredibly simple; you buy gold, keep it, and then sell it as you see fit – most commonly as a result of a market rise. People tend to be drawn to gold investments because they are tangible rather than just numbers on a screen and because the market is relatively stable. However, buying gold should be after proper research on the value and specifics like how much is a gold bar worth. If your goal is an investment, see which is the more viable option, a gold bar or jewelry.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed, and there may well be a future in which gold is no longer in demand, and thus you’re left with a lump of metal. However, such a scenario seems unlikely, and if you buy gold at a good price, then there is a strong chance you’ll be able to generate a good return on your investment.

In conclusion

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It’s important to note that the investment ideas listed above can work in concert with one another. There’s no need to choose just one approach; in fact, it’s actually preferable to spread your investments across a few different channels in the name of diversification. It’s therefore best to pick a couple of ideas from the options above to explore further, which should then allow you to embrace a secure financial future for you and your family.

Leading Causes of Baby Dry Skin Rash And Simple Remedies

 

Baby dry skin rash is a common skin condition that typically affects newborn babies but can be experienced by children of all ages. Although most skin irritations are harmless and easy to treat, the discomfort, pain, and fever that accompany a baby dry skin rash can cause distress to both children and parents. If not treated immediately, a diaper rash can result in fungal infection, bacterial infection or more serious medical issues. In rare cases, babies and toddlers can die from severe diaper rashes that escalate to untreatable infections [1].

 

Instead of fretting over every red spot, parents should familiarize themselves with common types of rashes and simple home remedies.

 

Types of Baby Rashes

 

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash, also called nappy rash, is a skin inflammation that generally occurs in babies’ diaper areas. However, it can travel up the torso. Its symptoms include swollen or raised red bumps that sometimes include skin breaks or ulcers. The more severe the rash, the redder in color. Moderate or severe diaper rash can cause discomfort.

Cause

Nappy rashes have many causes. However, one of the main culprits is the prolonged wearing of a wet or soiled diaper. The combination of the friction of the diaper, irritants in the urine (ammonia) and feces (bacteria) causes redness and irritation. Sometimes, the skin irritation can also cause small openings in the skin’s surface that allow bacteria and fungi to generate a secondary infection.

 

An allergic reaction to the diaper material or diaper wipes may also result in a diaper rash.

 

Remedy

The best way to avoid a diaper rash is to keep a baby’s diaper area clean and dry. Choose baby-friendly diapers that do not include harmful chemicals that further irritate the skin’s surface. Also, avoid using soaps and detergents with harsh chemicals that aggravate itchy skin. Finally, do not use wipes that are made with harsh chemicals that can be absorbed into a baby’s sensitive skin [2].

 

If a baby has a persistent diaper rash, schedule a visit to the pediatrician. Some rashes are caused by fungal infections. These must be treated by specific anti-fungal creams and may require prescriptions.

 

Prickly Heat

Prickly heat or heat rash appears as small, red blisters on a baby’s skin. It can cause extreme itching and spread around the head, shoulders, neck and the folds of the skin [3].

 

Cause

Prickly heat is caused by a high humidity level. When a baby’s sweat glands are blocked, sweat is trapped under the skin. This irritates the surrounding areas and results in a rash.

Remedy

The best treatment for prickly heat is prevention. Dress babies in lighter clothing that is preferably cotton. In warmer climates, keep babies cool by turning on the air-conditioning or a fan. To eliminate sweat, use only fragrance-free skin care products specially formulated for babies.

 

 

Impetigo

Impetigo is highly contagious. Symptoms of this skin infection include red, itchy, raised and pus-filled sores or blisters. These sores develop for a couple of days before erupting, then they turn into honey-colored scabs. Scratching the sores and touching other parts of the skin can spread the infection to other parts of the body. Pain and discomfort due to impetigo range from mild to severe [4].

 

Cause

Impetigo is ordinary and harmless in children aged two to six, but it can be fatal for newborn babies. Impetigo is a superficial infection caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. It can develop from any break in the skin including a cut, rash, insect bite or scratch. The infected wound becomes moist and red, then it develops pus. After four to six days, yellowish scabs form.

 

Remedy

The best treatment for impetigo is prevention through proper hand-washing. Since this skin condition is contagious and caused by a bacterial infection, affected children should use their own drying cloths or towels. Consult a pediatrician as some doctors prescribe an antibiotic tablet, cream or ointment.

 

 

Baby Acne

Baby acne is normal among children, especially in newborn infants. Newborn baby acne, also known as neonatal acne, is similar in appearance to teenage acne. Symptoms include rough, bumpy rashes that exhibit anywhere on the face and can also affect that mouth and back [5].

Cause

Baby acne is thought to develop during pregnancy. Mothers can pass acne-causing hormones to their babies while they are still in the womb. These hormones can also cause acne in mothers during pregnancy and after birth. Milk, spit, harsh soaps and rough fabrics that come into contact with a baby’s skin can also cause skin reactions that further aggravate baby acne.

Remedy

Neonatal acne is harmless and usually clears up in a few weeks or months without applying any cream or treatment. Only use gentle baby skin care products during bath time.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes inflammation, dryness, redness, itching and scaling on the neck, hands, mouth and folds of the skin. There are three known types of eczema. The first is atopic dermatitis which causes itchy patches and is common in babies with food allergies in their families. The second type is seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis does not itch, but it can cause scabbing on the scalp called cradle cap. Contact dermatitis, the third type, is similar to hives but with symptoms such as moist blisters [6].

Cause

The exact origin of eczema is unknown. It is believed that baby eczema results due to many factors. The most popular belief is that eczema is hereditary. If either parent has recurring eczema, chances are the baby will likely develop the same skin problem. Atopic dermatitis and cradle cap can also be triggered by allergens such as dust, mites, pollen, detergent, foods and itchy fabrics.

Remedy

Since eczema in babies tends to create cracked skin, apply anti-inflammation barrier cream or skin care products that have moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil. A moisturizer for babies can be used after every bath or two to three times a day if the child has an ongoing eczema episode. For persistent eczema, consider talking to a doctor about other healing creams or treatments.

 

Drool Rash

Drool rash is typically found around a baby’s cheeks, mouth, neck and chest. This commonly appears as flat or slightly raised red bumps on the skin. Sometimes the rash may appear as chapped and flaky skin. A drool rash is not contagious [7].

Cause

The number one cause of drool rash is saliva. Too much saliva left on the skin for a prolonged period of time creates the perfect condition for drool rash. Teething or fevers are possible causes for outbreaks since these both increase the amount of drool created.

Remedy

The best remedy and prevention for drool rash is to secure a soft cloth for burping, and promptly wipe saliva whenever it is present. If a baby develops the rash, wash the affected area with gentle skin products to avoid any further irritation. A doctor will also recommend healing creams or moisturizers that act as barriers and treatments for the baby’s skin.

References

  1. Common Skin Rashes in Children. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26280141
  2. Skin care for your baby. U.S. National Library of Medicine;  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528704/
  3. Babies and heat rashes. U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001966.htm
  4. Impetigo: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. The Nemours Foundation; https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/impetigo.html
  5. Is that acne on my baby’s face? American Academy of Dermatology; https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/newborn-acne
  6. Infant Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis). https://www.skinsight.com/skin-conditions/infant/atopic-dermatitis-eczema?Imiw9cApl
  7. How Best to Treat and Prevent a Drool Rash. Jessica Timmons; Karen Gill, MD. (2017, August 7). Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/drool-rash#treatment