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Everyone gets the blues from time to time – it’s a part of being human. When we do, we find things to do and people to be with that help us feel better and bring pleasure into our lives. If you suffer from a mental illness, getting to a good place can be a wee bit tougher. So who has emotional support animals and how do they help?
Emotional support animals, aka ESAs, are sometimes “prescribed” by health professionals as part of an overall treatment plan for people with emotional and psychological conditions. An ESA can help you feel better, and manage your symptoms on a day to day basis.
People who are helped by ESAs
You may qualify for an emotional support animal if you have a mental health condition that impacts on your quality of life. This includes conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) mood and personality disorders, and many more.
The help an ESA gives
If you find the presence of an animal comforting and you enjoy taking care of an animal’s needs, an ESA may help you with your condition. ESAs are considered assistance animals that can provide therapeutic help.
Unlike a service animal, an ESA is not trained to do specific tasks for you. What they do is help alleviate and manage symptoms associated with mental health. Ways that an ESA may do this include:
Unconditional love: Animals have an enormous capacity for unconditional love. Be good to them, and they will be good for you and be there with unlimited companionship and affection with no-strings-attached.
Regular routines: Taking care of an animal involves establishing regular routines. Pets need feeding at regular intervals, and dogs especially have grooming and exercise needs to take care of. Also, consider keeping your home clean with a dog proof trash can.
Stress relief: Just being in the presence of a companion animal can relieve stress, and it gets even better. Patting a pet has a calming effect. Exercising with them even more so. And when an animal makes you smile and laugh, then you’ve hit the jackpot!
Companionship: Feelings of isolation and being alone are common in people living with emotional and psychological conditions. An emotional support animal provides a form of social support to remind you that you are not alone, and there is another being sharing their life with you.
Understanding others: The care involved in looking after an animal can help with understanding that others have needs that have to be met. Animals also help with understanding similarities and difference.
Security: For anyone with anxiety around going outside, or even being in their own home an emotional support animal, especially a dog, can provide a sense of security to help overcome these types of fears to live life a little easier.
Sociability: Once you have an animal in your life, you automatically have some common ground and conversation piece with every other person on the planet who has a pet. As someone with a dog, you will interact with others while you are out walking or be able to talk with others about their pets.
Physical benefits: There are physical benefits to having an animal in your life. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and oxytocin are affected by interacting with a pet, as is blood pressure.
How an ESA helps while you’re traveling
If you have a fear of flying or anxiety around traveling in general, being able to have your emotional support animal can help. So long as they are an animal that is appropriate to take traveling, and you are not adding any stress to the animal or yourself, an ESA can help overcome these fears by providing a distraction and offering comfort.
In the United States, the Air Carrier Access Act protects the rights of people with ESAs to fly with an emotional support animal if they need them on the flight, or at their destination. If you are intending to fly with an ESA, be aware that airlines have their own policies and procedures. The airline is likely to ask for an ESA letter and other documentation. Carriers can refuse animals, so always check in advance.
How an ESA helps where you live
Your home is, of course, going to be the number one place where an emotional support animal is going to help you feel better. This is where their presence, companionship, and support will come to the fore – in your regular day to day living.
If you live in rental housing, including campus accommodation, your property manager must make “reasonable accommodation” for anyone with an ESA under the Fair Housing Act. This legislation helps protect the rights of people with emotional support animals to have their animal live with them. There are a few exceptions though, such as if your animal is a health and safety risk to anyone else. Landlords and property managers can also ask for a copy of your ESA letter to confirm you are eligible for this type of assistance.
Feeling good about how you click and connect
While there are no strict limits on the types of animals that can be ESAs, dogs, and cats are the most common. Why? These are the types of domestic pets that many of us have already “clicked with” or felt a particular affinity with, or connection to, in our lives.
Emotional support animals can also help us as a human being with our need to feel needed. Having an animal in your life comes with responsibilities, and this is a good thing. You are responsible for taking care of their needs in order for them, in turn, to help you with yours. The bond between a person and an animal should be mutually beneficial.
Taking the first step towards an ESA
If you are wondering whether an emotional support animal might help you feel better, talk to your health professional or try a free pre-screen. If you are not sure on whether to get a cat or a dog or a particular breed, do some research on what kind of care each needs. From there, find the companion that will help make your world a better place. Click here for more information.
Doing the laundry is easy, right? The truth is that this may seem like a simple task, but a lot of people do not get it right. We all know that a suit or dress should go to a dry cleaner like this Dry Cleaner in Perth, but it’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to other items. Doing so can end up causing problems, and can potentially cost you money.
So, are you really a whizz at doing the laundry, or do you make mistakes? There are some things that you may be doing and some steps that you may not be taking when you should, click here to learn more.
You may think that the harder you rub at a stain, the more likely it is to come out. This is not true. Stains do not react well to fierce rubbing. You need to treat a stain as soon as you can and you should always dab gently rather than scrub away at the material.
This is a very common mistake that people make. It’s easy to assume that the more detergent you use when doing the laundry, the better the results will be. This is not the case. Excess detergent can actually become stuck in the fibers of clothing so that it’s not washed away during the rinse cycle. Using small amounts of specially formulated laundry detergent produces the best results.
If you do not zip up zippers before you put items of clothing in the wash, you can end up causing damage. When open zips come into contact with delicate fabrics they can snag on them. This can lead to tearing; therefore, be sure to zip all zippers prior to washing
Many people do not see any problem with leaving buttons fastened when clothing is washed. The truth is that spending just a few minutes unfastening buttons reduces the stress on buttons and buttonholes, and helps keep them intact for longer.
If your washing machine is shaking and making a loud noise, there is a good chance that it’s not situated on a level surface. This is not just annoying, parts of the machine, such as the shock absorbers can wear out as a result of the vibration. You need to resolve the problem by adjusting the feet of the machine or leveling out the floor with the use of a suitable piece of wood.
If you are washing socks, remember to place them in a mesh bag so that they do not become entangled with the rest of the laundry. This also helps to resolve the problem of socks that go missing, so that you are left with a lot of odd socks and few pairs.
Doing the laundry is not that complicated. However, making any of these mistakes can end up costing you time and money, and can lead to clothing and bedding items not being as clean as they should.
We travel a lot.
My parents live on the other side of the state, and we try to see them at least once a month. With adding kids to our family, we’ve been trying to see them even more often.
November through December – we see them A LOT. It’s great; holidays are the travel inspiration to see family more frequently. Or even to relax! I have had acquaintances who visited Spain sometime recently and she was describing to me the beautiful culture of the country! So much so, that I even now know that there are transport websites (StressFreeCarRental.com and similar others tend to provide such services) that can take me around the country from the airport itself! I mean, who knew technology could make life so much easier, right? It sure would be amazing though, if I ever got the chance to travel with my family!
That’s why I’m tempted to do so now. I may even consider a private jet hire so that I can spend some quality time with my family all alone. Another reason is that I want them to have a luxurious travel experience at least once in their lives. Though I’m not sure if I can afford it, I’d give it my all. It is just as important to spend time with one’s family as it is to have a stable job. You won’t be able to stay deprived of them for long.
As many of you might know, traveling with kids can be tough, and private jet could be a convenient option in that case as well.
Anyway, there are a lot of packing struggles that I experience when getting our family ready to leave. The main issue that I come across is fitting all our stuff into the car (when you’re traveling by car). It’s hard! If you don’t think you can fit it all into your daily car, consider renting a party bus from Texas, it makes traveling roomier and more fun.
We have found a product that will make packing, and re-packing so much easier.
Meet: Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib by Guava.
This travel crib is seriously the best baby product I’ve laid my eyes on. Keep reading and I’ll tell you why I love it so much!
Guava is a family-owned company that offers high-end, top of the line baby products that are innovative and built to last. Their products are so unique, and they don’t like your typical baby gear.
Neutral is always better, in my opinion. Neutral products are great because they can be anywhere and not look like an eye sore. So many baby products are brightly colored and have bold prints on them, having any of the in the same place can be pretty distracting. I love how this travel crib is designed with neutral colors that won’t disrupt any space. Not to mention, you can use it baby after baby – boy or girl.
Even more than their products being neutral, I love that they don’t look like baby products. Everything that Guava creates and sells is designed to be simple, efficient, and elegant. What a great rule to live by. As parents simple and efficient are [like] what we live by. Throw some elegance in there, and you’ll turn heads.
Safety is very important to Guava, and they really do stand behind it. High quality materials and lots of testing ensures that the products are safe for your kiddo. Many third-party safety tests are completed on the Guava products to guaranty the safety of them. This really makes me feel good when laying my little(s) in their crib.
As previously mentioned before, traveling with kids is a challenge. There’s so much equipment and gear you [may or may not] need; always safer to be prepared, right? Having a place for baby to sleep is obviously a must. I love that this travel crib is lightweight and looks really sleek.
This Guava Travel Crib is so compact, it hardly takes up any space in the trunk. Folding up super easily and compactly, it’s nothing [or everything] compared to other travel cribs. With a few simple steps you can have the crib collapsed and in the bag in no time.
The small size of the crib allows you to pick it up and move it from room to room. Because of the small profile you can leave it open and move it – it fits between doorways! Weighing only 13 pounds, almost anyone will be able to lift it.
The mattress is easily attachable, and is easy to clean too. The clips latch very simply, and keep mattress flat on the floor. Because the mattress is supported by the floor, there is no weight limit. There is a height limit for the crib, though – 35 inches. My two year old son is much too big for this Guava crib; he can for sure climb out of it, and he could easily tip it over because of how lightweight it is.
The best part though? The carrying bag is equipped with optional backpack straps.
What?!
Seriously, an amazing feature.
Simply unzip the back pocket and pull the straps out. Connect, using the clips at the bottom of the strap, to the corresponding loop; and off you go!
A really unique feature the crib offers is the zipper opening on the front side. This is great for getting baby out of the crib. Instead of bending over to lift them up, simply un-zip the zipper and squat down to grab them. My son is one and I just un-zip the zipper so he can crawl out himself. My older son is also a fan of this feature. It kind of creates a fort-like feel, which is great for his age.
You can even lock the zipper so little fingers can’t open it on their own.
The whole crib is washable, which is such an important feature for a kids product. Simply un-zip the fabric cover, wash in a cold water cycle, and dry on delicate cycle.
Be sure to click the link to see what other products they offer. We stand behind Guava and their brand and would love to see our readers repping their products! Their products are top of the line and so safe for your baby. No toxic materials, and no flame retardants; that ‘s something all parents want to hear!
Do you know where your jewelry comes from? Trades of Hope partners with artisans around the world to sell their wares – jewelry, home goods and more – all ethically. No sweatshops, no slavery, no lies – all of our artisans are paid a living wage so they can finally support themselves and their familes. That’s a fair trade promise. You can look – and feel! – good knowing your wearing a piece that was handcrafted by a women making a fair wage.
We’ll be giving away 1 beautiful necklace by Trades of Hope. Perfect for ringing in the new year! White quartz stones are adorned on a long chain making it edgy and casual. Each piece is unique due to the handmade nature! These necklaces are made in Asia, allowing women to be rescued from brothels and rehabilitated. Holistic care is given to these women, including a shelter, job training, healthcare, counseling, and educational grants for themselves and their children.
Can’t wait? You can purchase directly on Stephanie’s Trades of Hope website or join her exclusive facebook group Must be 18+ to enter. USA only.
Anyone can start knitting and there are several good reasons why you should consider it. In fact research confirms that knitting can help to relieve stress and assist people to deal with mental health issues.
Considering we all live in a stressful world this is definitely something that everyone can benefit from. Of course you’ll probably have an image in your head of two elderly ladies clinking needles while sharing the latest gossip. Once this may have been right but now knitting has become exceptionally popular with people of all generations.
The great thing is that it’s easy to start and surprisingly therapeutic to do. All you need is to click this link and choose your yarn, a set of needles and your favorite beginner pattern. It takes a few moments to learn the basic stitches and then you’ll be off!
Here are some great projects for any beginner:
Scarf
In essence this is simply a row of stitches repeated over and over again unit you reach the desired length. The initial row will dictate the width of your finished scarf.
Of course there are a variety of different stitches you can use and advanced versions will allow you to add in different colors and even monograms. But, your basic one color pattern is a great starting point.
The Hat
A hat may seem complicated but it’s actually almost as easy as the scarf! In fact the simplest form of hat is made in the same way as a scarf. The wider your row of stitches the taller the hat will be. The length of the knitting will reflect the diameter of the head.
Once you’ve made a straight piece simply seam the two ends together to make a circular opening for a head. The top will scrunch slightly. You can stitch a bobble to it or tie a bow through it to make it a bobble hat!
If you’re feeling adventurous you can even try mixing the colors or using multicolored yarn.
The Blanket
This is also the same premise as the basic scarf. However, you’ll be looking to make this with a closer stitch and significantly wider than the scarf.
The easiest way for a beginner to achieve this is to knit several scarves and then seam them all together. In this way you can make the blanket as big as you like and add an array of color to it.
Socks
What’s better at keeping your feet warm in the winter than a pair of wooly socks? These may seem more complicated but they are actually a very similar process to the hat. You’ll need to start with a strip of knitting; this time it is the width that will dictate the height of the socks on your legs. Then knit the rows and simple wrap them together to make a tube. Stitch the two sides into a tube and the seam the end to stop your toe poking out.
They may not have a heel point but they’re a great way to start knitting and build your confidence.
Hosted by MamatheFox
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As it happens every year, of course, the cold seasons have returned – and this time with a vengeance in certain parts of the country. The East Coast of the US is always frigid once November and December roll around; this time, the West is also experiencing frigid days. So much so that even in Southern California, people are breaking out the winter wardrobe basics, gloves, and beanie hats.
Functionality is one thing, but there’s no reason you should have to sacrifice fashion completely just to keep warm. There are plenty of options that allow you to keep the cold at bay, while also extraverting your own personal sense of style. The windbreaker jacket, hat, gloves and scarf you wear ought to put your personality on display; winter accessories are no reason to eschew the image you present to the world at the expense of being properly bundled up. With that said, let’s check out the following winter accessories and what attributes you should consider before investing in them
The types of material used in making thick, warm socks for the winter months runs the gamut. You can find them made from lambswool, cold-resistant leather blend, polyester blends that don’t shrink in the wash, and cotton blends that help them retain their softness. Furthermore, the long socks can be great for fashion lovers, since you can get rings of color in them that peak out from the region between the top of your boots and the bottom of your pants or skirt. This color burst works especially well when you have dark winter colors forming the bulk of your outfit.
Some of the color options for winter socks include navy, forest green, desert beige and mustard to break up the sameness of your dark apparel. For an optimal walking day out, you want to make sure the socks provide warmth without being so thick as to exacerbate sweating in your shoes.
It’s common knowledge that – especially for women – your core will extract heat from your fingers and toes in a bid to keep itself warm when the temperature outside dips. For this reason, gloves are crucial accessory once the wind becomes biting. Leather is a tried and true fabric that keeps the wind out, and in so doing, maintains the warmth you left the house with. Wool is another winner in the winter; it actively keeps you warm and has fibers that naturally wick away moisture. Sheep have known this for thousands of years, after all!
When going the hand gloves route, consider darker colors such as gray, navy or black; these can match any assortment of clothing under the sun. If you know what you’re doing and your wardrobe agrees, then add some color like striped patterns or designs to your choice of gloves.
For an added layer of warmth, consider this quintessential fashion accessory for keeping your neck warm. After all, it’s a relatively thin area of the body, and can lose a good amount of heat if left unadorned in cold weather. A dark, bold color probably isn’t the best for this one, as the expectation of color and style is center-stage with a neck scarf. Nonetheless, you might be able to pull off the navy wool; depending on the rest of your outfit.
Keep in mind that scarves, more than any other accessory, are considered “extra”; thus, they are more easily given to experimentation of style. So although wool is very warm, cashmere or merino might be more functional and less irritating against your skin – especially after a prolonged escapade into the elements. There are few items of clothing (accessories, that is) more beautiful than an elaborate scarf twirling around the coat rack after you take it off at your destination.
When it gets really cold, a hat or beanie is no longer considered an accessory, but instead a pretty much mandatory part of your ensemble. Only people who live on the East Coast of the United States or around frigid zones such as Minnesota, need to concern themselves with hats for every trip outside. Even so, you want the correct fabric – something that’s protective and warm, but also soft enough to reside on your scalp for much of the day. Since your head is not as sensitive as your neck, wool hats or beanies are a good bet. As for colors, black never fails to disappoint; but a more invested color like dark green or burgundy can work wonders with the right outfit.
Shopping for winter accessories can be quite the bit of fun; you get to consider beanies and gloves that possess just as much style as functionality. It’s not only practical, but a chance to show off your personal style.
Sponsored By: WeTheParents
WeTheParents.org was founded by mom and dad team, Neve and Keane. A pair of geeky parents, these two love to get nerdy, testing and reviewing the gear that moms and dads apparently need. They’ve recently turned their unhealthy research habits to kids toys and their newest obsessions are kick scooters (take a peek at their in-depth guide and reviews) and kids electric scooters (if you’re interested, check out this article).
One Razor ‘A’ Scooter AND one Razor V-17 Helmet
Scooter color choices: Blue, Pink, Red, or Clear (must be in-stock)
Helmet color choices: Blue, Pink, Yellow, Purple, Camo, or Black (must be in-stock)
Helmet type: You can choose from Razor V-17 Child (5-8yrs) or Razor V-17 Youth (8-14yrs)
As a bonus, you will also receive frustration-free packaging! A $67 RV!
– Original kick scooter made of sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum;
– Patented t-tube and deck design folds conveniently for transport;
– 98 mm inline-style urethane wheels with ABEC 5 bearings;
– Patented rear fender brake for Quick stops;
– Recommended for ages 5 and older; supports riders up to 143 pounds
– Cutting-edge children’s safety helmet for biking, skating, and more;
– Ergonomic interior padding is comfortable and secure;
– 17 top and side vents help rider keep a cool head on hot days;
– Side release buckles adjust and fasten quickly; sleek black gloss color;
– Child Size fits head sizes 21.5 to 22 inches; 5-8yrs;
– Youth Size fits head sizes 21.5 to 23 inches; 8-14yrs;
– Complies with CPSC standards
Open to US entries only and must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway Dates: 12/3 9:00 AM EST through 12/15 11:59PM EST
You must enter at least once, but you can get extra entries for completing bonus tasks.
Just follow the instructions within the Giveaway Tool.
Disclosure: No participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. The winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by any social media outlet including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Please contact Neve (at) WeTheParents (dot) org regarding any questions you have pertaining to this giveaway.
