Looking After The Grandkids This Summer? Here’s How To Keep Them Happy

If you have been put in charge of looking after the grandkids this summer then you may be busy planning different outings and activities for them. There are lots of things you can do with the grandkids from swimming to baking. Plan it around what they enjoy and what they have expressed wanting to do. Don’t forget, you don’t have to do something with them each and every time you have them. This can work out to be expensive and sometimes it just isn’t necessary. Take a look below for some more ideas on how to keep them entertained over the summer months. 

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Cooking

 

Children love spending time in the kitchen, especially younger ones. If your grandchildren have said they want to help in the kitchen then set them to work. Make sure the tasks you are setting are age and stage appropriate. For instance, don’t ask a four-year-old to cut up vegetables with a sharp knife. Helping out in the kitchen is a great chance to teach the children about kitchen safety and hygiene. Think about child-friendly meals you can cook, pizza for example. You could also get them baking cakes that they can enjoy after dinner. 

 

Garden Fun

 

If the weather is nice then how about spending some time in the garden. Getting kids out of the house and into the sunshine is incredibly good for them. The sun gives children and adults alike a huge source of vitamin D which is good for the body and mind. Be aware that the sun’s rays are also dangerous. Make sure that children always have sunscreen on when playing outside. If you have a spacious garden then you could have a trampoline or paddling pool for the children to play in. This will keep them entertained for hours and hours. 

 

Online Learning

 

If you want to carry on the learning during the school holidays then there are plenty of online platforms you can use. Just 20 minutes of learning a day will keep them up to date and current for when they go back to school. This isn’t compulsory of course, and a lot of people are under the impression that children need breaks as well as the teachers. However, there is a great interactive site that kids can use called ABCmouse. This is ideal for children aged between two and eight. You could also make sure they have access to books throughout the day, there is nothing better for a child’s vocabulary than reading. 

 

Educational Visits

 

Finally, there are plenty of free activities that educational settings put on during the summer months. One such example is museums, they love having children come through the doors to learn all about the different things on display. Some are even interactive, so you and the children can explore with a hands-on approach. If you have local museums or galleries then check out what they have on during the summer. You could also take a trip to the local library, quite often there is a summer reading challenge to partake in. 

 

5 Family Fun Ideas For Summer Fun

Today, many teenagers spend too much time at the computer, which negatively affects their health. That is why in this article we have collected 5 of the best family outdoor activities. They will help you make this summer unforgettable.

 

Obstacle course

In the country, it is easy to arrange it by going through the contents of the utility shed. Old boards, ropes, pieces of tiles, old tires – everything will fit. At the finish line, you can put an inflatable pool to have fun splashing thereafter passing the route.

 

In the city, the easiest way is to go to the rope park. Another option is a good playground and a little imagination. In the end, the main thing here is not the surroundings, but they need to jump somewhere, climb and reach out.

 

Ball games

The ball is a universal thing. With it, it is easy to come up with games for any age. You can play football with kids. With guys a little older – to play edible-inedible. Or hang the ball on a rope and arrange an impromptu boxing match.

 

If a large company has gathered, feel free to start a pioneer ball. And you can arrange country bowling. Just fill plastic bottles with water and knock them down one by one.

 

Quest

A great way to shake up bored kids on vacation or have a fun birthday party. Come up with tasks and a route, lay out the clues – you’re done!

 

The quest is easy to adapt for a company of any age and composition. It may have a plot – for example, a treasure hunt or a criminal investigation. Or you can just complete tasks in order to find nice gifts or treats at the end.

 

Plus skill

Let this summer your family treasury of craftsmen be replenished with new skills. Surely each member of the family will be able to set a goal according to their strength.

 

You can, for example, learn to swim or pull yourself up on the crossbar, learn to bike, skate, or roller skate. Or you can work on strength or endurance – run two kilometers or do ten push-ups in a row.

 

To make the process more fun, make a motivational poster and mark the progress of each participant on it. And in the finale, arrange a holiday and reward everyone with a well-deserved medal.

 

Classic Games

Children are usually extremely surprised by the fact that their parents were also once small. Try to play a game from your childhood together. You will be able to feel young and carefree again, and your offspring will see their parents in a new role.

 

Mom, for example, can teach you to jump through a rubber band. And dad – to show class in dodgeball. Laughter, excitement, funny stories from parental childhood – all this will make your family’s leisure unforgettable. And if parents suddenly get tired of playing funny children’s games, they can always switch to something more interesting – for example. play casino at PlayAmo.

 

7 Ways to Add Value to Your Home

 

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The housing market is a competitive place. If you want to get the best price for your home, you need to make it as attractive as possible. With that in mind, we’re going to take a look at some of the improvements that can add value to your home and help you sell it faster. It is important to note that not all improvements will be relevant for every home. The best way to know what will work for you is by doing research on your local real estate market and speaking with professionals in the industry such as realtors and mortgage brokers.

Get a Return on Your Investment by Fixing Up Your House

Investing in a house is a great way to get a return on your investment. But you can get even more out of it if you take care of the property and make sure that it is in good condition. Investing in rental property can be a great way to make money. But you need to know how to invest wisely. You should look for properties that are undervalued, have good cash flow, and have low risk of vacancy. Then, make sure that you do value adding improvements like this.

1) Upgrade Your Kitchen with a New Granite Countertop

The kitchen is the most important room in the house. It’s where you cook, it’s where you eat, and it’s where you spend a lot of your time. So why not make it your favorite room? Countertops are one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen an upgrade. You can go with stainless steel or marble, but granite is one of the most popular options for homeowners. Granite countertops are durable and easy to maintain, which means that they’re perfect for busy families who need to stay on top of their home maintenance.

2) Get New Windows & Doors to Improve Your Space

Windows and doors can be a part of home improvement projects that can improve your space. So it can be a great idea to opt for a whole home window replacement to improve it. Windows and doors are not just for aesthetics, they also provide protection from the outside elements. They can also help with heating or cooling your space. There are many different styles to choose from, so you should take the time to find what suits you best.

Window treatments are a great way to improve your space and change the mood of a room too. They can also be used to provide privacy, block out light, or even just add some color. Window treatments come in many different shapes and sizes. The most popular type of window treatment is curtains, but there are also blinds and shades that can be used as window treatments.

3) Get a Deck or Patio Installed on the House

A deck or a patio can be installed on the house for additional outdoor living space. There are many benefits of having a deck or a patio. They provide an extra room for entertaining guests and family members, provide you with an opportunity to get some sun exposure during winter months, and can help you eat healthy by getting you out of your kitchen.

4) Update Your Bathroom with Modern Fixtures

Having an outdated bathroom can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Simple ways to make upgrades as include adding mirrors. Mirrors are an excellent way to make your bathroom feel larger because they create the illusion of space. If you don’t have a lot of natural light in your bathroom, then consider adding mirrors on the walls or ceiling to bounce more light back into the room.

But color matters too. The color palette in your bathroom will impact how spacious it feels. Dark colors will give off a smaller vibe while lighter colors and whites will help create an open and airy feel. Finally, make sure that you choose the right furniture and fixtures to bring the space alive.

5) Have an Attic Conversion Done

If you think your attic conversion is a great idea, then you should know that there are many benefits, including getting extra space and adding value. One of the most important things to consider is the insulation. Insulated windows and ceiling insulation are just some of the ways in which you can make your home more energy efficient.

6) Install a Smart Home Device

Smart home devices are becoming more and more popular in the market. They provide a lot of benefits to the user, and it is worth considering installing one for your home. The first step to installing a smart home device is finding which one you need. There are many types of smart devices on the market, but we will focus on three main categories: thermostats, lighting systems and security systems.

Some common benefits of installing a smart home device include saving money on your electricity bill, having an easier time controlling your house’s temperature, being able to control your house from anywhere in the world with an app or voice commands, among others.

7) Redesign Your Living Space

A living space is a place for living, gathering, and relaxing. It is a space where you can live with your family and friends. A good living space design should be not only functional but also beautiful. So, choosing to renovate the space and redesign it can help you to add more value. It’s all about modernizing the area and bringing in a slice of your personal style too.

How to Get a Good Deal on Renovations and Add Value at the Same Time

Renovations are a great way to add value to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. But when you’re looking for a renovation deal, it can be hard to find one that fits your budget and needs. To do this, make sure you know what you want before starting the process and compare prices with other contractors before you go ahead.

5 Easy Mistakes To Make When Renovating A Household

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When you finally put your renovation plans in place, it’s easy to feel excited, interested, and carry a great sense of purpose. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as working on the place you live, forming it into a space you can be proud of and enjoy over the years. As the property develops, it will take on your personality and conform to the utilities you require of it.

 

It’s also true that while renovations can be looked at in romantic terms, they’re also very extensive and sometimes quite expensive projects that need to be planned to the finest detail. This is because unfortunately, one mistake can sometimes carry with it plenty of other little consequences that you may not realize until later.

 

On top of that, the practical realities of focusing on your renovation means being truly honest about where your limitations lie, and also making certain that your plans are confirmed to be rational and achievable in triplicate before you get started. Let’s consider some of the mistakes you should try and avoid during that process in order to make the results better and more worthwhile:

  • Making The Plans Yourself

 

Now, we’re certain that you’re a capable planner, someone who cares about achieving a great end result, cares for putting their heart into their home renovation, and doing so in a manner that expect rational reasonable outcomes rather than an ideal which is hard to achieve.

 

However, architectural design is a highly specialized skill. Some people go to school for years upon years to learn how to do it right. This is especially true when constructing a building from scratch. Hiring an architect to help you manage your plans, to properly lay out your floor plans with the right dimensions, and to follow building code exactly is worthwhile, then. This will provide you with the right foundational approach to move forward with confidence.

 

This will also help you have the hard decisions about what features to keep and eschew, as architects are truly adept in putting realistic plans forward that construction outfits can use to properly design the property. Remember that utility and form is important, but also essential elements like fire safety and design. Over time, this really does make a major difference.

  • Avoiding Building Codes

 

Building laws, restrictions and regulations exist for a reason. This isn’t easy to hear when you hope to build on the land you own – surely if it’s on your property, the local authority should have no say in the matter? Unfortunately, that’s not the case, because the housing authority needs to make sure all buildings are to spec, that they don’t violate any buiding restrictions, and that consent is recieved from all parties (including neighbors sometimes) depending on the work you hope to do.

 

If you live in a rural area, it may seem unfair that the housing authority has certain stipulations for your construction. Surely you’re not offending anyone? But what if the area has been listed as an area of outstanding beauty, limiting new builds as much as possible so that the area remains preserved? Well, your building might violate that. That’s why it’s good to be thoroughly aware of the law you need to follow ahead of time, as it really can make a profound difference to the kind of outcome you seek.

 

If you violate that, your authority is within its rights to tear the building down and even seen punitive damages for the effort, or perhaps even criminal proceedings for breaking the law. As such, it’s best to go through the right route, because with the best will in the world, a hidden construction will be found sooner or later.

  • Focusing On Electrical Circuitry & Plumbing Alone

 

It’s essential to make certain that the truly complex measures of your renovation, such as perfecting your electrical circuitry and plumbing, is essential to use the specialists for. You may be a great home designer and even builder, but unless you’re accredited in plumbing and electrical work, don’t try it. The effort can put you in harm’s way and will no doubt damage the property you’ve been working so hard to build.

 

This is where the use of the best plumber services can be so useful. They’ll be able to help consult you via every step and also give you some wriggle room as to where certain functions will be applied and set up. That in itself can make a major difference over time.

  • Ignoring The Natural Strengths Of The Property

 

This is more of a recommendation rather than a strict rule to follow, and ultimately you’re free to ignore it. Yet it can be a great idea to consider the natural strengths of the property when you design how the building works and what it does.

 

For instance, if you’re lucky enough to live in a rural area with a beautiful view, it may be that ensuring that you opt for wide open french doors and large windows so that you can see that entire vista from inside more easily, instead of blocking it off. Perhaps you can also design certain rooms to maximize the use of natural light, even in small bathroom and home office areas. Over time, this really will make a profound difference in how the property presents itself.

 

When you leverage the natural strengths of your property and location, you increase its value and unique appeal.

  • Biting Off More Than You Can Chew

 

A renovation doesn’t have to be massive and intensive in order to work well and make sense for your property. It might just be that you refurbish the living room with new carpet and fixing up the fireplace to be functional again, or that you tear out the kitchen and replace it with new cabinets and appliances. 

 

If you wish to be ambitious, that’s great too. But if you really hope to complete projects with care and attention, don’t be afraid to start slowly and build. It will help you learn the very many skills required of any home renovation planner. 

 

With this advice, you’re sure to renovate your household in the best possible manner.

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Did you know that August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month?

As a mother of two, I fully understand many aspects of being a breastfeeding mother. I went in with a positive mind when I had my first child. I was the first to have a baby in my family as well as my friends group. I was going in blind. Little did I know that while breastfeeding is a natural thing, many new moms need guidance and support to be able to allow their milk to come in and successfully feed their baby.

I tried to nurse my daughter for months, but my milk never come in all the way. I supplemented with formula and pumped. Then when she was around 5 months I gave up on pumping and switched to 100% formula feeding. She is a brilliant young girl now who is thriving. I also have a son. Having gone through the struggle of my milk coming in, I did tremendous research when I was pregnant with him. I was adamant that I would breastfeed and I would get more milk this time.

Whether you are a seasoned mom or newly expecting, reading up on breastfeeding is such an important aspect of getting ready for your baby to be born. Let’s get going with some recommendations to hopefully aid you in your breastfeeding journey.

According to Azja Pryor (she is a Babywearing Educator), here are some top tips for breastfeeding with a baby carrier

1. Wear clothing that is breathable, easy, and comfortable to use. The double shirt method
works great for quick access and discretion when out in public.

2. Once baby is in the carrier you’ll start with the waistband. Loosen the waistband a few inches
and this will lower the baby’s position, bringing their mouth to the nipple level. The LILLEBABY Complete Carrier features two-way adjusting shoulder straps. To allow space for baby to move
their head freely, while remaining supported in the carrier, loosen one shoulder strap at a time,
working with the strap that is on the opposite side of the breast baby is feeding from.

3. While baby is nursing you may feel the need to gently place your hand on their head for
support. However, if your carrier has a built in headrest, flip it up and secure one or both sides
to provide extra support for baby’s head. This also provides more privacy for the wearer.

4. Once baby has finished feeding now it’s time to retighten the straps on the carrier and bring
baby back into the proper carrying position. You can do this while baby remains in the carrier.
Let’s start with the waistband. By placing your hand under the baby’s bottom, support their
weight by lifting them higher on your chest and tighten the waistband of the carrier at the same
time. With baby’s placement at the ideal height now you’ll want to retighten the shoulder straps.

5. Before attempting to breastfeed in a carrier it’s important to note that both breastfeeding and
babywearing have a learning curve. I always suggest that mothers master breastfeeding and
babywearing individually, as this will be a big help before transitioning into nursing in your
carrier.

If the LÍLLÉbaby Complete carrier is of interest, check out this video LÍLLÉbaby made to show you the best ways to utilize it while breastfeeding.

 

Co-Sleeper Bassinets

Another way to help aid in breastfeeding is to keep baby close to you at nighttime while also remaining safe. Many mothers choose to use a co-sleeper. Co-sleeper® bassinets such as Arm’s Reach are known for its ability to increase bonding, to ease feeding at night, and to create a greater sense of closeness between a baby and parents. According to Arm’s Reach “The Clear-Vue™ Co-Sleeper® was conceived to allow maximum visibility. With the Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper you can see your baby at all times. Like all of our Co-Sleeper® bedside bassinets, the Clear-Vue™ Co-Sleeper® allows you and your baby to sleep comfortably next to each other from the moment your baby arrives. This bedside bassinet enables you to reach over and draw your baby close for feeding, comforting and bonding. The innovative design has built in leg extensions to adjust to varying bed heights, and four castor wheels for easy mobility around the house.  This bassinet also has the convenience of a large attached storage basket. The Clear-Vue™ Co-Sleeper® brand bassinet is the ideal sleep solution for any concerned parent.”

 

How To Get Your Target Market To Choose Your Business

It’s no secret that the key to a successful business is finding and targeting your target market. If you can find a way to get your target market to choose your business, you’re well on your way to success. The following blog will discuss tips and tricks you can use to ensure that your target market chooses your business instead of your competitors.

 

#1 Know Your Target Market

 

The first step to getting your target market to choose your business is understanding who they are. You need to know their demographics, what they like and don’t like, and their needs and wants. Only then can you begin to craft a marketing strategy that will appeal to them.

 

If you’re not sure where to start, consider conducting market research. This can be done through surveys, interviews, focus groups, or even just casual conversations with potential customers. Once you understand your target market, you can begin crafting a marketing strategy that will speak directly to them.

 

Another essential thing to remember is that your target market may change over time. Therefore, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and changes in your industry is vital to adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.

 

#2 Make Your Business Stand Out

 

Once you know your target market, it’s time to make sure that your business stands out from the competition. There are a few different ways that you can do this:

 

– Make sure that your branding is on point. Your target market should be able to see your brand and instantly know what it is that you do.

– Be active on social media. This is a great way to connect with potential customers and show them what makes your business special.

– Offer something unique that the competition doesn’t. This could be a unique product or service, or even just a different way of doing things.

 

By making your business stand out, you’ll increase the chances that your target market will choose you over the competition.

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#3 Make Payments Easy

 

One of the main reasons people choose one business over another is convenience. If your target market is busy professionals, you need to make sure that paying for your product or service is as easy and streamlined as possible. This means you should get started with mobile credit card processing and be flexible with billing. You should also consider offering discounts for customers who pay in cash or on time. By making it easy for your target market to do business with you, you’ll increase the likelihood that they’ll choose you over your competition.

 

Another way to make payments easy is to offer financing options. Many businesses now offer financing through third-party companies, allowing customers to spread out the purchase cost over time. This can be an excellent option for big-ticket items, and it can make your business more appealing to customers who might be on a tight budget.

 

If you want your target market to choose your business, you need to ensure that you’re offering them the most convenient and affordable option. Making payments easy will increase your chances of winning your business.

 

#4 Offer A Great Customer Experience

 

The customer experience is your potential customer’s perception of your business. It’s how they feel when they interact with your company, and it’s a key factor in whether or not they’ll choose to do business with you.

 

You can improve the customer experience by ensuring that every interaction is positive, from the first time they see your marketing materials to the post-purchase follow-up. Pay attention to the details and always be responsive to questions or concerns.

 

#5 Follow Up With Your Customers

 

Once a customer has made a purchase, it’s essential to follow up with them to ensure they’re satisfied. This could be as simple as sending a thank-you note or giving them a call to check-in. You can also offer discounts or coupons for future purchases, encouraging them to return.

 

Following up with your customers is a great way to create repeat business and build relationships with your target market. It shows that you care about their satisfaction and that you value their business. Following up after every purchase will increase the chances that your target market will choose your business the next time they need what you’re selling.

 

In conclusion, if you want your target market to choose your business, there are a few things you can do: make sure your branding is on point, be active on social media, offer something unique, make payments easy, offer a great customer experience, and follow up after every purchase. By taking these steps, you’ll increase the chances that your target market will choose your business over the competition.

 

6 Ideas to Pack for The Perfect Vacation

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Whether you’re traveling to Sicily or Australia, you need to make sure you bring everything you need with you. However, this doesn’t mean packing your entire life into a suitcase for a seven-day trip. Many people struggle to pack efficiently, which often means they must discard clothes at the check-in desk or end up forgetting something important. 

 

And there are few things worse (on vacation anyway) than forgetting your favorite skirt or swimwear. Although it won’t ruin your vacation, it still stings a little. So, how can you pack for the perfect trip? If you feel like you always take too much, here are some ideas to make your packing experience easier. 

Don’t Underestimate the Changing Weather 

No matter where you go or how carefully to study the temperature and weather forecasts in the weeks leading up to your trip, you should never trust what you see. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination without suitable footwear or other essentials that could interfere with your enjoyment. 

 

It’s always worth packing two pairs of shoes just in case. If you’re planning on enjoying nights out as well as some activity, Women’s Sandals and Booties are a great combination. With both open and closed-toe shoes, you have a versatile solution for anything you do while on vacation. 

 

Make the Most Of the Space You Have 

Just because you’re taking a small suitcase doesn’t mean you have to limit your vacation wardrobe too much. But, this is only possible if you make the most of your space and pack smart. There is still an ongoing debate about whether you should roll or fold your clothes when packing, but many packing efficiency experts lean towards rolling. 

 

But, you also need to think about other essentials like toiletries. A solid shell suitcase prevents you from overpacking, and you may have enough space in your carry-on or personal item, so you can keep anything extra in there. As for accessories, wear hats and scarves on the flight. 

Pack Light, Literally 

Many packing experts will tell you to pack light, and some mean this literally. Although you might have your favorite cotton shirts and skirts, they can be too bulky, which adds weight and reduces space in your suitcase. 

 

The alternative to this is sports tops and activewear. These clothes are lightweight and easy to pack, and they are ideal for walking around blistering hot cities or protecting yourself from the sun while lounging by the pool. What’s more, they dry quickly and are more breathable than cotton, so they are more comfortable. 

However, packing light does not only mean packing less. It also “suggests” packing with the right suitcase. There are many factors to consider, including size, weight, durability, and price. If you are looking for a suitcase that offers the perfect balance of all these qualities, you should consider a lightweight hard-shell suitcase designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver, while still being durable enough to stand up to the rigors of travel. And because they are made from lightweight materials, you can pack more when choosing them.

 

Give Yourself Options, But Not Too Many 

No one wants to wear the same pants or shorts every day of their vacation, especially if you want to show off your style on social media once you get home. This is why many people will bring different clothes for each day of their vacation. But, this is too much, and you need to find a balance. 

 

Versatile and easy-to-mix-and-match clothes are a much better option. This way, you can create multiple outfits from a smaller pool of clothes, and they are often suitable for day-to-day lounging or exploring as much as they are enjoying a night on the town. 

Categorize Your Clothes

Keeping your clothes organized is tricky even if you’re only traveling for a week. You don’t want to rifle through your suitcase and crease clothes you’re yet to wear just to find a pair of socks or shorts before heading out. 

 

Using packing cubes is an excellent way to keep your clothes organized as it allows you to know where everything is, making things easier to find. Packing cubes also helps you bring everything you need, so you won’t leave anything behind, and you’ll know how many of each type of clothes you have. 

 

Keep An Eye On the Weight Limit 

Everyone worries about weight limits when packing their suitcase, and it’s tricky to toe the line between overpacking and underpacking. Regularly weighing your suitcase can solve this, but you can also be more ruthless with what you pack. If you’re struggling to reduce the weight, especially if you’re over the limit by a few pounds, go back to the contents and remove one thing at a time from each category. 

 

The Perfect Vacay 

Everyone looks forward to the perfect vacation. It is not as difficult to achieve as you might believe, and these packing tips can help you get things off to a fantastic start before you even leave your house. Anyone who has struggled to pack correctly over the years should take notice of this advice. They might just discover that packing is not as stressful as they believed. 

 

Healthy Sleep Habits & Tips For The Whole Family

 

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Sleep is incredibly important, which is something people tend to forget. Cleaning the kitchen, watching one more episode of a favorite TV show, reading one more page, finishing a project, or taking a longer bath can all be found among the reasons we often go to bed late. It is easy to understand how lack of sleep affects our mood just by looking at small children. If your kids went to bed late and didn’t get a good night’s sleep, you probably spent the entire day listening to their tantrums, right? However, lack of sleep doesn’t just impact our mood changes. In fact, sleep deprivation can even lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and even heart attack or stroke. If you wish to adopt healthy sleeping habits, here are several tips for you and your family. These can help you establish a new sleep pattern and get the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.

Turn off your phone

How many times have you spent hour(s) looking at your phone, TV, or computer just before bedtime? Experts say that for a good night’s sleep, you must avoid looking at the screen for at least an hour before bed. Such devices can easily mess up your internal clock, but that is not all. Exposure to social media and news before you go to sleep can boost your stress levels and prolong the time you need to wind down so you can fall asleep. Instead of checking your messages, try taking a shower, meditating, listening to soothing music, or reading a book before you go to bed.

Create your Zen zone 

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary where you feel completely cozy and relaxed. The same goes for your kids. To create such an environment, put some fairy lights into your children’s room, or build them a nook with fluffy pillows and blankets. When it comes to your room, you can light a few candles (or better yet, turn on the battery-operated ones), burn essential oils, close the blinds, and put on something comfy to prepare yourself for bed. Speaking of bed, your mattress should completely suit you, meaning it doesn’t cause back or neck pain or any kind of soreness. To find the best mattress for yourself, click here.

Follow a strict sleep schedule

Do your put your kids to bed every night at the same time? Regular routine isn’t important just for children, but for adults as well. If you have trouble getting the kids settled at bedtime, find a soothing activity you can do together to help them unwind. For instance, you can choose a longer book and read them a chapter every night. When it comes to your own sleep schedule, choose a time frame and make sure you start your wind-down process on time. After you have put the kids to sleep do something that relaxes you and try to go to bed each night at the same time.

Make sure to exercise

While physical activity can boost your energy levels and keep you going throughout the day, regular exercise can also improve your chances of having a good night’s sleep. Every member of your family needs exercise, so find activities you can do together and turn them into some friendly competition. Not only will all of you sleep better, but you will spend quality time together much more often. 

Drink enough water

When your energy levels are starting to crash in the afternoon, it is easy to reach out for that second or third cup of coffee. However, drinking coffee later in the day can significantly affect your sleep and prevent you from getting enough ZZZs. Therefore, opt for herbal tea instead, and ensure you drink plenty of water to stay properly hydrated. 

Hopefully, these tips will help you improve your sleeping habits and ensure you get plenty of quality ZZZs. 

 

Cancer Treatment: What Are Your Options?

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Cancer affects almost 40% of us at some point in our lives. While a cancer diagnosis can fill many people with a sense of doom and gloom, many forms of cancer can be fortunately treated nowadays. By seeking treatment early, you can increase the success rate and reduce the chance of it coming back. There are many different treatment options that you can pursue (or help a relative to pursue). Below are some of the different treatment options that could be worth looking into.

Surgery

Surgery is one of the most common ways to treat cancer. This is typically recommended when cancer is found in one part of the body where it can be easily removed all at once to prevent it from spreading. Some surgeries like skin cancer incisions can be performed under local anaesthesia, while others are performed under general anaesthesia. A surgeon will recommend the best option for you.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves using medicines to kill cancer cells around the body. It can be used to shrink tumors before surgery to make them more operable, or may be used to treat entire forms of cancer that may not be operable. Chemotherapy may involve taking pills or may involve taking medicine intravenously. Some people are put off chemo because of the side effects such as nausea and hair loss, however these side effects do not affect everyone and some can be treated.

Radiation therapy

This form of therapy involves using high levels of radiation to help kill off cancer cells. As with chemotherapy, this is sometimes used to shrink a tumor, but can also be used to fully remove certain localized tumors. It also has side effects like chemotherapy that are worth looking into. 

Hormone therapy

Certain types of cancer such as breast cancer and prostate cancer may be able to be treated using hormone therapy. Because such cancers typically rely on hormones to grow, reducing hormone levels may be able to stop growth of the cancer. There are different ways of administering hormone therapy from a pill to an injection, and there are possible side effects that you may want to consider. 

Holistic treatment

Holistic treatment is typically not carried out at hospitals, but at alternative treatment centers instead. It used non-invasive and natural-based methods of treatment. Some people try holistic treatment after other forms of treatment have failed, while others directly opt for holistic treatment.

Other options

These are not the only forms of cancer treatment. Hospitals may recommend all kinds of other treatment options for specific types of cancers such as stem cell transplants and hyperthermia treatment. Such treatments may be necessary if other forms of treatment aren’t possible. In other cases, patients may find certain treatments unappealing and therefore may prefer these other alternative treatments (for example, some people may be afraid of going under the knife or attempting chemo and may find that other treatment options are less daunting). It’s worth talking to a doctor to see what they recommend. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which treatment option you choose, however you should try to at least research all your options before making a decision. 

Paw Patrol Mega Mat

The Paw Patrol themed Mega Mat is a welcomed addition to our home. This mat is very versatile and creates a comfortable play environment inside and outside. 

Even though the mat is recommended for kids age 3 and up. The Sanders Siblings ages 10 months and two years old.  Have used this mat in their own ways.  The age recommendation allows the full function of the mat for engagement with the interactive scenes. The mat help to propagate creative and interactive play. There is a conversation starter at every turn! 

 

In addition to enjoying the Jumbo Mega Mat Aurora loves the two Paw Patrol toy cars that come included with the mat. (not pictured as Arlen enjoys chewing on the cars)  Currently, Aurora doesn’t have the attention span to push the cars on the provided roads for very long but cars have made several trips around our house and on several road trips! 

Arlen, enjoys sitting the the mat. Arlen enjoys looking down and engaging with the interactive scenes. The mat has been great to give him a cool and safe spot to play.  We have used this play mat on deck and in the yard to soften up a play area. Even inside Aurora asks, “get out my mat mommy get out my matt.” Aurora loves to get the mat out in the living room and use it as a home base for her play time. 

 

The versatility of the mat is amazing!  The mat easily rolls up and ties with nylon string included. Once rolled up  the mat doesn’t take much room in a closet and makes for easy transport. We have been taking our mat outside for picnics!  Creating a clean and padded play environment. Clean up is quick and easy! The mat has a nice coated finish that is non-slip and hypoallergenic. The finish on top makes clean up a breeze with snacks, drinks or drool. This momma loves the easy maintenance.

 

The mat is slightly cushioned giving some shock absorber but if you have a little one with poor trunk or head control I would recommend using on carpet or with thicker pad underneath! If you needed something with the extra padding, I would recommend the Gelli Play Mats. 

In addition to Paw Patrol, the mats come in a variety of themes Barbie and Hot Wheels.

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