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6 Safety Tips to Consider When Decorating a Nursery

October 1, 2018 by

Nursery

There is nothing quite as exciting as awaiting the birth of a baby, but this excitement can create a number of issues in ways you least expect. One of the first things many new parents-to-be do when learning that a baby is on the way is to begin decorating a nursery. Sometimes they wait until the gender of the child is determined and other times they just go for generic themes. Even so, décor should be the least of their considerations, although important, but safety always comes first. Here are some tips on how to plan and decorate a lovely nursery with safety always first and foremost in your design.

1. What You Should Know About Mobiles and Toys

Most parents love those musical mobiles that hang above baby’s cot. Not only are they lovely to look at, but they are soothing to infants who are lulled to sleep by the motion and gentle lullabies they provide. However, those cute little figures hanging from strings can pose a danger once your child reaches a certain age in his or her development. It is recommended that you remove all such mobiles and toys from baby’s cot as soon as they can push themselves up far enough to reach and grab for the strings. These can be choking hazards, and that’s something you want to avoid altogether!

2. Positioning of Baby’s Cot

Here’s a safety issue you maybe hadn’t thought of. When positioning baby’s cot in the room, always avoid placing it in such a way as to face any direct sunlight. Babies obviously don’t know not to look directly into the sun and of course, most babies will stare at bright colours or lights. Don’t let your baby suffer damage to their sensitive little eyes by positioning their cot in such a way as to give them direct line of vision to bright sunlight. If there is no way around it, check out window treatments and coverings on https://curtains.com/ that will provide maximum protection as needed.

3. Cords, Strings and Choking Hazards

Speaking of window coverings, always choose a kind that can be pulled down or across without the use of cords. Although your baby will probably not be toddling around any time soon, there will come a point when your little one will be playing in their nursery as you convert it to a toddler room. To ensure maximum safety for your child, ensure that all cords, strings and other choking hazards are removed from the room. This includes electrical cords from lamps and other electrical devices as well as drawstrings on curtains and small knobs on furniture which are not solidly attached.

4. Babyproofing Electrical Outlets

For many years parents have been using electrical socket covers to childproof any areas where children are likely to play. However, recent information has led to a huge controversy over whether these type of socket covers are as safe as we once thought they were. Just two years ago, the DoH provided guidance as to what types of outlets and safety assurances would best suit nurseries and baby play rooms, so it is advisable that you learn exactly what you can do to prevent children from sticking their little fingers and toys into those outlets. You can read about this latest guidance here https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1158900/doh-guidance-highlights-dangers-of-plug-socket-covers.

5. Choose Lamps and Decorations Wisely

Every parent knows that some children just naturally fear the dark. For this reason, they place lamps and other night lights in baby’s nursery or a toddler room. This can create a safety hazard in a number of ways. Firstly, lamps placed on tables and stands can be easily tipped and although LED lamps now in use pose less of a fire hazard than their incandescent predecessors, they can break, sending glass in all directions. The same goes for night lights plugged into sockets. Not only is a child in danger of electrocution if unplugging it (as children are inclined to do) but also because those tiny lamps are fragile and just one shard of glass can quickly cut your child.

6. Padding and Bedding

With so much concern over Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the UK as well as abroad, medical research has led to the conclusion that padding on infant cots and soft, plush bedding on toddler beds can be a huge art of the problem. To learn more about SIDS, check out the NHS website for the most current statistics and guidance, but do know that plush animals, toys and bedding of any kind are thought to be a safety concern for young children. Children can suffocate quickly and this is more common in infants who can’t lift their heads yet.

Just remember that children don’t have the life experience their parents do and babies are not able to discern what is a danger and what is safe. They learn by touching and exploring at this young age so it is up to you to remove any dangers from their nursery or play areas. Start your safety standards with these six considerations and expand your search from there. Safety is always paramount when planning a baby’s room.




Light Afternoon Drinks for Summer

October 1, 2018 by

drinks

What could be better than enjoying an afternoon in the garden during the summer with a refreshing drink and some good company? This is something that many people love to do at the weekend or on a day off from work and it is a great way to get fresh air, unwind, and enjoy spending time in your own private outdoor haven.

When it comes to creating the perfect drinks for the afternoon, there are many different ones you can choose from. Everything from a light, sparkling wine through to a Swedish Paloma is ideal for the afternoon, giving you the chance to enjoy a cheeky drink that is refreshing, delicious, and perfect for the summer afternoons.

Some other afternoon drink options

There are many great afternoon drink options you can choose from, which means that finding something that suits your tastes perfectly won’t be a problem. Some of the options you can choose from include:

Kiwi Mai Tai

For a light afternoon tropical treat, this is an excellent cocktail to try. All you need to do is fill a glass with crushed ice and pour over 3 fluid ounces of pineapple juice. Then add 2 fluid ounces of kiwi juice, 1.5 fluid ounces of dark rum, and 1.5 fluid ounces of coconut rum. Add a teaspoon of grenadine syrup, and stir. You can garnish with pineapple slices and kiwi slices.

Maple and Mint Vodka Cocktail

This cocktail is light, refreshing, and potent! To make this wonderful creation, add a handful of mint leaves to a glass and pour in a tablespoon of pure maple syrup. Stir with a wooden spoon before adding one cup of ice and 1.5 ounces of vodka. Top with one cup of seltzer water and then kick back and enjoy.

Grapefruit Margarita

This is another great cocktail for the summer afternoons. If you want to try your hand at this one, you need to juice half a large grapefruit and a single lime. You will also need 1.5 fluid ounces of silver tequila and half an ounce of Grand Marnier. Finally, you will need some club soda to finish. Add all of the ingredients to a shaker and then top with ice. Shake well before pouring into a glass. Garnish with wedges of lime and grapefruit.

Cucumber and Watermelon Sangria

If you want a long, refreshing, and cooling summer afternoon drink, this is the ideal choice. To make a jug of this delightful cocktail, add a bottle of sparkling wine to a jug. Add some watermelon syrup or juice and stir. Add cucumber slices, melon balls, and slices of lime to the mix and then allow to cool in the fridge. Before serving, top each glass you pour with soda water.

With all of these delicious drinks, you can look forward to refreshment and a cooling beverage that will taste great as well as look great. So, whether you are relaxing on your own or entertaining and inviting friends over to join you, these are cocktails you have to try.




Sydney Wandering: What to do When you’re in the Land Down Under

October 1, 2018 by
Sydney places

Heading to Sydney on your next travel adventure? Read below for our tips on where to eat, play and get around in one of the world’s most liveable cities and certainly one o the most popular destinations for Australia tours.

If planning a road trip to the Blue Mountains, you’ll be pleased to know it’s only an hour drive from the heart of Sydney. This makes it a good day trip option. You might want to head into the National Park or to Echo Point to find some great walking trails. Leura is a great heritage town to stop for lunch, shopping and the rather epic Toy and Railway Museum. If you’d prefer to take in the lush scenery, hiring a Sydney bus and driver takes the hassle out or renting your own car or being stuck on a group tour.

Staying around the urban centre, Sydney is famous for cultural attractions. Take in a show at the world renowned Sydney Opera house, or time your visit to attend one of the many outdoor concerts or live performances that are held in warmer months. Of course, you’ll also need to take in the Sydney Harbour Bridge which can be climbed with specialist gear and a booking will take around 3.5 hours. If you prefer an experience with less altitude, grab a ferry ticket and see the harbour by sea.

For eclectic and delicious dining options, Newtown’s many eateries cater to all tastes. You’ll find classic pubs, cocktail bars, delis, and restaurants serving various Asian, European and modern Australian options. If you’re not from Australia, know that many Sydneysiders take brunch very seriously. So make time to head out for breakfast on an empty stomach and enjoy the first meal of the day in style, many places offer all day ‘breakfast’ so you can also have a sleep in.

If you love an Australian soap opera, consider attending the official Home and Away tour. Not only do you get to see various famous filming locations from the long running series, but you’ll also get a nice beach break as you check out Palm Beach which is home to the show. This is another day trip option as it only takes an hour to get to Palm Beach from Sydney.

For lovers of Australian wine, the Hunter Valley is another great location to visit. At a two hour drive, you may wish to do a day trip or stay for a long weekend, eating and drinking at an array of award winning vineyards. For a luxury option, you should consider treating yourself to a helicopter tour, or perhaps hiring a horse-drawn carriage. In the Hunter Valley you’ll find the acclaimed Tyrrell’s Vineyard known for their iconic Semillon, as well as Audrey Wilkinson, McGuigan Wines and Brokenwood Cellar. These days there is also a thriving brewery and distillery scene. Try microbrewery the Hunter Beer Co, Matilda Bay or IronBark Hill Brewhouse for all your handcrafted beer needs. Finally, Hunter Distillery is another award-winning producer of all things spirits, including chocolate vodka, liqueurs and schnapps.




Personalised Photo Gifts Under $25 Only

September 28, 2018 by

If you have ever shopped for a present for a loved one, you would know just how difficult this can be. Even if you are very close to them, it can be incredibly tricky to figure out the right gift to get. This is mainly because when it comes to presents, you have to strike the right balance between useful and thoughtful. Not to mention, you also need to make sure the gift is affordable.

Well, if you can’t come up with something that fits all these criteria, don’t worry. One of the best presents you can give someone is personalized photo gifts. Here, you will see the best options available – and best of all, these concepts are under $25!

Custom Phone Case

If you’re looking for a handy present with a personal touch, consider making a custom phone case for your loved one. Most people have smartphones, and these gadgets tend to damage or break easily. A quality phone case is a good investment to protect a smartphone. With a custom phone case, you have a useful gift that you can personalize with photos, stickers, illustrations, monograms, quotes, graphics, and other decorative elements to suit the recipient’s style. Your loved one will surely appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift!

Photo Book

The first possibility you should consider is a Custom Photo Book. In case you are wondering why the answer is actually rather simple. See, most people today store their pictures in a digital format. So, although it may be stored on your phone, laptop, or another format, it isn’t really tangible. Furthermore, it isn’t as fun to show off your favourite pictures in this manner.

With a photo book, however, you get to preserve your treasured moments and view them in a high-quality format. Also, you will see that it is a lot easier to pass such a book around than your phone or computer. This is precisely why this would make such an excellent gift for any loved one in your life.

Photo Cushion

In case you want to get a little more creative with your gift, you can also present your friend or family member with a Personalised Photo Cushion. This way, you can transfer their much-loved pictures onto a cushion. They will be able to display these on their couch, where guests are sure to admire them, every time they visit.

Canvas Prints

Another great option is Custom Canvas Prints where you can choose a beautiful family picture and have it enlarged and placed on a canvas. Just imagine, instead of having to put up impersonal or unoriginal artwork, your loved one will be able to hang stunning images of the people they care about.

 

Photo Mug

Now, what if you want your family member or friend to be able to take your gift with you, wherever they go? If this sounds good to you, why not give them a photo mug? You can choose either a touching or amusing image and have it placed on a mug so that they can keep it with them at work. This way, they will always be able to remember their favorite moments.

As you can see, there are quite a few personalized photo gift ideas around, and most of these will not cost you much at all! So, if you need to get someone close to you a present for their birthday, anniversary, or any other occasion, this is definitely an option you should consider. You can guarantee that you won’t regret it as your loved one is sure to appreciate this extremely thoughtful gesture.




How to Sleep Comfortably During Summer

September 27, 2018 by

Comfortable Sleep

Summer is a season many people look forward to following months of cold weather. When the summer months approach, people can’t help but think about having mad fun, lots of fun and enjoyable warm nights. But sometimes the heat become unbearable and despite having the best Puffy mattress on your bed, you still can’t find the comfort to sleep and enjoy the sleep till the morning light.

As a result, you wake up tired and feeling drowsy, hoping that you can catch a few hours of sleep again. If you find it difficult to sleep during summer, or you find yourself in an unfamiliar place that’s too hot there are not proper air conditioners to make life more bearable, here are a few awesome ways to keep yourself cool and sleep like a baby despite the sweltering heat-:

Consider the types of bedsheets you use

The bedsheets you use during summer will either make it easy for you to fall asleep or they will ensure that you remain uncomfortable and you catch no sleep at night. The ideal type of sheets you should consider using in hot places or during hot weathers should be sheets made from breathable fabrics such as linen or cotton that will easily the free flow of air. Any other type of sheet will inhibit the much needed free flow and as a result, the heat generated by your body will form sweat on your skin, leading to you being very uncomfortable during the night.

Check out your nighttime wardrobe

Nighttime Wardrobe

If you have never cared about what you put on the night on hot summer days, then that may be the reason why you feel weak, tired and fatigued during summer. Just like your bedsheets, your nighttime wardrobe should be compromised of attires made from breathable materials that will allow the free flow of air. Remember, the body temperatures are bound to be up at night, thus making you sweat. If what you are sleeping with is not breathable, your body will soon be drenched in sweat and continuing with the sleep will be nearly impossible. If you want the best attires for your summer night, then consider going full with your birthday suit.

To make more sustainable choices, you can also explore https://lunya.co/blogs/otium/going-green-with-indy-officinalis, which not only help in keeping cool but also promote a more sustainable and comfortable sleep experience.

Make good use of the fans and ventilation

Room

If the room you happen to sleep in has a fan, then you can use them to increase the comfort levels of the indoors. All you need to do is to set the right settings and then place it in the most strategic place so that you can achieve a lot of cooling. Here are a few fan tips for you-:

  • Position the fan such that it is driving air away from your sleeping position and towards the windows. The flow of air can interfere with your sleeping if the fan is facing you at night.
  • If you are using a ceiling fan, adjust it so that it can rotate counterclockwise so that it can drive hot air up and out of the room instead of just circulating the air inside the room.
  • If you would like to position the fan to face you, then place a pan or bowl of ice right in front of it so that the blowing air will blow past the ice first and pick up the mist that will then be deposited onto you for more cooling.
  • For more fun and comfort at night, use more than one fan with different arraignments so that cool air will be adequately circulated in all parts of the room.

Have the right cool down tools with you

Cooling tool

It is normal to find that you need to drink a lot of water during the summer, and sometimes, you may find yourself waking up just to get a glass of water. It may be necessary to have been your bed a bottled of chilled water and drink some before retiring to bed. Again, due to the heat, you may need to have a pack of chilled ice for dabbing on your feet to cool them down before you get into bed.

Learn to cook your foods outdoors during summer

The last thing you want is to make the house hotter than it already is during the summer. If you cook inside the house, you can be sure that the interior temperatures will be really high, and this will not just cause a lot of discomforts, but also will make you pay more since the cost of cooling the house may go up. A good idea would be to switch your cooking station from your kitchen to some nice place outdoors if space allows. If anything, summer is the perfect time to test out your grilling skills and I’m sure you don’t want to have all the heat generated by the BBQ being spread inside the house.

Unwind and go dark early

Godark Early

When you get closer to your bedtime during the summer, it is vital to learn how to unwind and limit exposure to light in good time so that you will find it easy to fall asleep. It is recommended that you turn off all the lights early in the evening, and also avoid using all electronics, including your phone at least one hour before going to bed. It goes without that with the heat, it will not be a good idea to drink coffee or alcohol late in the evening if you truly desire to have a good night.

Sleep alone or further apart

Sleeping with a partner is very nice during cold weathers for the obvious reasons, but the summer months come calling, the last thing you want is to have additional heat generated to you from a sleeping partner. It would be a good idea if you slept on your own since this will be more comfortable. However, if you can’t help but sleep with someone, the sleep further apart. Just remember that sharing a bed when is hot may get really uncomfortable, especially when you think about two sweating adults under the same blanket.




Why Family Involvement is Important to Overcome Addiction

September 27, 2018 by

Drug addiction

Drug and alcohol abuse does not only affect the individual in question; the effects also extend to their family and friends. There is a breaking of relationships, and everyone involved is hurt in some way because of the loss of trust and increase of anger. When you have a loved one struggling with an addiction, whether it be from alcoholism to trying to overcome heroin addiction. you easily feel helpless about the whole situation, and you begin to blame yourself for the things that are happening.

The good news is that you are not alone in experiencing the pain and anger that comes due to addiction. It is often referred to as a ‘family disease’, because it affects everyone in the individual’s life. It is therefore wise to involve the person’s family and friends in the recovery process, as they can also act as a source of support for the person even after recovery. There are also various ways you can participate in the process to understand prevention of relapses, and seeking social support.

Since addiction recovery is a lifelong journey, you cannot also expect that your friend or loved one will come back from the drug rehab facility being all fine and never struggling again in their lives – this attitude is a recipe for disaster, and can easily result in relapses. Your support is therefore very important to them, and here are some steps you can follow to help.

Understanding that treatment is not a ‘fix all’ for everything

chronic disease

Because addiction is a chronic disease, you cannot fix it all in one session of treatment. Therefore, expecting that your loved one will return from treatment having ‘completely healed’ is a dangerous and unrealistic assumption to make, and could set your loved one up to suffer a relapse.

Regardless of the length of time your loved one has spent in treatment, and whether they have gone through inpatient or outpatient treatment, it still remains that the results of addiction will trouble them even after the treatment period is over.

In rehabilitation, it is also essential to understand that there will be challenges you and your loved one will face because of addiction. These include recovery from debt and other difficulties in your financial status, recurring issues with their health due to drug abuse, them trying to regain steady employment and source of income, and also rebuilding of trust and damaged relationships.

Remain supportive and involved in their lives

Support

When the person completes their rehab treatment program, it is very important to keep in mind that you may have to change your lifestyle, both for the family and friends of the person. This means that you do not take them out for alcoholic or drug outings, and your home remains a drug and alcohol free zone.

This is particularly important when your loved one is in the early stages of their recovery journey. When you intentionally create an environment of sobriety in the home, it will also decrease their chances of slipping back into drug and alcohol abuse.

It is a fact that the first days of recovery are lonely ones, because the person has lost many of their friends, needs to let go of the toxic friendships built on drug and alcohol abuse, and also needs to repair their own relationships with themselves and the people that matter to them. When they are given sufficient support as well as understanding, thanks to close friends and family, their success in sobriety is better guaranteed. They can also check addiction rehabs for treating alcohol addiction.

Make sure to find support for yourself

Support for yourself

The fact remains that taking care of an individual in addiction or a loved one that has left addiction is a tiring process. They are therefore not the only ones who need help – you require some help as well.

As you take care of their needs, do not forget about yourself. It is not going to be an easy process, but you need to find an outlet where you can express how you feel, avoid blaming yourself, and allow yourself to heal from the emotional wounds. In addition, you also learn that you are not responsible for the decisions of anyone, except your own – and that includes realizing you have no control over the choices your loved one makes. You also learn that you cannot force them to change, and they alone have the power over that decision.

In fact, this only serves to remind you that there is no shame in asking for help, so make sure you have some healthy activities to fall back on, and a proper and strong support system. For instance, you can try out support group meetings, where you can hear the stories of others who have been through the same thing, join a local gym, go for some one-on-one therapy sessions, journal your feelings, and make some time to take care of yourself.

All of these activities will give you a mental and emotional boost to cope with the stress you have endured so far.

It is important to understand and decrease stress in your own life

Decrease stress

According to statistics from the NIH (National Institute of Health), among the major reasons of people getting into alcohol and drug abuse, as well as relapses, is due to stress in their lives. This is the reason why getting to understand stress will let you know your loved one is also struggling with it during their recovery process.

It will also help in knowing specific stress triggers that increase the chances of your loved one slipping back into the world of drug abuse. They include health issues, their relationships with their friends and family, school or work situations, problems in their financial state, and exposure to triggers of their drug, alcohol or signs of Xanax abuse.

When you acknowledge these factors, you can assist them to cope in better ways, such as going for therapy sessions and exercise.

Final thoughts

When dealing with a loved one in the recovery process of drug rehab, it is important to understand them and yourself. The addiction might be affecting them, but their recovery depends on your actions.




The Pros and Cons of Sleeping With Your Pets

September 26, 2018 by
Pets

Your dog or cat may be your best friend and a wonderful companion in and around the house, but you should never let this kind of friendship be the cause of certain health issues around the house. Most people prefer to spend with their feline friends on the same bed, and even though you may see it as a nice way to increase the friendship bond between you, you just don’t know how much it could be costing your sleep.

Some pet owners claim that sleeping with their pets help them to have a wonderful sleep at night, but sharing a bed with pets may not necessarily be a good thing, though a good number of people who do it doesn’t see any problems with it. But let us consider the pros and the cons of sleeping with pets so that you will be well informed should you proceed to go ahead with the practice.

Which pets do people sleep with the most?

Sleep with dog

It seems that cats and dogs are the best companions when it comes to the pets people are will to take to bed. A study conducted on the effects of the sleeping with pets in the bedroom found that most people found it comfortable and also had some sense of security when they slept together with their pets in the same room, but not necessarily on the same bed.

A possible explanation to this kind of feeling is that most of the pet owners are never around the house during the day, and so at night, they find it convenient to spend some time with their pets in the bedroom. Besides, most of them don’t have any problem knowing that with the pets in the bedroom, their sleep won’t be affected in any way.

Potential problems of sleeping with pets on the same bed

In as much you may desire to spend some time with your beloved pet on the high-quality mattress you just got from Tuft & Needle at Lowe’s, here are some of the potential shortcomings you may encounter-:

Allergies –pets are known to cause allergic reactions to different kinds of people, and if you or any member of your family usually suffer allergic reactions, then you should not just share your bed with your pets, but also not allow them into the bedroom. But if you insist that you must sleep with your pet, then it is imperative to arm yourself with regular allergy shots.

The problem of restless pets

Restless pets

– not every cat or dog will get down quietly at night and sleep till morning. Some are very restless and you can expect that they will be jumping, rolling, barking or howling all the time while in the bedroom. If you were truly tired and you were hoping to catch some sleep, then you will find it difficult falling asleep with the presence of such a pet in your bed or inside your bedroom. If your pet exhibits this behavior, the best thing to do is to let them sleep in another room so that your sleep is not interrupted by them anymore.

Damages in the bedroom–other than the pet being restless, they may also exhibit some behavior such as scratching or biting onto surfaces. This is very common with cats and puppies who will want to scratch anything they can find with their paws. If you have such a kind of a pet, then it will be a huge mistake to let them share the bed or the bedroom with you. The kind of damage they can do to your clothes, or the beautiful mattress you just go from Tuft & Needle at Lowe’s may be huge, and you may regret why you let them come so close.

Where should you draw the line?

Sleeping experience with pets

Irrespective of whether your dog or cat is well behaved and you can spend with them on the same bed without them disturbing your sleep, people will always have different experiences sleeping with their pets. Again, if your pet is a bother to your sleeping partner, then you may consider not having them in the bedroom. But you should realize that pets do love it when you set them up to sleep on the orthopedic dog bed, and not somewhere enclosed such as in the bedroom.

How to kick out your pets from your bedroom

It may sound harsh, and nearly impossible for some people to kick out their beloved pets from their bedroom, but there are certain things you can do to make the transition easier for both of you. If you are dealing with a dog you have been allowing to sleep in your bed or in your bedroom for a while, it will be a big blow to its ego should you decide to kick them out of where they have grown to be so fond of. One of the best approaches you can do is create a game for discouraging the dogs from the bed, such as giving them attention only when they are on the floor.

But dealing with cats on this is a little tricky, because, with cats, it is either, “all or nothing.” If you don’t want them to sleep with you in your bed, then don’t even allow them to come into your bedroom. This is because once they form the attachment and get used to sleeping on your bed, this is a habit that will take time to break and it will not make them any happier.

Different solutions for different situations

If you have been sleeping with your pets for some time and you don’t have any problems with that, then you could be sleeping with them if that is what you want. However, if you have been trying to sleep with them and you find that they are making it difficult for you to fall asleep, then the best thing to do would be to kick them out of your bed. I guess the last thing you want is to appear tired and dizzy the following simply because your dog couldn’t let you have rest at night.




Common Causes of Anxiety and Depression for Stay at Home Moms

September 25, 2018 by

Mom depression

Lots of women dream of being able to stay home and care for their children. Yet, when an opportunity finally presents itself, it turns out to be more than they bargained for. Sure, they’ve given up the fight of having to choose between a paycheck and the needs of their children. However, they trade in that for other issues like the guilt of not being able to provide financially, the pressure of having to tackle everything and the sadness that can come from loneliness and losing oneself. If you’re not careful, these emotional challenges can lead to anxiety and depression.

Am I Already Suffering?

Is it possible you’re already dealing with depression or anxiety? If you are, this is nothing to feel bad about. As stated above, becoming a stay at home mom is an adjustment that requires finding a new kind of balance. If you go through long periods of sadness, feel tired all the time, lack the will to care for yourself or your family, start to feel hopeless, or often turn to vices like painkillers and potentially have an opioid addiction, chances are you’re dealing with depression.

If you’re dealing with anxiety, you might feel overly worried or anxious all the time. Your heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, you might feel tired and in pain, and you’ve been pacifying your angst with drugs or alcohol. You too need to get treatment in LA or in whichever city is closest to you for detox and therapy.

How Did I Get Here?

If you’re stressed or anxious as a stay at home mom, you should know you’re not alone. There are lots of factors that can contribute to your overwhelming emotions and mental health problems, but here are some of the most common along with solutions to fixing it.

Too Much To Do

You’d think that taking a job out of the equation would make things better, but, most women find that staying at home leaves more to do. Younger children need constant attention, everyone’s home so the house needs cleaning more often, and you still have to prep the meals, do the laundry, run around and get kids from school, and find time for your spouse. It’s a lot and you may feel like you never truly tackle anything.

Resolution: Waking up early and having a general routine can help you tackle more around the house. The extra time in the morning gives you uninterrupted time to handle some household chores, and your routine helps you to stay on target. If it’s really too much, ask your spouse for help.

Lack of Accomplishment

When you’re in the office and you’re tackling a project, once it’s complete you get this overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. Your diligence in the office can lead to acknowledgments and promotions which made you feel great. When you’re at home and the family gets used to it, the everyday things you do don’t get the recognition you’d like. Not to mention, incomplete tasks due to an overwhelming amount of things to do can start to suck the life out of you.

Resolution: Find purpose outside of the home. Read books to elementary students, help an elderly neighbor with something around their house, take up a hobby like painting or sculpting, just do something that will give you the satisfaction and recognition you crave.

Loneliness and Boredom

When you’re home with the little ones all day your brain seems to turn to mush. You can babble and coo away with your baby, but after a while, being at home all the time gets lonely. It can lead to extreme periods of depression.

Resolution: Make time for yourself. Join stay at home mom support group meet up with friends and family, plan a monthly outing, or link with other moms for playdates, just be sure you’re staying connected and social to fill that void.

Feeling depressed or anxious as a result of being a stay at home mom is common and isn’t something you should be ashamed of. Find ways to beat anxiety and depression by learning how to balance what you give to your loved ones and what you give to yourself. If you stay organized, develop a routine, ask for help when you need it, and make a point to get out and socialize, you’ll find that parenting your little ones and being a supportive spouse is a lot easier.




How Proactively Planning a Trip Can Make Vacations Easier

September 25, 2018 by

Travel tips

With summer right around the corner and the kids excitedly counting down the days till break, you know what that means: it’s time to go on a family vacation! But before diving straight into the fun, we should make preparations for our trip ahead of time to ensure that there’s absolutely nothing to worry about when we’re sitting back and relaxing.

This is how proactively planning a trip can make vacations easier:

  1. Time doesn’t get wasted

While you may feel tempted to mostly “wing it” during vacation, creating an itinerary is a more efficient route to take since it will help you follow a schedule that enables you to check off every destination or activity on the family bucket list. Subsequently, on an itinerary, you can include alternative plans in case the first one doesn’t work out. As long as you have a solid plan for every day of your vacation, there’s no harm in taking spontaneous adventures here and there!

  1. Overspending won’t be an issue

Overspending on vacation is more common than you think. According to a survey from Experian in 2015, it was found that 68% of people overspend when traveling. Therefore, to avoid becoming a part of this statistic and putting a hole in your wallet, establish a budget and plan expenses ahead of time. The reason why people tend to overspend is mainly due to the fact that being on vacation makes one feel more inclined to “treat’ themselves or others and rationalize instantly gratifying purchases. While yes, we do deserve to treat ourselves and the kids, it should be done within reason. It should also be done smartly, using various saving options. For example, you can use a VPN to find better deals online by checking the prices of different items across multiple regions.

  1. You will always know exactly where your belongings are

Since you’re traveling with the family, there are a lot of items that need to be kept track of and packed. In order to avoid the panic of losing something or leaving it behind, create a list of everyone’s belongings before the trip and pack accordingly to it before leaving both the house and lodging accommodation. You never want to find yourself in the position wondering where a misplaced item is, such as a passport or event ticket, the moment it’s needed. There are even cheap and easy household solutions to make packaging and organizing a breeze!

  1. There’s less likelihood of running into trouble

Unexpected situations such as losing luggage, getting injured, or having a flight get cancelled happen all the time. By taking precaution to prepare yourself for these events, you are actually able to save both money and your sanity. In fact, the best course of action that can be taken is to invest in traveler’s insurance. It acts as a financial safety net that can reimburse you for the aforementioned circumstances. Moreover, if you’re traveling by your own mode of transportation, such as a car, take your vehicle to a service center to reduce the risks of experiencing any technical or safety issues down the road.

In conclusion, make sure you take steps to proactively plan a trip beforehand, so your vacation is filled with memories that are unforgettable in a good way. The only thing you should do on vacation is have fun with your family, not stress out!




The Effects of Stress and How to Combat Them

September 25, 2018 by

Stress affect

Whether you are about to make your first presentation at work, playing a big game and you have 30 seconds to break a tie, the brain has a way of sending the command for stress hormones to be released during these crucial moments. Stress is a mechanism that your body uses to prepare you to react promptly to emergency situations. Your breath fastens, your heart races and your muscles are ready to act. However, if you are always under stress, your health might suffer severe effects.

1. Chronic stress makes losing weight difficult

Stress hormones increase your appetite because your body requires extra energy. Also, when you are stressed, your body relies on sugar as it can only metabolize carbohydrates to produce energy. You also sweat when you are stressed.  You can just feel the perspiration forming. Sweating during a stressful time is normal, but can adversely affect the clothing we are wearing. We can machine wash our clothes from sweat, but how to get sweat stains out of hats is a good question.  The best way would be to handwash them if you are not sure of the material.

· Why burning fat is difficult

So long as you are under stress, burning fat will be nearly impossible. So, you might run that treadmill all you want without any positive changes. The reason for this is that stress prevents oxygen from reaching your cells, which makes it difficult for your body to metabolize fat. That leaves you to depend on carbohydrates as your sole energy source.

· It exhausts your insulin stores

You require insulin to convert sugar from the blood to your cells. Stress hormones prevent proper insulin secretion from the hormones. It gets worse when the sugar overload makes the pancreas hyperactive, to the extent that it cannot produce enough insulin.

· Sugar cravings

During a stress reaction, the hormones raise your blood pressure; thus accelerating your breathing and heartbeat. This sends glucose to the blood to help in freeing sufficient energy for the brain and muscles. As the shortage of energy increases, sugar is the only way to fix the deficit, making one to crave excessively for sweet foods.

How to fight this effect: Keep moving

Exercise is an ideal way of combating stress. However contradictory it might sound, the truth is that putting physical pressure on your body by working out is a practical way of relieving mental stress. The benefits are best experienced when you exercise regularly. Going on vacations often can also help in managing stressful situations.

2. Chronic stress triggers health-related problems

Chronic stress responses damage different body organs and cells in the bodies. It does not only make the body prone to infections, but it also interferes with the body’s ability to heal itself by lowering one’s immunity. Adrenaline causes your heart to beat faster than it should and increases blood pressure. Too much of it results in hypertension. Similarly, an excess of cortisol prevents the artery walls from functioning as they should.

How to fight this effect: Meditate

Taking a few minutes of silence daily to think through the day’s events is a proven method of battling stress. Meditation alters the brain’s neural pathways and makes you resilient to stress. Thankfully, meditating is simple. All you should do is to sit with your eyes closed and feet on the floor and then focus on reciting a mantra. You can do so either silently or loudly. The mantra should be positive, such as “I love my life” or “I am at peace.” Place your hand on your belly so that you can link the mantra with your breaths.

3. Chronic stress shrinks the brain

The effect of stress goes beyond your physical health. Cortisol has been found to shrink the brain. They affect the part of the brain that is responsible for judgment, decision making and concentrating. Eventually, it makes the affected to be susceptible to severe mental problems like Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

How to fight this effect: Reach out

Your social network is your best defense for combating stress. Talk to those around you, whether over the phone or face to face. Share what you are going through. It is easy to find a fresh perspective that will strengthen you.

Stress and anxiety may arise from your personal life or in your workplace. Whichever way, there are several ways to reduce the pressure. If things don’t get better, do not shy away from getting professional help.




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