As we race around to take care of a family and everything else that a busy life requires, many of us neglect our own health. We’re up early to find lost homework and we stay up late to bake cupcakes or do laundry. Relaxation and sleep aren’t even on our to-do lists. That works in the short run, maybe, but it’s certainly not a long term plan.

We all know about the importance of healthy eating and all the rest, but when’s the last time you really paid attention to taking care of yourself?

While you’re contemplating that, there’s one thing you can absolutely do. Sit down and drink a cup of tea. It’s not only a delightful way to catch your breath, but it has health benefits galore. Busy moms can order their favorite varieties online from organic stores that offer free shipping like Buddha Teas.

Tea is sort of a miracle because despite the fact that it tastes good, it also has little calories, no fat, and no carbs. That alone puts it leaps above almost anything else you could drink when you’re thirsty, to have with a meal, to enjoy on a break, or for the important hydration that your body needs.

On top of that, some lovely teas offer special benefits like these:

Nutrition Boost

Even though tea has hardly any calories, many varieties have nutrients important for your overall health. Here are some examples:

• Lavender Tea has high concentrations of vitamin C, calcium, and iron, as well as a good amount of vitamin A.
• Alfalfa Leaf Tea has vitamins A, D, E, and K, and also has minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium.
• Corn Silk Tea is full of B-complex vitamins plus calcium, zinc, and potassium.
• Gotu Kola Tea is a natural source of vitamins C and K, and the essential B-complex vitamins thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin. It also provides minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

Weight Control and Fitness

You might not have thought that tea could be part of a regular diet and exercise program, but here are some reasons why it should be:

• Gymnema Tea actually contains substances that reduce the body’s absorption of sugar. It comes from a plant native to India and Africa, and its Hindi name, gurmar, translates to “destroyer of sugar.” This tea also temporarily blocks your taste buds’ ability to recognize sweetness, which, over time, helps reduce cravings for sugary treats.
• Hibiscus Tea contains polyphenols that regulate metabolism.
• Flax Seed Tea has omega-3 fatty acids that promote stronger muscles. Its other natural properties help to counter inflammation and help stressed muscles heal and repair more quickly.
• Fenugreek Seed Tea is loaded with nutrients that help build muscles, including choline, niacin, potassium, and ascorbic acid. It’s also got the amino acids tryptophan and 4-hydroxyisoleucine.

Antioxidant Protection

Antioxidants are all the rage these days, but do you know why they’re important? Well, as we breathe, our bodies produce highly reactive molecules that are called free radicals. These free radicals interact with and cause oxidation damage to other molecules in the body, leading to a wide range of potential ailments and chronic diseases.

To combat these free radicals, we need a steady supply of antioxidants to augment the ones our bodies make by themselves. All tea, and green tea in particular, is a natural high-powered antioxidant, and it also doesn’t hurt to add to your diet some of the other super-antioxidant foods like dark leafy greens, blueberries, cranberries, red and purple grapes, sweet potatoes, beans, and whole grains.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

As part of the body’s healing process, moderate inflammation revs up the immune system and brings nourishment to sites of infection and injury, but too much inflammation can be damaging. Lavender tea, ginger tea, and others have excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help to keep inflammation under control.

Anxiety and Stress Relief

High stress can absolutely destroy your health, and even its mildest version certainly doesn’t make for happy living. The very act of sitting quietly and wrapping your hands around a cup of tea is soothing in itself. Your favorite tea, no matter what it is, will help to calm jangled nerves and clear your head. But here are some teas that serve special duty in the war against stress:

• Ashwagandha Tea, from the root of an Indian herb, works to limit the effects of stress and may even block the release of the body’s stress hormones.
• Kava Kava Root Tea has antispasmodic qualities to release tension from stressed muscles and provide that “aaaah” moment after an active day.
• Lavender Tea is a delicious stress-reliever. Simply breathing in its graceful floral scent provides a respite from the outside world.
• Chamomile Flower Tea is an age-old remedy for calming the mind and body and sending you off to a restful sleep.

A Bonus:

Even if you take good care of yourself, you can still catch the occasional cold. We all know that tea with honey is a natural soother for sore throats, but this article will tell you even more.

Over time, it’s possible for any game to be turned into some sort of competition. Elite sports tournaments, such as those in football, tennis, golf and even chess, are considered to be the absolute pinnacle of competitive activity, but this piece will not be looking at this kind of competition. Instead it will be looking at the altogether more eccentric and obscure types that most people won’t even be aware of the existence of.

Wife carrying

This is an annual event which takes place in Finland – in Sonkajarvi to be precise. Believed to date back to the late 1800s when a robber named Herkko Rosvo-Ronkainen carried captive women away on his back – it is now a competitive championship involving husbands carrying their wives piggyback style in a race filled with obstacles. The rules are fairly simple, with the first couple to cross the line being the winners – but the wife has to weigh over 49 kilos.

Rock, paper, scissors

Most people will know of the game ‘rock, paper, scissors’, but few will realise they can actually play it competitively. This is a UK event and has been in existence for around a decade – although the game itself is a lot older than that. It takes place at a different venue each year – the 2016 championship is at the Green Man Pub in London – and involves entrants competing in seven knockout rounds, to decide the eventual winner. Alongside a trophy and £100 cheque, the winner here also gets a bottle of champagne – so polish your skills by checking out the Ladbrokes rock, paper, scissors guide.

Underwater rugby

It sounds like a Monty Python sketch, but there is an underwater rugby tournament. It dates back to 1961 and was invented in Koln, Germany. It is hugely popular in Nordic countries, where it is known as UW-Polo, and is played in swimming pools. There are teams of 15 players and halves lasting 15 minutes with six players each in play at any time – all wearing snorkels and diving masks. Otherwise, it is about scoring a try, just a whole lot more soggy.

Toe wrestling

This is perhaps the most bizarre one yet, and is another childhood favourite now played by adults as a competitive championship. It involves barefoot competitors trying to defeat each other in big toe wrestling bouts. The first championship was held in 1976, in Derbyshire and it’s still held in that area and has become popular enough for organizers to apply – unsuccessfully – for it to become an official Olympic sport.

Office chair racing

This is another German invention which sees entrant’s race each other using specially adapted office chairs. The race route runs 560 feet and has obstacles, so it’s not for the faint hearted. You do get to wear a helmet and padding though, and there is a separate prize event for best outfit.

These are all real competitive events, but only those with a surreal mind could have invented them.

While the early evening is usually a bustling time in any household with kids, however once the children go to sleep this all changes. Parents find this is the ideal time for them to relax in a number of ways.

Avoid TV Watching

For some parents, simply avoiding TV is a favorite way to relax. They prefer the tranquility that is afforded after the kids go to sleep. This can be a time to meditate or enjoy conversation with one’s spouse.

 Exercise

This is one of the best ways for parents to distress after a long day. It is important, however, to remember that exercise should take place more than three hours prior to bedtime. Otherwise, parents may find it difficult to wind down for sleep.

Gambling Online

The internet has made it possible to enjoy your favorite mobile casino games found on sites like mobilecasinoaustralia.co.au right from your own home. The games can be accessed on a computer, tablet or phone. Take advantage of bonuses and other incentives on bitcoin casino Australia and you could be gambling with free money!

 Journaling

Simply having time to reflect on the day can be powerful for parents. For instance, some people find that keeping a gratitude journal can keep them thinking positive and remain appreciative for what they have. A gratitude journal is a place to document on positive events from the day. Looking at the glass half full is better for the soul.

Reading

Many parents find that they enjoy reading for knowledge or pleasure when their children have gone to bed. It’s easier to get lost in a book without having your thoughts interrupted. Some parents may find they prefer reading news or other articles online.

While this not an inclusive list, its offers parents some useful ideas of how they can unwind following a long day.

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Okay, so you’ve seen and read through many blogs throughout your life, but what makes the blog, Look What Mom Found… and Dad Too!, special? This blog is written and managed by a husband and wife partnership that has three kids. Their readers come for more than just the reviews and giveaways available on the site. They also come for the creative and fun stories, the educational articles, healthy living tips, and for a glimpse of what this dynamic duo finds interesting in the world. With such diverse topics and a variety of different readers, this is a great place for a business to gain traction for their company, product, or cause that they might not have gained otherwise.

Advertising Your Business

So why should you advertise? This is one of the oldest and most beneficial strategies to increase traction for your company, product, or cause. By increasing your visibility, you can reach out to more people and gain a wider audience and possibly even more customers. When you get your business out there, you’ll be amazed at how many people you can reach!

A Great Way to Connect with Others

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One of the reasons why Melinda and her husband started this blog is to connect with others themselves, and for businesses and communities to connect with each other. This is why there are so many different products, businesses, and causes mentioned in the blog! This is definitely a great way to reach out to others while at the same time getting your product, cause, or business out there for more traction which is exactly what they had been aiming for.

Topics of Interest

There isn’t just one topic that this blog focuses specifically on. Instead, the writers cater to a large audience with a variety of different topics they post in their blog, including but not limited to: public relations firms, tips on cleaning like a professional, how to keep romance alive, recipes for fun foods, and even advertising clothing at retail stores.

If you are a content marketing site like ContentVIVA, a clothing store like Macy’s, or even just someone trying to raise awareness for your cause, there’s a place for you at Look What Mom Found… and Dad Too!

A Shift toward Public Relations Firms

So what do public relations firms do? All PR and advertising agencies such as Mosaico PR share the same goal: to help promote clients in a way that makes them appear successful, honest, and as exciting or relevant as possible. These services are a great way to make your company not only get great traction, but withhold a positive reputation throughout the life of your business.

Renting out property can be a lucrative venture, but it also opens up property owners to a host of vulnerabilities. Consider the following preventative measures to ensure your personal assets are kept safe regardless of what might come your way within your role as landlord.

Consider Property Management

Many landlords look to save money and handle the management of their own properties, but this can be a mistake for those looking to minimize liability. There are a host of ordinances and laws you’ll need to stay updated on, including local, state, and federal rules regarding the legalities of every facet of your “landlording” responsibilities. If that sounds like too heavy of a burden, it’s not a bad idea to consider property management. Skilled professionals will be versed on all the ins and outs, minimizing the risk of a consequential mistake.

Understanding Your Taxes

I wish I could say ignorance was an accepted excuse for the IRS, but unfortunately it’s not. Your duties as landlord extend into the confusing world of taxes, and without extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of tax filing in regards to property ownership and leasing, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Make sure you’re versed in local, state, and federal tax laws regarding rentals. If you don’t think you’ve crossed all of your T’s and dotted all of your I’s, I highly recommend looking into hiring professional tax help, at least until you understand all the various facets that come along with your venture.

The Insurance Issues

Few things are as important when starting out on a rental property venture as securing the right insurance. The list of things that can go wrong is long, so it’s essential that you have the fullest coverage possible to protect yourself in case of emergency. Don’t settle on the cheapest insurance; most companies won’t offer coverage for disastrous events you might think would be included automatically, including floods, terrorist events, and other disasters. Spending a few hundred more throughout the year can save you thousands, so it’s a worthy investment. Many landlords are also encouraging or requiring their renters to purchase supplemental renter’s insurance for an added cushion of coverage.

A Steady Investment

A rental business doesn’t mean immediate profits; the only way to properly protect your investment is to continue to throw money into the gamut. From property taxes to utility bills, maintenance concerns to vacancies, a rental business can paradoxically serve as a money suck and great source of income simultaneously. Be prepared to part with a small fortune to make one in return.

Placing the Perfect Tenant

Everyone’s heard the outlandish stories, but nightmare tenants plague landlords with a host of stresses that can often turn into legal issues. Always be sure to perform detailed background checks with a company like MySmartMove. In this day and age, a good credit score doesn’t mean someone will be a great tenant, and a poor credit score doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be a bad tenant. That’s why it’s important to use a service that will give you more information, like an eviction and criminal history. Leave no stone unturned when selecting a tenant. Skipping this step is a surefire way to open yourself up to legal issues, and courts usually side with tenants in case of rental property disputes—unfortunate, but true.

Separating Your Personal Assets

Instead of claiming the rental property or properties under their name, more and more landlords are choosing to file a separate LLC for their rentals. This is a good choice for several reasons. This legal step separates the remainder of your personal assets from your property, meaning if a suit were to occur, your personal belongings and personal home would be safe from legal action in most cases. Not only can you safeguard the rest of your assets, but you will also find filing as an LLC provides you with a host of tax benefits simply based on your property business’s title. Be aware that filing as an LLC doesn’t automatically protect you from all legal issues, and depending on where you live, might cost you a pretty penny.

While renting our personal property can seem like an easy source of income, be prepared for the liabilities that come along with this venture. Whether you’re about to purchase a property for rental purposes or you are a seasoned landlord, these tips and guidelines will help keep you and your family safe.

We’re in the thick of tax season, and most military personnel and their families must file their taxes before the April 18^th cutoff. In contrast to the majority of U.S. citizens, service members are eligible for a variety of military-specific tax breaks and deductions. While nothing can pay back the time and effort these wonderful individuals deserve for defending our country, there are many tax provisions available for our servicemen and women and their families to take advantage of. If you’re personally handling your taxes this year and are in the service, these are the tax tips you need to know before you file.

Hire a Professional

While many wonderful tax companies offer free filing services for military members, sometimes more detailed and intensive help is required. If you’re concerned about missing out on lucrative exemptions or your filing will be more difficult this year, consider using the help of a tax professional from a company like Community Tax. A well-versed finance expert will be knowledgeable with the tax rules specifically regarding the military community, and help you save more money than you might have trying to file on your own, along with helping keep you out of hot water with the IRS.

Is Combat Pay Considered Income?

When filing, remember that any payment received from time in combat need not be included in your taxable income. However, it can be claimed on your EITC—that’s Earned Income Tax Credit—filings. This can help in situations where you would have claimed no earned income, which would disqualify you from receiving an EITC refund. This is definitely an all or nothing situation, however. You must either report all of your combat income earnings, or none at all—there are no in-betweens. The Earned Income Tax Credit can provide a hefty sum of tax credit, ranging from $450 to $5,000 for qualified individuals so it’s definitely a worthy route to consider. Other qualification considerations: the taxpayer must fall between the ages of 25 and 65 years old, and make less than $3,150 in investment income.

A Reduced Interest Rate

If you entered the service with pre-existing debt, the government gives you a break on the hefty interest charges that can come along with paying back a longstanding bill. Instead of continuously appreciating, the IRS has to cap the interest rate they charge at six percent. There are caveats to this deal, however; you will only qualify if your military service provably hinders your ability to pay, and only applies while you are still a member of the military.

The Various Deductions

There are a host of deductions available to military members, and missing out on these can mean missing out on a fortune in savings. Failing to claim all of your qualifying deductions can result in a smaller refund, or even see you having to pay more when tax season rolls around. Moving expenses due to relocation efforts from the military are tax deductible and transportation fees due to Federal Reserve and Federal Guard duties are also deductible depending on the distance traveled and the lodging required. Even military uniforms can be applicable for a tax reductions, so long as they’re articles of clothing you’re prohibited from wearing when not on duty. There are reductions available even after you’ve left active service, like job hunting expenses including travel, resume preparation fees, and any agency fees that you may have to cover while searching.

Are the Deadlines Different?

While the majority of military families are required to file before the April 18^th deadline this year, those serving in combat zones are automatically given a 180-day extension to file their taxes. Keep in mind however that the deadlines for both Medicare and Social Security are exempt from this rule, so you’ll need to remain updated on those two facets of the tax process.

While many of these deductions and tax breaks require a bit of digging to discover, taking the time to find them yourself or investing the money in a professional tax preparer is often well worth the investment. If you’re a military member and looking to reduce your tax debt this year, consider these wonderful tips and make filing easier—and more profitable—than ever.

Architect Louis Kahn, a man who is perhaps most associated with “International Style” – an architectural movement concerned most with form and style – recognized that light was not some secondary element in the grand scheme of architecture, but was in fact vital in its capacity to shape experience and direct activity. “We are born of light,” he once said. “The seasons are felt through light. We only know the world as it is evoked by light.”

Human kind has been fascinated by light since our first vision of the sun, and though it set every day, there was a desire to keep its warmth and light burning long after it had disappeared beyond the horizon. It is believed that our first instance with lighting design was one of happenstance. A lighting bolt is said to have probably hit a tree whose dry branches burst into flame and were carried away by humans enamored by its bright light, much like a moth to the flame.

 The Torch & Ancient Rome

Through trial and error, our ancestors learned how to start and build up a fire using grass and weeds for kindling andnimal fat for “lighter fluid.” Though rudimentary by today’s standards, communal fire pits protected our ancestors from predators at nightfall, and later helped them to communicate with each other through smoke signals.

The Ancient Romans redesigned this lighting system using fire pits as a source of warmth, and created the torch, the world’s first flashlight. Using a long, rod-like piece of wood (so as not to burn themselves) with a flammable rag wrapped around the end, the Romans would set the torch in a sconce, a functional bracket that was affixed to both the interior and exterior walls of the home. This provided light in the house and in the streets, revolutionizing the ways in which humankind moved throughout their living quarters and in the streets. No longer restricted by the night sky, the Romans were able to move about freely, no matter the hour. We still see the torch today, used to light outdoor barbeque and picnic areas for social gatherings.

Luminaries and the Medieval World

With time, lighting came to mean more to people by its design than its function. People began to recognize that light could be displayed in a number of ways, and its beauty could transform space and heighten social rankings. At the height of the Renaissance, we begin to see large, pounded gold chandeliers in the homes of nobles and the rising merchant class. Inspired by the Greek and Roman art, metal workers and glass blowers designed the chandeliers with Neoclassical etchings referencing mythological stories of comedy, adventure and tragedy. To own such a chandelier wasn’t just to denote your social status, but it was also used to show your guests your knowledge of the ancient texts, rituals and stories, making it appear that you were as highly educated as you were wealthy.

The Brilliance of the Gas Light

Using a specially mixed fuel set to flame, the gas light burst onto the scene in the 19^th century. The most popular lighting method before the invention of the electric light bulb, the gas light was used for home lighting and on urban and rural streets. For the first time, people could control the brightness of the light in their homes by mixing high and low levels of chemicals as opposed to extinguishing an open flame; imagine—alchemy as yesterday’s dimmer switch!

The gaslight was used in stores, restaurants, cafes and factories providing longer business hours for patrons and customers while extending shifts for factory workers – all of which led to increased production and commercialization in the West.

Electricity: Industry in Review

Thanks to the industrious efforts of Thomas Edison, the world was introduced to the electric light bulb. Electricity proved to be less expensive and more user-friendly, and thus during the 20^th century, electricity was available in every nuclear American family’s home nationwide, and lighting design once again was making an impact in interior design, with brands like Feiss, Artemide and Flos lighting. With their architectural running magnet runners and pendant lamps, design lighting revolutionized the way space was used in the home, and transformed the way the public looked at light; it wasn’t just an energy source, it was, and is, a way of life.

As king of your own domain, you have decorating and design needs that need to be met in order to ensure your home reflects your personal style. Designing a masculine bathroom by combining form and function with thoughtful amenities will create a man-friendly space that reflects your design aesthetic.

When designing your personal retreat, pay attention to the details that will blend in with your home’s architecture and home decor, while adding your own signature.

Conservative Colors or Vibrant Hues?

It is important to understand your own style. Are you modern and sophisticated, traditional and conservative, laid back and casual, or quirky and eclectic? Once you narrow down your likes and dislikes you can begin choosing a palette that matches your vision. Understated neutrals work best for a conservative look, shades of black, silver and grey scream urban, brown, green and red are laid back tones, and hot lime and tangerine add an eclectic feel.

Image Courtesy of flickr.com

Color isn’t just for walls and flooring – modern stone tile, quartz, marble and granite are available in a wide array of colors and patterns to match any home decor. While brown tiles are the standard masculine fall-back, go daring with unusual color combinations that combine coordinating tonal flourishes. Look for dark, saturated, moody hues for a men’s lounge appeal, or opt for a high-gloss white aesthetic to move it into spa territory.

Beyond Basic Amenities

While a toilet and vanity are obvious musts, there are many luxurious amenities you may want to include. For example, why install a standard toilet when you can opt for a more European-inspired bidet? In the bathtub vs. shower debate, why not both? The latest bathroom design trends lean toward a non-fussy bathtub design that pairs beautifully with angular bathroom fixtures like the Caso in-wall designer bathroom faucet in polished chrome by Maestro Bath.

Image Courtesy of homedit.com

When selecting your vanity, keep two things in mind: vanity height and storage. Your vanity needs to not only provide ample storage, but also be installed at a level comfortable for your height. If you are especially tall, look for vanities specifically design to accommodate taller people. Committing to a cohesive design theme will make creating your perfect bathroom a lot easier. Modern trends in masculine bathroom home decor include:

Woodsy – Adding the unexpected ruggedness and texture of rustic, unpainted planks and raw paneling on your walls, ceiling, floor and vanity add warmth and a cozy feel.

Subway Appeal – The traditional subway tile aesthetic is a classic touch for a masculine bath. Available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, from pristine white to metallic jewel tones, they add strong, clean lines. Your choice of grout color can create more even more drama – consider a dark grey grout with ivory tiles for a Paris
Metro station feel.

Mixed Metals – The combination of brass, iron, steel and bronze infuses your space with a decidedly masculine raw industrial quality. Iron light fixtures, an aged steel vanity and un-lacquered brushed brass plumbing fixtures all play well together, and provide a look that is anything but delicate.

Hint of History – By incorporating antiques or classic retro accents into your home decor, you’ll add a patina of age and history to your room. Antique, heavily-framed mirrors, vintage sconces and aged tapestries and upholstery add a cohesive, timeless elegance to your bath, which works especially well with claw-footed tubs and details such as vintage shaving accessories.

When designing your masculine bath, keep it simple for high impact, but make sure to emphasize a variety of textures, uncommon finishes, and unexpected details to inject your personal character.

As your children grow, their tastes and interests also develop. While most of us can’t afford to cater to our child’s every whim, parents want to give their children a space to play, to feel comfortable and happy, and where their imaginations will be inspired. If you’re wanting to revamp your child’s room, but worry about the expense, there are plenty of ways to make your ideas come to life without killing your budget. Upcycling, clearance racks, and store credit cards that let you pay over time are just some of the ways to keep your playroom ideas affordable.

Upcycle From Around Your Home

Sometimes, all it takes are a few little additions to change the entire look and feel of a room. These additions do not have to be brand new, however. Take a look around your home, particularly in storage areas such as garages and attics. What have you been keeping that has never gone to good use?

Unused picture frames, for example, are an excellent redecorating project that you can do with your child. You can frame their artwork, or have them spend a day creating new artwork for you to frame. If you don’t already have the frames, there are plenty available around you. Just try your local thrift store.

Upcycling is a fun way to make your projects more interesting and unique than mass-produced options. You can also easily add splashes of color with some child-safe paint from your local crafts store; just take those frames outside, coat them well with your child’s favorite color, let them dry, and then fill them with whatever pictures your child enjoys or has created. Soon, their room could become a veritable modern, environmentally friendly art museum.

Shop Smarter

If you don’t have much to offer at home, however, you don’t have to spend a lot on new stuff.

Look for Clearance Racks and Discount Shops

All shoppers and craftspeople love clearance racks and, as with any other project, they can become your best friend. It may take some time, but you can find amazing treasures in the clearance aisles of home decor shops, department stores, and craft stores, and, of course, there is always the thrift store.

You never know what you may find; from shadow boxes and other storage containers, to sheets, lamps, and frames, you can take these discoveries and easily turn them into something creative and colorful. All you need are a few crafting essentials that you probably already have in your home, and some helpful instructions from Pinterest. Clearances can also be great if you need to restock your materials; craft stores have sales and clearances on all your DIY needs, too. Those stores may also have affordable details such as buttons, toys, and other applique to help your project. However, in your search, you may also discover a gem that doesn’t need any work at all. That’s the beauty of clearance racks.

Save Money on Purchases

If your project is bigger than merely adding bits and pieces to spice up the room and requires more time, effort, and money than small DIY plans, store credit cards are also an option. It is always advisable to be cautious when applying for a card. Choose a card carefully at a store from which you are certain you can get everything you need.

Most cards offer something to entice the applicant, so be sure that those offers contain something useful to you, whether it’s the amount of points you get by spending a certain amount immediately, the benefits of using the card regularly over time, or a special deal on the interest and annual fee. If you have significant changes in mind for your child’s room, paying off the expenses with the help of a store card is a viable method to help you carry out your plans in an affordable way.

Whether your child is a baby or a teenager, you can find a multitude of ways to creatively revamp her or his room, and do so without breaking the bank. Thanks to the Internet, access to information on DIY projects is easier than ever, encouraging greater creativity and upcycling. This also means more people are aware of better, affordable ways to make their ideas come to life.

Your children can inspire you and help you create as you look for useful objects at home, or shop the clearance aisles and thrift stores. Whether you collect and design yourself, or purchase with the help of a store credit card, there are plenty of ways to afford redecorating your kids’ room.

Advances in the science of neurology are confirming what educators have long suspected, that reading to young children causes changes in the brain that enhance verbal and visual comprehension and skill. Children exposed to books before kindergarten have measurable brain growth in key areas that help the brain process verbal and written information and set the stage for advanced learning later on.

A particular study conducted on children between the ages of three and five surveyed the home life of these children and how often and in what manner they were exposed to books and reading. The study investigated such variables as how often parents read to their children, how many books were in the home, and what other forms of parental instruction and interaction was taking place. Then, the children were placed in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) device while they listened to stories through headphones. The results showed that children who came from households with more books and reading involvement showed more activity in the parts of the brain associated with verbal reasoning and the processing of the meaning of language. More neural activity also occurred in the parts of the brain that process visual imagery, proving that imagination and visualization are key components of reading comprehension and the understanding of stories.

Books Are Tools With Many Uses

Reading to children has many other benefits besides just brain growth. Reading to preschoolers is an interactive activity, as the youngsters ask questions and point to the pictures and try to pronounce words. This allows parents and their kids to build strong bonds of trust and communication, and that leads to stronger social skills and less anxiety when children start school. Books also teach kids to process information in a standard way, such as knowing that text flows from left to right and that pictures are different than text. Reading develops other skills that apply to other forms of learning, such as logical thinking, cause and effect, and judgment.

Stories convey cultural information that your child needs to navigate the world outside the home. Kids learn about proper social interactions and common problems and fears and how to deal with them by reading stories from books. This instruction can take place first in the comfort of the home with an adult who keeps the child feeling safe while these ideas and experiences are explored for the first time. Reading is powerful, so make it a regular habit in your household and your child will be well prepared to do well in school and in the world.