Guys, you might be running around getting ready for the holidays, or simply trying to stay out of your wife’s way while she does (some of us just aren’t cut out for holiday planning, and I’m brave enough to admit that). While you might both be busy, don’t forget to make time for each other. With the added holiday stress and hustle and bustle of the season you might find it easy to lay romance aside, but it’s essential you make the effort all winter long to keep the spark alive, no matter the weather outside.

Fort Fun

Harken back to childhood and make a fort in the middle of your living room when it’s too cold to be outside. Gather all of the pillows and blankets from around the house to make for a cozy cocoon of sorts. Crawl in together and share a glass of wine, watch a movie on your laptop, or just take a well-deserved nap while the kids are hanging out at a friend’s house.

An Office Surprise

Nothing says romance better than a bouquet of beautiful buds. Sending flowers to her work is a surefire way to make her smile, and make her thoughtful husband (hint, hint, that’s you!) the talk of the office. I don’t know about you, but I’m awful at selecting flowers. There are way too many colors, styles, and types to choose from. Grab some Christmas bouquets designed by the pros and take the stress out of finding the right arrangement. You can have them delivered the same day you ordered them, so if you’re looking for a last-minute surprise, this is definitely your best bet.

Make the Most of the Weather

What could be more romantic than whisking your wife away for a weekend at a ski resort? You can shred the slopes during the day and wine and dine at night in the comfort of your lodging. Even if you’re not skiers, a getaway to a snowy wonderland is the perfect way to keep your romance alive. Burn a fire in the cabin or hotel room and spend some time keeping each other warm while watching the snow fall outside.

Get a Winter Reprieve

If you already live in a snowy climate and you’re looking to get a reprieve from snow, cold temperatures, and arctic winds, then consider heading off on a trip to somewhere warm and tropical. Whether it’s Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas, or any other easily accessible sandy locale, you and your wife can spend some time reconnecting while dipping your toes into crystalline waters. You might also consider taking an all-inclusive cruise to take the stress out of planning a detailed vacation. Travel deals often pop up around the holidays, so check out a site like Travelocity.com to find the vacation of your dreams.

Buy Her a Treat

Maybe all she needs to take a load off of holiday stress is a sweet treat. Surprise her with a batch of freshly made cookies when she gets home from work, make her a mug of piping hot cocoa, or sneak a bag of her favorite candy into her purse before she leaves for the day. This surprise will be most welcome when she hits that afternoon slump, and you’ll get a text or call of her gushing thanks.

A Day of Luxury

You might not know this, guys, but winter weather can be harsh on our skin, and if you’ve not heard your wife complaining of dry skin or chapped lips, you no doubt will soon. Make sure she feels taken care of and give her a day of luxury that she’ll never forget. Buy her a gift certificate to a spa so she can get the treatment of her choice, and tack on some extra money for a couple’s massage that will relieve both of you from the year’s tensions and stresses.

With a little bit of effort you can keep your romance alive and well during the cold winter months. Treat your wife like royalty and improve your relationship at the same time for a season you’ll both always remember.

There are multiple steps to becoming a gestational surrogate mother. If you’ve decided to carry another couple’s baby for nine months, you want to make sure you’re ready to embark on the experience. This is an intensely personal and life-altering process for you as a surrogate mother, and the couple you’re helping to become parents.  Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the process of becoming gestational surrogacy mother.

Matching Up

It’s important that you and the intended parents match up on a variety of items. Intended parents will be looking for a surrogate who is emotionally and physically stable and healthy, plus on the same wavelength about surrogacy. You three will be spending time together moving toward a deeply personal and important goal, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with each other. During this process, there may be:

• Interview questions and answers exchanged
• Photos exchanged
• A background check of you, the surrogate

Psychological Screening

Once you have been matched up with intended parents and have been introduced to each other, you will begin a series of health screenings. One part of the screening process is a psychological evaluation. You’ll be asked questions about:

• Your motivations
• Your feelings about surrogacy
• Your support system

You will also take a personality profile inventory to assure that you are emotionally ready to become a surrogate.

Medical Tests

In addition to being emotionally healthy, you need to be physical well. You will undergo various physical exams, such as:

• Blood work to rule out HIV and sexually transmitted diseases
• Gynecological exam
• Physical exam which may include cultures being taken to rule out any other contagious diseases

 Financial Compensation

In addition to having the experience of helping others in need, you will be rewarded financially. The intended parents will pay an agreed upon amount of money to you, plus they will be responsible for:

• Legal fees
• Medications
• Medical procedures
• Physicians’ fees

Embryo Transplant

To get pregnant, you will go through a medical procedure called an embryo transplant. There are multiple steps during this stage of the surrogacy process, such as:

• You and the intended mother will synchronize your menstrual cycles.
• You will be injected with medications to aid in the impregnation process.
• Blood work and ultrasounds may be performed during this stage.
• Eggs from the intended mother or egg donor will be fertilized with the intended father’s sperm (or sperm donor’s).
• Embryos will be transplanted into you.

Once you become pregnant, you will remain in communication with the surrogacy agency as well as the intended parents through the nine months. Helping another couple have their own baby is an exciting process.

Raising a child in this day and age can be a scary thing. Not only do you want to ensure that you keep your children safe from harm, but you want to give them the best start possible to help them compete in our ever globalizing world. Not only do young people face competition from students sitting next to them in class, but from students across the globe as well. More than just succeeding as compared to other young people, you want your children to be able to make a mark in the world and change it for the better. So, how do you raise a child who not only succeeds but makes the world a better place? Here are a few suggestions to give your child a leg up.

Give Your Child a Quality Education

The most all-encompassing way to ensure that your child is off to a bright start is to enroll him or her in a quality education program. This doesn’t have to begin with preschool though it certainly can. Begin looking at schools for your child, which incorporate innovative learning strategies, small classrooms, and a lot of individualized attention. While some school districts offer magnet and Waldorf schools, which may be a good fit, in others you may want to consider private education. By choosing to send your child to a private school, you have more control over the environment your child learns in. Schools such as the Archer School for Girls in Brentwood, California, are known for offering high-quality education with a focus on leadership, research, and technology for young women. These sorts of educational institutions certainly provide your children with numerous resources to succeed.

Enroll Your Child in Music Classes

It is important to help your child develop his or her brain early. There is no better and more fun way to do this than through music. Whether you have a toddler or a pre-teen, music is the best way to help your child develop critical mathematical and artistic skills. For younger children, you can find group music classes while parents with older children may want to consider enrolling their youngsters in piano or voice lessons. Many schools also offer band, orchestra, and choir classes and clubs. Encourage your child to get involved in these. You may not have a Mozart on your hands, but music is a fun and engaging way to develop critical cognitive skills.

Teach Your Child a Foreign Language

While your child is still young, begin putting a focus on learning a second language. These days, knowing only one language is an extreme impediment to professional success. Not to mention that by knowing another language, your child will have a better understanding of the world and more opportunity to travel abroad. Young brains are like sponges and can learn languages much easier than when they are older. That is why it is important to expose your child to other languages early. Even if you yourself are not bilingual, by giving this advantage to your child, you are literally unlocking the rest of the world to him or her. You can begin this process by purchasing videos or CDs, which help teach young children. You can also look into local classes or tutors.

Raise a Child Who Reads

Finally, one of the best and easiest things that you can do to ensure that your child is successful and ready to tackle the world is to encourage reading above all else. Children who are read to every night are far more likely to continue the habit into adulthood. Not only will reading with your child help them to develop critical literacy skills, but it will hone their sense of curiosity and creativity. Make sure to take regular trips to the library and carve out times meant specifically for reading. This is a surefire way to ensure that your child not only succeeds but has the skills that he or she needs to change the world.

The holidays are meant to be a joyous time, but finding the right gifts, attending the many events on your December calendar, and traveling to visit out-of-town family can cause an undue amount of stress. If you’re heading out to stay with family for the holidays, keep these tips in your arsenal to ensure your celebrations are as smooth as possible.

1. Never Come Empty-Handed

Whether you’re visiting your spouse’s family or your own, never show up to your hosting home empty-handed. It need not be a large, expensive gift, but a token of your appreciation for all the effort and time that goes into hosting Christmas celebrations is always a quaint touch. A bottle of wine is a safe choice no matter your relationship to the host. If you’re worried about packing your gift into your checked baggage, why not have it shipped to your destination instead? Wine.com offers free shipping to anyone, anywhere in the United States. Add a little message that states “Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!” and have them anticipating your arrival with a smile on their face and some wine in their glass.

2. It’s Okay to Take a Break

Being around family that you don’t get along with during the holidays can be a hard task for anyone, but you can implement some healthy habits to make sure you don’t let the stress get the best of you. If you will be around in-laws who get under your skin, let their comments slide off your back. I know this is easier said than done, but understanding that their comments are more about their insecurities will make you feel better about any seemingly personal affronts. Being the bigger person might not be satisfying in the moment, but in the end when the holidays are over, you’ll be glad you took the high road instead of responding to insensitive or just plain rude comments. Don’t be afraid to take a break. Talk to your spouse beforehand about your escape tactics so they don’t worry. Head out on a walk, lay down for a quick nap, or take a shower and light a candle to regroup and calm yourself down.

3. Send Gifts Ahead of You

Just like you sent your welcoming wine ahead of you, practice the same process with your presents for the entire family. Using websites like Gifts.com means you can find personalized and practical items that your family and friends will love, and you can have them wrapped and sent directly to the destination of your choice. With categories for men, women, children, teens, and every other important person in your life, this one-stop shopping spot will save you time and stress this season, no doubt about it.

4. Consider Volunteering

If you are looking to give back this Christmas season, consider volunteering, no matter where you are. It’s easy to get involved, even in another city. Ask your hosts if they know of any opportunities, and if they don’t, contact local churches or homeless shelters in the area. Whether you give your time or donations to help them through difficult holiday seasons, you’ll feel better and make a difference in the lives of deserving strangers.

5. Get Some Fresh Air

Don’t get cooped up in the house, even if you’re traveling to some inclement weather. It’s always a good idea to enjoy some quality time outdoors, especially if you’re needing a break from the hustle and bustle inside. Bundle up in your warmest jacket and step outside to take in all the best that Mother Nature has to offer in December. This is also an excellent time to take the kids on a small nature walk to discover different terrain. Spending even twenty minutes outside will make coming back to a blazing fire that much more satisfying.

6. Don’t Drink Too Much

Alcohol is everywhere during the holiday season, and it can be tempting when you’re at family gatherings. Avoid drinking too much this Christmas to do your body some good—and your mind. Alcohol is a depressant, and can make high stress situations even worse. You’ll thank yourself when you wake up without a hangover.

What is beauty? Is beauty a set of dimensions? Is beauty a monetary independence? Is beauty something you can buy, or something that exists regardless of any monetary expense? Is beauty something definite, or indefinite? These are important questions.

Beauty has a subjective quality to it. There are some who would say the barren landscape of the rocky moon is the most beautiful thing in existence. Those people are usually astronauts, and they’re definitely over-stating the case. How can anyone look at the lifeless expanse of craters and rocks on the moon, and find that more beautiful than any tropical region on planet Earth? But there are some that do. The point is, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and with that in mind, there are a variety of ways a girl can make herself up so that she is pleasing to the eye of many watchers, whoever they may be.

Image Courtesy of pixabay.com

One of the first things to consider in unilateral beauty is hairstyle; and that is what the primacy of this writing will be about. Hair is very important and has been for centuries. Many are familiar with the bouffant, but very few realize just how old this trend is. A bouffant makes the head look two or three times as large as it is. There are a variety of means this is accomplished, but the ancients were so enamoured of this hairstyle they would actually practice cranial head-boarding in order to physically reshape the skull such that this style of hair was attainable. It was also thought, with cranial head-boarding, that the capacity for thought would increase as the size of the skull was now larger. And, fringe elements conjecture this stylistic approach to beauty was done in emphasis of fallen angels or aliens (see: The Thief and the Sacrifice for more on that). What is true regardless of conjecture is that the practice of doing hair in such a way as to make it appear as though the head is actually larger is a style widely practiced today, and still well-received in many ways.

Image Courtesy of pixabay.com

But it’s not just the size of the head that matters. The hair itself must have a desirable quality to it. Sometimes, a woman will want to try a hairstyle out, but she doesn’t quite have enough hair to make it work. Well there’s a great way to have your cake and eat it too. Try virgin Indian hair. This authentic hair is compiled into exceptionally qualitative extensions of a luscious ebony quality designed to bring out the best in you. Indian hair is renowned the world over for its curly, thick, sultry, beautiful qualities, and it’s no wonder why. The genetic composition of this hair has the thickness commonly associated to more brusque cultures, but the delicacy often ascribed to Nordic peoples. It is literally the perfect mix.

But not everyone is into extensions, or bouffants, or “big hair” of any variety. These days, some girls are shaving half their heads and dying the other side purple–and for some women, that really is the best look. What matters is what you’re comfortable with. So long as you’ve found a look that you can get behind, and which matches your particular personality, the inhering beauty of yourself is sure to shine. That’s the crux of it, when all the gloss is taken away. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but an authentic personality that evinces self-confidence and grace remains beautiful despite any beholder. Her beauty comes not from her body, not from her hair, but from her very soul.

Everyone wants to get the best return on investment when they sell their homes. It’s likely they’ve lived there for years, doing little projects or periodic remodels that increase the house’s ultimate value. Still there are some projects that are known for garnering more bang for the buck when it comes to resale. Let’s take a look at some home work that makes for a wise investment.

Flooring
Besides paint, nothing can renew a home like installing new flooring. Whether this means cushy carpet in the bedrooms, heated tiles in the bathrooms, or hardwood floors throughout the living spaces, flooring that hits on current trends makes sense as a wise investment. Make sure to get solid advice about options before you commit to one, and remember that although you might not see a directly correlation with sales price, it’s likely the home will sell more quickly as a result.

Bathrooms
We’ve all heard that bathrooms are one of the two major spaces that sell homes, and it’s not an exaggerated statement. However, you don’t have to do a complete teardown and remodel of your bathrooms in order to sell your house. You might be able to get away with cosmetic changes such as a refinished bathtub, new vanity, or fresh color scheme. Get rid of gold shower doorframes and medicine cabinets while you are at it.

Kitchens
Just like bathrooms, kitchens can be improved and appeal to buyers without the expense of a massive overhaul. You can reface cabinets, get new appliances, or switch out cabinet hardware without breaking the bank. Also, consider adding trendy conveniences like a built-in recycling center or centralized message board.

Windows
The simplest fix for windows is just washing them. Having a bright, clear view to the outside will not only make the space look larger and sunnier, it will appeal to potential buyers as they are walking through the house. If your home still has single-paned windows with the old school silver aluminum frames, it’s time for an upgrade. Shoppers are looking for energy-efficient windows and won’t want to do the replacement themselves.

Curb Appeal
There are plenty of things you can do to the front of your home to make it more appealing from the street view. With tidy landscaping, a welcoming entryway, and cheerful plants, you will have potential buyer eager to ring the doorbell during an open house.

Taking the time to do a few simple projects around your house can pay dividends when it comes time to sell. These easy changes may be all you need.

Family holidays create some of the best, longest lasting memories, whether you’re a fan of relaxing at all-inclusive resorts along the coast, or taking a cruise from one destination to the next. But if you and your family are looking to get off the well-trodden path and explore some new places that you’ve not seen before, it’s time to consider some new exotic destinations. From hanging on secluded beaches to strolling through medieval towns, here are five less explored travel destinations.

1. The Baltic Countries

If you’re looking to start organizing a summer vacation, there are few destinations more ripe for exploring during the long summer days than the Baltic region, which is home to a number of fantastic cities, including Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, and St. Petersburg. This region is rich with a cultural history that includes everything from old Viking settlements, the Winter Palace, and some of the world’s most famous restaurants. The tangible history and atmospheric city streets, which are home to large squares and waterways, make it a fun place for families to discover.

2. Iceland

For those after a little adventure come wintertime, you might want to start packing your warm weather gear for a trip to Iceland. With some of the world’s most famous geothermal sites, such as the Blue Lagoon natural hot springs, Gulfoss Waterfall, and colors of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), a trip to Iceland is something the whole family can get excited about.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/benhusmann/4620202568/sizes/l

3. Greece

Greece might be a slightly more popular destination than Iceland and the Baltics, but with most tourists heading directly to the resorts in the islands there is plenty of country left to be explored. Athens is, of course, one of the world’s most important historical sites, with monuments such as the Acropolis of Athens and the Temple of Hephaestus. There’s also a plethora of historical wonders to visit outside the city, including Delphi on the slopes of Mt Parnassus. The legends and myths of Greek culture will entertain the kids and further enjoy your exploration of the past.

4. Malta

There are few places in the world where you can see so much history packed into such a small country, which is also home to some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches. In fact, the capital city of Valletta was said by UNESCO World Heritage to be one of the most concentrated historical sites in the world. Aside from the beach, Malta is home to a number of family activity options, including historical re-enactments featuring knights in shining armor, horse riding, hiking, mountain biking and more.

5. Indonesia

This might be a long trip, but Indonesia has a fascinating landscape and culture that will enthral visitors of all ages. From the tropical shores of Bali with its world famous surf and sand to ancient heritage sites like the 9thcentury Barabudur Buddhist Temple and Prambanan Hindu Temple. This volcanic region is also home to a number of stunning stratovolcanos, such as Mount Merapi, Semeru, and Bromo.

Wherever you decide to head for your vacation, be sure to find a spot away from the crowds and experience the culture and life of being abroad as a family.

Images by Ben Husmann and Ben124, used under Creative Commons license