Wake up, do it again. Between the breakfasts, getting kids ready for schools, early conference calls the busy working mom has her hands full. Interestingly enough, many men and women alike are wired for night time circadian rhythms. When your biological rhythms differ from your daily rhythms, there’s a few things you can do keep the body energized and fueled to stay on-the-go throughout your day.

1.) Consider taking Melatonin supplements. If you’re having trouble getting to bed, you’ll find this to be an effective remedy to help with your sleep schedule. What this will do is not only sleep soundly, but it will help you with the inertia needed to rise out of bed. At times, lack of sleep can make this process quite severe, especially if you’re pulled out a deep sleep between REM cycles.

2.) Make your morning routine highly efficient. Think about all the important things that need to be handled, and make it easy as possible on yourself in advance. Everything from laying out clothes, taking a shower the night before, packing a bagged lunch or preparing breakfasts and dinners for the next day can cut down on not just the time needed … but even the amount of time you spend deciding on them.

3.) Create your to-do lists for work and play in advance. You know in the morning when you’re not 100% cleared for productivity … you can bypass the fuzz factor by setting this up when you were awake and alert the day before. When the mind is fresh, you have the best opportunity to use your time wisely.

4.) Think about work you can bring home, or do online. If you are awake in the evenings, after the kids are winding down for bedtime you might find your window of extra opportunity. This might end up being a time of greater focus and therefore creating better results in less time – keeping you ahead of the game at work. If you’re looking for the best internet provider to work at home, Internet Choice can provide a giant list and save you a lot of time searching.

5.) Consider a moving closer to where you work. If at all possible, you’ll gain valuable time in your day. Having a short commute becomes, of course, cost effective in terms of gas and vehicle repairs, in addition to decreased stress levels of balancing work and mommy tasks at home.

Remember, even just a power nap, or closing the eyes briefly for 15 to 20 minutes can have an impact in the amount of energy you have. Take time for breaks and you’ll have more time for being an awake, aware, and happy Mommy.

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Author Bio

Sam Jones is a digital marketing expert, social media and branding consultant and guest blogger for various publications, including Business2Community, Inbound.org and TestPrepPlace.com. In her free time, Sam is an avid traveler, foodie and lover of all things technology. She’s also a fitness fanatic (in the making). 

You thought once you made it out of the Terrible Twos you were scot-free, but then pre-teen years set in, and pretty soon, you had yourself a full-fledged teenager. Many parents find their child’s teenage years rife with disagreements, new stresses, and a brand new set of worries. If you’ve got a child who’s become a big, bad teenager, use these tips to help you navigate what can be some of their most trying years. It’s not easy being a teen, and it’s not always easy to parent one. Keep these strategies in mind and you and your child will make it through these years unscathed.

Personal Appearance Issues

When our kids go through puberty, social anxieties about their appearance become much more pronounced. Talking early and often with your child about self-confidence and worth will help them get through the times of self-doubt and help them bolster their self-esteem. For many teens, skin conditions take top billing when it comes to appearance concerns, namely, that of acne. Not only can it be embarrassing for your child; it can also become rather painful if left untreated, and leave permanent scars. It’s important to find an effective acne treatment for teens that targets the skin conditions adolescents normally contend with, instead of grabbing just your run-of-the-mill face wash. When it comes to other personal appearance issues, like clothing and hairstyle, be sure you’re not forcing your own ideas onto your child. Teenage years are filled with a desire to achieve the right self-expression, and forcing a certain style of dress onto your child will only see them more resistant as they feel stifled. Allowing them to dress as they wish doesn’t mean giving up expectations; they can wear that all-black ensemble and still uphold the values you’ve instilled in them.

Be Wary of Cyberspace

Children these days are well-versed in the Internet, and tend to be more knowledgeable of the social media channels and opportunities awaiting them on the World Wide Web. This can be a cause of great concern and fear for worried parents, and that worry is not misplaced. It seems every day we hear a new story of cyberbullying or a meetup gone awry. When they’re young, it’s easy to use an online safety software program like NetNanny to protect them, but this gets harder as they get older and likely have their own phone. It’s important to talk openly and honestly with your child about their online habits, and to ensure that they’re not posting any type of personal detail on their social media profiles. Sit with them and make sure privacy settings are being used, and warn them of the potential consequences of posting photos and videos that may jeopardize their safety or reputation. Ask them to be honest with you about any friend requests from individuals they don’t know, and encourage them to approach you if any type of bullying is occurring on their social media channels. The more open you are, the more open they’ll tend to be, and this can help ensure their safety online.

Have the Hard Conversations

In their teenage years, your child will likely feel the urge to experiment. One way to combat this urge is to talk honestly and openly about the hardest of topics. When it comes to sex and drugs, it’s important to breach the subject before your child is actually exposed to it. As much as you don’t want to have the conversation, doing so makes it more likely for your child to act responsibly when faced with the option to try something you’d prefer they didn’t. Get to know your kids’ friends and meet their parents if possible. Knowing who your child spends their time with will allow you to approach the right conversations and help keep track of what they’re doing.

Look Out for Warning Signs

Your child will likely go through a multitude of changes as they navigate their teenage years, and this self-exploration is normal and healthy. However, there are warning signs to be on the lookout for that could indicate serious problems or issues. If your child loses or gains an extreme amount of weight, experiences problems sleeping, suddenly changes who they’re hanging out with, or sees their grades taking a nosedive, there may be something more serious at hand. While you’ll likely see changes in behavior, anything that lasts longer than six weeks is a cause for concern.

Making it through teenagehood is tough, and as a parent, it’s important to do everything you can to make it easier for your child to protect them and your relationship with them. Keep these tips in mind as your child gets older and make it through this tough period with ease.

Bed Bugs: Merciless Invaders

You don’t have to be an unhygienic individual to become beset with these night-time menaces. Bed bugs can creep into your house through an open window, on the back of a pet, in a suitcase via baggage handling, or even through the walls; coming from another house. Did you know that a bug bomb is actually less effective at killing bed bugs, and more effective at relocating them? It’s true. In the wrong apartment complex, being a bed bug must be like playing beach blanket bingo. Apartment 238 bombs, then 240 bombs, then 242, and the bugs just keep hopping properties. But the good news is, advice on exterminating the little blighters isn’t the kind that ends up being exceptionally difficult. There are three main ways to go about it. But first, before you decide to turn your life upside-down chasing these vermin, the best advice is to ensure that you are actually infested with them. Doing this is simple enough; cut a two-liter bottle in half, throw in some sugar, water, and yeast, then turn the pointy end backwards so it becomes a funnel into the bottle. Tape some paper towels around the contraption to keep any bedbugs with Steve McQueen character from making a great escape out the side, and viola! You’ve got a home-made bed bug trapper that cost you essentially nothing. Check out more detailed instructions here. If, in the morning after you’ve used the trap, you find that your property has indeed come down with an infestation of the bed bug variety, then it’s time to try some of this advice.

Freeze ‘Em To Death
How extensive is the temperature control in your property? Better yet, what time of year is it? If you’re in North Maine in January and discover bed bugs, just open the windows, pull out anything that wouldn’t benefit from freezing solid, and leave it for a week. After four days at zero degrees Fahrenheit, bed bugs die. But creating such conditions is not always easy, or possible, to do.

Sweat ‘Em To The Netherworld
Bed Bugs have exceptionally high temperature sensitivity. Too much heat or cold will end them. On the hot side of things, 113 to 118 degrees is ideal in killing bed bugs. At 113 degrees, they’ll die in an hour and a half. At 118 degrees, they’ll die in twenty minutes–that’s faster than a television sitcom, commercials excluded. If you’ve got control over the thermostat penultimate enough to complete such a heating, you’re good to go. If you live in Arizona and it’s July, just turn off the AC. Otherwise, this option is also a little difficult to pull off solo.

Hire An Exterminator
You may be able to fix your car yourself, but it’s a lot less likely you’ll make a mistake that’s costly if you hire a mechanic. You may be able to fix the refrigerator yourself, but the same applies there, too. With NJ bed Bugs, finding an extermination service makes a lot of sense. They come equipped with precisely the necessary tools to deal with infestations in safe, effective manner. Consider, for instance, steam extermination. This is a method by which extremely hot steam is used to kill the bugs. It’s done with a modicum of time, and a maximum of lethal effect–but there’s very little to no damage. 113 to 118 degrees is uncomfortable, but most devices clothes and furniture pieces will not be adversely affected. The best advice when it comes to infestations is to trust experts who have the tools and know-how to effectively destroy vermin.

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Author Bio

Wendy Dessler

Title: Super-Connector at OutreachMama

Wendy is a super-connector with OutreachMama who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.

Photo: http://www.outreachmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Wendy-Dessler.jpg

Twitter Handle: @outreachmama

Twitter URL: https://twitter.com/outreachmama

Website URL: http://www.outreachmama.com/

If you have a child heading off to high school in the coming months or years, or have one already attending a school but who needs a change, there are many factors to consider before you make your decision.

With so many schooling options available these days, and education and school life so important to a child’s future, it can be incredibly daunting trying to work out which is the best choice to make. If you need some assistance, read on for some tips to consider today.

Decide What Your Priorities Are

One of the first things you should do when looking for the right high school for your kids is to be clear about what your priorities are. This can vary tremendously from family to family, so is well worth taking the time to think about and discuss.

Environment and Philosophy

You want to find a school that matches well with your own values and your requirements. For example, look at the cost of the school fees to see if the price range is achievable for you over the coming years, and examine how far your children would have to travel each day if they were to attend that venue.

In addition, you may have a preference for a same-sex school over a co-ed one, or vice versa. You may also be looking for an institution where pastoral care is a big part of the curriculum and community, or where the specific educational philosophy aligns with your own.

For some parents, it may be very important to find a school that has top-notch facilities, or that does or doesn’t have a uniform. You may also be very interested in an educational facility that has a wide breadth of topics for children to choose from in their last year of study. Some parents also look only for a small school, while others like the idea of their children attending a larger one.

Areas of Focus

As well, consider whether your main focus is going to be on a school’s academic record, or its other programs, such as sports, music, arts, language, or science. Ask yourself if all of these study areas are of equal importance, or if one is more vital than others?

If you have a child who excels in, or simply loves, a particular area, you should seriously consider finding a school that specializes in this department. There are many top schools around the country which have focus on one discipline and which can therefore help gifted children to become even better at their preferred area. If your child loves athletics, for example, you’ll find academy sports in Utah which are well rated.

Utilize Recommendations

Another great way to find the right school for your children is to utilize word-of-mouth recommendations. The parental grapevine can be a font of worthwhile information, and is useful when it comes to finding out the ins and outs of how a school operates, what its community is like, the style of the teachers, and so on.

Ask around and you’re sure to find out if any parents have a bad word to say about a school, or if they have nothing but glowing testimonials to share. Keep in mind too that opinions from other parents can be more up to date than some of the information you may find online or in printed publications.

Visit the School

Lastly, make sure that you pay a visit to any school that you’re interested in before you book your child in to attend there. Head to an open day/evening or arrange an appointment so that you have a chance to meet the principal or other leader at the school, as well as some of the teachers and the students.

Keep in mind though that while public events provide a good opportunity to get an overview of a school, you may find that you receive the most accurate impression of a facility if you check it out on a normal school day.

Visiting each school on your shortlist will allow you to compare facilities and notice if they seem well maintained and modern (or not), and to get a feel for the environment and how discipline is handled. School visits will also let you see if current students are polite and well presented.

When checking out a school, take note to see what the learning environment is like in the classrooms. See how the tables are arranged, what teaching methods are used, and if classes appear to have access to plenty of well-organized resources.

Baby powder may have been invented for use on babies, but that doesn’t mean that little bums are the only thing to use it on! The sweet smelling powder does a lot more than offer up a preventative measure to diaper rash. In fact, there are quite a few off-the-wall ways to use baby powder that you’ve likely never considered.

From making your hair smell fresh and clean to getting out those tough-to-remove grease stains, baby powder is a giant when it comes to usefulness around your house. Here are a couple of the handier ways to apply baby powder to your everyday life!

Gets Rid of Tough Grease Stains

Accidentally get some grease on your favorite shirt during lunch or dinner? Not a problem! Apply some baby powder to a powder puff or cotton ball and dab at the grease mark – be sure to rub into it really well, and then shake the excess powder away. Repeat this process until you see that nasty grease stain disappear.

This also works on just about any fabric, so try it on your upholstery, too!

Make a Dry Shampoo

In a pinch, baby powder is a great substitute for use as a dry shampoo. Simply sprinkle a little bit onto a comb and brush through to your hair to the roots. It’s an effective oil and remover that makes your hair look freshly washed. It smells great, too!

While it makes a great dry shampoo for humans, it works just as well on your fur babies. If your pet is in between baths or just in need of a little refreshment, rub a handful (or more, depending on the size of your dog or cat) into their fur, allow it to sit for a couple minutes and then brush. As it does in humans, it degreases your pets and gives their coats a just-washed shine. Plus, your animals are sure to like a dry wash over a full-blown bath.

Removes Sand

Summertime comes with a lot of perks: warmer weather, fun fashionable clothes, and of course, visits to the beach. The beach is a great place to relax and let the fresh outside air and water rejuvenate you. However, you’re likely to get sand all over you in the process of decompressing during your mini “daycation.” If you pack some baby powder in your beach bag, you’ll find removing the sand to be a much easier process. Sprinkle a bit of the powder onto any sandy areas and it will make the tiny grains brush off easily. Your car and living room will thank you for leaving the sand and mess back at the beach.

Baby powder is a very versatile product that has a wide variety of applications, however, it is important to exercise moderation. For example, when using it as a dry shampoo, you don’t want to use too much as it will make your hair appear dusty. It’s an inexpensive and handy tool that, when used right, will save you money and frustration every time.

You know that you and your family should be eating as many healthy foods as possible. This may seem like a challenge. After all, all moms know how hard it can be to tell kids to finish their whole serving of broccoli. Fortunately, there are better ways to get the vegetables on the plate and make it fun for everyone in the family to eat right. The trick is to make delicious, homemade recipes that are packed with vegetables and fresh ingredients.

Did you know that nut and veggie-centered meals help fight cancer? Yes, the World Health Organization has spoken and it turns out that processed red meats have been identified as carcinogens. As easy as it may be to get the kids to munch down a hot dog, the fact is that there are far better alternatives to a diet that has meat filling most of every plate. Even eating as little as 50 grams of meat per day, which is less than two ounces, increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 18 percent.

Worry Not, As Veggies Can Be Delicious

While it is alright to have the occasional tasty meat dish, processed meats can be risky to consume on a daily basis. When you have some great creative recipe ideas, however, this is really not an issue. One thing that a lot of doctors recommend is to take a look at the kind of diet that many Greeks eat. Not only will this kind of diet help you to maintain a healthy weight, but it is also a great way of lowering the risk of cancer and preventing cardiovascular diseases.

The key to these kinds of meals is that they are low in meat and dairy, while being high in veggies, fruits, and nuts. Another great trick is to snack on fruits and nuts instead of on sugary sweets. Fruits are sweet and nutritious, and they do a great job of satisfying a sugar craving. Rather than making meat a staple, it should be a special treat. The best kinds of dinner plates are filled with all kinds of delicious and healthy plant foods, each of which contains its own mix of beneficial compounds and nutrients.

Some Great Ways to Add Mediterranean Flavor to Your Diet

There are so many fun and creative ways to mix it up at the table. Here are some helpful ideas that will have your family feeling good after eating and get your kids excited about eating healthy.

A great lunch idea is a bean or vegetable soup. Beans are rich in protein and they have a lot of other health benefits.  If you and your kids eat cereal for breakfast, try adding a couple tablespoons of nuts. Nuts are delicious and nutritious. They also make a great addition to any salad or yogurt, and can add a satisfying crunch to stir-fry and pasta.

Rather than using animal fats like butter, try using canola oil or olive oil in your cooking. These oils help lower cholesterol and provide a great source of monounsaturated fat, which is much healthier than the saturated fat that is usually found in high amounts in animal-based foods.
If you have a favorite casserole dish that you love making, try experimenting by replacing the meat in it with dried beans.

For snack time, try munching on fresh berries. Berries tend to be high in antioxidants, which help cleanse the body of carcinogens. Find out which veggies and fruits are in season, and use those for snacks. Rather than packing your kids’ lunch with a bag of chips, give them some delicious and healthy fresh plants to snack on.

When you make your sandwiches, try substituting mayonnaise with a vegetable-based spread. A great and tasty option is Just Mayo, a completely vegan and gluten-free product made by hamptoncreek, an up and coming company that puts health and sustainability first.

A Better Way to Eat

Doctors and scientists agree that a diet centered on vegetables is the best choice. Have you ever tried your hand at making homemade falafel? Why not give it a shot? Do you dream of a way of getting your kids to eat spinach and tomatoes all the time? There are so many ways to make this dream a reality when you realize all the different salads, platters, soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and more that you could be crafting with love for you and your family.