Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

Reception Table Favors for Your Wedding Guests

Your wedding to-do list is a long one, so the last thing you’ve probably thought of is what to place for your loved ones on your wedding reception tables. But, those small trinkets that say thank you for all the years they’ve looked out for you shouldn’t be overlooked. Your wedding guest list has been broken down under a microscope and everyone coming played at least a small role in getting you here, so, these integral people deserve more than just a hug and a kiss as they exit your special event. Send them off with something practical, yet creative to remember your wedding day!

I was just on the Web and stumbled upon a site that offers a wide variety of unique wedding favors for reception tables, Forever Wedding Favors. There you can find an assortment of top-notch items for your reception on their simple-to-search online store. I really enjoyed the following assortment of products and couldn’t believe all of the wedding themes that were covered on this cool site. Forever Wedding Favors will help guide you through ideas for your wedding, no matter what the theme.

How cute is this? There is no better way to open a bottle of wine than with a bottle of wine! Personalize a special note for your guests and they will love this practical wedding favor. These petite wine bottle openers come with a bow and customized note. They are an ideal way to say thank you to your guests and will bring a smile to their faces each time they pop open a bottle of wine at home.

Click here to take a look

Hugging Polar Bear Shakers — Hugging Polar Bear Salt and Pepper Shakers are perfect wedding reception table gifts

Hugs are aplenty at weddings and that’s why these Hugging Polar Bear Salt and Pepper Shakers are perfect wedding reception table gifts. These cute offerings will bring a smile to the faces of your guests as they get to bring them home and enjoy for a lifetime. Each one of your family and friends will remember the warm embrace you gave them when you said thank you for attending their brig day.

Click here to check it out

This Vintage Key bottle opener is a perfect wedding favor gift at a traditional, classic wedding. Spreading these trinkets on the reception tables will bring out that rustic charm. A functional favor is the best kid, and this bottle opener can be brought home by each guest and used on a daily basis. Let your loved ones remember your wedding each time they pop open a beverage at home.

Click here to search all bottle openers

LOVE will be on the refrigerator of all of your wedding guests after your big day. It will remind them of the love you have for them and your new bond with your significant other. Everyone needs a fridge magnet, so why not gift out these adorable computer key LOVE letters to hold up Johnny’s school work? Let the letters of LOVE will be on full display at all times in the homes of your family and friends.

Click here to check it out

There’s no better way to join the party and liven things up than a round of shots. Personally engrave your wedding information on these high-quality shot glasses and have them set up for a drink at each reception table. Give cheers to your loved ones and enjoy an ounce or two of your favorite beverage together as one. After the wedding, your guests will love to bring these shot glasses home and remember your wedding day for many years to come.

Click here to shop shot glasses

Go Fish! Every household needs multiple sets of playing cards to keep the family game night going. So, what better offering to hand your friends and family than these personalized wedding playing cards. From poker to rummy, your loved ones will take these cards out and enjoy your big day while they have quality family time at home. This is an ideal functional wedding gift for all!

Check out all playing cards here

Not that a bottle of wine lasts too long, but if you only go for a glass at a time these wine stoppers are the gift for you. No matter the wedding theme, there is a wine stopper for them all! From pink flamingos to airplanes, you can find a wine stopper for any occasion. The classical heart shape is my favorite but I truly do love them all.

Check out stoppers by clicking here

No one enjoys a drink mark on their coffee table, and it seems like everyone is constantly looking for quality coasters to protect from them. Enter these high-quality slate coasters! Personalized with your wedding information, these coasters are perfect for gifting to your guests. Slate is sheik and will be great to protect any table out there from those dreaded ring stains.

Click here to shop more coasters

Whether you’re having a spring or fall wedding, these adorable candle favors are perfect giveaways at your wedding. Many can be customized with your names and wedding date. Candles are a practical gift that anyone can enjoy in their homes. These wax burners come in many themes and colors. The floral candle pictured above fits a spring wedding perfectly and will be a sight for sore eyes on your reception tables, with their bright colors and charm.

For more candle ideas click here

I can spend all day sifting through ForeverWeddingFavors.com’s awesome site. Their countless items of all wedding themes are well worth the time to check out! So make your life easier and head over to the site and you’ll have one less thing to worry about for your big day. From travel themes to pineapples, I’m sure they’ve got your wedding theme covered.

Best-Tasting Treats at IHOP (That Aren’t Pancakes)

It makes perfect sense that if you’re hankering for pancakes, you go to IHOP. It’s not named the International House of Pancakes for nothing. The brand specializes in pancakes, which are so delicious that you might even dream about them afterwards. Once you get a taste of IHOP pancakes, it’s difficult to even consider going anywhere else for pancakes.

But the truth is, IHOP doesn’t just serve pancakes. It’s trying to be more than just a pancake house or even just a breakfast joint. The brand wants to be more known as a place for lunch, dinner, and all the snacks in between.

That’s why there’s even a marketing campaign involving a temporary name change to IHOb, to emphasize how they’re serving burgers nowadays as well. And they’re serving many other types of dishes.

But how good are these menu items? Actually, some are surprisingly good. If you even visit IHOP and you’re curious about ordering something that isn’t a pancake, start with these treats:

IHOP’s Breakfast Sampler

Let’s start with this since IHOP can’t just deny that they offer terrific breakfast options. This Breakfast Sampler is a great choice for those who may not be sure about what to order for breakfast.

Yes, this does come with 2 buttermilk pancakes. But it also comes with many different classic breakfast items, so you’re sure to find something else you’d like.

You start with 2 eggs, and you decide how they’re cooked. You can get them scrambled or sunny side up, or over easy, over medium, or over hard.

Then there’s the meat portion. You’ll also get 2 strips of terrific bacon, 2 thick slices of ham, and 2 pork sausage links.

Finally, you also get a generous helping of hash browns, with that Goldilocks-level of perfectly crispy texture.

Original French Toast

This is actually one of the more underrated treats on the IHOP menu, and that’s a crime in our opinion. True, it does seem just a little bit too simple, but it’s delicious from start to finish. The price at an average $8.64 for Original French Toast is also quite reasonable.

This order sets you up with 3 slices of thick bread, each one cut in half so you end up with 6 terrific triangles. Then they add some powdered sugar and a scoop of whipped butter on top. This butter isn’t that underwhelming sort you generally encounter in other places. It tastes like absolutely authentic butter, and you’ll want some butter to just emphasize the tastiness of each bite.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Yes, IHOP is into several types of sandwiches, and for many, the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is the absolute top. That may be surprising since quite a few folks feel that the IHOP chicken strips are overly crispy.

But here, the chicken breast crispiness is just right. It’s then tossed into Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce until the sauce covers every bit of the chicken breast. It’s then set onto a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and pickles.

It’s actually not overly spicy, since they also add a generous amount of buttermilk ranch on top of the chicken. The brioche bun is tasty as well, so the overall deliciousness is just undeniable. It’s just spicy enough for a bit of excitement, but it’s not overpowering.

Colorado Omelette

Omlette — Omelette is being served on the plate

True, the name of this omelette doesn’t quite match the allure of the Bacon Temptation Omelette. But it’s not really about the name.

After all, the Colorado Omelette also comes with bacon, so it’s not as if you’re missing out on some bacon goodness. In fact, it also comes with bits of ham, shredded beef, and pork sausage. The distinct flavours of each meat combine well together, and each bite is just a bit different (though all equally great). It doesn’t hurt that this also includes chopped onions and green peppers, plus quite a lot of cheddar cheese.

Even if you Google for some similar recipes, it’s actually quite difficult to replicate the goodness of IHOP’s Colorado Omelette. Perhaps it’s because they put in a splash of pancake batter to their omelettes so that they’re just a bit fluffier than anything you might make in your own kitchen.

Swedish Crepes

The name emphasizes the “International” in IHOP, and this treat features actual lingonberries, which are popular in Sweden. They also top the dainty crepes with lingonberry butter, just to make sure you don’t miss out on the taste. The taste is both tart and sweet, so you can’t complain that it’s too sweet.

If there’s just one thing wrong about this order, it’s that it only comes with 4 crepes and they’re all really light. You might need to get 3 orders of these just to feel sated, even if you’re only slightly hungry!

Coping With Post-Traumatic Stress After a Grisly Accident

Dealing with post-traumatic stress after a grisly accident can take a toll on you. The stress manifests itself as shock, disbelief, anger, guilt, fear, uneasiness, worry, or nervousness. You might be doing well physically but emotional stress might impact you and your loved ones. That said, the right post-traumatic stress management tips can help. Hopefully, you can get back to where you were before the incident. Let’s look at some of the ways to cope with post-traumatic stress after a grisly accident.

Use Defensive Driving

Perhaps the accident was caused by negligence or careless driving, and you don’t want a repeat of the same. In this case, defensive driving can help lower the risk of falling into another accident owing to emotional struggles. Drive carefully, avoid distractions when driving, and avoid alcohol, drugs, or medicine that affects your judgements. Listening to loud music, talking on the phone, texting, or concentrating on other people and things will distract you and increase the chances of an accident.

Seek Compensation for the Pain & Suffering

Accidents often result in damages. You might be hurt or injured because of someone’s fault, which adds to your emotional distress. Perhaps your pricey truck is heavily damaged, and you need to chuck a lot of money to get it back into the business. Economic damages can aggravate the situation, and this is one aspect that can be hard to quantify. The best remedy to this is to find an accident attorney to help calculate and fight for the compensation you deserve for pain and suffering.

Find an auto accident that specializes in similar cases. If you were involved in a truck accident, say at work, you can find a team of truck accident attorneys to help seek compensation from your insurance, employer and any party involved. Economic damages caused by accidents are often much distressing. When you are freed from the distress of economic damages, you will probably have an easier recovery path.

Don’t Keep It: Talk with Friends or Colleagues

One of the best ways to deal with any type of traumatic stress is to share it with friends, colleagues, or victims of the same. Talk about the incident, the reaction and feelings afterwards, and how you have tried to cope with the situation. Your friends will definitely have something helpful to add to your recovery basket. Others might have friends or relatives who are victims of a grisly accident or traumatic experience. That experience and how they coped with the situation will probably inject glimmers of hope into your recovery. Listening to different trauma circumstances will make you feel like you are not the only one fighting it. In fact, you might realize that others are fighting post-traumatic stresses that are tougher than yours.

Keep Your Body Active

Thinking about the accident all the time is an insult to the injury. It is the easiest way to drive your trauma to bad levels like depression, and this is not what we want. The best dose is to keep yourself busy and let your mind get preoccupied with different things. Keeping your body active is one way to stay away from stress. You can participate in some of your favourite exercises or games and simple home workouts. You can participate in social events near you, such as charity marathons, football, or indoor games. The good thing is that you socialize with other people while you keep your body active. In a nutshell, you will have plenty of good memories to divert you from the accident thoughts.

Follow up with your Doctor

Your doctor would recommend visits to monitor your condition and give you prescriptions if you were hurt. Even if you feel like you are okay, it is good to follow up on those appointments. Again, the doctor can recommend to you some of the best mental health specialists to help you get through the recovery with less distress and other mental problems.

Seek help from a therapist

Talking of professional help, sometimes, talking with friends or colleagues might not be enough. Their guiding capability is limited because they are not professionals in that field. If you still find it hard to cope with the stress, find a good counsellor near you. The counsellor is in a better position to help you recover given they have the experience and expertise to handle PTSD.

Final thoughts

Coping with post-traumatic stress after a grisly accident can be a tough task. Without proper recovery tips, you might find yourself struggling to live a normal life. We hope our quick guide has given you some of the best ways to cope with post-traumatic stress after a grisly accident. Don’t hesitate to seek family support, and medical and legal help to help you get back on your feet again.

Causes of Molds and Tips to Effectively Remove Them

Mold is a type of fungi that grows in damp places. Unfortunately, mold is an issue in most homes and never seems like it will stop. Apart from that, it can also cause serious health issues when ingested. Many people who have molds in their homes are ignorant about its causes and how to get rid of them. If you are also ignorant about molds, read this article to learn how to get rid of mould in the bathroom in no time.

Causes Of Mold

Discussed below are some of the causes of mold.

1. Humidity

Molds love moisture, so this makes it easy for them to thrive in areas where the humidity is high. This is the major reason why molds grow a lot in places like bathrooms which are constantly wet.

2. Condensation

Concrete floors and metal pipes are prone to condensation. Condensation droplets form on these surfaces during cold and chilly mornings. These droplets stick to the surfaces and make them damp and moist. The best place where mold strives is a damp surface. If these water droplets are left unnoticed, molds begin to grow there. In any home, metal pipes are the areas which molds start to grow from.

3. Little Ventilation

Little or no ventilation can also cause molds in houses. Moist air gathers in most houses and they need a way out. Ventilation areas are sources from which this moist air can escape out of the home. If a home has poor ventilation, moist air cannot escape and they end up collecting in certain areas. This air collects in areas such as walls and ceilings in a home. Molds will grow in such areas because the moist air will make the place damp.

4. Little Sunlight

Molds thrive in areas that are warm and dark because of their love for moist air. These areas are usually damp and full of moist air. The major cause of dampness in a place is the lack of sunlight. Sunlight heats places and evaporates moist air in places. Dark places, like basements, which receive little sunlight are thriving zones for molds. The heat from sunlight also helps to slow down the spores of molds from growing and multiplying.

5. Leaky Pipes

Leaky pipes are one of the most common causes of molds. Water droplets drip from leaky pipes and collect in certain areas. Such areas get constantly wet making them damp and humid. This is the perfect condition a mold needs to grow and release its spores. A leaky pipe also makes it easy for condensation droplets to form and collect. Areas such as bathrooms are filled with many pipes, making them the perfect area for molds.

6. Flooding

Flooding can occur when drainages and channels for water flow are blocked. This can lead to the overflowing of water from its channels or drainages into places. The waters flood into houses and may get collected in cracks or holes in homes. These cracks and holes become damp and humid, thereby making molds grow in them. Water, from broken rain gutters, may also fall on walls and ceilings making them damp and humid.

Tips To Effectively Remove Moulds

If your home is full of molds, there are ways in which you can effectively remove them.

1. Bleach

This is a very effective way to remove molds from places. Mix a little amount of bleach with a large amount of water. Spray the bleach on the areas with molds. Use a brush to scrub the molds with bleach. Afterward, you should rinse the area with a little amount of water. Finally, you should use a dry cloth to dry the entire area.

2. Vinegar

If you don’t have bleach, this is another good way to get rid of molds. Carefully, get an undiluted white vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the area where the molds are and leave for an hour or so. A wet white cloth should be used to gently wipe the area. Get a dry cloth and wipe it up afterward.

3. Ammonia

Ammonia is another great way to kill molds. Just mix equal volumes of ammonia and water in a spray bottle. Spray the moldy areas with the solution and leave for a few hours. Rinse and wipe the surface afterward. It is important to know that it is dangerous to mix ammonia with another type of cleaner. What’s more, this can cause serious health issues.

Conclusion

Molds are pests every homeowner hates to get because they can cause health issues such as allergies. Without knowing about molds and their causes, you can do nothing to prevent them from growing. Not to mention, molds can be tricky to deal with, but with the aid of this article, you now know all about them.

How to Calculate the Compensation Value for a NEC Lawsuit

The growing number of NEC cases across the country is a cause of concern for parents of premature babies. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal infection that can lead to dire medical issues or even death in young babies. As a parent, you can file a claim against the formula manufacturer for harm to your baby. It indicates their negligence for failing to warn the consumers about the inherent risks of NEC associated with feeding their infant with cow milk-based baby formula. Thankfully, you can receive handsome financial compensation by presenting your claim in the right manner. But everything boils down to finding the right lawyer and calculating the optimal value of compensation for your NEC lawsuit. Here are some tips you can follow to get the amount you deserve for your little one’s suffering.

Holding the manufacturer responsible

Baby formula manufacturers conduct intensive research and studies before launching their products on the market. Research is a part of the legal obligation of brands as a duty of care toward consumers. It means they are fully aware of the fact that the product leads to a risk of NEC in premature babies. But not providing proper warning on the product labels puts them on the wrong side of the law. They probably neglect it to ensure that the sales do not get affected or do it due to sheer carelessness. Whatever the reason, consumers can suffer due to the intentional or unintentional negligence of the manufacturers. Their failure to warn about NEC risks gives consumers a valid reason to hold them responsible for the ill-health or death of their babies. They can rightfully bring a lawsuit against the company and claim compensation for the expenses and losses.

Calculating the average settlement for NEC lawsuits

Since leading brands and companies are involved in NEC cases, the average settlement can run in millions. However, the amount may differ from case to case depending on several factors. You must consult specialist lawyers for baby formula lawsuits to calculate the rightful compensation value for your child. Typically, it depends on the individual damages your baby suffers from with the formulas. For example, the length of time a premature baby experiences pain or survives after contracting NEC can contribute to the damage award. Several times, the amount depends on the discretion of the jury issuing the verdict. The damages are more in cases involving permanent long-term damages or death due to evident reasons.

Considering severe cases of NEC

Mother is holding newborn while sleeping on her chest

If your child sustains severe damage due to NEC, you can expect a larger payout as compensation for the baby formula lawsuit. The treatment is longer and more expensive in such cases, so the medical bills are bigger. Moreover, the risk of long-term complications is greater. The child has to bear more pain and suffering due to the severity of the condition. Additionally, the chances of death are greater in these cases. Here are the key components of potential damages in product liability lawsuits like baby formula cases-

Cost of past and future medical treatment
Past and future pain and suffering
Future out of pocket expenses
Compensation for future physical disabilities
Loss of consortium for patents while raising a baby with long-term health complications
The emotional trauma of the family
Missed time from work while taking care of the sick baby

Parents can claim compensation for wrongful death if their baby dies due to severe NEC complications. These cases have additional factors that increase the claim value. Obviously, you can expect bigger payouts for losing your baby. The compensation value will also include damages for trauma and grief over losing a child, the amount the child could have earned in the future, and payment for the loss of the closeness they would have developed with the baby.

Baby formula claims are often high-value ones because they involve renowned brands and corporations. But there is always a risk of losing your claim because these companies often have seasoned legal teams to defend them from consumer lawsuits. However, giving up on the compensation you deserve for your sick or dead baby is the last thing you should do. You must try your best to claim damages for your expenses, pain and suffering, and losses due to the disability or death of your little one. The best way to do it is by collaborating with a legal expert specializing in such cases. Since they have experience in dealing with corporations, they can do their best to prove the claim and get the compensation and justice your baby deserves.

8 Fun Facts for Kids: Share These to Amaze and Get Your Kids Talking

Adults and kids alike love fun facts. The world is full of weird and wonderful phenomena and as a parent, it’s your job to teach your children all about it. It’s a big bonus that sharing these fun facts will help you to relate to your kids as you discover the world together.

Ready to dive in? Check out these 8 fun facts for kids that will get the giggles going and the conversations rolling.

1. Humans Fart Quite Fast

Wondering how to be the cool parent? Talk about farts — they always get kids giggling. And now, you can throw a bit of knowledge in with the laughter. Humans fart 14 times every day on average, and these gusts of smelly air come cruising out of the body at 7 mph. Your kids will love this fact.

2. Snails Love Sleep

Animal facts for kids are usually about tigers and lions, but this fun snail fact takes the cake. If your kids love to take naps then they’ll enjoy knowing that snails are the ultimate nappers. In fact, some snails nap for up to three years!

3. Use Crickets to Tell the Temperature

Everyone is accustomed to the sounds of crickets chirping in the night. But did you know that you can use these sounds to estimate the temperature? Simply count how many times a cricket chirps in a second and you’ve got it.

4. It’s Not Only Fingerprints That are Unique

Perhaps your children already know that we all have unique fingerprints. But did they know that our tongue prints are unique too? Imagine searching a crime scene for tongue prints — that’ll get the kids laughing.

5. A Tree Called the ‘Idiot Fruit Tree’ Exists

Put a creative spin on the classic sibling rivalry insults with this fun fact. The Idiot Fruit Tree is a real tree that grows in the Daintree Forest in Australia. This is a loose translation of its scientific name. It also goes by the name Green Dinosaur, which is pretty cool too.

6. New Zealand Has the Town With the Longest Name

Flag — The New Zealand flag is represented

How about a fun fact and a tongue twister all rolled up in one? New Zealand’s town ‘Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipuka‘ is the longest name of a town in the world! It has 85 characters and will likely take you and your children the whole day to figure out how to pronounce it.

7. The Human Diet Includes Some Insects

This is definitely one of those kids’ facts that will make the little ones squeal in disgust. On average, humans eat up to 70 different insects and 10 spiders while sleeping. These little critters crawl in while we’re in a deep slumber and end up as a late-night snack.

8. Orbeez Weren’t Always Toys

What are Orbeez? If you don’t know, your kids will tell you! These fun toys were invented to help retain water in the soil so that plants could grow better. Now they’re a much-loved instrument of fun for kids everywhere.

Share These Fun Facts for Kids

Which of these fun facts for kids will your children love most? Will they cackle at the fart fact or spend the day trying to wrap their tongue around the longest town name in the world? Only one way to find out!

If you enjoyed this post then you’ll love the rest of our content, tailored to parents just like you! Keep exploring for more.

5 Essential Remote Work Tips for Working Moms

Working full-time when you’re a mom can be quite challenging. Working from home may come with some benefits for you, such as a flexible schedule, but it’s still certainly not an easy feat. In this article, you’ll be able to read about five tips for remote working moms that may help you juggle your work and parenting responsibilities more easily.

Create a routine for you and your kid(s)

Setting up a routine and sticking to it as much as you can is the key to having a productive day at work when working from home on a flexible schedule. Regardless of whether you have one or more than one child, your routine has to revolve around them. Noting down daily tasks, including both work and other obligations, and setting a time limit will help you stay organized. That includes setting aside time for cooking, helping the children with homework, and family time. Explain to your kids when it’s time for you to work, and if your children are old enough or have someone else supervising them, you may even create a designated home office. In order to help you stay focused while working, so as to not waste valuable time, you can track the time using a time tracking app, such as Clockify.

Arrange tasks according to priority

Prioritizing tasks is extremely helpful when managing time as a remote working mom. Your schedule should be based on your list of priorities. You should do the tasks that are at the top of your list first, if possible when you start working in the morning. If your children go to daycare or school, use that time for tasks with tight deadlines. That way, you can ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines if something unexpected happens.

Make sure you deal with tax properly

When working from home, especially if you’re working for a foreign company, you need to make sure that you handle tax properly so that you don’t get into trouble because of it. As a working mom with tons of obligations, you may forget about this obligation. Depending on where you’re located and what firm you’re working for, the tax may be your or your employee’s responsibility. It’s up to you to ask around and do the necessary research. You may be eligible for tax treaty benefits if you’re a non-US citizen who is working for a US company. In order to claim your benefits, you will need to fill out one of the five W-8 forms. For instance, the most commonly used W-8 form is the W8-BEN form, or the Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting. The form may be filled out by you or the company, and it is used to sign up for tax withholding reduction or exemption.

Have a plan B for instances when your child is disrupting your work

Sometimes, especially if you have a toddler, your child may be cranky or bored, making it difficult for you to focus on your work. What you can do is invite your child to “work” with you. You may tell them that you need help with your work and give them assignments, such as to draw certain shapes. If that doesn’t work, you may suggest other calm activities like puzzles or LEGOs. Being prepared ahead of time for such situations will allow you to handle them better. You may even promise a new toy if they behave. Then, they’d have something new to entertain them the next day while you’re working.

Dress up for work

Entrepreneur — A nicely dressed young, entrepreneur mom is holding a notebook and smartphone in her hands

This may sound counterintuitive, but dressing up for work even though you’re not leaving the house is a great way to ensure you’re productive, and to keep your mental health in check. As a mom that works from home, it’s easy to neglect your own needs and stop taking care of yourself properly. That’s why you shouldn’t grab your computer and start working in your PJs as soon as you wake up. Dedicating at least fifteen minutes to getting ready for work can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. It would also help you get in work mode, allowing you to work more efficiently.

Final thoughts

All in all, working from home as a mom can be a handful. However, it is certainly manageable if you try harder to stay organized, while also dedicating some time to yourself, as well as your family. Following these tips will help you be more productive and manage your time successfully.

How to Broach the Topic of a Cancer Diagnosis With Your Child

Children perceive the world very differently from us. They have over-active imaginations that help them form their own version of how life works, at least until they grow old enough to understand more complex concepts. This can make it difficult to explain something serious, like a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer is a disease that can be hard to deal with. There are treatments out there that make survival possible, but there is no denying that overcoming cancer requires a fight. This fight affects everyone around you, including your family. You will have to explain what is going on to your children; however, this can feel like another mountain that you have to climb. This article will go through the steps you need to take when it comes to broaching the topic of a cancer diagnosis with a child.

Talk Together

Your partner is the first person you will tell about your diagnosis. They will have to deal with it in their own way; however, they are going to be your rock during the upcoming battle. Therefore, it is important to keep them involved with every step to best inform them on how to deal with your diagnosis.

A child views their parents as a team. You may disagree with your partner on things as you go through life, but kids realize that you are always on the same page regarding the big issues. That is why they will feel more at ease if you begin talking to them about cancer as a team. What’s more, this initial conversation may bring up some difficult questions that require you to think on your feet. Having an ally can provide your child with the answers to a question that you may struggle with and vice versa.

Stress How It Is not Their Fault

Younger children internalize the events around them and still believe that they are the main characters during their life journey. This belief system does not disappear until they reach their teenage years when they start to realize that the universe is random, and they gain a sense of empathy. Unfortunately, this attitude means that they can often believe that anything bad that happens within the home directly results from something they have done.

Therefore, the main thing that you should bring up in your initial discussion is how this happened. You do not need to go into the exact scientific detail, just cover the basics enough so that they understand that it was nothing they could have caused or prevented. Also, it is important to finish this part of the conversation by stating aloud that the cancer is not their fault.

Explain That It Isn’t Contagious

Cancer is scary no matter how much you understand it. Illness is a concept that children know and have come into contact with before, though very different. You will have stressed the importance of staying healthy and the role of germs when it comes to getting sick, which is why your child may be frightened about catching cancer themselves.

The next step in your initial conversation should involve putting these concerns to rest. You will have given them a rudimentary explanation of how you became ill, so try to reiterate how this disease cannot be passed from person to person. Your child is likely to have more questions later on, which is why you should leave your first conversation here. Give them time to mull over what they have learned and remind them that you are always there to answer any further questions.

Explain Changes Before They Happen

A cancer diagnosis is going to change your life no matter how advanced the spread. You may have to stop doing weekly activities, make frequent trips to the doctor, take time off work, or undergo bed rest as you receive treatment. These changes are necessary; however, they will not go unnoticed by your child.

As you go through the treatment procedures, it is a good idea to explain what is going to happen and why. This will give your child the chance to prepare for the change and provide them with context. Again, children have a different understanding of the world to us, and routine is important to them. Try to make sure they can perceive these changes correctly.

Treatment

Cancer treatments will differ depending on your type and the severity. However, this treatment is necessary at any stage to cure you. The treatment for cancer takes time, which means that you will be dealing with the side effects for a few months.

A child may not understand medicine completely, but they are aware of its role. That is why you may find it beneficial to talk openly about your treatment. It will help you to understand it better and provide something for your child to perceive as a balance to all the negativity surrounding your illness.

In fact, you can use resources from Ezra to learn all about treatments and diagnosis tools to lessen your own fear about the process. This means less fear for your child to pick up on. You can normalize terms like chemotherapy or spine MRI to build up a positive association between these treatments and your health.

Remind Them That They Are Not Alone

The scariest part of cancer for a child is the fear that they will lose you. There is always going to be media surrounding this type of illness, a lot of which will understandably portray it in a negative light. What’s more, your family may have come into contact with someone else that has unfortunately lost their battle with cancer.

The best thing you can do for your child during this time is reiterate that they are loved and will never be left alone. It will also serve to ground you as you continue to move forward.

Conclusion

Discussing a cancer diagnosis with a child is a long and complex process that cannot be covered in one article. Hopefully, these tips have given you the tools to start the journey. Everyone will have a different experience, but it is most important to stay strong.

Winning Father’s Day Gifts

While your man is doing a deep dive into his March Madness brackets, you have plenty of free time to start searching for his perfect Father’s Day Gift! I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the days of gifting dad socks and a tie are long gone. And to be honest, there is no excuse for giving a tired, old gift idea at this point in the game. With so many fun and unique options on the Web today, it’s time for you to win your Father’s Day gift!

Here are some great ideas that we’ve come across that will knock his socks off! See what I did there? When you see the look on his face as he opens the box…well, you’re welcome!

Gift sets are all the rage these days, as they can be customized for that special man in your life. Whether your guy is a hunter, drinker, smoker, or into dress accessories, sites like Groovy Guy Gifts have customizable gift sets for all. And what’s cooler than unwrapping and seeing a classy gift box with your name on it that houses a great surprise?

Everyone knows a cigar guy! You know, the man in your life that would give it all up for some me-time on the porch, listening to the land while puffing away in tranquility. That guy probably has a wide variety of cigars to smoke, but does he have the fun accessories and cigar sets to go along with them? Between cigar cutters, torch lighters, humidors, and cases, there is a wide variety of presents that a smoker would love!

Flask with personalized dad caricature on it

Dad will certainly get a kick out of this unique gift! Imagine the look on his face when he takes a look at this humorous item. There are sites all over the internet that will turn your favorite photo into an amazing caricature of dad. This is far beyond socks and a tie and will be sure to bring a laugh each time he takes a swig out of this flask.

There are so many exciting whiskey gifts out there that dad would love. From all different types of decanters to stylish whiskey glasses, there’s something for everyone. What better present for a guy with a man cave than a classy whiskey set? If he enjoys a nightcap, then he’ll really enjoy these types of items for Father’s Day.

Is your dad a sports guy? One of the most unique gifts out there is the Louisville Chugger! An ideal combination of two great American pastimes, baseball, and beverages, this mug is a top-notch present. The feel of the classic wood in dad’s hand will remind him of his days on the ball fields. As nostalgia kicks in, so will his urge to take a sip and enjoy. Whether it’s the Louisville Chugger or another personalized sports gift, there are so many ideas out there to choose from.

Add to that Man Cave! If you’re ever stuck for a gift idea for dad or any man in your life, just think of ways to enhance his favorite chill spot in the house. Maybe it’s his basement-dwelling or his home office, but every guy has his personal nook. From wall decor to drinkware, there are a wide variety of unique gifts out there to bring his space to the next level.

Maybe you and dad don’t always see eye to eye, so this is the time to bury that hatchet! Parents and children are often in a tricky spot in life and look for ways to mend fences. A humorous gift like a personalized ax is the perfect way to start those conversations. Don’t let another year go to waste and find a way to get closer to dad. You’ll both be glad you did!

Cutting board — Personalized cutting board

The Chef! We all need one in the family. Guys love to grill and once a perfect slab of beef is prepared by dad, he’ll be looking for somewhere to carve it up. Personalized cutting boards are just what the cook ordered this Father’s Day. Dad will love this thoughtful gift and use it on many occasions. Functional gifts make the best gifts!

Cooler bag — A beer was placed next to the cooler bag

Can you grab me a beer? You’ve never heard dad ask that before, right? Well, of course, you have! When it comes to beer gifts the list is literally endless. From a cooler bag to a personalized mug, from a beer sign to a unique bottle opener, you can find just about anything. Beer guys are like any enthusiasts, they have a lot of what they love, but are still on the hunt for the latest and greatest. Get your beer-loving man something to add to his collection this Father’s Day.

Wall sign — A personalized sign is displayed on the wall

Guys love to lay claim to what is theirs. From the early explorers to the modern-day man, they all look to get their name out there. What better way to stake your claim and show off to friends than these personalized signs? Whether it’s a sign by the grill, hanging in a man cave, or representing a home gym, these metal signs cannot be ignored.

And finally, raise your hand if your dad is obsessed with golf! What is it with a guy when he turns 40, as he transforms into a Wanna-Be Tiger Woods? You really can’t go wrong with a personalized golf gift for dad. Golf accessories range far and wide and most dads would be more than happy to be gifted a guy he can show off on the links.

Listen, chances are your dad loves you regardless, and receiving anything from his children will make him smile ear to ear. You may be daddy’s little girl so you can’t lose, right? With that being said, this year instead of sleepwalking through your Father’s Day gift-giving, why don’t you win the day. Get him a gift that will wow and make the day that much more special and memorable. You have it in you. I know you do. Now get shopping!

Interest Rate vs. APR Mortgage: What Are the Differences?

As of March 2022, the average interest rate on a 30-year mortgage was 4.18%. But, of course, the interest rate you get with a mortgage depends on multiple factors, including your credit score and down payment amount.

When you start thinking about getting a loan, you might have a few questions. For example, have you ever wondered about the difference between the interest rate vs. APR mortgage rate?

You’ll hear about both terms when you start working on a mortgage loan, but it’s crucial to know the difference. This guide explains what both terms mean and the differences between them.

The Basics of the Interest Rate on a Mortgage

So, what is the interest rate on a mortgage? That’s often the first question borrowers ask when applying for one. They want to know the rate as it affects their payment amount and total loan amount.

The interest rate on a mortgage is the stated rate the lender tells you when approving your loan. For example, they might tell you that your loan has a 4% interest rate.

This rate affects the interest charges you pay each year. For example, if you get a 5% rate on a $200,000 loan, you’ll pay $10,000 in interest charges for the year.

Now, the interest amount you pay actually varies each year, as lenders base it on your principal loan balance. They also may calculate it monthly instead of annually.

Therefore, each month your lender multiples your monthly interest rate times your principal balance to determine the interest charges for that month.

If you read through an interest rate mortgage guide, you’ll also learn that lenders provide a statement when you initially get the loan. They call this an amortization schedule.

This schedule shows how much interest you’ll pay for the entire loan if you make every payment on its due date. Of course, if you make your payments early or pay extra, it changes this chart.

If you look at an amortization schedule, you’ll notice that you pay the most interest at first. After that, your interest gradually goes down each month because your principal balance decreases.

How APR Mortgage Rates Work

Now that you understand the interest rate and how it works, you can move on to the APR mortgage rate. What is an APR mortgage rate, you might wonder? Is this different from the interest rate?

The APR rate is different from your loan’s interest rate, and there is one main distinction. The interest rate doesn’t include any fees, charges, or additional expenses, while the APR rate does.

Your mortgage APR reveals a more accurate cost you pay for the loan, as it includes other expenses. For example, if you pay points on your loan, the APR includes these costs.

The APR also includes broker fees, loan fees, and any other mortgage costs. So when you add those up and add in the interest charges, you learn your APR.

Therefore, your APR reveals the true cost of the loan. It’s a more comprehensive calculation than the interest rate.

As a result, you should compare the APR on loans when choosing one, as this is a better reflection of the costs you’ll pay.

Factors That Affect the Rate You Pay

You might be wondering why this matters. The truth is it matters for several reasons. The primary reason to learn this is to compare loan options.

You can compare numerous loan types, including 0 deposit home loans, to find the one that offers the best rate and terms for your situation. You can also ask about other loan types as you search for one.

Additionally, you might want to learn about the factors that affect the interest rate and APR you pay for the loan you acquire. Multiple factors affect these things, including the following:

Credit Score

Lenders run credit checks before issuing loans. They also run them before approving loans.

The point is for the lender to see a person’s creditworthiness. An excellent credit score reveals a person who pays their bills in a timely manner. People with high scores work hard to get these scores and keep them.

Your credit score affects the rate you get, and it can also affect your eligibility to qualify for a loan.

Down Payment

Most lenders also base the interest rates on a person’s down payment abilities. Therefore, you might qualify for a lower rate if you offer a larger amount down, as this reduces the lender’s risks.

Mortgage Loan Fees

The lender’s fees for the loan also affect your rate, but these fees only affect the APR. They don’t change the stated interest rate.

Terms

Finally, the loan terms you choose also play a role in the rate you get. For example, you might get a lower rate if you choose a 15-year loan instead of a 30-year loan.

The Effects of Your Rate on Your Loan Payments

Finally, you may want to delve into the effects your rate has on your loan. Of course, the most significant impact of an interest rate is the interest costs for borrowing the money.

A higher rate leads to a higher monthly payment. A higher rate also leads to paying more for the total cost of the loan. On the other hand, a lower rate leads to a lower payment and a lower total loan cost.

The bottom line is that you might want to shop around for the best rate on your loan. When you find the best rate, you’ll save money.

Understanding Interest Rate vs. APR Mortgage Rate Is Helpful When Getting a Loan

Borrowing money comes at a cost, and the interest rate you get affects the amount you must repay. Understanding the interest rate vs. APR mortgage rate is helpful when choosing a loan to buy a home.

In fact, learning about mortgage options and types is also crucial when searching for a loan to get.

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