Author: Rebecca Alston

What Are the Benefits of Online Book Reading Apps?

here is no denying the fact that technology is shaping the entire world and reading books with the help of online book reading apps has also gained a lot of popularity. According to https://www.forbes.com, physical libraries are starting to become digital. E–books are in electronic formats and you have the option of downloading them to your computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or any other type of reading device. Bookworms indeed love only the traditional form of books, however, in case if you are traveling somewhere for quite a long time, you need to make sure that your luggage is not becoming too much. In this situation, online book reading apps can be your best friend because you are going to come across any and every book that you love.

Given below is a list of the advantages associated with reading books through online book reading apps.

Delivered instantaneously

The first and most important thing that you have to keep on your mind is that with the help of any online book reading app, you just have to choose the book that you are interested in reading and you can start immediately without having to wait for the book to arrive. You have the option of purchasing, downloading, and reading your favorite books within a few minutes without having to leave your couch. You will not have to go to any book store for purchasing them or wait constantly for them to arrive at the nearest shopping mall. 

Have more books than you can imagine

It is not possible for you to purchase every book that you want to read and the reason behind that is that you do not have that much space in your home. However, if you choose to opt for an online book reader, you will get the advantage of reading any and every book that you want. Technically, online book reading apps help in saving a lot of space in your home because all you need is your laptop, smartphone or tablet to access the app. 

Can be accessed from anywhere

Irrespective of where you are, you can read your books from anywhere. For instance, if you are at a party and you are super bored, you do not have to worry anymore. All you have to do is take your smartphone out and open your online book reader. If you are traveling and you have nothing to do, you can be assured that your online book reader will be there as your savior. 

Receives constant updates

With all the technological advancements that the globe is constantly facing, you cannot deny the fact that your online book reading app also needs updates to keep working properly and provide a seamless experience to you. Any and every book reading app will receive updates and the updates will be responsible for improving your experience of reading e-books. 

Conclusion

Online book reading apps have changed the lives of bookworms because now they have even more books than they could imagine. Make sure that you understand all the benefits associated before you decide to opt for online book reading apps.

Some Simple Tips For Baby’s Skin

Weather can be difficult on the delicate skin of a baby. That those lips which you adore could turn also wind-burned, leathery and reddish since the seasons shift. Thus, before you venture out, here are a few baby skincare ideas to safeguard your child from sunlight exposure, dryness and even much more all year long.

Prickly Heat – What’s Prickly Heat?

This is an itchy rash of small red spots on the baby’s face, back,  chest, neck, thighs or on the parts of your baby’s body that are exposed to hot temperatures. It is also not a serious condition.

What Are the Causes?

Prickly heat is caused by the body’s sweat glands when they are blocked. And then, they cause skin irritation and the characteristic heat rash. It’s also by clothing that can make your baby sweat.

Treatment:

You have to spend time in a cool and dry environment. Avoid exposure to excessive heat and humidity. Use a humidifier for the baby can be used to stabilize room temperature. Keep your baby’s skin cool by using loose-fitting clothes.

Seek medical advice to know how to use a lotion or cream because they will help cool your baby down, soothe baby’s skin and prevent further sweating.

Baby Yeast Infections – What Are Yeast Infections?

Yeast infections are the result of a naturally occurring fungus and know as thrush. They are in the mouth and on the tongue. It’s most common in babies and older adults.

What Are the Causes?

They’ re caused by the Candida fungus because of the baby’s immature immune systems. Yeast infections can spread in a warm, moist, and dark area. If your baby is irritated by diaper rash, a yeast infection can also develop.

Treatment:

Use an anti-fungal liquid medicine or gel to treat yeast infection if they don’t clear up within a few days. Besides, talk to your doctor about yeast infections in your baby.

Infant Sunburn – What’s Infant Sunburn?

An infant sunburn is basically a burn. When your baby is sunburn, her skin will be pink or red. Your baby may feel painful and itchy. This burn will probably peel in five to seven days.

What Are the Causes?

Infant burn is caused by too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Your baby’s skin is very delicate and easily gets the risk of damaging sunburn.

 

Treatment:

Use sunscreen regularly if your baby is being exposed to the sun. Protect your baby from sunburn by covering your baby’s head with a wide hat and infant sunglasses. It’s important to go to the doctor if your baby is sunburn.

Jaundice – What’s Jaundice?

Jaundice is a yellow coloration of baby’s skin and eyes that often appears within two to three days of birth.

What Causes Jaundice?

This is caused by too much a breakdown product of red blood cells called bilirubin.

Treatment:

You can treat jaundice with more frequent feedings as well as phototherapy. You can also ask your health care provider to test to measure the amount of bilirubin in the blood if your baby has jaundice.

Cloth Diapers With Your Baby’s Skin:

Using cloth diapers is considered to be a great choice for most mothers. They are gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin. Besides, they are also free of toxins and artificial chemicals. Cloth diapers are usually soft terry clothes made of natural fibers such as organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo. When you use cloth diapers, your baby’s bottom will get more air circulation, therefore, your baby not only feels comfortable but also avoids diaper rashes. All you need to do just is laundering, drying and making them durable because they are reusable. You can check out our article about cloth diapers reviews on savorybaby.com to get more information.

Baby Massage Tips – Benefits Of Massage:

This is a lovely way to express your love for your baby. It can help her easily sleep. Moreover, massage also brings many different added benefits as improving circulation, aiding digestion, easing teething pain, and improving weight gain.

How To Massage:

You shouldn’t use oils that are scented or contain nuts because they may get into your baby’s mouth. Gently stroke and massage your child’s arms or legs, always use one hand to support the ankle or wrist. Massage your baby’s tummy with a circular motion going clockwise. It’s important to stop massaging if your baby is upset or falls asleep

To Sum It Up:

Most mothers can’t resist stroking babies’ faces and nuzzling the tops of their heads. However, your baby’s skin is so sensitive. Therefore, your baby’s skin needs more than nuzzling. One of the most basic rules is never doing anything to aggravate the skin. Through the article with some simple tips for baby’s skin care, you will know how to provide your baby’s skin a special protection and keep her skin smooth and healthy. Also, you also should be sure to check out our sections on the article to learn more about some skin problems such as rashes, sunburn or eczema.

You might to want visit my blog Babyvenue to read some useful information for take care your baby.

Garlic For Good Food and Good Health

For many years garlic has been known to have great health benefits and is often thought of like nature’s own antibiotic’ but people have been wary of eating fresh garlic because of the pungent odor it leaves on your breath or excreted through the pores. Garlic has this effect because it is a substance that is not metabolized; instead, it is absorbed through the stomach lining.

Now it has been realized that taking a good quality supplement of Allicin (the active ingredient of garlic) gives you equal effectiveness, and of course, you can use the odorless variety, for this garlic is aged and detoxified leaving it deodorized.

I adore garlic and am happy with garlic on just about any type of savory food, but being the minority in the family has resorted to taking odorless capsules to keep the peace. I think garlic is one of the few foods that everybody has an opinion about; you either love it or hate it!

In fact my father-in-law Joe used to eat raw cloves every day, probably one of the reasons he is in his eighties and has never suffered from bad health. Joe originates from Poland where garlic had been used for health benefits for years and years, primarily eaten against influenza, but they would also use it topically rubbed on the soles of their feet to ward off colds and many other ailments.

But yes, there was a problem with odor and it came to a head at the maternity center when I had our eldest daughter, the nurses could not believe how after he visited us the odor lingered and went on to tell him they were worried it would upset the babies on the ward. Obviously he was a little offended, but more embarrassed, even though we had approached the subject before, thank goodness this time it sank in. Now he still uses garlic, but not every day, and happily takes a daily odorless supplement.

To date, garlic has undergone many studies and it seems the list of its benefits keeps on increasing. The main reason I have taken garlic for several years now is because of the effect it has on strengthening the body’s immune system.

With all the stress in today’s society, our bodies could do with a little help. The antioxidant properties contained in garlic come from selenium and germanium that are sulfur-containing antioxidants that boost the immune system.

It is this property that helps rid the body of free radicals that are believed to be associated with the aging process, growth of tumors and atherosclerosis. Garlic in its raw state is thought to be one of the most potent boosters of your body’s natural killer cells. This alone should encourage non-garlic lovers to change their minds.

Research has shown that garlic-Allicin is an excellent natural antimicrobial that can disable a wide variety of infectious organisms. These antibiotic properties can provide extremely active against yeast, fungi and viral infections.

Garlic is great for your heart too, as it contains properties that fight bad’ cholesterol. Nowadays we are all aware that HDL- high-density lipoprotein which is not dangerous, but LDL – low-density lipoprotein definitely is because of the fact that it can be oxidized by dangerous free radicals. Garlic’s antioxidizing qualities help diminish free radical damage.

Garlic is a natural aspirin as it can help prevent red blood cells from clumping together. Garlic naturally keeps the blood thin which is necessary for the prevention of strokes and heart attacks, so people who regularly take garlic benefit from the same aspects as aspirin but without other risks associated with it, but it should not be taken in place of prescribed medication.

Garlic is also beneficial for the cardiovascular system – circulation and has been proven to improve circulation in the body’s peripheries, which is extremely helpful especially in the age when getting enough exercise is often difficult.

Studies are also being undertaken to find the effect garlic has on cancer cells, and to date, the findings carried out on mice are looking good. This is really encouraging.

I hope if you are not a lover of garlic this has given a good insight into the benefits of eating garlic or at least taking a supplement. Not only will your health benefit, but you will also have the added benefit of knowing you are safe from vampires!!

Garlic has been written about throughout history. 22 Egyptian remedies using garlic were found on papyrus dating back to the sixteenth century BC. Vikings would not take to long sea voyages without garlic, because of its anti-bacterial properties, this was also the reason it was used against the plague in the 1770s. African missionaries found that garlic was successful at stopping dysentery.

In fact, my granddad grew garlic, and he used to use old cloves steeped in water to cleanse his lean-to come greenhouse, he would fervently swear that it killed mildew and other infections, and apparently having been his grandfather that passed this down to his father, was obviously well thought of for its antibacterial properties.

In our modern hi-tech world we now live in, we have all but forgotten nature’s own natural problem beaters and these are often absolutely harmless, with no man-made chemicals to endanger the environment. Perhaps we should look closer at what our ancestors knew and we seem to have forgotten.

Family Guide for Dealing With the Current Situation

Since its outbreak in Wuhan, there have been more than 300.000 infected people and more than 13.000 deaths due to Covid-19, a coronavirus-caused illness. The virus has spread wider than Ebola in 2014. The World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic, and countries across the world are taking drastic measures to prevent its spread, including mandatory quarantine and state of emergency declarations. The most dangerous thing about this virus is that it’s spreading very quickly. That’s why health professionals are recommending to stay at home and prevent its spread.

However, social distancing and self-isolation are not very easy to maintain, especially for children and the elderly, the latter being the most endangered group. In these turbulent times, we need to know our priorities. For most people, the top priority is keeping your family safe, so here are a couple of pointers to help you handle this situation.

Talk to your children

Children have it the most difficult when it comes to staying at home and maintaining a social distance. Depending on their age, there are different ways to explain to them what this situation implies and how to deal with it. Here are some basic principles to follow:

● Remember that children react to your tone and not just the words you’re saying, so remain calm and serious.
● Answer all of their questions with patience.
● Provide honest and accurate information.
● Discuss the changes in their everyday life, and emphasize the importance of maintaining a routine now that they’re learning from home.
● Insist on proper hygiene. For the little ones, turn it into a fun game.
● Model healthy habits.
● Ask them about their concerns.

Show support for the seniors in your family

People in their sixties and seventies, as well as people with chronic health conditions, are at the highest risk of getting seriously sick from the virus. The risk profile of the individual depends heavily on the lifestyle and the health condition, but in any case, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If your parents are at a delicate age, you need to talk to them about their safety. Convey your concerns to them and ask them that, for everyone’s safety, they remain isolated in their home. If they’re not taking your word for it, point them to credible articles that cover everything seniors need to know about coronavirus and respond to all of their questions.

During this time in isolation, make sure you’re always there for them emotionally. Talk via phone or, even better, video call. Also, make sure they have everything they need (food, toiletries, etc.).

Get your house in order

Since your family is going to spend a lot of time indoors, you need to be sure your home is the safest place to be. Here are some general tips that will help you:

● Keep all surfaces disinfected.
● Practice everyday preventive actions such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, as well as wearing masks and gloves when going outside.
● Don’t share personal items.
● If someone at home is sick, isolate them to a separate room.
● Monitor your health and beware of the symptoms.
● Stay at home as much as you can.
● Keep a minimum 3ft distance from others when going outside.
● Avoid gathering in public places.

How to make the most out of the #stayathome time (without going crazy)

The speed of the spreading of the virus is unmatched, and that’s why it’s advised to spend most of your time home. Naturally, this puts a certain kind of a strain on families, who are used to their daily routines that keep the kids busy. Here are some ways you can make the most out of this time, without going completely insane between four walls:

● Constantly remind yourself and your family members that being indoors is for your own good.
● Be physically active – work out with YouTube videos, run up and down the stairs, dance, etc.
● Play board games.
● Stay informed about what’s going on in your area and about any new government regulations, but don’t follow the media obsessively.
● Read books.
● Come up with interesting games for kids and limit screen time.
● Make events out of ordinary things. You can all prepare dinner together, for example, or make house cleaning and disinfection fun with music and competitions.
● Catch up with people you love via video calls.

Final word

These are challenging times for all of us. The entire world is facing a danger we don’t fully understand yet. That’s why it’s crucial that each one of us takes responsibility for protecting ourselves and those around us. Remember, all of this will pass, so try to keep it together. Be safe!

The Ultimate Guide to Italian food with Porcini Mushroom’s and It’s Recipe

In the vastness of the culinary world of mushrooms that are edible, there’s only one that can be deemed as king – Porcini. Those mushrooms affectionately called porcini, that means piglets are the ruling class of mushrooms according to Italians. Porcini have a meat-like texture and have a nutty and earthy flavor. Are they specific to the Italian regions? Not quite. They can be found all over the world and are utilized in a variety of forms but using them as a dried mushroom is a common practice in Italy. While finding or trying to buy porcini mushrooms is easier in supermarkets, gathering wild porcini is still the preferred way of getting them. However, not everyone is trained in picking mushrooms from the wild. Fresh porcini mushroom is usually grilled or served with olive oil and parsley. Because of the richness of the mushroom, it is even considered as a poor man’s steak. They are even better than a grilled portobello. You can buy Italian porcini mushroom pasta’s online.

 

Why are Porcini Mushrooms so Popular?

 

The reason most mushrooms aren’t as popular as the porcini mushrooms are because porcini is grown in many different parts across the world, and thus, is common to many culinary traditions. They also have a distinct, powerful umami flavor, and it adds a sense of flavor and texture to the food. After drying these mushrooms, they can be stored away for ages and have become a pantry essential in most parts of the world.

 

A fun fact – porcini mushrooms may grow a large-cap up to 12 inches in diameter and may also have a sticky exterior. They can be found on the ground in forests near the trees of pine, chestnut, hemlock, and even spruce.

 

Italians use Porcini Mushrooms to:

 

  • Add in sauces
  • Add in soups or stews
  • Fry it with a coating of flour or without – to make appetizers
  • Use them as toppings for chicken, fish and steak
  • Use in pasta recipes usually stuffed ones – like conchiglioni and even risotto
  • If the upper caps are huge in size, they even grill it as if it were a piece of meat.
  • It is also canned in olive oil and preserved to be later grilled or fried. The olive oil brings out the earthy tones and flavor of the mushrooms.
  • They are even minced and then served on bread and bruschetta.
  • Mostly even used as a topping for pizza.

 

Here’s a simple recipe with porcini that is made the authentic Italian way

 

Ingredients

 

  • 4 Porcini Mushrooms (or half a package)
  • Two cloves of garlic
  • Three tablespoons of olive oil
  • Two plum tomatoes for each mushroom
  • Thyme (or any herb of your choice)

 

Instructions

 

  • Firstly, warm the olive oil in a pan heating over medium heat.
  • Throw in the minced garlic and saute it for a couple of minutes along with the herbs of your choice.
  • While the garlic is cooking away, chop the porcini mushrooms along with the tomatoes.
  • Now, add the chopped mushrooms into the pan and cook for more than 5 minutes and until all water is released.
  • Add the tomato pieces and all their oozing juices and reduce the heat to a low simmer and leave it on for about 25 minutes.
  • Add some wine if the water level reduces drastically.
  • These porcini mushrooms are perfect for any meal or even to be served as an appetizer with any kind of bread.

 

What’s even more alluring is the fact that porcini mushrooms cooked this way can be poured over the bed of a perfectly boiled al dente pasta to make a porcini mushroom pasta treat. In this age and day, while still combating the deadly coronavirus, this recipe is so homely, yummy and hearty at the same time. Having this ensures a level of warmth that keeps one comfortable and fills up their appetite as well. This also the ideal sauce base for making the pasta that was bought from the authentically sourced Italian food stores online. At these sites, you can buy tagliatelle pasta and even buy bucatini pasta online.

 

Porcini pasta is best made also like a stuffed pasta meal with a conchiglioni, cheese-filled ravioli and even tortellini pasta filled with porcini mushrooms and cheese. They also work best with gluten-free pasta and make a strong broth and stew base as well. You may try amazing recipes like these for your friends and family.

Baby Carrying Guide Through Different Types of Carriers

As a parent, you tend to go out with your baby every now and then. Using a stroller is a good idea that increases mobility and gets you close to your baby. But have you ever considered a babywearing wrap?

 

If not, after reading this article, you’ll definitely consider having one. So, we help you choose one baby carrier that eventually proves to be very purposeful. After all, it’s about keeping the fader down the baby comfortable and maintaining the closeness they have from the beginning.

 

So, let’s start with the standard features that all the baby carriers have and then jump onto the differences between these types.

 

The Standard Features of all Baby Carriers

 

  • Most of the carriers, if worn comfortably, prove to be soothing for the parent and the baby. You have to practice reading every type with the help of another person.
  • Every carrier can be used until a certain age of the baby. After that limit, the baby is comfortable, and you might find it difficult to carry him all around. Maybe, a stroller is a better option after the baby reaches 45 pounds.
  • Any baby wrap that is made of fabric is more comfortable than any other type.
  • Not every baby carrier is of the same size, and you have to choose one according to your comfort.
  • You have to get used to the baby carrier, but you cannot have someone by your side every time. So, make sure you practice using it alone after a few tries.
  • Every baby carrier wrap has to be versatile in fitting everyone who uses it. For example, if you and your babysitter use the baby carrier, it should fit both of you perfectly.

 

The Differences Between Baby Carriers

 

After going through these common features, let’s find the differences between different types of baby carriers. Let’s go through these details and help you find one according to your requirements.

 

  • The first type of wrap, which was traditionally a simple piece of cloth wrapped around the body. The loose ends of the baby run over your shoulder, making a cozy, secure place for your baby. You can find different baby wraps in the market with different materials and styles. Take proper typing practice for a beginner. It is ideal for locations with heavy winters as it adds an extra layer of clothing.
  • Then comes the ring sling that is just a wrap with a ring to fasten one of the ends through it. It has almost the same features as the baby wrap.
  • Then comes the soft structured front carrier. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to carrying babies with a soft structured seed for them that you carry in the front. It is ideal for almost every situation.
  • Then you have the backpack carriers that are designed to wear like a bag at the back. These can be faster and around your waist and chest, and the baby is fully secure. Your body bears uniform weight distribution for more extended periods.

 

So, after going through all these types, you can choose the best baby wrap, backpack, or sling according to yourself. Make sure you think from the perspective of yourself and the baby.

5 Top Sleep Tips for New Parents

For nine months, parents are sleepless with excitement, but as soon as you welcome your new family member into your home, you discover that the many joys of parenting will inevitably be riddled with challenges – sleep deprivation included. However, too many parents take this at face value and simply embrace the fact that sleep will be scarce and that they won’t have a single moment to themselves until their offspring grows up a little bit.

Still, this is not entirely true. It definitely pays to reevaluate your attitude, to pick up a few handy tips from versed parents and to start adjusting your routine to make more room (and time) for proper rest. Now that you’re embracing your new roles, it’s time to introduce some self-care practices and prepare for the new, extraordinary chapter of your life, preferably while not gluing your eyelids to keep ‘em open. These tips should do the trick!

Nap while your baby sleeps

One key way in which parents can get more rest is to use the natural sleep cycle of their little ones. Whenever your baby falls asleep, you should pick up your favorite pillow, a blanket, and get some rest yourself. Tune out all distractions and make sure that you always have a comfortable place with no noise and chaos around you so that you can fall asleep more quickly and without any trouble. 

Ensure comfort for you and your partner

Too many of us are completely clueless about what kind of beds, mattresses, and bedding we should get, let alone the right positions for our spine and neck and how we should sleep to get the most of our downtime. The right choice can mean the difference between getting ample sleep and ending up restless during the night, so it pays to find out more about the right bedroom essential to get enough rest.

Start by choosing a mattress that will give your entire body enough support while also ensuring ample comfort to help you fall asleep faster without causing any pain. A hybrid mattress that blends the memory foam with steel coils, for example, which makes it a great option to ensure comfort and support.

Set up a schedule

You and your partner have decided to bring a baby into this world, and you’re in for one rewarding, yet bumpy ride. It’s vital that you share every single obligation when it comes to taking care of your little earthling since you’ll also be cherishing all the joyous moments together. A schedule for those shared responsibilities is a great way to set up a system that both of you can develop together and adjust according to your needs. 

For example, you and your partner can take turns getting up during the night for feeding your baby, whereas you can also switch when someone makes meals, takes care of the dishes, and handles nappies. Some parents easily communicate these chores, but just in case one of you feels overwhelmed, you should share your concerns and find a fair way to share chores with a newborn schedule.

Build a support system

Moms and dads everywhere: you’re not alone. Your friends and family members are also there for you, as they should be, and you can and should ask for help when you need to get some rest. There is no shame in letting your loved ones know that you’re exhausted, so they can jump in occasionally to take care of your little one while you get a few hours of sleep.

In case you don’t have a big family and none of your relatives are able to help, there are professionals whom you can hire. A sitter or a trained nurse can be of great help from time to time. 

Practice sleep-inducing rituals

It’s easy to think that you’ll fall immediately asleep as soon as you put your little angel down for the night. As many parents will attest to, this doesn’t always turn out to be true, because many parents are too tense or have many other chores to think of, so they end up revising their to-do lists for hours in bed instead of falling asleep. To help your body unwind and turn on that sleep mode in your mind, you can introduce relaxing rituals. 

For example, you can use scented candles with lavender to add this lovely, soothing fragrance to your bedroom. Also, you can prepare and sip on a cup of chamomile tea while you read a book to let go of all those daily worries. Some stretching and belly-breathing can also be of great help!

Parenthood is a time of revelation, beauty, and of course, ups and downs. Take downtime seriously, because you will have more energy to bond with your baby, you’ll reduce your risk of developing postpartum depression, and you’ll also preserve and deepen your connection with your partner. Hopefully, these tips will help you get your shuteye and rest more easily, and ultimately help you enjoy your new role for months to come. 

 

Seeing some parenting books can be very handy.

2021 What Nobody Tells a New Father cover

About the author

Mia Taylor is a 33 year old blogger who writes about beauty, fashion and travel. She had always been passionate about fashion and over time she had developed a style of her own.  Mia loves to mix and match and inspire girls with her advice about outfit and accessories. She loves telling a story about her travels, providing beauty tips with readers.

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4 Gifts That Will Get Your Kids Outside

It’s true that kids these days spend more time inside then they do in the great outdoors. Most children absolutely love spending time in nature and getting muddy, dirty, exploring and climbing trees, it’s just convincing them to step away from their screens and the comfort of their own bedrooms that proves to be a sticking point.

Getting kids outdoors gets them some fresh air, it sparks their imaginations, they can get some exercise and learn a lot about the world around them in the comfort and safety of their own backyards. It’s such a shame that most of our kids would prefer to stay indoors and watch TV!

Luckily, if your child has a birthday or a special occasion coming up – click here to discover the best toys for an 8 year old – you can easily treat them to an amazing gift, all whilst encouraging them to head outdoors. Looking for a little inspiration? Read on for 4 gifts that will get your kids outside.

Something sporty

If your child is into sports, then spoiling them with some simple sports equipment to use at home could tick all the boxes. A simple goal to get them practicing their football skills away from the pitch, a netball or basketball hoop, even some simple cones so they can dribble a football or dribble with a hockey ball and stick. The possibilities are endless, and no matter what their favorite sport is you’ll probably find something to suit! However, if your child is more of an indoorsy type, there are plenty of alternative options for them to enjoy here.

A fairy garden

You have a couple of options here, you can either purchase a pre-made kit from a toy shop or you can create your very own from scratch. Either option is simple. A fairy garden allows children to plant their own grass seed in a small planter and decorate the surface area with a fairy house, fairy, wishing well and other little accessories. It’s a cute way to spend an afternoon and your child can spend the subsequent weeks watering and tending to their fairy garden. Once the garden has grown, they can have even more fun playing with it!

A bubble machine

Kids and adults of all ages cannot resist the urge to blow and pop bubbles! They’re so much fun! A bubble machine is a simple, inexpensive yet entertaining gift that they can use all year round. Whether they’re chasing bubbles around the garden or seeing who can pop the most in 30 seconds!

A tent

Tents are another gift that just keeps on giving and they’re great for inducing imaginative play and getting the kids outdoors! From a battle fort to a princess castle, a camping trip to a mock home-style environment, your kids will have a blast outdoors in their very own play tent. There are lots of different options available, either a simple pop-up version will suffice, or you could go all out and purchase a real camping tent with lots of different rooms and compartments to play in! Your kids will have hours of fun!

5 Common Health Problems During Pregnancy (And What to Do About Them)

During pregnancy, your body undergoes several changes. Some of these changes can cause problems. Here are common health problems during pregnancy.

Do you have concerns about common health issues during pregnancy? Pregnancy can be a beautiful experience, but you need to be aware of certain health problems that might occur during the process.

Take a look at these 5 common health problems that you might have. Here’s how you can manage these issues.

1. Headaches Are Common Health Problems

You may experience headache pains during your first, second, or third trimester. These could be natural headaches that you may experience. 

Some of these are tension, cluster, and migraine headaches. You may experience dull aches, throbbing pains, or pains on both sides of your head.

These headaches may also occur at different stages of your pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms you may also experience from your headaches.

To alleviate this problem, you can try acupuncture, yoga, and meditation relaxation techniques. 

2. You May Have Abdominal Pains

At some point during your pregnancy, you may experience abdominal pains. This could be a sharp or stretching pain in your lower abdomen.

This could be a natural pain that occurs as your body undergoes significant changes during your pregnancy. Gas, bloating, and constipation could also be the cause of your abdominal pains.

To ease your discomfort, you need to avoid the consumption of unhealthy foods such as high-mercury seafood, undercooked or processed meat, high sodium foods, alcohol, and processed foods that may cause digestive problems. 

Focus on eating organic fruits and vegetables and taking pregnancy vitamins to ensure you’re getting an excellent variety of nutrients that can help you to achieve a safe and healthy pregnancy.

3. You May Get Varicose Veins

Do you have swollen or painful areas on your legs? Your pregnancy hormones are a common cause of varicose veins.

These veins will usually appear as bluish or swollen on your legs. If you have painful varicose veins, you need to avoid standing for long periods or crossing your legs at the ankles when you’re sitting.

To relieve this problem, you can perform light walking exercises and wear supportive stockings. You can also get in the habit of elevating your feet and legs at a level that’s higher than the rest of your body.

4. You Could Get Backaches

Since you’re carrying around extra weight from your pregnancy, you may experience backaches. Due to the increasing size of your uterus, it could also be difficult for you to walk or stand for long periods.

Try to avoid lifting heavy objects to reduce your backaches. It is also beneficial for you to sit in a chair with good back support.

You can also engage in light exercise routines that help to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. 

5. You May Have Sleeping Problems

You may have difficulty sleeping when you’re pregnant. Getting a body massage before you go to bed helps to relax your body and makes it easier for you to fall asleep.

You can also relax your body by reading a book or listening to music. 

Get the Best Solutions

If you’re experiencing these common health problems, make sure you tell your doctor. Whether you’re having problems during or after your pregnancy, you can get the treatment that’s suitable for your situation.

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5 Ways to Reconnect with Your Partner after Giving Birth

Parents already know that bringing a child into this world comes from an entire universe of intimacy, closeness, and love. Yet, when the baby is born, the focus can shift entirely to this new little earthling in your home, and you might feel that your bond with your partner is getting strangely neglected, despite being strengthened by your new family member. It might sound like a paradox, but sometimes the very experience that brings you closer can tear your relationship apart, precisely because your bond consists of so much more than expanding your family. 

Your relationship is based on so many other commonalities, shared experiences, and of course, intimacy, hence the need to reignite that flame and invest time and effort to reconnect with your spouse now that you’ve become parents. Here are a few suggestions that can help you grow your bond even stronger.

Find a shared activity

Restoring your health, energy, and endurance starts with your nutrition and exercise. However, instead of treating it as yet another chore, you can shift your perspective and look at your workout routine as another opportunity to bond with your partner. 

In fact, couples exercising on a regular basis can use this time to boost each other’s confidence, provide moral support, and help each other get strong and healthy. At the same time, this simple practice can bring you closer together and improve your quality of life.

Work on your intimacy

Post-partum depression, body issues after giving birth, complications, and a slew of other issues are so common among new moms that it’s not so strange that many new parents find it difficult to enjoy their love-making in the first months of parenthood. It can be difficult to regain your confidence, but you’re not alone. Why not talk to your partner, share your desires and fears, and explore your options together?

Perhaps if you browse through a fun adult shop and find creative ways to explore your intimacy, you can rediscover your sensuality and your connection to your partner. Sometimes a flattering piece of lingerie can remind you of your own physicality and slowly restore your confidence. Dedicating time to your intimacy can be a powerful way to strengthen your bond and your confidence, too. 

Make time for dating

Yes, we know that you’ll feel tempted to spend your free time wrapped in a blanket, asleep, whenever a grandparent volunteers to take care of the little sleepless rascal but consider other options, too. For instance, you can set aside a monthly date for you and your partner to go out for a romantic dinner, enjoy a picnic in the park, go for an afternoon of walking in nature, or anything you love doing. 

Dating in marriage is not just advisable, it’s necessary for your romance to continue evolving as you accept new roles in life, including the one of being a parent. 

Talk to a professional

Too many couples believe that counseling is their last resort, whereas in fact, they should treat it as a valid option when they notice they have issues in communication. To prevent neglecting your marriage, communication problems, and to prevent the loss of intimacy, you can talk to a professional marriage counselor and face your issues head-on. 

Work on your shared responsibilities

Conflict is natural, especially when there’s a misunderstanding and you’re too tired and impatient, which happens to us all – because, let’s face it, we’re all human. When you have this new life to take care of in addition to your own, the responsibilities are constantly piling up, and if you find yourself struggling, it’s natural to feel tense and exhausted. 

That’s precisely why you need to work through this period with your partner so that you can share your responsibilities and all the little daily tasks, find the time to rest, and you’ll feel appreciated, loved, and cared for. When you can manage that, you can reduce conflict, and you can find more energy to bond and be emotionally generous to one another.

Now that you’re parents, the stakes are all the higher for you to work on your family, on your bond, and to find time in this learning curve to connect with one another. It means relying on your support system, asking for help, sharing your insecurities and fears, and finding patience within you to recognize opportunities instead of looking for excuses to postpone your time together. Use these tips to bond, and you’ll enjoy your partnership and parenthood all the more for it.