Know-How Owning A Dog Can Improve Your Health

Whether you own a dog or you simply volunteer to walk them, you have to keep up with the excellent work as the exercise ensures your overall well-being. Having a four-legged friend in your house is one of the best experiences as it comes with myriads of health benefits.

Here are some of the health benefits of owning a dog.

1. Stress soothers

The best moment of every pet owner is a quiet, petting moment, especially after a long and stressful day.  This results in a lower blood pressure that helps in the production of oxytocin hormone that causes relaxation. On the other hand, the stress hormone is suppressed, thus providing a more ambient mood.

It’s essential for stress relief to groom your dogs regularly. A Dog Nail Grinder is a priceless tool that all dog owners should pick up for top quality pet care.

You can use the soothing moments to groom your dog. For example, use the best poodle clippers to cut the excess fur on your pet.

2. Dogs act as social magnets

When taking your dog for a walk, it may open up your chances of meeting other people who are interested in your pet. This is especially common when you come across other strangers walking their dogs. This allows one to create friends or laugh out on some funny jokes.

3. Lower cholesterol

If you have a dog, you have to watch what you eat. In addition to that, these people tend to spend their time at home in active activities with their pets. The active lifestyles are part of the work out that helps in burning your body calories and cholesterols.

4. Ease depression

No one will ever love you more unconditionally, like your dog. Your friend always notices when you are low or happy. This means that when in depression, he will always find a way to help you deal with your condition by being by your side.

Moreover, you will need to take him for a walk, a moment that can make you feel better about yourself.

5. Fewer allergies; stronger immunity

Most of the children who grow up in a home with a dog are less likely to develop allergies in the later stages of their lives. The furry friend has a way of making their immune system stronger due to the production of certain chemicals.

6. Keep you fit and active

Every adult should work out for at least 2 hours a week. However, this may not be achievable, especially to individuals who are not disciplined.

Nevertheless, a dog changes this attitude as one has to make time to exercise with their dog. In the turn of events, it will help you in having some physical exercises and even help you save money on an expensive gym membership.

7. Adding meaning and purpose

When older persons retire, they often lack structure and meaning. This is because they do not have a constant schedule of what they are to do with their lives. However, a dog forces them to continue doing something even when they no longer find pleasure in it; feeding your dogs correctly and helping them through stomach sensitivities can be very rewarding. The dog does not care whether you are well emotionally or physically, as long as they are fed and taken for a walk.

8. Battle disease and injury

With a dog, you can detect, treat, and manage all manner of illnesses. For example, a service dog ensures that one improves their mobility while recovering from a certain accident. As for Alzheimer’s patients, the dogs sooth them, thus mitigating their aggression and emotional heat-up.

9. Seizure dogs

The seizure dogs have been trained to live with people who have epilepsy. For alarm purposes, some dogs are trained to bark while others walk up to the parents to alert them of such alerts on their kids. Moreover, other dogs have been trained to lie next to the patient during the attack to prevent them from injuring themselves. You can also get dogs that have been trained to warn before a seizure occur; this allows the victim to lie down or get a safe place away from dangerous objects.

10. Animal-assisted therapies

Some trained dogs are being brought into clinical therapies. This is because the patients tend to relax as they spend more time with the dog. In the process, they open up about their problems in a positive way.

Owning a dog is becoming a necessity in many households. Although some may own one due to the ongoing pressures, we cannot dismiss the fact that the furry friend brings with it loads of health benefits such as fighting heart diseases, obesity, depression, loneliness, and many more. You’ll never feel lonely when you have a dog.

5 Genius Fitness Tips Every Full-Time Working Mom Must Try

Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash

Once you get home from work, you’re usually greeted by kids needing help with homework, a pile of laundry and a 101 chore that needs attending to. How are you supposed to squeeze in a workout or whip up a healthy meal? It’s really hard to stay on top of everything, so you get more and more behind with your fitness every day. But don’t worry too much—every mom out there feels the same, the only difference is that fit ones have a few secrets up their sleeve. Here are the best fitness tips fit moms use in order to stay in top shape. This minimalist fitness website might be a great place to start.

Create a schedule

As a mom, you probably know just how important it is to have a working schedule, so if you include fitness into it, you can expect good results. If you adapt your schedule and reserve a portion for fitness, it will create a better habit and remove some of the guesswork. Routines are predictable and dependable and they will make your fitness routine easier. If you prioritize your healthy habits, you’re more likely to stick to them. Your schedule will tweak everyone’s expectations and help you prevent meltdowns. Routines and schedules really work!

Plan your meals

You know why meal planning is a must? Just think about how much food your family consumes in a day. Whipping that much food without a plan will definitely not work and you will often resort to takeout and instant meals which are definitely not good for your health or your fitness. On the other hand, if you plan your meals, it will help you stick to your meal plan and your budget, reduce the time you waste in the supermarket and allow you to better enjoy your food.

A few minutes once a week is all you need to plan your meals for the upcoming days. And even if you’re not that savvy in the kitchen, you can still prepare simple, yet healthy meals—these are usually the best for your fitness.

Eat well and eat plenty

Many women think that healthy eating consists of nothing but salads and fruit, but that can’t be further from the truth. If you manage to exercise regularly, you will need plenty of fuel to keep you strong, so that includes plenty of protein and healthy carbs. If you’re hungry all the time, you can’t really do your best at the gym, plus you’re more likely to reach for something unhealthy to munch on.

Nutritious food will keep you ready for a workout, but you can also grab some pre workout supplements if there’s a super hard session in front of you. These will encourage good blood flow into your muscles and give you energy for sustained workouts that will bring the right results.

Include your kids

Photo by LJ Lara on Unsplash

It’s hard to find a sitter for just an hour, so if you think about ditching your workout to stay home with kids, think again. Here’s a great solution: grab your kids and have a family workout. There are so many ways you can involve your kids in your workouts. You can hit your local park and let them time your HIIT sessions or you can buy a children’s seat for your bicycle and have a good ride.

Or you can try “stroller fitness” and have a good workout or as your kid rests comfortably in their seat. Having family workouts will not only be good for you but also boost your kids’ wellbeing and help you create a stronger bond with your little ones.

Find a supportive community

If you have to do everything on your own—create workouts, plan meals, stay on track—it can quickly become overwhelming. So, one of the best things you can do is find a community that will offer good support and have your back when you feel like giving up. Your community could be your partner, your friends, other fit moms or a good online community. There are even fitness trainers and life couches you can turn to.

It’s important that your support system understands your desires and goals since they need to keep you accountable. If they accept your excuses, you will not have any benefits from them. Encourage your community to be strict and keep you going. That’s why hiring a executive life coach for men or a personal trainer could be a good investment—they know how to motivate you without being too critical and judgmental.

Listen, mom, you need to be fit in order to be actively involved in your kids’ lives and stay with them for a long, long time. So, start your new lifestyle today and you’ll feel so much healthier and stronger in no time!

 

 

8 Safety Essentials That is a Must in Every Home

Although it may be tempting to just ignore the possibility of a break-in, fire or any other emergency, it is not a wise way to live. It is essential to stay prepared for the worst to live peacefully, hence we have listed below 8 safety essentials that are a must in every home;

1. A Smart Lock

Losing keys is quite common, but it is also a safety hazard as someone else may get access to your home. Getting a smart lock installed will make sure that only you and your family have access to your home. You can also create temporary virtual keys for your guests. Another advantage is that you do not need to always remember to carry around keys and also the ability to check the visitor logs through an app will give you peace of mind.

2. First Aid

Keeping a first aid kit at home is mandatory as minor home accidents are common and this will ensure that you do not have to run to a pharmacy every time it happens. Just maintain a case which has all basic medical supplies. Make sure to check for expiry dates and keep refreshing the kit.

3. Safety Mask

With the world changing every day including the climatic change and rise in pollution along with industries multiplying and friction rising between various nations, you never know when a situation may arise where you will need a respirator mask for protection against hazardous gases or dust hence keep a full-face respirator mask available for every member of your family just in case of such emergencies. Professional radon detector is also a very useful tool to save your family from hazardous gas. 

4. Emergency Escape

During any house emergency such as a gas leak or fire, the best way to save yourself is by escaping from your home hence think beforehand and plan emergency escape routes with proper access to timely escape the hazard safely.

5. Motion Detector

Motion detectors are highly recommended to defend against intruders. As intruders prefer dark hence motion detectors installed near the entryway will stun them and force them to abort, additionally, it also provides safe passage to everyone arriving at your home.

6. Portable Power

Power loss is a common issue hence you need to be prepared by keeping portable power sources available such as power banks to charge your phone and batteries to operate instruments. An LED flashlight is a must and also keep candles and matchsticks available in your house and basement, just in case.

7. Portable Heater

Power outages during winter may be dangerous as the heating system of the house relies on electricity, hence keep backup portable heaters available to prevent discomfort in such a scenario.

8. Fire Extinguisher

This is one piece of equipment that every house needs to keep as a small fire can easily spread rapidly even before the firefighters arrive, hence a small extinguisher can save your home from burning down to ashes.

The probability of you needing to use the above-mentioned safety equipment may be very low but it is always good to be prepared beforehand rather than repent later, hence make sure to abide by all the safety measures mentioned above to lead a safe life.

Recognising the Effects of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can be a difficult condition to pin down. But if left unchecked,  by the time someone has got themselves to the doctors for a formal diagnosis it has already ravaged the body. But some of the worse effects of hypothyroidism can be staved off providing you are proactive. To do this, we hope to educate you on how to recognise the troubling effects of hypothyroidism.

Endocrine system

The body is dependent on the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 to keep everything functioning the way it should. If you’re not getting enough T3 and T4, then your energy levels will plummet and with it, your metabolism, which means you will have difficulty losing weight. However, you can maintain a healthy flow of manufactured T3 and T4 in the form of liothyronine and levothyroxine.

Circulatory and cardiovascular system

You rely on your heart to maintain a consistent beat while keeping blood pumping around your body. Hypothyroidism can slow your heart rate down, thus making it difficult to maintain a consistent heartbeat, which also leaves you open to the risk of raised blood pressure, as a result of narrowed arteries. You’ll also be susceptible to high cholesterol, which, along with high blood pressure, increases the risk of heart disease.

Nervous system

If hypothyroidism is left untreated, then this will also impact the way information is carried to and from the brain, the areas most hindered being the brain and spinal cord. This, in turn, can cause another condition called peripheral neuropathy, with symptoms including numbness and tingling/burning sensations in various parts of the body.

Respiratory system

The muscles that you use to breathe can be weakened by the lack of thyroid hormones, which will make breathing difficult, exacerbating any existing breathing conditions. This will be most prominent following exercise.

Digestive system

A lack of thyroid hormones will slow the digestive tract, leaving you vulnerable to heartburn and constipation.

Reproductive system

For female sufferers of hypothyroidism, periods are often disrupted and when they do recur, they are often much heavier, which can heavily impact the pregnancy process. Those who are trying to get pregnant may struggle to do so and those who are expecting may be more likely to suffer a miscarriage.

Others symptoms

The body’s metabolism is an all-encompassing component that has a knock-on effect on many of the other systems in the body. You may find yourself suffering from chronic fatigue, easily becoming exhausted even with minimal exercise. You will find yourself developing an over-intolerance to cold. There will also be physical changes on your body, such as hands and feet swelling, rough and patchy skin, and possible hair loss.

It doesn’t matter where it strikes or how it disrupts your day, hypothyroidism has the capacity to ravage your body and leave you physically drained and emotionally exhausted. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, then your doctor should be your next port of call, who can advise you on how to manage the symptoms and – if you manage to catch them in time – make a full recovery.

Social Connection And Attachment Encourages Seniors To Age In Place

There is a distinct link with the desire of the senior people to age in place with their sense of attachment with other people in the community. They are also very keen to retain and even increase their social connection as they age which the community-staying facilitates the most.

According to different research, it is found that the seniors are very passionate and attached to the place they live in. the reasons that they cite for their attachment to the specific community include:

  • The extraordinary feeling and features of the communities
  • The warmth of the place 
  • The connection and chances of interaction among locals and most importantly
  • The feeling of safety and security living in a known and socially vibrant and active community.

However, the external representations may not be always true and most of the times these are found to be more problematic than beneficial.

Several reports of different surveys as well as the suggestions of the Philadelphia Corporation for aging there are also a few instances of personal experiences of crime. There are some of the respondents to the survey who separated these incidents from the community they live in.

The importance of it

These facts, however, highlight the significance of it and indicate that the researchers and policy need to make an effort to explore the internal nuances of a community from the outlook of the people staying there instead of relying on the statistics that only figure the problems without focusing on the actual story.

Typically, the factors that are overlooked include:

  • The sense of multiculturalism
  • Friendliness
  • Connection with different communities
  • Feeling safe and secured
  • Access to public transport and other community services.

Most of the time, people prefer to stay in their home and age simply due to their attachment to material things of their neighborhoods such as part of one or a couple of streets.

Other reasons cited

At other times it is found that people like to stay in their homes to age simply because they have lived in a particular house for decades together. 

These factors enable them to develop a very strong sense of connection to the physical space as well as the neighbors both. The physical factors may include anything such as:

  • Their gardens
  • Their room or
  • Their belongings. 

On the contrary, there are a few other respondents who said that they want to live in their homes or community and age simply because they have established a connection with the people living in the neighborhood rather than their home or living space.

This means that it is interesting that people distinguish between their house and the area which is on contrary to the literature that tends to blend the two terms instead of distinguishing them.

In short, most people want to age in place simply due to the fact that familiarity is most important for them, be it with the place or the people. For them, it is the social connection that enables them to make such a pragmatic decision whether to age in their place or in any other nursing home or assisted care living facility.

Meaning of aging in place

The meaning of aging in place is petty simple but the detail of it can be complex and varied. There are a few things that you should know in this regard.

Few people are often in a dilemma and ask whether or not they need to make any change when they choose to age in their place. Most of the time, changes are not needed to make. This is because such necessary changes in the home will take place gradually over time. The primary reasons to make such arrangements or changes beforehand is to:

  • Help in mobility
  • Ensure safety and prevent falls.

This is because the physical ability tends to decline over the years which is why you will modify your home as and when required. 

If you look at it in a positive view, aging in their place can be the best choice for many older adults. This is because they can continue living an independent life and lifestyle. The people who live and age in their place are often found to be more active in comparison to those who live in an assisted living facility.

Concept of assistive technology

In this modern world where technology rules all aspects of life, aging in place is facilitated with the implementation of assistive technology. This comes with several innovative ideas that will allow the seniors to stay in their own homes safely and more independently.

Assistive technology is now a popular thing that typically refers to assistive, adaptive, or rehabilitation products. These devices are designed specially that will assure greater independence to the older adults, especially those people with limited abilities or disabilities that are typically associated with aging.

The assistive technology products will help these people to do a variety of jobs allowing them to stay in their home and age as well as improve their quality of life.

Things to consider

With or without assistive technology to support you, if you want to age in place then there are a few things you should consider such as:

  • Make your home safe with a few modifications as well as a few structural changes but make sure that you stick to the building codes.
  • If you want to live in your home and suffer from a chronic disease you will need to consider the type of support required in the future. 
  • If you want to stay in age and hire the service of in-home caregivers or companions to make sure that you research them while you are still active to do a little bit of net-surfing and running about.

Always hire the service of a geriatric care manager to understand the risks, evaluate and coordinate the crisis interventions. Also, make a proper care plan including transportation and always discuss your plan with the other members of your family. Also consider things from the financial aspect as well as your health concerns, physical or mental, to create the best plan.

9 Ways Your Baby Shows Love

Even if your little one can’t speak yet, they can still do plenty to let you know they care about you, mom! Here are 5 ways they express their care for you.

 

1. Voice recognition

 

Do you say something and baby seems interested in your words? Don’t let that surprise you as the baby fell in love with you in the womb and is still mesmerized by your tone.

 

2. Big eyes

 

They’re staring at you and while it might make you feel pressure to be your best, know it’s because they’re trying to take in everything about their parent. It’s a good thing!

Eye contact means they care and are inquisitive about their environment, which includes you, of course. When you put them to bed, watch them as they watch you and use eye contact as a bonding experience.

 

3. Using your gestures

 

Is your little sweetie mimicking you? They say copying is the sincerest form of flattery so take it as a compliment! 

When the newborn is affectionate back at you as you nuzzle in and kiss them, that’s a sure-fire sign they care about you. Just as much as you do about them.

 

4. Looking to you for safety

 

If they’re scared, do they hide behind your leg? Does your boy or girl come up to you looking uneasy and confide in you about a bully or another issue?

They’re looking to you for protection because they trust you. And that’s love if I ever said it!

Start the protective behavior from the time they’re young by choosing a safe double stroller front and back for your little ones.

 

5. Smiles and more smiles

 

Smiling is a genuine show of affection. As your baby raises your mouth into a smile, know that they’re doing so because they’re happy.

It’s a sweet gesture that you’ll likely never get enough of as they get older. And it’s what’ll get you through those long nights when you’re up and down comforting them as they cry.

 

6. They’re there for you too

 

Let’s face it, days are long and you’re sometimes (okay, a lot) sleep-deprived with an infant. So you might shed some tears of exhaustion now and then in front of the family.

If your little bundle of joy reaches out for a hug or grabs your hand while you’re tearing up, well that’s absolutely a sign they care about you (okay, a lot). As they get older, they might offer to clean up their playroom too if you’re having a bad day.

 

7. When you come home…

 

Your baby is super excited. From the laughing to the smiles, there’s a lot of good things that come with your return home after work or an errand when they’re baby-sat by loved ones.

As they get older, they’ll likely come for a hug or jump up and down excitedly when you come through the door. Oh yes, these moments of a happy baby are the best things in life, really!

 

8. Saying I love you

 

When your baby starts to talk, watch for these three amazing words: I love you

Once they say them to you, life will forever be altered, in a good way. And when they’re growing and start to fight with you, don’t consider that a sign that they don’t care but indeed a sign of quite the opposite – they care enough about the family to have real, deep emotions about it.

 

9. Arms up

 

Finally, when your sweet baby holds his or her arms up to get picked up, that’s a sure sign that you’re someone they want to be close to. They desire your embrace, which cannot even be put into words.

Expressing themselves in this way warms the heart. It’s a sign that a bond is growing, as are the other 8 signs that your baby loves you.

5 Style Hacks for Busy Working Moms

From waking up in the morning trying to get everyone ready in a matter of minutes, including yourself, to getting back home and picking up piles of toys and clothes off the floor, while preparing lunch for the family, the life of a working mom can be hectic and oftentimes completely out of control. With such a busy schedule, it’s no surprise you end up in a style rut every once in a while. Thankfully, the answer to that is quite simple – just make your everyday fashion routine practical and time-efficient with these incredible style hacks:

1. Minimize your wardrobe

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is thinking you need a lot of clothes in order to be stylish. The key to a functional wardrobe is the right combination of quality, versatile and timeless pieces. All of your clothes should be in classic cuts and styles, and in one solid color, preferably soft or neutral-toned. These items will be the building blocks of your wardrobe that you can easily mix and match into endless fashionable outfits. If you want to keep things a bit more interesting, you can always add a few statement pieces to your closet that will showcase your personal style to the world. If you like following fall fashion trends, for example, you can incorporate bright red, mustard and rust tones into your wardrobe.

2. Upgrade individual items

Instead of changing out your entire wardrobe in order to look more polished, try upgrading only one part of your outfit. For example, you can swap out your yoga pans for chinos or a comfortable pair of straight leg jeans, and you can even decide to wear a roomy A-line dress or skirt instead of that old pair of cut-out shorts. A classic yet stylish button-down shirt is one of the easiest ways to upgrade any outfit. Simply by rolling the sleeves up and tucking the shirt into your bottoms, either opting for a full or a French tuck, you can look casual enough for running errands around town or taking your kids to the park, while still being put-together and appearing as if you put a lot of time and effort into the outfit.

3. Don’t forget to accessorize

The right accessories can truly make or break any outfit, and they’re the ideal way to elevate any plain or casual look. Simply wearing a silk scarf or a wide-brimmed hat with your everyday outfits can add some dimension and interest to your look, and make you seem more polished and put-together. However, one of the best ways to accessorize is by wearing elegant jewelry pieces that perfectly showcase your personal style. For example, you can opt for beautiful Moon Magic jewelry that is made with gorgeous moonstones in light, pastel colors, which perfectly complement every fashionable outfit.

4. Invest in the right footwear

When it comes to fashion, shoes are truly the perfect place to splurge. Not only will high-quality, well taken care of footwear elevate any outfit you put on, but the right shoes can also seamlessly take you from the office to the playground, keeping you looking stylish and put-together. As a working mom, one of the best footwear options you can go for is sleek and comfortable flats in neutral colors, such as black, brown or nude. Whether it’s work attire or a casual everyday look, beautiful flat shoes can complement every outfit and truly impress with their elegant style.

5. Keep your closet organized

Even though the life of a working mom is often filled with stresses and tight schedules, try your hardest to set a couple of hours aside during the weekends to clean and organize your closet, as only doing this once will make it incredibly simple to maintain later. The most popular way of organizing a wardrobe is in two parts: by the type of item (top or bottom) and then by the color of the piece. Of course, an organization is quite a personal thing, so feel free to develop your own system that will work best for you. The goal is to keep your closet neat and organized, in order to spend less time trying to figure out what to wear every day.

With just a little bit of thought and preparation, getting dressed in the morning can be a piece of cake, no matter how busy you actually are. After all, any woman can look beautiful and feel confident in her personal style with these incredible fashion hacks.

Best Hairstyles You Should Consider in 2020

In 2019 we had a chance to see the best hairstyles on New York Fashion Week.

2020 is expected to be an iconic year in the fashion world. From accessories and high fashion to bridal and footwear, 2020 is ringing in the new decade with a blend of ultra-mod and vintage-chic looks.

Hairstyle trends are no exception to the changes 2020 is bringing. Here are some of the best hairstyles to consider in the next year.

Vintage Short Bobs

Bobs have been making a strong comeback over the past couple of years. Most recently, long bobs (also known as “lobs”) and blunt-edge bobs have been center stage. The short hairstyle has become one of the “must-have” trends over the last few years. Short layered bob hairstyle is really hot and trending nowadays. After reading this article you will get updated with Short Layered Bob Hairstyle For Fine Hair.

In 2020, bobs will evolve into a more vintage, Parisian look that invokes a sense of the 1920s. These cropped locks are left natural, allowing for the wind and humidity to create a tousled, romantic look. This upcoming trend is a fabulous hairstyle for those who like to be fashionable with minimal time to dedicate their efforts.

Bronze Locks

Everyone has been striving for the ice blonde and gray look in recent years. It’s time to put away the purple shampoo and embrace another shade.

Bronze blondes have more of a warm, golden honey hue to their hair with a subtle touch of orange. Think of a high-fashion version of strawberry blonde. This is an excellent color for the summer, as it not only catches the light but looks fantastic with bronzer.

The balayage and ombre looks of the recent past are still holding strong, and look fabulous with the bronze trend.

Contrasting Face Frame

Another dye-related hairstyle trend for 2020 is adding a contrasting shade to frame the face. This is often a subtle touch, such as a whiter shade of blond versus bronze. Others choose to take a more eye-catching approach, such as blonde against black or red.

This look works wonders for drawing attention to the face and works with virtually any haircut.

Edgy Straight Bangs

Straight bangs are back! Unlike the blunt fringe that was so popular at the start of the decade, the straight bangs of the 2020s are edgier. Look for a piecey look that adds dimension to your bangs or a more textured look that works great with thin hair.

Also, the “short bangs” are the new thing in the beauty world these days, or as they’ve been called fringe bangs. We’ve been seeing so many celebrities lately that it’s got us rethinking the bang. Gone are the days of the classic straight bangs, these are much edgier and channeling the Audrey Hepburn era!

This hairstyle is getting incorporated into other looks, like the vintage bob mentioned above.

Bowl Cuts

Maybe it’s because of the fame and nostalgia invoked by the hit Netflix show Stranger Things, but bowl cuts have made an astonishing comeback. This once exiled look is expected to be one of the hottest hair trends of 2020. Celebrities like Charlize Theron are bringing the bowl cut back and using it as the foundation for creating versatile looks.

The modernized bowl cut has a few quirks that set it apart from the cut of the past. First and foremost, the most significant difference is having it done by a professional stylist, rather than with an actual bowl in your kitchen. Next is incorporating other looks, like color transitions and moldable layers, to be able to reshape the look for events.

2020 promises to be a fun year for hairstyles. Get creative and be willing to experiment with some of these stylish looks.

You have to maintain your hair while it is in this protective style

You can spritz an oil, water and conditioner mix onto your scalp and seal with an oil, you can use sprays meant for braided hair, tea tree, oil, etc. It all depends on what your preference is. But you have to make sure that your hair is NOT dry. It will break and fall out when you decide to remove your protective style.

Also, you have to be very careful when you’re washing and treating your hair. Especially if it’s curly and dry. In this blog post, you can find some useful suggestions on how to take care of your hair.

Straight, Wavy, Curly, or Kinky?

Hair is either a blessing or a curse — chances are we don’t have to tell you which one of these two main hair categories you belong to. If your hair is straight, you’re a cause of envy worldwide. Other than being silky and smooth, straight hair is also the strongest type. The second hair type is best-known as beach hair. In a mermaid sort of fashion, locks take the shape of a stretched out S. When the S shape gets tighter, there are both loose and defined curls. If you’re this type, you don’t need a lot of hair care products to shape your curls. These are recommended products for curls by LikeLoveDo –  Only Curls All Curl Cleanser, All Curl Conditioner, Only curls Hydrating Curl Creme, Enhancing Curl Gel. However, if you want to find more about your hair type check this article on africanamericanhairstyles.org.

Hair was and still is a prominent social activity, especially among women. During history, women had the opportunity to socialize while styling each other’s hair. The communal tradition of hair still exists today.

Classy, modern, and edgy, some Afro hairstyles can make your appearance more appealing. Brace yourself as below we are sharing some of the most creative hairstyles that will give you glamorous looks, for sure.

For example, Africa is rich with ancient hair traditions and styles. During this year, you can try some unique and trendy hairstyle and this article from africa.com could inspire your creativity.

Having curly hair has certainly great potential, but curly hair tends to get the most frizzy! It’s possible to fight the frizziness with some little tricks in our daily routine. In curly hair, the sebaceous secretion that gets produced by the scalp helps the curls keep the frizz under control. As a result, not washing your hair every day is a must! This is a suggestion that goes for any type of hair. Reducing washings even once a week, helps domesticate also the most rebellious hair. Hair should be washed only when the skin has excess of sebum.

So get creative start experimenting and see what styles you like to do that suits you for both work and play. The easiest protective style is a bun. You don’t need a degree to put your hair up and tuck your ends away to protect them. Head for the high street and pick up some accessories to give you options. Before any protective style take the opportunity to apply some nourishing oil, moisturizer, or hair butter to give your hair a great treatment at the same time.

Wavy hair has survived many seasons including ancient times and civilizations. It could be super cool to chose an organized, urban and in someway edgy look. For this year maybe the great suggestion for your new hairstyle could be Nigerian virgin hairstyle. One thing about hair weave is that it represents in some way the symbol of elegance.

Aside from natural hair being termed unprofessional, it can be a bit tiring when you haven’t mastered your hair. Some people love their hair but just don’t want to deal with it. That’s why there are hair salons. However, some days, you won’t be able to run to a hair salon. Picking up a Bobby pin to switch up a look is something you might want to master. Before you know it, you’ll be doing many fun things with your hair, because… natural hair is fun and versatile.

According to UniversalSalons.com one of the most popular hairstyle trends are still black hairstyles updos with braids. Professional hair stylists from around the United States have created the beautiful updos with braids hairstyles. Their work you can find inside this site’s gallery and those new hairstyle suggestions will make you feel like a whole new person. Also, you will find updates to old looks and fabulous examples of trendsetting hairstyles. They’re constantly updating the galleries with the hottest looks from some of the most published salons in the United States.

Angled Bob hairstyle

This summer is a perfect time to rock a protective style, such as braids, twists, locks, or cornrows. According to Treasured Locks, not only do these styles look amazing, but they’re also low maintenance. All you need to do is keep your scalp moisturized and your hair is good to go from the pool to hiking, to clubbing, or whatever else you have planned for your trip.

Space Buns

This style is perfect for when your hair just doesn’t want to cooperate with you or if you just want a cute switch up in your routine. Space buns are great to do in between washes because you need your hair to be a bit textured. If you’re struggling with this hairstyle take a look at this tutorial at myrevair.com and learn to make these buns like a pro.

Another hairstyle that can be used for curly hair is the simple layered style. Curly hair usually needs proper maintenance to maintain its look. You must not forget to wash your hair regularly and style it right after you have been washed. If you forget to wash your hair and only rinse it when it becomes dry, it will only damage your curly hair. Therefore, you should always be reminded of how to style your hair.

5 Best Vacation Activities for the Whole Family 

Going on a vacation with your family is one of the best things in the world! It’s a chance for you all to take a break from your busy schedules and enjoy your free time. However, wherever you go and whatever you like to do, you’re going to find a number of different activities that could turn your holiday from ordinary to amazing. It’s all about finding the right activities and making sure every member of your family enjoys them. Therefore, here are five family-oriented activities you should explore next time you’re on vacation.

Camping

If your kids are outgoing, outdoorsy and adventurous, this is the right activity for you and them. Although camping is one of the most enjoyable things you can do in nature, it actually isn’t as easy to do it while you’re at home, so going on holiday might be the perfect opportunity to go camping. This activity will make your kids understand why nature is so important and amazing, and they’ll surely start appreciating it more than ever after spending some time in the forest.

Of course, before you go camping, you need to get prepared. Learning a few basic things could go a long way, so spend some time doing that first. Find the right spot, improve your safety, make some cool food, and find a few games you could play while camping. This is something your kids will remember for the rest of their lives, so it’s definitely an idea to consider.

Rafting

This might not be the perfect activity if your kids are still young and can’t swim, but if they’re older and aren’t afraid of spending time in a tiny raft, this is the thing for your family. Rafting is another amazing way for your kids to be in the open and learn more about nature around them. Moreover, this activity is particularly interesting if your kids have never done anything as adventurous – this will turn into the most exciting day of your holiday, and your kids are going to love you for giving them a chance to go rafting.

However, you need to be extra careful when rafting with your loved ones. Make sure you follow instructions and don’t do anything even remotely dangerous. It goes without saying that you should make sure your kids are comfortable with this idea before you start planning it.

Scuba diving

If you notice that rafting is something your kids have enjoyed, you could take things to a new level and explore the idea of scuba diving with them. This will help them perfect their swimming and diving skills, and introduce them to an underwater world they can’t see anywhere else. After all, all of these things are vital for their general knowledge and understanding of the world, so it’s an activity that’s great on so many levels.

Again, you should check this idea with your kids and teach them a few things about scuba diving first. Also, make sure you all have some professional scuba diving equipment that’s going to turn this activity into an experience to remember. You could even consider getting this gear for your entire family and stop renting it every time you all want to dive together. This activity will bring you closer together and your kids will learn how to rely on you more than before, and that’s something all kids need to feel.

Road tripping

This is another way to help your kids learn more about the world they live in, but also a bit about the unknown regions in that world. Taking them on a road trip while you’re on a vacation is like a mini-holiday inside your regular holiday, so it’s much more fun than you could imagine. All you need is a car you can rent wherever you are, or Amarillo bus ride, a list of places you’d like the see, and some free time.

One of the ideas to explore is taking your kids on a history tour where they can visit all those important sites and places they learn about in school. This won’t be just an amazing learning experience for them, but an opportunity to see things they’ve probably never seen before. Ultimately, this might pique their interest in these things and show them how exciting historical items and places can be.

Volunteering

To be honest, this is an idea your kids are probably not going to love as much as they might love all the other suggestions. Volunteering is something not all people do when they’re at home, and it’s something even a few of them do when they’re on vacation, so why should you do it? Well, there’s one simple reason – because it’s the right thing to do.

It doesn’t matter where you’re vacationing, how much time you have and what sort of volunteering you opt for – as long as you’re doing something good for the people in need, you’ll be helping them quite a lot. Again, this is an activity you have to plan ahead, especially when you’re going on a vacation with your children, but it’s still an idea you can put into practice quite easily. Not only will you be doing something amazing for someone else, but you’ll also teach your kids a few things about being a compassionate and caring person, and that’s a life lesson you can’t put a price on.

Spending your family vacation on the beach is always a great thing to do, but being active and adventurous is even better. So, find an activity your entire family will love and turn your next vacation into the best vacation ever!

Peter is a parenting and health writer for Joyful Source magazine. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.

Changing Surname Step By Step Process

Even though not something that is done too often, changing your surname actually isn’t all that uncommon.

Even though not something that is done too often, changing your surname actually isn’t all that uncommon. Of course, people tend to have different reasons why they’re changing their surname, but it is certainly doable.

Now, how easy you can do it, and how the process goes, does depend on where you are. For example, changing your surname in the United States can sometimes be very different from changing your surname in the UK. Changing your name in the United States also varies from state to state. For example, if you’re in California, the cost of changing your name might be different than if you are in New York. Details like location and pricing are important factors to consider when changing your name.

That being said, how is it done? Well, if that’s what you want to know, we’ve got a step-by-step process for you. Before we get to it, though, let’s take a look at the different situations that will allow you to change your surname.

What is your surname?

Your surname is actually a part of your name that you have either inherited, from your parents, or assumed, as a kind of nickname. As such, it’s not a part of the name you’re “given”, whether in baptism or otherwise.

Just like with your first name, there is nothing in the law that’s going to stop you from changing your surname, at pretty much any time. All that’s required is for you not to have any kind of fraudulent or criminal intent.

You get to choose any surname you want and use it in addition to, or as a substitution for, your current surname. There are a few things that you should know about changing it, though.

The surname also isn’t someone’s right or property. Nothing can stop you from assuming someone else’s surname. There are multiple cases to prove this, such as Dubolay v Dubolay.

When can you change your surname?

Even though you can do it at pretty much any time (with some limitations), the most common occurrence of changing your surname is when you’re getting married or divorced. When you’re getting married to your spouse, you can choose between continuing to use your surname, taking your spouse’s, or using a combination of both. This, legally speaking, is no different from changing your surname with a deed poll.

 

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Now, getting married doesn’t oblige you to change your name. Nothing is wrong with assuming your partner’s surname, as long as you don’t have any fraudulent intention, and as long as you aren’t fraudulently claiming you’re married, when in fact, you aren’t. 

When getting divorced, you can either choose to keep your married name, or you can go back to your maiden name. Also, when getting married for the second time, you can also choose to keep the married name from your previous marriage.

Are there any limitations?

To prevent abuse, there are certain limitations to changing one’s surname. For example, if a child is under 16 years old, only one change of surname is allowed, as well as one change of forename. And if there is a registered change of forename in infancy, the child doesn’t have a right to change their forename until they’re 16 years old.

 

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For persons that are 16 years old, or over, up to three changes of the surname may be recorded. However, again, to prevent abuse, there must be a period of five years between successive surname changes. Note that these laws apply in the UK, other places might have different limitations in place.

So, how do you change your surname?

As mentioned earlier, you can change your surname during marriage or divorce. If you do this during the marriage, you shall use your new surname when signing your marriage license. However, if it’s done during divorce, you can ask your attorney to take care of this for you, and they should be able to revert you to your maiden name.

If it is done outside of these circumstances, you can change your surname with a deed poll. A deed poll is a declaration of your intent to assume a change of your surname, and as such, is evidence that you have done the change in good faith. You can use the deed poll to update your documents and records, and thus show you’re using your name publicly.

That’s it – it’s actually quite a bit simpler than you might think, but changing your surname can be done pretty quickly.