Category: Lifestyle

10 Mental & Physical Self-Care Tips for Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the woman’s body is sensitive to any influences: hygiene disorders, infections, malnutrition. In order not to create unnecessary complications, to preserve her health and, most importantly, the health of the unborn child, a woman should know how to care for herself during pregnancy.

 

1. The most responsible period

The first three months of pregnancy is the most responsible and dangerous. At this time, the organs of the child are formed. Any negative factor, whether smoking or infection, can affect this subtle process. In the future, it threatens to malfunction of any system of the future organism or even disability. After learning about her important position, a woman should become extremely careful in everything. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with useful tips for pregnant women and stick to them.

 

2. Be attentive to health

On the other hand, her body is also undergoing significant restructuring. This is reflected in the worsening state of health of the future mother: there may be a pain in the lower abdomen, tingling in the chest, malfunctions of the stomach and intestines, nausea, dizziness. A woman becomes emotionally unstable.

 

3. To correct behavior

The early gestation period is dangerous to have a miscarriage. Its causes may not depend on the woman, for example, if she has a genetic disease. But more likely to avoid interruption will help the correct behavior of the most pregnant.

She should give up bad habits if they exist. By the way, experts advise to abandon them even earlier — about three months before the alleged conception, and this advice applies to both spouses. Do not lift weights, but to avoid falls, walk, not forgetting for a second about your precious fetus.

 

4. Hygiene

In the first crucial period of the formation of the fetus, many medicines are prohibited, especially antibacterial and antibiotics. Avoid any infection, avoid contact with sick people. The inflammatory process during this period, especially with a high temperature, can cause miscarriage. These precautions apply to the treatment of colds, it is desirable to use folk remedies.

 

5. Visit a doctor

Any changes in the state and sensations should not be ignored. They should be discussed with the doctor to avoid any complications in the further course of pregnancy. If you increase pain in the lower abdomen, even minor bleeding, low back pain, immediately contact the help of physicians, because it is a prerequisite for miscarriage.

 

6. Watch your skin

Carefully monitor the cleanliness of the skin, keep its healthy microflora, which is transmitted to the child. A warm daily shower or rubbing the whole body is very useful. Pay special attention to breast care, because they need to be prepared to feed the baby. After taking a shower, rub the chest with a hand towel. If the nipples are retracted, do a special message.

 

7. Proper clothing

With a growing tummy, clothing should be free, in any case, you can not tighten the waist. From the fifth month, wear a bandage that supports the stomach. This will also help avoid stretch marks.

 

8. Proper nutrition

Nutrition during pregnancy is often original because of changing preferences. But keep a balance: a quarter of the diet should be fish or lean meat, a quarter — dairy products and eggs, the best — vegetables, and fruits. Limit the use of sweets, smoked meats, spices. This also applies to strong tea and coffee. But from fast food, soda, chocolate, and pistachios is better to refuse at all, so as not to cause allergies in the child.

 

9. Get proper counseling

Be sure to observe during pregnancy with your doctor or any good specialist such as Dr. Rahul Sen. To register is better in the first days, as this condition was revealed. Complications are possible in the 1st trimester, so contact and expert advice is important. After the 12th week, genetic counseling may be needed if a woman is 35 years old. In the middle of the term, ultrasounds are usually done to determine if the fetus has defects. From the 28th week, you need to control the position of the child, which can be corrected.

 

10. Physical activity

Exercise should be moderate, fairly short walks or swimming. But do them only on the recommendation of a doctor and preferably under observation.

Bonus tip: try a weighted blanket to help relieve stress and anxiety.

Why Parents Send their Kids to Private Schools

Education is an important part of a child’s growth and development, as such choosing the school that they go to – could be one of the most important decisions you have to make.  May parents are opting to put their children in private schools with the options ranging from boarding schools to preschools to give them a step up the academic ladder.  Here we discuss in more depth why an increasing number of parents are going down this route.

More Academic Opportunities

The reality is, there are much more academic opportunities in private schools than you would normally get in public schools.  This isn’t just in the classroom curriculum but with extra-curricular activities that are often available too.  This kind of thing enriches their lives and education.  You will also find that tend to go on to score top marks when it comes to entrance or enrollment exams.

Smaller Classes

A huge benefit to private schools is that the classes are much smaller.  This means that your child will get much more one on one interaction with their teachers to help them with their development.  There are also far fewer distractions which will allow them to focus more on their activities.  This is particularly beneficial if you have a child that learns much better in small groups.

Greater Parental Involvement

In a preschool– you will find that parents are much more involved than they would be if their child went to a public school.  This means that you can feel in more control over what’s going on with your child’s development – and will also give you a sense of security that they are progressing as they should be.  They also tend to have much more of a community feel to them as they are smaller in size, so parents will get to know one another and can chat things through.

If you take a look at WinWood, a private preschool in Washington DC, you’ll see that they have something called MyToddlerLink which allows you to check on your child via video stream when you’re at home/work and can’t visit them. They also have an app that allows you to see status updates. This is an advantage that you can’t get with regular schools.

Having a Common Goal and Philosophy for Learning

As there are so many options when it comes to educating your children, it’s not surprising that parents are now opting to go down the route of choosing a private preschool that fits in with their own core values and beliefs when it comes to learning.  This adds to the community spirit feel that a private school has too.  Everyone has the same common goals and beliefs when it comes to education.

They go Above and Beyond

Private schools tend to go above and beyond with everything they do. They always have additional resources for children, they have more extra-curricular activities for them to explore – and are all about developing children for tomorrow’s world.  This kind of vision is what a lot of parents find attractive about private schools and will put their kids in good stead for the future.

If you ever wondered why some parents to go down the route of private schools over public schools, hopefully, this has answered some of your questions for you.

The Joys of Getting Sushi Meals Ready at Home

One of my favorite dishes, sushi, has fascinated me for many years. Why do you ask, because of it’s amazing health benefits and ease of preparation? Now, thanks to sushi roll machines, it’s never been easier to make your own at home. There are many benefits to preparing your own sushi. In this article we will explore three of the top benefits preparing your own sushi at home provides while examining the absolute joys eating heart-healthy sushi gives.

Cost Savings

Anyone who’s been to the supermarket lately will testify to the fact that, although sushi is extremely healthy, it is also very expensive if you haven’t prepared it yourself. What if I told you instead of paying 10 to 15 dollars a person, you could save money preparing sushi yourself at home for a fraction of the cost, a $1.40 per person to be exact.

When deciding to prepare this amazing dish at home, the most important ingredient is sushi grade fish. Typically, there are 5 main types of sushi, Nigiri, Sashimi, Maki, Uramaki, and Temaki. Most often, you’ll see sushi prepared either one of three ways, as Maki (rolled) where seaweed is on the outside, Uramaki, where seaweed is on the inside and rice on the outside, or Temaki, a cone-shaped piece of sushi that’s rolled by hand. Depending on your preference, you may prepare it any one of these ways.

Ease Of Preparation

With machines, like the Sushi Machine Australia available, preparing sushi is a breeze. For those of us who have to prepare it by hand, don’t sweat, here’s a delicious recipe anyone can use to prepare Teriyaki Chicken Sushi Rolls in the comfort of their own homes with or without a machine.

First, start by preparing your rice. Rinse rice with cold water and place in a heavy-duty saucepan. Add water. Next, turn the heat on your stove to medium-high a bring water to boil. Reduce to simmer and cover. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until rice is nice and soft. Turn off heat and allowed to cool. After the rice has fully cooled, add rice vinegar, 1 to 2 tablespoons are plenty. Now, set this aside until ready to prepare your sushi rolls.

Once your rice is cooked, make teriyaki chicken. Slice your chicken breast into thin strips and place in a plastic bag. Add some teriyaki sauce, a pinch of brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix everything together in the bag and place in your fridge to marinade for about an hour. Now, fry your chicken with a spot of olive oil for 3 or 4 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and slightly crisp on the outside. Once finished, set a frying pan to the side and allow to cool.

Almost done. Next, assemble your sushi rolls. Using a sushi mat, lay seaweed shiny side down. Add sushi rice so that seaweed is covered leaving the top inch bear. Add additional ingredients like chicken, avocado slices, and asparagus, then start rolling the sushi from top to bottom.

Make sure you roll it tight as you don’t want it to fall apart once you slice it. Finally, rap the roles in saran wrap and store in the fridge until ready to cut. With a serrated knife or sushi machine, cut each roll into 28 thin slices and serve with your choice of wasabi or vinegar on the side.

Health Benefits

Sushi has been shown to have an enormous amount of health benefits. Studies have shown it not only fights heart disease and lowers LDL cholesterol levels, but one of its condiments, wasabi, has been shown to exhibit anti-cancer activity. Sushi can help boost your metabolism while lowering your bad cholesterol levels and reducing your overall risk for cancer. Put down the fast food, give sushi a try, you’ll be glad you did.

How to Prioritize Exercise as a New Mom

Becoming a mother is an incredible experience. With all the rewards that come with it, so do numerous changes. When you become a parent, you get a completely new set of priorities and it may seem like the old habits and routines are far gone. With the new baby, sticking to your old way of life can indeed be challenging. There are days when you feel so exhausted that even brushing your teeth may seem like a struggle, not to mention finding time and strength for a workout. By now, you’re probably aware of all the benefits that exercising regularly has on your overall health as well as on your mood. Here are some useful ideas to help you incorporate exercise into your new daily routine and get you back in shape.

1. Make a plan.

If you’re one of those people who like to master-plan everything from grocery shopping to moving house, then you know how much easier things can get. If you’re on the other hand, more of a theory-of-chaos student now may be the time for a change of habits. Good planning is definitely half the battle, especially at this point when you feel like your whole life has changed. Making a schedule will give you an insight into the times when you can squeeze in your workout routine. Sometimes, you won’t be able to stick to it completely, but don’t let that get you down. The important thing is to try to be consistent as much as you can.

2. Exercise at home.

When you have a baby, you may find leaving home a bit more complicated than you thought. No matter the reasons, if you’re not able to spend time at your local gym like you’re used to, don’t worry. There are many other ways to do some much-needed exercise and one of them includes working out at home. Search the web and find some gym equipment online store where you can buy hand weights, jump rope and other similar equipment you can use at home. Pieces of furniture like a chair or a sofa may come handy too. Use the time to work out when your baby is napping or you have a family member around. Yoga is also a great choice to get your body perfectly toned and stretched at home and here you can get some inspiration and check the yoga pose library.

3. Take baby steps.

With the new schedule, you’ll probably find it challenging to set aside a full hour for a workout. That’s understandable given the circumstances. Instead of a long exercise, you can do shorter 10 to 15 minutes workouts while your baby is asleep or occupied. Aim for quality over quantity and make every minute count. Set realistic goals, and don’t be harsh on yourself if sometimes you can’t perform the way you would want to. Taking baby steps will make it a habit to prioritize exercise and with time, you’ll be able to make your workouts longer.

4. Exercise with your baby.

Even if you don’t have a babysitter, there are still a number of ways you can exercise with your baby. You can put a baby in a stroller and go for a walk. You’ll get your exercise and you’ll both get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine. Inviting your friends to join you is a great way to socialize. When your baby gets older, you can switch to jogging. There is a variety of jogging strollers available designed especially for this activity. Another great activity you can indulge with your bundle of joy is hiking. Put your baby in a sling or a front carrier and let them enjoy nature together with you.

5. Find someone to watch the baby.

Whether it’s a partner, a babysitter or a family member, ask someone to watch the baby so you can exercise. Having this time just for yourself will mean a lot. You’ll be able to dedicate yourself to your workout routine without interruptions and worries. Depending on the amount of time you can get, you can go to the gym or exercise at home. You can even go for a run around the neighborhood. Talk to your partner and see if it’s possible for them to watch the baby before they go to work. A morning workout will boost your energy levels and keep them high throughout the day.

Conclusion

Learning how to prioritize exercise is a skill that can be mastered like any other. Although it may seem difficult at first, with the new baby and hectic schedule, it’s still doable. By exercising regularly, you’ll not only feel great but will also get more energy to tackle all the other obligations that motherhood brings.

Regaining Your Pre-Pregnancy Shape

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Being pregnant is certainly one of the most amazing and most challenging parts of a woman’s life. Of course, if you live in Australia, the challenges of pregnancy are easily overcome because you have access to all the care that you need. Everybody talks about how important it is to take care of yourself during and after pregnancy, but how little time you’ll have to do so is usually underestimated. Your baby will have to be a priority for a long time but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your mental and physical health.

Being a new mother is hard for many reasons, one of the main ones being that your body needs to heal. As well as that, you’ll notice some changes and gain a new shape that you didn’t use to have. This can be fairly discouraging for most women as they are used to looking a certain way. So as not to take a toll on your confidence and self-worth, you need to make an effort to regain your pre-pregnancy shape. Every woman likes feeling beautiful, and getting your old body back can do wonders for your happiness. Remember, a happy mother makes for a happy baby.

1. The first days

It’s important to start exercising after the first few days of giving birth just so your body can get used to being active again. That being said, you can’t overdo it. You’re still very sore and sensitive from giving birth, which is evident even when you start feeling a little better after a couple of days. Ideally, you should let your body rest for one week and then slowly start exercising.

One of the best exercises you can do after giving birth is isometric exercises. They’re the type of exercise that focuses on building muscle through resistance. If you want to bond with your baby while exercising, a very simple thing you can do is lie on the floor on your back. Place the baby on your tummy then tighten your abdominal muscles and push the baby upwards as you breathe. You’ll be inhaling while you push the baby up and exhaling as you set them back down.

Walking is another thing you can do start moving. You’ll have a lot of obligations and responsibilities, which means you’ll be on your feet a lot. This is good news because walking is one of the most convenient things you can do to help your body regain shape. First of all, cardio is bound to build endurance and stamina, making you more capable of handling taking care of the baby and the house. You can also carry your baby and walk around the house with it. This way you’ll be strengthening your arms, tightening different muscles along your body, and bonding with your baby at the same time.

If you want to kick it up a notch with walking, you can always walk in place when you’re doing chores like washing the dishes, for example. Don’t be afraid to take solo walks outside the house, either. Building up your strength will get you ready to tackle the neighborhood and some surrounding hills, too. As your baby grows, you can even bring them along with you. You’ll be surprised how much muscle pushing a stroller around builds.


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2. Establishing a routine

Now that you’ve started exercising in your first days of being a new mother, it’s time to start establishing a routine. The key to getting back in shape is to continually exercise. Building your routine is going to be hard in the beginning, because your schedule is mostly concerned with your little one right now. The gentle exercise you’re doing in your first days after giving birth will be an excellent path to a lasting routine.

Not only is it easier for your body as it gets used to exercising regularly, but it’s also much easier for your schedule. It’s better and simpler to fit in simple exercises into your day than to try to fit in full workouts right away. Build up to your final goal, don’t start at the ending.

More often than not, new Aussie mums have trouble starting their new exercise routine because they don’t feel it working. Saggy skin around the abdomen and breasts can be a huge disadvantage that hinders your success. Instead of becoming more confident as you exercise, you’re actually getting demotivated by the day as your skin is still saggy, no matter how good you may feel. This is why plastic surgeons in Canberra state that this is a procedure undertaken after pregnancy that focuses on the breasts and abdomen. It’s common for new mothers to opt for it because it sagging breasts and tummy are rectified with this procedure.

Thus, this can be the perfect boost you need to establish your routine. That’s especially true since you’ll be doing mostly light exercises in the beginning, and your body will have time to heal from the procedure while getting used to being active again.

The best practice for establishing a routine is to exercise at the same time every day or every other day. There must be a time in the day when you can just put the baby down and do your exercises. Even if it’s just half an hour, it will be enough to get you used to exercise at a certain time. If nothing else, you can always use the time when your baby is napping wisely. Other than that, you can wake up somewhat earlier or go to bed a little later. Whatever free minute you have in the day, use it to establish your exercising routine.


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3. After six months and more

Once you’ve established your exercising routine and your body has mostly healed from giving birth, you can step it up a notch. Going slow and steady wins the race, and this is the time where you really get to prove that. When it comes to exercising six and more months after giving birth, you have a lot more options to choose from.

First of all, you can start with the pelvic tilt. This is a great way to strengthen your abdominal muscles. Of course, make sure that your abdominal muscles didn’t separate during birth before you attempt this exercise. If the doctor hasn’t informed you in the hospital, you can always check with them now. With your knees bent and feet flat, lay on the floor. Then slowly tighten your abdominal muscles as the pelvis rolls towards your upper body. Instead of using your bottom muscles to move, try using your tummy muscles.

Another simple yet effective exercise you can do at home is the swan stretch. This is an especially good choice if you have a sore back and want to strengthen your back muscles. You should lie on the floor with your palms on the floor beside your shoulders. Then simply lower your elbows to your hips and let the upper part of your body move off the mat until your ribs are lifted. Make sure that there is no tension in the lower back.

If you want to try something different, there’s always Yoga and Pilates. These two types of exercises are good for the mind and the body and work on strengthening your core. As well as that, you’ll learn just how strong your body is and improve your mental health. The best part about Yoga and Pilates is that they can be done at home and at fitness centers. This way, you can choose what’s more comfortable for you. Lots of YouTube videos will show you exactly what to do and how to move while you’ll still get to keep an eye on your little one. On the other hand, if you’re itching to get out of the house a little, you can always enroll in a class and meet some new friends.

Finally, one of the most fun things you can do to regain shape is to dance. Whenever you can, have a little dance party at your house. Play all your favorite tunes and don’t be afraid to really move your body. This activity can be fun for the baby, too. They’ll love watching their mum be happy and goof around, but they’ll also love to participate if you choose to dance together.

Conclusion

Even though the road to regaining your pre-pregnancy shape is long and tiresome, it’s worth it. Being in shape doesn’t just mean being beautiful and confident, it also means being healthy. Your body will be much stronger and heal more easily, allowing you to nail every new challenge as a mother. The basis for a strong relationship with your child and good mental health is being physically fit and able to handle your new life. You’re not just getting in shape for yourself, you’re also doing it for your child. We’re confident that with some dedication and time, you’ll be in your pre-pregnancy body once more.

6 Fashion Trends to Try out This Summer

Adding a modern garment can inject attitude to the most basic wardrobe. The catwalk styles are extreme and basically for display, but they become accessible and everyday versions that are sold at a massive level of fast fashion and retail. Some deserve our money, others do not. Go through the list of the great successes (and failures) of this summer to find your style. Additionally, to learn more about fashion check out ThreadCurve.com

  1. Animal prints

The leopard and cheetah prints are still incredibly popular. If we have loved it, we have bought it and we have used it since the 60s, so why stop doing it now? Wear blouses, mid-calf skirts, and dresses that are so “trendy”. Snake skin has also been included, but this trend comes and goes, and it is one of those options that you like or detest. Our professional advice: opt for the prints of classic animals, such as leopard and cheetah for clothes (the zebra is not one of them) and let the sandals or boots with relief reptile add a dash of style to jeans and pants.

  1. The utilitarian style

This trend looks great on the catwalk and is practical in real life. The jumpsuits similar to the old pilot or mechanic, cargo pants and military style jackets have been updated. Choose loose and loose garments with some definition at the waist (elastic inserts, a belt or adjusted to the shape) in soft and elastic combinations. These additional pockets are excellent for storing keys, cell phones, IDs, eyeglasses and lipsticks. Our professional advice: if you like wide jeans, you will love the cargo; but look for the ankle shorts. You will not see many cargo pants on the catwalks, but they are an overwhelming trend in stores. To make utility garments look a little more elegant when going to work or going out at night: wear the jacket with tight skirts and feminine dresses, add a silk blouse to the cargo pants, and put on your overalls with soother heels and a jacket.

  1. Dyed

Hippie’s splashes are reinvented in neutrals with controlled colouring. And this is not the fashion of a single season: this trend will continue until the following autumn and winter, thanks to the strange calendar of fashion shows in the fashion industry with a season of anticipation. I just saw it! Our professional advice: opt for white and gray dyeing, or faint black, instead of the striking kaleidoscope colours you see on the catwalks, or choose a dyeing effect in immersion that is more gradual and monochromatic to achieve a more versatile style and sophisticated. It makes more sense to wear it in mid calf skirts, sweatshirts, blouses and athletic clothing.

  1. Denim clothing

If you love jeans or the idea of ​​wearing jeans, but you have not put them in years, here you will see how to wear denim now. The straight and mid-calf structured skirts were not starring on the catwalks, but they really had an impact with the stores and online retailers that recognize lifestyle success when they see it. Our professional advice: opt for good knee-length skirts straight or mid-calf that resemble normal clothing (but without the seams and pockets that look like jeans) and t-shirt dresses that are really dressed (not only cambray shirts with curved skirts) and those with a bib overalls with bib.

  1. Yellow

The great colour trend is cheerful yellow in all its variations of tone, intensity and hue. It is not only the bright school bus, but also the yellow banana, butter, calendula, turmeric, honey and saffron. Yellow works just as well with white, cool tones as black or navy blue, and warm tones such as tan or brown. Our professional advice: if you are one of the people who resist yellowing, try it on a print, on a skirt, on shoes or in a bag. Ignore neon yellows or intense acid, such as lime or chartreuse, which are very strong for some skin tones, and opt for softer, lighter yellows such as banana, amber or caramel (yes, those are also yellow).

  1. A lightweight suit

Do not wait more. This duet never fails to make us look confident and elegant, even on the hottest, wettest or rainiest days. When your hair is rebellious, your makeup feels sticky and you feel sweaty and swollen, the firm and modern figure of a tailor suit will help you to cope with the day. The new factor is in the proportions; In current fashion the jacket is more relaxed and longer than in recent years, with a slight feeling that it is big, but without super shoulders. Our professional advice: choose a trouser that reaches the waist (your preference: the ankle, short, broad long, narrow or loose) and that goes well with your shoes, and accompany it with a jacket.

A Guide on Spring Cleaning Right Before You Move Home (And Other Ways To Make Your Move Less Stressful)

Moving house can be a stressful time… but it doesn’t have to be. One way to make your life a whole lot easier is to properly plan a spring clean so that when it’s time to move, you’re not left scrubbing the fridge at the last minute!

Not just this, but performing a spring clean means that your new home will feel as homely as possible right from the start. The fridge is clean, the floors are shining and there’s zero dust! Yay.

Naturally, spring cleaning is itself a daunting task (especially if you have to clean a lot of outdoor elements) So that it doesn’t add more stress on what can be an already-bulging stress pile before you move, let’s take a look at how to properly perform one. We’ll also take a look at other ways to make your move less stressful.

Clean High

Think dust is confined to just the countertops and floors? Think again. If you can get into your new home before you move, make sure to give things like overhead lighting fixtures and ceiling fans a good dusting.

In fact, tackle any features that are close to the ceiling as these can get really grimy.

Make sure to take a look at the floor directly underneath these features, too, as the dust has this nasty habit of trickling down. Ceiling fans in particular cause dust to actually rain down!

Clean Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors take it personally when you walk on them your shoes on, and they tend to show the dirt! If you’ve been guilty of this in the past, make sure to give your floors a good clean before you move. It’s the same if you’ve got pets – floors will collect hairs.

Use a dust mop or vacuum to get rid of the grime, dirt and any hairs. Dust the hardwood floor with a mop, and make sure to use a dusting agent.

Want a new floor altogether? Go here for the best hardwood flooring.

Work On The Fridge

I mentioned the fridge earlier, and it’s a pretty big deal. Why? Well, just think of all those perishable foods you’ve got in there! Not to mention the fact that a fridge can get plain filthy over the course of time.

Before you move, take out all your perishable food. This could take a bit of time and you should set aside at least 20 minutes for this task.

Then, make sure to scrub the inside of the fridge – from the shelves to the drawers – with soap and water. In fact, you might want to make a solution of vinegar and water, as this can scrape off any stuck-on, stubborn fifth.

Move onto the freezer next, removing the shelves and giving them a good clean.

Tackle The Whole Kitchen

Once you’ve cleaned the fridge, it’s time to move onto the whole kitchen.

There’s a lot to do, so it’s important that you put enough time aside to work on everything from the tops of the cabinets to the corners of the ceiling.

Then there are the appliances, including the sink, the microwave, and the oven. It will all need to be cleaned so that you can move into your new home with a much bigger peace of mind.

And if you’ve got any stubborn stains that just won’t come off, trying mixing hydrogen peroxide with baking soda.

Clean The Bathroom

It’s a smart idea to replace your toilet seat before you move. It will only cost a small amount, and it will ensure it’s super clean.

Other than that, cleaning the barroom is a matter of disinfecting. Use sponges and soaps to scrub surfaces, and then use an antibacterial spray to eliminate any germs that are still hanging around. You want your bathroom to be spotless and free from harmful bacteria.

Other Tips To Make Moving Easier

Hold a Garage Sale

Got some stuff you want to unload before you move? A garage sale is a great way of getting rid of things you don’t want while raising a bit of cash. Plus, it can be a super fun way to spend the day and you can get the whole family involved!

(Just make sure no one sells your favorite cardigan without you realizing)

You can use moving sale banners to help you advertise your sale.

Pack in Advance

For everything else that you want to take with you, make sure to pack in advance. If you leave packing until the very last minute, you will yourself a major headache and arguments between family members could easily break out!

Pack an Essentials Bag

It’s unlikely that you’ll unpack everything on your first night in your new home. Heck, you might not have unpacked everything by the end of the first week! This is why it’s helpful to pack an essentials bag that contains all the stuff you’ll need on the first night.

Hire Professional Movers

If you have a friend with a van who can help, that’s great. Otherwise, it’s a smart idea to hire professional movers to help you out.

Not sure it’s really necessary? Just think of all that heavy furniture that needs lifting!

Conclusion

The hard work starts now. Make sure to use the tips in this article to give your home a spring clean before you move. Trust me, once that’s out of the way moving will become so much easier (and even a tad fun!).

This guest post contribution is courtesy of SignMission, an American owned, operated and manufactured company in Florida. Signmission offers custom signs such as moving sale banners, safety signs, and even license plate frames.

7 Bachelor Party Stories 2019 that Could Ruin the Marriage

Brace up to read the weirdest, hilarious, and wild bachelor party stories. Ones they never want their wives to find out. Read up funny bachelor party stories!

Bachelor party stories are interesting and refreshing, little wonder brides to be don’t get to go. As the bachelor party themes, game, booze, and stories are one of the highlights. There are one too many a crazy bachelor party with unfathomable things happening in them.

We hear stripper stories, wild Vegas stories and more. They are entertaining, but they all have one thing in common. They can lead to a bachelor party gone wrong and ruin a marriage. Their wives must never know, but we do, so enjoy 7 interesting bachelor stories.

1. Hidden guilty pleasures

This groom did something he’s never done, but he can’t tell his wife. She would smoke him! Hear him…

“I did something during my bachelor’s even that I’m never going to tell my wife. I am not big on drugs, and my wife frowns over anything beyond marijuana. But my best man hosted my bachelor’s party at the casino. And after everything, I went into the toilet and snorted cocaine off the seat.”

2. Are those cold feet?

One of the toughest bachelor party challenges is getting through it without changing your mind. This was the case of this groom who almost developed cold feet. His story…

“My bachelor party happened at the bar, a day to rehearsal dinner. While hanging out with friends, those crazy thoughts came. I shed tears of fear, uncertainty and the unknown. But this is one thing I never want my wife to know. She’d misinterpret it.”

3. Stripper club stories

Some strip club stories can leave one lost for words. This was the case of this groom who got stunned by the confession of a stripper. See his story…

“I had my bachelor’s at my hometown, Pittsburgh. A city where everyone runs into someone they know. After bar hopping through the day, we ended up at a strip club. My friend screamed delight, and I realized it was my ex from middle school stripping. They all insisted I got a lap dance from her. After everything, she told me she had a husband. It was a stunning, yet weird discovery.”

4. Semi-nude wifie pictures

Drunk, yet fighting temptations with his wife’s semi-clad pictures. But his wife will never know what it cost him… Cost her. Read his story…

“On my bachelor party, I got very drunk. My friends didn’t relent on pushing me to visit the strip club. At some point, I got sick of it and pulled out my wife’s pictures. They were the ones she sent to me while I was away on a business trip. I told them, this was why I didn’t need the strip club. Back from the weekend, I told my wife with pride that I didn’t visit the strip club. But how I succeeded in not visiting, I’d never tell. Good thing I got my guys some awesome groomsman gifts.”

5. Scared lily-livered men

Who’s the boldest man? I’m sure this groom would raise his hand. But that wasn’t the case during his bachelor party weekend. His story is hilarious!

“My brothers who doubled as my best men planned a whole bachelor’s weekend at Finger Lakes, New York. We took a cabin, with the plan to eat, smoke weed, booze, eat sausage, and play golf. On the first day, a storm hit, which sent us from the golf course to the cabin. While drinking, the sky turned black, phones went off, and radio signaled a tornado. We could find only a small crawling space cum basement, which all 12 of us crawled into. I can’t tell my wife that 12 grown men were well scared for their lives and ran to hide. Although, I told her about the tornado.”

6. The wild Vegas party loss

Hosting wild bachelor parties in Vegas will leave you with wild Vegas stories. This is the case of this man who lost huge cash. Hear him.

“I’ve never visited Vegas, so I had a weekend bachelor party there. I’m a social gambler, but with the Bach party craze, I gambled and lost a lot of money. I’d have used it to make a down payment of a house or something responsible as an adult. My saving grace was that I and my wife had not merged our accounts.”

7. The bucket list – or not

He always wanted to sleep with an Asian woman since college, and his friend knew this. Was he able to strike that off his bucket list? Did he do it even while almost married? Find out.

“I’ve always fancied sleeping with an Asian woman, and my best friend since college knew. But getting married, I knew I couldn’t do that anymore. So, my best friend got me an Asian stripper for my bachelor’s party. She gave me a lap dance. But that, I can’t bring myself to tell my wife.”

Reading some of the best bachelor party stories above will leave you in fits of laughter. The wife must never know!

For the Love of Shoes: Tips on Buying New Pairs for the Summer

Summer is still a few weeks away, but you can already feel the heat and the excitement – mostly the heat – in the air. Summer means spending more time outside and having a lot of fun being involved in adventures and parties. Summer is also the perfect time for new outfits, fresh new looks, and some fashion experiments along the way.

One thing you must never forget when preparing for the summer is to pick up the right pairs of shoes. A suitable pair can turn an ordinary look into a special one. It can also make or break a look and determine just how comfortable you can be when spending a lot of time outside. So, how can you be smart with buying new pairs of shoes for the season? Let’s find out, shall we?

 

Stylish Sneakers

One thing is true: you can never go wrong with sneakers. Sneakers can be paired with anything other than a super-formal attire. Well, I take that back. With enough confidence, you can rock a dress and a jacket with a stylish pair of sneakers. That’s the keyword there: stylish.

Finding a stylish pair of sneakers is no longer a difficult task, thankfully. Mainstream brands are putting more emphasis on style with the latest sneakers in their collections. They may have dull trainers, but there are always plenty of interesting sneakers to go for.

Fashion brands are joining the excitement too. Gucci sneakers are not only stylish and easy to mix and match, but they are also easily one of the most comfortable sneakers on the market too. You can check out the full lineup of Gucci sneakers and other footwear on the SSENSE website to get some inspiration.

Even simple sneakers work well in the summer. White sneakers, a pair of jeans, and a white T-shirt are all you need to look stylish. You can add accessories or switch to a mini skirt for a chic look. Alternatively, you can go for a more colorful pair of sneakers for some extra flair. And if you need a little help trying to figure sneakers out, finding out what does c/d mean in shoe sizes will certainly help a lot!

 

Time for Sandals!

Summer is arguably the only season when wearing sandals make sense. Whether you are spending an entire day at the beach or just having a fun get-together with friends, wearing sandals is acceptable in most casual occasions. Sandals are also very comfortable on a hot day, although they don’t provide the best protection.

Some sandals are also designed to be stylish and trendy. Collections from brands like Havaianas, for instance, now introduce more colors and patterns so that they can be mixed and matched with various outfits. You can even find sandals in the season’s best colors, including coral and white.

The only thing you want to avoid is wearing sandals with the wrong outfit. Some casual outfits work better with sneakers or flats. Other looks simply aren’t made for sandals entirely. Still, take extra care and I guarantee that you will love your sandals this summer; a good pair of sandals is unbeatable.

If you don’t fancy flip-flops, slide sandals are great alternatives. Some heeled sandals are gorgeous. The classic Adilette Slide Sandals are interesting when paired with jeans or muted skirts. They are incredibly comfortable and can be worn as flats with the right outfits.

 

Along Come the Flats

Of course, we cannot talk about summer shoes without talking about flats. Flats are perfect for summer not just because of the comfort level they offer, but also because they work well with a wide range of looks and outfits. You can wear flats – the right pair of flats – with a semi-formal dress as well as a casual T-shirt and jeans.

As this is a very popular type of shoes for the summer, the options to choose from are enormous. Some flats are more interesting than others. Gucci has this incredible ink Patent Sadie Spike Ballerina Flats; from the name, you can immediately tell that the flats have spikes and gorgeous accents. It is (un)surprisingly comfortable too.

The Tulum Soft Footbed is also interesting in its functionality. The four-strap design means you can wear this pair comfortably all day and provide your feet with sufficient support. The same four-strap design also makes this pair more flexible, since you can wear it with a semi-formal outfit without the shoes looking out of place.

Comfort is still the focus here, so make sure your flats are designed for comfort. Most flats with good soles can support your feet over an extended period of time without making you feel like you are walking on nails all day. Find the perfect pair of flats, and they will be your favorite shoes for sure.

Here’s the good news: now is the perfect time to shop for summer shoes. The new collections are out, discounts are still in place, and you can get great deals on the shoes you want; those Gucci sneakers are looking more and more attractive when you additional discounts and special offers from a retailer like SSENSE, don’t they?

How to Have the Health of the Whole Family under Control

Raising a family isn’t always an easy task – your children are busy, you are overworked and there are too many things that need to be done, and somehow never enough time. However, considering the high percentage of child obesity, as well as the number of easily prevented chronic illnesses among adults, it seems that the stakes truly are high, which is why it is so important to have a healthy family life. So, here are some ways you can keep the health of your whole family under control:

Eat healthy meals as a family every day

Photo by Aldyth Moyla on Unsplash

 

Even though family mealtime is often overlooked in our overly hectic lives, regular family meals are the easiest way to have the health of your whole family under control. As the person who is usually in charge of cooking, you have the ability to only make healthy and nutritious meals that will not only provide your family with all the daily vitamins and minerals they need, but it will also teach your children to become less picky eaters when they have a wide variety of healthy food available at home. Family meals will also provide an opportunity for family members to come together, strengthen ties and build better relationships with each other.

Pay attention to your oral hygiene

Taking proper care of your mouth, teeth and gums can help prevent bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay, and can even help you keep your teeth as you get older. That is why teaching your children how to maintain good oral hygiene is of vital importance, as well as paying regular visits to the dentist together, as a family. If you need a recommendation, be sure to visit https://www.dentalartsny.com/. But apart from maintaining hygiene, another good idea would be to invest in some cosmetic work to make sure you have healthy, pearly white teeth and an alluring smile. While most cosmetic dental procedures can be quite costly in many countries around the world, for example, invisalign cost in Sydney is fairly low, which is why most Australians who want to have perfectly straight and beautiful teeth decide to pay a visit to some of Sydney’s best and most professional dentists.

Choose a good family doctor

If you are an American, your healthcare system gives you the option of finding a great family physician, which can be the right answer to most health-related problems you and your family may face. Since family doctors tend to treat a wide range of conditions, they can be your primary care physician for every family member at any point in life. Family doctors have the change of familiarizing themselves with your personal, as well as your family health history, helping them make quicker and more accurate diagnoses. Apart from yearly checkups, family physicians can help you manage illnesses, and may also perform minor surgical procedures, or help you find a specialist when the need occurs. While family doctors save you money, more importantly, they offer you and your family better overall health.

Don’t overlook the importance of mental health

According to the World Health Organization, almost 20% of children worldwide experience some form of mental disorder in their lives, most commonly anxiety and ADHD, and over 15% of adults suffer from mental illnesses, prevalently depression. Unfortunately, disorders such as these are underdiagnosed and undertreated, even though treatments are uncomplicated and readily available. Since depression can sometimes be a side effect of chronic illnesses in adults, managing these conditions may be of great help. Additionally, promoting a healthy lifestyle, improving living conditions and getting enough support from friends and family members, as well as regular visits to psychologists, therapists and support groups, are all effective ways of aiding in the treatment of mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression.

If you work healthy habits into your family’s life and daily schedule, and never overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you will boost your family’s chances of living longer and better lives.