Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 14 mai 2018
I Don't Enjoy Every Second of Motherhood - and Honestly, I Feel Sh*tty About It
Thanks to social media, we all get to see the Pinterest-worthy mother in our feed on a daily basis. She's the mother with the perfectly matched outfits for her children. She's the mother that's always smiling and laughing. She's the mother who always has a clean house. She's the mother who bakes a million cupcakes after a full day's work and happily decorates them until 1 a.m. She's the mother who thrives during tantrums, spit-ups, and sibling fights. She is not me.
While we all know that social media only showcases people's best moments, I know that these mothers are real. I've seen them in person and have heard them talking at school functions - smiling and soaking up chaotic mornings, gushing about how sleepless nights mean they just get to spend more time with their baby, and never having a public meltdown even when their child runs away from them in the middle of a busy parking lot. They have it all under control, and they love every chaotic, hard, heartbreaking, and tiring moment. As much as I envy them, I just don't get it. How could they enjoy every second of motherhood? Don't get me wrong - I love being a mom more than anything, but there are moments when I want to scream.
How can some mothers enjoy every second of motherhood? Don't get me wrong - I love being a mom more than anything, but there are moments when I want to scream.
You know the moms I'm talking about - the ones that are so in love with motherhood at all times while me (and most other mothers I know) swear under our breath before getting the kids into the car in the morning. We leave the house without brushing our own teeth - let alone our kids'. Our cars look like garbage dumps with processed food wrappers serving as the floor. In other words, we're sometimes a bit of a mess. Although we all love motherhood, we don't seem to revel in every aspect of it like they do.
How do they do it? Really. I want to know. Being a mother didn't come naturally to me at first, but the joy it brings me goes unmatched. When my children were babies, I loved being woken up in the morning by listening to their coos through the monitor. I adored watching all of their firsts, too. But there is so much of it that is not beautiful. But for the perfectly content mothers, everything is.
It makes me feel less than. No, I shouldn't compare. No one should. All mothers are badass superheroes, but sometimes we can't help it. When I see a mother happily reprimand her child (and her child promptly listen to her in response), I just think, "What the hell am I doing wrong?"
To all you blissful mothers out there, keep doing your thing, but maybe throw in the occasional F-bomb? Maybe don't brush your hair one day? Maybe give me that comforting "I've been there" look instead of a pity smile? Because then that way, the rest of us - the moms who don't or can't hide the rough sides of parenting - will feel more like we're in this together instead of like we're falling behind.
Editor's Note: This piece was written by a POPSUGAR contributor and does not necessarily reflect the views of POPSUGAR Inc. Interested in joining our POPSUGAR Voices network of contributors from around the globe? Click here.
31 Musical Baby Names That Will Add a Whole Lot of Rhythm to Your Life
Music is an incredibly powerful thing. It can make you feel blissfully happy, help you through a dark time, or inspire you to run just one more mile. You also probably know of a song or two that holds a special place in your heart - music is the soundtrack of our lives, after all. So why not take some of that rhythm and put it into a baby name? From the most epic performers of all time to musical instruments, the possibilities really are endless. Keep reading for 31 musical baby name ideas that will make you want to do a happy dance.
- Lyric
- Aretha
- Joni
- Cadence
- Bari
- Calliope
- Zeppelin
- Reed
- Dolly
- Nashville
- Banjo
- Allemande
- Aria
- Adele
- Piper
- Harper
- Clef
- Harmony
- Clarinet
- Jazz
- Opus
- Hendrix
- Presley
- Lennon
- Wolfgang
- Elton
- Joplin
- Ludwig
- Armstrong
- Ellington
- Coltrane
This Is What Eating Fast Food Means For Your Fertility
Although doctors have known that obesity and smoking can negatively affect a woman's chance of getting pregnant, researchers recently discovered that diet, especially the amount of fast food a woman consumes, may also be a factor. A recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction attempted to measure how big of a factor diet is for women who are actively trying to conceive.
Scientists analyzed the diets of 5,598 pregnant women from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Each participant, who was between 14 and 16 weeks gestation, was asked to describe to a research midwife what they ate during the month leading up to conception. The midwife also took into account which women used fertility treatments to get pregnant.
Researchers asked each woman how many servings of fruit, green leafy vegetables, fish, and fast food (burgers, fried chicken, pizza, and french fries) they had during that one-month span and saw a correlation between the amount of fast food consumed and infertility rates.
Researchers found that women who ate fast food four or more times a week took almost a month longer on average to become pregnant compared to those who ate fast food less frequently. What's more? Subjects who ate three or more servings of fruit per week were likely to conceive in a shorter amount of time, whereas women who didn't average a serving of fruit each week saw a month-and-a-half delay.
Overall, women who ate the least amount of fruit increased their rate of infertility from eight to 12 percent, and those who ingested fast food four-plus times per week saw an increase from eight to 16 percent. Yikes!
"We recommend that women who want to become pregnant should align their dietary intakes towards national dietary recommendations for pregnancy," first study author Jessica Grieger said. "Our data shows that frequent consumption of fast foods delays time to pregnancy."
And believe it or not, the amount of leafy green veggies women consumed didn't appear to have any effect on fertility.
Grieger also thinks there's a tiny bit of wiggle room in their findings since the chances of women underreporting how much fast food they ate during 30 days is likely.
"For any dietary intake assessment, one needs to use some caution regarding whether participant recall is an accurate reflection of dietary intake," Grieger explained. "However, given that many women do not change their diet from pre-pregnancy to during pregnancy, we believe that the women's recall of their diet one month prior to pregnancy is likely to be reasonably accurate."
Why This Photo of a Little Girl Standing on a Toilet Will Keep You Up at Night
"I took this picture because initially I thought it was funny." That's how Michigan mom Stacey Wehrman Feeley began a Facebook post, centered on an image of her young daughter standing on their bathroom toilet.
But the instant her child told her what she was actually doing, Feeley broke down in tears.
"She was practicing for a lockdown drill at her preschool and what you should do if you are stuck in a bathroom," she wrote. "At that moment, all innocence of what I thought my three-year-old possessed was gone."
Feeley decided to post the powerful image with an accompanying message begging for more gun control and changes to the nation's current laws. It has more than 7,000 reactions and has been shared more than 10,000 times since she posted it last week.
Below, read an excerpt from her post, and click the image above to see it in its entirety:
Politicians - take a look. This is your child, your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren and future generations to come. They will live their lives and grow up in this world based on your decisions. They are barely 3 and they will hide in bathroom stalls standing on top of toilet seats. I do not know what will be harder for them? Trying to remain quiet for an extended amount of time or trying to keep their balance without letting a foot slip below the stall door?
Staying Sane During Deployment: A Military's Wife's How-To List
My husband got deployed to the Middle East shortly after our daughter was born. When he was gone, I didn't really know what to do or how to act. It was hard living like a single mom, and while a lot of people in my life offered to help (family members even offered to move in with me), I ended up slightly pushing them away. I wasn't trying to be a jerk - I just knew it was very important for me to be self-reliant, because they weren't going to be able to be there all the time. I missed my husband and worried about him endlessly when he was gone, but I needed to find happiness and figure out how to enjoy life when wasn't there. Keep reading for some helpful tips that helped me keep my sanity (and my life) together while my husband was deployed.
Having 3 Kids: a List of Pros and Cons
I love my one and only brother, but a part of me always wished that I came from a three-kid family. My parents had one of each, and our family felt standard and typical (but lovely, of course). At after school hangouts and sleepovers, I studied my friends' three-kid families like I was doing anthropological research. It was as if the volume in our house was on a five and theirs was turned up to a nine or 10, and I don't just mean the noise. There were more snacks, toys, and backpacks on the coat rack, and more opinions, conversations, and personalities at the dinner table. I fantasized about the excitement of an entire other personality. Would the other child be more like me or my brother? Would one more kid give us the loud, bustling atmosphere of my dreams?
Three is actually the most stressful number of kids to have, according to a poll conducted by the Today show. Three is more stressful than one or two, and four (or more) is reportedly less stressful than three! My husband entered our marriage with one kid under his belt, and then we had two more, so I got the family of three I always dreamed of. Being a mother of three is similar to the parenting roller coaster we're all strapped into, but there are twists and turns unique to the amount of kids we're raising. If you're thinking about adding to your even number, here is a list of pros and cons about having three kids.
Pros
- Hand-me-down clothes and toys. Apart from the cost effectiveness of this, there is also the heart-squeezing joy of seeing each baby wear the clothes and play with the things the previous child owned.
- There's always a tie-breaker. Oh, can your kids not decide between two titles for movie night? Good thing you had a third kid.
- More hands on deck. Sunday chores go faster when you can delegate. The oldest can hold the baby in a pinch. It's kind of like having a few assistants, to be honest.
- Built-in friends. Big mom win: you don't have to invite someone over for a playdate to keep your kids occupied. They also spend so many valuable years being a friend at home that they carry it over into their relationships at school.
- A wide safety net. I'm a famously morbid person, but I'd be remiss if I didn't say that there'd be more family around when we eventually drop dead. This is also something I've reminded our kids: you have to take care of each other now and then.
Cons
- You can't just order one pizza. Pizza is a minimum two slices per person event, and two times five equals ten. A pizza has eight slices. One pie isn't enough, and two pies is too many. It's math.
- You can't give anyone a ride. We live in Brooklyn, where everyone we know lives relatively close to us, but once I had to drive some of the kids to a soccer game while my husband walked alongside the car with the other kid and his friend. Now we have a mini van.
- Constant triage. The baby is crying because all his teeth are coming in at once, the oldest is melting down over a complicated homework problem, and the middle one just wants to play a board game together. Your life is a near-constant exercise in determining degrees of urgency, and the non-medical, non-life-threatening needs often get ignored, which can be heartbreaking and terrible.
- You're outnumbered. Whether you have a partner or are doing it on your own, there are always more kids than you can carry. This is particularly terrifying in airports, subways, movie theaters, shoe stores, playgrounds, and anywhere outside your own home.
- Someone is always aged out of something. Finding and agreeing on an activity for three kids of varying ages will eventually mean that someone is too old for a play space, someone isn't tall enough for a ride, and/or someone isn't developmentally ready for a movie in a theater. The good news is that this won't last forever.
Want to Raise a Hard-Working Child? Do These 6 Things
One of the goals as a parent is to watch your child accomplish many wonderful things. My son is only 3, but I can already sense that this overwhelming pride I have for him will be present for the rest of my life. Besides being kind, I want him to find something in his life that he feels passionate about. As a teacher, I've seen that passion can facilitate hard work, but raising a hard-working child is about more than that.
A child who is hard-working has the tools they need to put in the kind of work that helps them be successful. A hard-working kid understands that things don't come easily or get handed to them. In truth, as a teacher, I would always rather have a classroom filled with hard-working students than geniuses. People can learn the things they need to do well in the world, but appreciating hard work is more difficult to teach. Getting kids to the point where they appreciate putting in a little elbow grease and a willingness to roll up their sleeves requires constant commitment to these six basic tenants.
- Recognize and encourage resiliency. The act of being resilient is so important for children because it teaches them that it's OK to fail. A lot of my former students see failure as the worst thing possible. Once they made a mistake, it was all I could do to get them to try again. By teaching our own children to be resilient, we're letting them know that part of success is failure, and that part of being hard-working is the willingness to try again.
- Acknowledge that they may do things differently than you. This might be the most important and difficult thing for parents to master. When trying to teach children to be hard-working, let them explore and figure out their own methods and strategies. When I'm in a class, I like to take Cornell notes. This works for me, and I show my students how it works, but it's not for everyone. Each of my students needs to figure out their own method because only then will they feel comfortable putting in the work.
- Be proud of their accomplishments, but also remind them of the hard work it took to get there. Every parent loves being proud of their kid. What's harder to manage is that children should be reminded of the steps they took to reach that accomplishment. Yes, it's amazing that your kid scored the game-winning goal, but that didn't happen out of nowhere. Practice, teamwork, listening to coaches, and skill helped them.
- Let them explore different worlds. Hard work looks different to everybody. I had many students who felt totally lost with reading Shakespeare, and if I had just assumed that they weren't going to excel in my subject, I would have never seen how amazing they were as writers and poets. Hard work looks different in various subjects and aspects of life. Let kids find what makes them excited and energetic.
- Don't diminish their effort. My 3-year-old son loves to help clean up. Is he good at it? No, but that's not the point. I would rather have a chore take three times as long because I've allowed my son to make a mess while trying to clean than to discourage his effort.
- Be an example of a hard-working adult. Children are parrots who see adults as examples of how they should live their life. If we come home and spend an entire evening complaining about our jobs and binge-watching mindless shows, they'll internalize that negativity toward hard work. Be positive and let them see all that you do for the house, your family, your fitness, and your job.
My Secret to a Great Marriage? Travel Without Your Kids
Marriage advice. I don't like people dishing it out. No relationship is like the other, so how could advice be applicable to everyone? But I'm going to break my own rule and say something more couples need to hear: you and your partner should go away every year without your kids. It may sound like an obvious suggestion, but you'd be surprised how many couples have never been away from their kids . . . like, ever. Constantly being together isn't healthy for anyone, including your kids. Here are my top five reasons traveling with only your partner is often the difference between a mundane marriage and an "I want what that couple has" marriage.
1. Sex.
The difference between a partner and a friend is this. And if there's one area of marriage that tends to suffer the most after kids, it's sex. Whether it's because of postpartum body changes, mind-numbing exhaustion, hormone changes resulting in less drive, or babies and toddlers in your bed, sex becomes, well, a little less sexy. But you know what can really help solve this? A hotel room, a tropical climate backdrop, and the notion that the only thing on the agenda for the next few days is drinking wine, eating decadent food, talking without interruption, and having nobody else to tend to (read: no vomit to clean). It's amazing how easy it is to slip back into the mindset of, "Oh my God, I'm actually attracted to my partner," because the daily grind can easily blur that.
2. Conversations that don't focus on your kids.
You occasionally sneak in snippets of your days to each other in between bedtime routines and couch pow-wows while watching Netflix, but you've really only scratched the surface (if you were listening that intently to begin with). Going out for date nights is a good start, but, in my opinion, it takes a few days away to properly remember that you two are people outside of kids. When my husband and I go away, we talk about the kids constantly for the first 36 hours, and then all of a sudden, we forget. And it's glorious. The health of the family is only as strong as the parental unit, no matter what that looks like, and when my husband and I aren't having meaningful conversations that don't involve our kids, I find that our overall family health suffers.
3. Exploring new things.
Remember when you first met and everything was exciting? And everything they said was funny, witty, and clever? Tack on a few years of marriage, general life stress, and a bunch of kids, and that excitement dissipates. When you travel to a new place with only your partner, suddenly everything (even mundane activities) becomes just a touch more exciting. And yes, it's fun to travel as a family and explore, which you should do often, but it's really fun to explore with only your partner. You might even remember why you married them in the first place or, at the very least, laugh (even if only occasionally) at their jokes again.
4. Your kids are better for it.
I realize that to even have the opportunity to get away for a week or a few days with only your partner requires a certain village of love surrounding you. But I'm willing to bet your parents, siblings, close friends, nanny, in-laws, etc. have a vested interest in the health of your marriage. People who love you want to help, and I don't know many grandparents who aren't clamoring for more undivided grandchild time. My mom says she now understands the reason for having kids is "to get to the grandkids" (thanks, Mom). But in all seriousness, you leaving your kids for a few days and having them live their best life with other people who love and care for them is a great experience for them as well.
5. Travel is good for the soul.
When we stay in our own bubbles, it's easy to forget there's a whole world out there full of different people, different perspectives, and beautiful ideas worth seeing and knowing about. When you travel and can be fully present without a bunch of kids tugging on your leg, you allow yourself the capacity to invite new experiences into your life, which you then take back home.
So, there you have it. The only marriage advice I will ever dish out. Every time my husband and I get away together without our kids, we come back appreciative, grateful, reenergized, and excited to reenter our blissful chaos with our kids. We make a point to get away for at least four days every year, just us. We don't have a perfect marriage, but I dare say we have a really great one. And I definitely think it's because we prioritize and value our time just as much as family time.
I Refuse to Apologize For Bottle Feeding My Baby
I had every intention on breastfeeding when I was pregnant with my first child. But here I am, two kids later, and I don't feel bad (and won't apologize) for bottle feeding both of them. Sometimes breastfeeding just doesn't work out for some mothers. There are so many reasons, some by choice and some not, so I've never been one to judge another mother when I see her bottle feeding her baby. I didn't tolerate anyone judging me, either.
When I did try to breastfeed my first child, it went south . . . fast. I was bullied into a C-section by my assh*le obstetrician and was pumped with so many drugs that I needed help holding my own baby. So, when it came time to try breastfeeding for the first time, the nurse held my firstborn to my boob. It was not the romantic picture I had signed up for. From that moment on, I failed at nursing. My nipples cracked, bled, and became engorged. Pumping didn't help. I got mastitis more times than I could count those first few weeks. My son developed reflux, and we both cried, sometimes all day long.
No matter what anyone told me, I felt like a failure. The bombardment of guilt crushed me as a new mother.
I felt so much damn guilt for not being able to breastfeed that the baby blues took over what should have been the happiest time of my life. I told myself I couldn't give my baby the proper nutrients he needed, and I beat myself up over it so badly. No matter what anyone told me, I felt like a failure. The bombardment of guilt crushed me as a new mother. I was not the carefree, natural parent I had envisioned myself to be.
Then one day, something magical happened. When my firstborn was inconsolable, I paced the entire house wondering how to calm him. We sat in his glider in his nursery, my greasy hair in a bun on the top of my head, and I gently patted him on the back - finally, he fell asleep. As we rocked together, I began to cry, but this time peace swept over me. I decided in that moment that I was going to quit breastfeeding. Neither he nor I could take it anymore. I owed it to him to try something else.
It was the smartest decision I could have made. Up until that point, I hadn't enjoyed him at all, but after my boobs became mine again, I jumped into motherhood like a badass. My son became one those easygoing babies in no time - one that slept like a champ and belly-laughed for strangers. He no longer felt the stress of his mother, and the clouds finally parted on our days together.
When our second child was born and the nurse tried to get me to breastfeed, I politely declined and said, "I'm going to bottle feed." And you know what? She didn't judge me. No one did (at least, not to my face). You never know what journey a woman has been on when it comes to breastfeeding, and you should trust that she knows what's best for her family, her baby, and her sanity. Instead of judging, you should applaud her for not choosing guilt to swallow her happiness as a new mother.
There's no denying the benefits of breast milk for your baby, but not all mothers can do it. Formula moms, know that it's OK. Your baby is going to be OK. You're going to be OK. Forgiving myself was the best gift I ever gave my son. I fell in love with him, and with us. I finally became the mom I envisioned. It was tough, but it was right. So, no, I won't apologize for bottle feeding my kids. I chose to be a happy mother for them, and that's good enough.
11 Reasons You NEED to Go to Disneyland If You've Only Ever Been to Disney World
Growing up a Florida girl, I always thought of Disneyland as a smaller version of Walt Disney World that was missing EPCOT and the Animal Kingdom. But I recently had to totally eat my words when I experienced the magic of Disneyland with my family for the very first time. California locals have always argued that Disneyland is better than Walt Disney World. While I don't think I can make that kind of proclamation, I was blown away by the rides, how easy it was to get around, and the unique touches you'll only find in SoCal. Oh, and they have Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, which is worth a few hundred points in my book (sorry, Florida). If you've ever thought about going to Disneyland but have always ended up back at Disney World, here are 11 reasons you absolutely have to experience it at least once.
My Son Isn't Misbehaving - He Has a Sensory Processing Disorder
You know those kids who playfully splash their hands in the water table at the children's museum? They fill up the cups to pour them out again, making soft waves in the water while playing in their own personal space. That is not my kid. My kid is the one who runs up to the table with a big smile on his face as he slaps his hands and pounds his fists on the surface of the water. He picks up that tiny cup, holds it high above his head, puckers his lips to make the noises of a jet airplane, and nose-dives it, spilling water everywhere. To you, he looks like a misbehaved child, but what you don't know is that he has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
When Camden was born, my husband and I had so many dreams for him already; he would be smart, kind, compassionate, polite, chivalrous, and active - pretty much perfect. We were your typical first-time parents, in awe of our sweet boy and every new milestone he achieved. When he started crawling at 6 months old and then walking at 9 months, we realized we were in for it. He was on the move, and he hasn't stopped since.
Can you imagine what life must be like for him? Like someone or something else took control of your body?
Camden is an active 3-year-old who loves to dance and jump like most toddlers his age, but after just a few minutes, he's so wired that he'll run in endless circles, ninja-kick the air, and throw himself on the couch imitating silly sounds - something that's nearly impossible to bring him back down from. He struggles with temper tantrums, and I'm not talking about your typical screaming match that can end with an easy bribe. No, these temper tantrums are on another level. Anything could send him over the edge: his hair being combed, his shoes being put on, and even the wrong-colored breakfast plate. He has to choose his own waffle every morning, otherwise he'll melt into a tearful puddle on the kitchen floor. The control he needs is unbearable at times, but control over the simplest things, like his breakfast waffle, is the only thing about his body that he actually can control.
It wasn't until he started preschool that we realized our energetic boy was a little different from the other kids. The first time Camden's teacher mentioned he had a hard time sitting still during circle time, I thought it was just typical toddler behavior. She then mentioned he frequently bumped into other kids (not out of aggression), needed more direct one-on-one cues to complete a task, and also needed to be physically touched and stroked on the back before he fell asleep for naptime. These were just a few of the moments that pulled at my mother's intuition.
The school director then called me in to have a meeting about Camden's behavior. There we were, his two classroom teachers, the director, and myself all sitting at a kiddie table when they asked if I had heard of Sensory Processing Disorder. I went home and googled things until I fell asleep. It was like we had found the missing piece of the puzzle that is Camden. We learned that SPD deals with the nervous system and is like a traffic jam in the brain. When the brain tries to communicate messages to the body about things like sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, the child has trouble organizing all of that information into its correct responses and instead reacts inappropriately. In other words, the software and hardware are all there, but they sometimes don't work together and cause "glitches."
There are several types of SPD. Some children can be sensory-seekers, others are sensory-avoiders, and some are both a sensory-seeker and a sensory-avoider. If we must label Camden, he is considered a sensory-seeker. He craves deep touch and fast movement and is always running, jumping, and hopping. He seeks out deep pressure to his muscles, tendons, and joints, which is why you'll find him crashing into a ball pit at the indoor playground or smacking himself into the padded walls of the jungle gym. Cuddling, hugging, and squeezing helps him feel more organized and focused.
Can you imagine what life must be like for him? Like someone or something else took control of your body? His sensory threshold is so high that he's constantly looking for some kind of physical input to help him feel grounded and calm. And although he may look calm sometimes, it doesn't mean that his body is. He's almost always in a constant state of high arousal.
Camden is a little different, but being different is OK. The diagnosis does not define who he is.
He's been in therapy for three months now, and my husband and I are finally getting a grip on SPD and what that looks like for Camden. Daily tasks like getting dressed and brushing his teeth are big accomplishments for him. We try to be as patient as possible, but some days we yell, some days we cry, some days we're mentally exhausted, and some days we feel like the worst parents in the world. To help calm and organize his sensory system, we focus on heavy work activities around the house, like wheelbarrow walks, frog jumps, and bear crawls. We give him resistant hand games like silly putty and Play-Doh and play tug-of-war every night. We do push-ups and yoga poses with him and use an exercise ball to help strengthen his upper body and increase his body awareness. With all of the physical activity we do in our house, you'd think we were training a future professional football player.
We have to get his therapy just right - it's called a sensory diet (no, it doesn't involve food) - otherwise it will send him into a sensory overload. One week he became so overstimulated from all the different sensory work during his therapy session that it sent his body into a major frenzy even before we left the gym. His eyes glossed over and he was running around the lobby bumping and crashing into chairs. It took him the entire day to snap out of it. That same week, we went to Target and he had a full-blown meltdown at the door. You know it and you've seen it. The one where you see the mother and say, "That kid is crazy, can't she control her kid?" The answer is no, I couldn't control him. I didn't stand a chance.
We feel somewhat satisfied knowing that we aren't bad parents who just didn't discipline well, but instead finally have a reason for his behaviors and have a plan. Before I understood what SPD was, I was always making excuses for my son's behavior. He may look like an out of control little boy to you, but he's trying his best to give his body what it's asking for. What you don't see are those quiet, gentle moments at bedtime when he snuggles up close to me and says, "I love you, Mommy." You don't see the way he softly pats his baby brother's head and says, "Aww," as he bends down and gives him a kiss. And you don't see the way he runs at full speed into his dad's arms each night yelling, "Daddy!" as he walks through the door from a long day at work.
Camden is a bright, intelligent, and compassionate little boy - a little boy we finally understand in a way we never did before. SPD isn't a disease, it isn't a learning disability, and it won't affect his development. He'll grow up and may never even remember this time of his life. But I hope the next time you see another child having a public meltdown or crying hysterically because their foot accidentally touched the sand or playing too aggressively at the museum's water table, consider that maybe they're not just misbehaving, but rather dealing with an invisible disorder. Camden is a little different, but being different is OK. The diagnosis does not define who he is. We're on this new journey together, and we're now seeing the world with new eyes.
Thinking of Hiring a Night Nurse? Here's Everything You Need to Know
From the moment you find out you're pregnant, your life becomes a whirlwind of changes. Most of these are happy changes, like planning for the future and welcoming your baby into the world, while other changes are a little bit more scary, like actually taking care of said baby.
While you probably planned ahead by reading books and prepping the nursery, there are so many things you just can't prepare for until they actually happen. It's a deliriously magical time, but one thing all new mothers (and mothers in general) know too well is sleepless nights. Being tired can affect your mood, productivity, health, and so much more, which is why night nurses are a great option for new moms who want some extra help. But what exactly do they do, and how do you know if you need one? Keep reading for all the information you need before you hire a night nurse.
1. What Exactly Is a Night Nurse?
A night nurse as a person who comes into your home to help care for your new baby in the middle of the night so you can get some much-needed rest. "This person helps new parents adjust to life with an infant by assisting in things like breastfeeding schedules, helping with any insecurities the parents might have, and establishing healthy routines for the new family," Alexandra Block, RN at Sutter Health in San Francisco, told POPSUGAR, adding that, in many cases, a night nurse will establish care with the family before the delivery and continue their care after the baby is born. Night nurses are particularly recommended for multiples like twins to give parents extra hands.
It's also worth nothing that hiring a night nurse can also be a crash course in raising a baby. They're often trained in child care, and their knowledge can help new parents learn things firsthand. This educational period can be highly beneficial for all involved.
2. How Do You Find One?
There are many agencies that offer night nurses, like Care.com, NannyPoppinz.com, Night Nannies, and Ellie Blu Agency, but talk to your doctor for recommendations first. They know your specifics and might be able to guide you in the right direction. Also, utilize your mommy groups and ask the ladies in your pregnancy yoga or Lamaze classes. Calling your insurance company might also provide some additional information on the matter.
3. How Much Do They Cost?
Like anything with child care, it can be costly. Rates can vary depending on needs, number of children, and the amount of experience of the caretaker. An average rounds out to about $200 to $300 per night, though some may charge hourly. The hourly rate usually falls around $15 to $40 per hour.
4. How Long Do You Need Them For?
This all depends on the needs of you and your baby. The average period to have a night nurse is a few weeks to a month, but there are a variety of factors that would cause you to keep one on for a longer period of time, such as illness. You can use them for however long you feel comfortable, but this usually is most useful while breastfeeding is happening and to get the family on track with their new schedules while also promoting positive sleep training.
5. Is There a Downside?
Breastfeeding or nightly skin-to-skin contact with your baby (as infants are very responsive to touch) is an extremely important bonding time. It can be difficult to give some of that up in favor of sleep. But on the flip side, more rest will also allow you to be more present with your baby during the day. And while it's always OK to ask for help, developing a dependency is never ideal. It's important to still be active and learn while you have the expertise of a night nurse with you.
6. How Do You Know If a Night Nurse Is For You?
Having a night nurse is a matter of preference. Everyone's needs, birthing stories, medical histories, and babies vary so much, so it depends on that and the comfort level of the parents. People prioritize different things when it comes to parenthood, and like anything in life, this new role gives people an opportunity to stretch their wings and grow, figuring out what works best for them.
Most importantly, it's important not to judge. If night nurses aren't for you, that's fine, but remember that you don't know another mother's struggles and what they may need medically. To that point, if you need one yourself, don't let the fear of judgment stop you from making the best decision for you and your family.
16 Printable Goal Sheets to Help You Stay on Track This Year
It's easy to set a goal, but actually committing to one until it's achieved says so much more. We know it can be difficult to stay inspired throughout the process, so we've found free printables to keep you on track all the way to the finish line. Some will allow you to see your progress along the way, while others will actually make your objectives actionable. Regardless of which one you choose, you can hold yourself accountable by putting your goals down on paper. If you're ready for a productive year, see 16 downloads ahead!
3-Ingredient Natural Weed Killer That Really Works
Even if you're not a savvy environmentalist, you probably know that contaminating your yard with nasty chemicals isn't a good idea, especially if you have kids, pets, or an edible garden nearby. Here's an easy-to-make weed killer that won't hurt the earth but will stop the weeds from growing. All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store for only a few bucks. In fact, you may already have all of them in your home. It only takes a few minutes to make the mixture. Then you can get out in your yard and start squirting away.
I KonMari-ed the Sh*t Out of My Kitchen and Here's What Happened
I don't know when or where I first discovered Marie Kondo's first book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, but the second I saw the inviting title, I ordered it pronto. I've always struggled to keep my spaces straight - it just seemed to take too much time and require too much energy. However, after attempting the KonMari method in my own apartment and tackling the messiest thing of all, my kitchen equipment, I'm a big-time believer in the methodology.
When I moved into my San Francisco studio apartment five years ago, the kitchen bummed me out, but it wasn't a deal breaker. The cabinets and arched doorframe were original from 1928, and I tried to let that cool bit of knowledge overshadow the fact that there was no window, no oven vent, no garbage disposal, and definitely no dishwasher. I didn't ever feel inspired to cook, except for work or the occasional guest. As a result, the kitchen slumped into a random assortment of junk. I accumulated way beyond my means (I somehow ended up with five zesters and 50 kitchen towels . . . not to mention a drawer full of spare knives), and I avoided getting rid of anything! It became impossible to close cabinets unless they were fastened with rubber bands around the handles, and I always had to forcefully shove my drawers closed with my hip. And for years, I lived like this, with complete avoidance and neglect about everything.
I tackled all my clothes, books, etc. in the order presented in the book, and even though I successfully tidied up each group of items, I still felt a lot of hesitation about my kitchen. I was so embarrassingly messy - me, the food editor! And yet, the time had come, and the overflowing cabinets begged to be sorted. I started with removing the stuff on the countertop and discovered a rotten avocado just casually decomposing in my napkin holder. (Ugh, I know. Wasting avocado is a sin, and sorry for the TMI.) Instead of supporting my usual habits of tiptoeing away from the mess, I bid a sweet "thank you" to the napkin holder (and, don't laugh, the avocado too) and swiftly tossed them in the trash.
It became easier to purge as I moved along, to give away the kitchen tools that no longer served me, and to create a pile of the items I adore immensely. I let go of some of the things that had been gifted to me that I couldn't see myself ever using and focused on the items I had invested in. My Vitamix! My knife set from culinary school! My few but beloved All-Clad pans! And when it came to the food in my cupboard, I tossed the snacks and seasonings I would probably never in a million years crave while cooking. Instead, I kept the things I can never get enough of: red lentil pasta, dried mango, lemon-flavored sardines, and capers. Yeah, I know my cupboard is weird, but it most definitely "sparks joy!" (This is the main point of the book: every item you own and that takes up space in your house should simply make you feel happiness - aka "spark joy" - when you touch it).
For a good six hours on a Friday night, I scrubbed and tossed and reorganized. Then, I stepped back to take a look. I was overcome with an emotion I had never felt in my tiny apartment kitchen - excitement to cook and pride for the space I made my own. I'll have you know, I now make breakfast and dinner every night, and I never see myself wanting to return to my old habits again. My kitchen used to be a throwaway space for me in my house, but now, I find myself giddy at opening a drawer to admire and use all the tools I love.
11 Inventive Recipes For Mimosa O'Clock
A classic mimosa is often composed of one part Champagne and one part orange juice. The cocktail is timelessly simple, sweet, and satisfying, but for those wanting a change, we've found the recipes that add a worthy twist. Whether it's a frozen take on the cocktail or a pomegranate cider mimosa dressed with a salted caramel rim, these additions are soon to become your Spring tipples. Read on for 11 of the most inventive mimosa recipes.
Your Essential Wedding Registry Checklist
While getting engaged can be the happiest moment of your life, it can also be incredibly overwhelming. In the coming months, when you're planning your wedding and making arrangements to marry the one you love, there are a lot of decisions to mull over. One thing you won't have to worry about is your registry: we've created the essential wedding registry checklist! All you have to do is download it, print it, fold it up, and place it in your purse, and then you can use it as a guide when you go shopping for your registry. What are you waiting for? Get it now, or pin it for later:
Toy Story Land's Restaurant Menu Is Here, and We Need to Talk About the S'mores French Toast
Walt Disney World's highly anticipated Toy Story Land is slated to open on June 30 at Hollywood Studios, and we can hardly wait. Luckily, we have the new menu for Toy Story Land's restaurant, Woody's Lunch Box, to tie us over in the meantime. The restaurant aims to put a "modern spin" on classic lunchtime favorites, but believe me, you won't find lunches like these on the playground. Miss your childhood toaster pastries? Try the Chocolate Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart, which is topped with bacon. In the mood for nachos? You might want to opt for the chili cheese totchos.
Of course, the Toy Story-inspired menu also stays true to Woody's cowboy roots with a Texas-style brisket sandwich, and another option gives a nod to Buzz's intergalactic adventures with a novelty Alien Sipper. Keep reading to see all the Woody's Lunch Box menu items coming your way this Summer.
15 Trader Joe's Grocery Staples For Busy People
We get it - it's hard to eat real food when you're busy. That's why we asked our POPSUGAR editors, both former and current, to share their favorite staples from Trader Joe's so you can keep your fridge stocked with all the best foods possible. From microwaveable brown rice to creamy tomato soup, this list will inspire you to stock up on your next TJ's grocery run.
This $117 Marble Coffee Table Is the Most Expensive-Looking Piece in My Living Room
I'm lucky enough to live in a big apartment, but I had a hell of a time furnishing it. When we first moved in, my boyfriend and I had literally nothing. We were completely overwhelmed by the fact that furnishing a whole place is super expensive. We needed it all. I'm talking everything from dinnerware to trash cans and TVs. I was able to snatch a few hand-me-down pieces from friends and family, but one room was really lacking: my living room. It was pretty much just a sofa and an Ikea shelf. I knew I needed to spruce the place up and on a budget. During my search for the perfect coffee table, I stumbled across this Walker Edison Round Coffee Table ($117) and was instantly sold.
One of my decor dreams had always been to own a sleek white marble table. After almost having a heart attack at the price of real marble choices, I switched my focus to faux-marble tabletops. While the real ones are undoubtedly beautiful, not only are they far out of my budget, but they can stain or ruin easily. I didn't want that kind of stress, so I was happy to invest in a cheaper option that worked for my space.
Surprisingly enough, I discovered this table from Walmart. The affordable retailer is filled with an array of stylish and reasonably priced options. It wasn't just the pretty top that sold me. I love its gold metal legs. It gives off the vintage, art-deco-inspired vibe that I was going for in my apartment. The best thing: it looks so expensive! My guests constantly ask me where it's from, and they never believe the price. Its durable laminate top has withstood dings, dents, and even red wine spills. I couldn't be happier that I got exactly what I wanted for a fraction of the price.
60+ 1-Pan Dinners That Are Ready in an Hour or Less
Let's face it: even the most enthusiastic cooks can fall into a takeout and delivery rut during especially busy times. While transforming raw ingredients into a tasty meal is pretty magical, the postmeal cleanup can be enough of a deterrent to make cooking midweek seem impossible. If you've felt this way as of late, a one-pot or -pan meal may be the answer. The secret of many a savvy cook, these minimal-cleanup meals are low on fuss and high on flavor. This collection of recipes is particularly geared toward busy weeks, as all of the recipes are both one-pot or -pan and take an hour or less to cook.
8 Amazing Plants That Will Help Keep Your Home Cool This Summer
If you're looking for creative ways to beat the heat this Summer, consider this: certain house plants are natural coolants. That's because plants absorb heat and many will also emit oxygen, lowering the ambient air temperature. These greens not only enliven your home decor, but they're also useful! Keep reading to discover the seven house plants that are also stellar natural coolants.
The 5 Elements of an Utterly Irresistible Résumé
Alexandra Simota is a recruiter at JD Resources Inc in New York.
Your résumé. Cue Beethoven's Fifth. This profile is often the first, and unfortunately sometimes the only, impression hiring officials get of you. There are other channels they can go through to get a more complete picture - your LinkedIn, your website, Google Images (God forbid) - but they won't bother if your résumé doesn't entice them enough to take the time to do so. As a recruiter, I'm buried in résumés. While I'm not a technical expert in each field for which I source talent, I can suss quality at a glance, and good candidates in any industry know how to produce résumés that inspire a longer look. The following are tips for crafting a résumé that makes recruiters pick up the phone.
Structure
A résumé is inherently a list of your skills and previous experience, but how you choose to lay out your list is important. It's pretty easy to guess how much time a candidate spent on his or her résumé by what it looks like, and structure is indicative of care. If you care about your résumé, I care about your résumé.
The structure of your résumé in terms of both content and format is important for one reason: how easily the reader can find information. It is an oft-stated fact that recruiters and other hiring personnel look at a résumé for about six seconds before making that initial decision to either keep reading or move on. Therefore, the more information we can absorb in six seconds, the better. A huge part of this is appearance alone. This article from LifeClever goes into great detail about things like typeface, line spacing, indentation, and margins. Sounds super exciting, I know, but the difference in readability and perceived professionalism is astounding.
Specificity
My favorite résumés are ones that include specifics. How many people did you manage? By what percentage did you increase profit margins? Which softwares did your company use? This information is the hard data I use when I'm crafting candidate presentations. It will also help you in the interview itself - the hiring manager can refer to your résumé and ask more direct questions to which you can provide more direct answers, i.e. "What did you change to achieve that 1,000,000 percent increase in productivity?" instead of "What are three things you are most proud of in your career?" Of course, they may still ask those more open-ended questions, but I personally find that the more definitive the question, the more eloquent the response.
Furthermore, and this should come as no surprise, résumés are often cast aside when a simple CTRL+F search for a keyword turns up no results. This is of course assuming that the résumé makes it past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) of the external site that I may have searched to find potential candidates (CareerBuilder, Ladders, etc.) In other words, if your résumé doesn't show up in my search results, I can't even give it that six-second look. Do yourself a favor and be sure to spell out any acronyms, too.
The keywords we want to see are always in the job description. I've had too many phone screenings with candidates who just forgot to include a specific skill or software or certification. Why did I call them in the first place if something is missing from their résumé? Usually because they have probably encountered Object XYZ if they are working in the same field as the position for which they applied, and sometimes remembering the sheer volume of things one does on a day-to-day basis is more difficult than it seems. In short, double-check the job description for industry-specific terms, and if you're familiar with them, make sure they're prominently included on your résumé.
Style
This is a tricky part of résumé-writing. Do you write in first person? In third person? In no person? In people? I made up the last two, but if anyone can imagine what those would look like, I'd love to see an example. Generally, résumés are written in first person, but without the "I". For example, instead of "I conceptualized the most successful marketing campaign the world has ever seen, and now I am widely regarded as a demigod of social media" write, in bulleted fragments,
- Conceptualized the most successful marketing campaign the world has ever seen
- Widely regarded as a demigod of social media
The first person is a stylistic preference more than it is protocol, but it's your résumé, and the "I" is assumed; including it is redundant. Using bullet points is also a stylistic preference, but no hiring official or recruiter wants to parse through paragraphs to find the information they need, especially at first glance. Bullet points are user-friendly; they let me do CTRL+F with my eyes.
Another important style choice is verb tense. Should you write in the past tense or the present progressive (using -ing at the end of the verb)? Personally, I find it looks cleanest, and makes the most logical sense, to write in past tense when describing your duties at past jobs, and present tense when describing your current position. Avoid using -ing when describing your current role, it just looks messy. For example, instead of the following:
- Booking all domestic and international travel
- Planning press events, such as launch parties and tournaments
Write:
- Book all domestic and international travel
- Plan press events, such as launch parties and tournaments
Tailoring
This is an extension of specificity. While my fellow recruiters and myself not only want to see the numeric facts, we also want to see relevance to the position for which you are submitting your résumé. If you choose to include a summary or an objective at the top of your résumé, and are applying for multiple positions, consider editing it to more closely match the specific job. An objective that reads simply, "to grow within an organization where I can hone my skills" makes a weak first line - it's too broad, and it's what most people want. Similarly, a summary that says you are "a hard-working professional" is pointless. On the other hand, there is the valid point that if you're too specific you could rule yourself out of consideration for similar, but not quite the same, positions for which the recruiter may be sourcing. It's a fine line to walk, so many candidates choose not to include an introductory section at all, which is totally fine.
Revision
Spellcheck. Tense check. Fix orphaned lines. Ensure your contact info is accurate. Résumé writing is hard work, and resisting the temptation to send it out as soon as you've written the last line (and exited the emotional roller coaster of both pride and self-doubt) is difficult. But grammar mistakes and sloppy formatting will tamp my excitement about what at first looked promising. Also check the length of your document - if you're fresh out of college there's no reason your résumé should be more than a page or two, and if you're an industry veteran you can condense your early experience and expound upon your work in the last 10 years.
Ultimately, craft a résumé that is relevant and streamlined so that it is both easy to find and easy to read. Then, just make sure you are easy to reach when those phone calls start rolling in!
Every Royal Bride Has a Sprig of This 1 Flower in Her Bouquet
Spring is well and truly sprung! So what better way to celebrate than by taking a look at all of the royal family's favorite flowers. Which ones have a special meaning for Prince Harry? Which blooms does the queen have on her desk? And what was the secret meaning behind Kate's bridal bouquet? From blossom-drenched weddings to private palace gardens and poignant plantings to meaningful decades-long passion projects, we've rounded up all the royal flower inspiration you'll ever need.
The Definitive Ranking of LaCroix Flavors
There's sparkling water, and then there's LaCroix, the nectar of gods. Boldly flavored but completely unsweetened, this Midwestern-flavored seltzer brand has captured the hearts of millennials and moms alike. With kitschy Miami Beach vibes, zesty flavors, and the whole no-guilt soda thing going for it, it's hardly surprising that this sparkling beverage has gained such a devoted following. It pains us to say this, but for all the hits - and there are many - there are some serious flavor flops as well. In other words, for every Pamplemousse, there's a Cran-Raspberry. Because I care, and at least partially because I wanted an excuse to try every single flavor, I've ranked all 20 flavors for you here. Without further ado, here's our the definitive ranking of LaCroix flavors.
Summer Calls For No-Bake Desserts
Some Summer days, it's too hot to even consider baking. But even the greatest heat waves shouldn't stop you from satisfying your sweet tooth. With puddings, panna cotta, cheesecake, and lots and lots of fruity options, there's no reason to turn on the oven when you have the choice of these 25 no-bake desserts.
25 Quotes About Mindfulness That Will Change the Way You Live Your Life
For most of us, multitasking has become a way of life. We are expected to do it all, know it all, and always be 10 steps ahead. But are we actually doing ourselves a disservice by constantly running on autopilot? What are we missing out on? The concept of mindfulness focuses on bringing your full attention to the present moment without judgment. It's about cultivating awareness to whatever is happening in the here and now instead of past regrets or fears of the future. Mindfulness can help alleviate stress, empower us to make more educated decisions, help with focus and concentration, and improve our overall health and wellness. If you feel like your mind is running you ragged and you could benefit from a little more peace, then we've got just the thing. Check out these 25 quotes on the power of being mindful, and remember - slow down and just breathe!
20 Ideas For Throwing a Royal Wedding Party in Style
It's somehow felt like both the blink of an eye and forever, but the royal wedding is almost here! Soon, royal wedding watchers will be apt to see Meghan's dress and watch Prince Harry pose next to his best man and big brother, Price William.
The blending of British and American traditions, too, will be interesting for royal wedding watchers to see, since this is a major first for the royal family. And, of course, no royal wedding would be complete without watching for who is on the ultra-exclusive guest list.
Whether you plan on watching the royal wedding alone or with a gaggle of your friends, watching it in style is the way to go. Wedding cocktails, themed foods, and more can elevate the experience, but to set the mood, royal wedding party décor is the perfect addition.
We found some of the things that you can use to really give your party the royal treatment. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning!
Make These 86 Amazing Meals For $5 or Less
Cooking at home is great for your wallet and - for the most part - better for your health. Instead of making the same recipes over and over again, challenge yourself by trying out some of the best budget-friendly recipes we found on the web. At $5 or less per serving, you definitely won't be breaking the bank with these homemade meals.
How to Get Rid of Ants in the Bathroom
While you may expect to find an ant here or there around your house during the Summer, discovering a whole swarm of them can be pretty distressing. And unfortunately, it's not uncommon to find a whole colony of ants taking up residence in different rooms in your house - including your bathroom. They might be harmless, but any unwanted visitors in your home like insects can be pretty gross. Getting rid of ants may not be as difficult as other household pests (we're looking at you, bedbugs!), but it does require some planning. Keep reading to find out how.
Find the Cause
Before you start your battle with your new guests, it's important to figure out where the ants are coming from. Often, if you have ants in your bathroom, it's likely that a colony has made itself pretty comfortable somewhere in the bathroom, and they're probably not coming in for a quick visit. Inspect your bathroom to see if you can find the colony, or watch the ants to see if they lead you there. If you're lucky, the cause of your ant problem will be pretty obvious.
Identify the Species
Not all ants are alike, and identifying the type of ant you have could help in your fight against them. But it might take a bit of guesswork if you're not an insect expert. Most ants you find in your bathroom will be either carpenter ants or pharaoh ants. Carpenter ants are attracted to moisture and wood, so they may actually be a sign of a bigger moisture issue. Pharaoh ants like warm spots for their nests, and their colonies can grow to be pretty huge.
Try a Nontoxic Spray
Sprays are great for killing ants on contact. There are lots of ant sprays available on the market, and they can also act as a deterrent for other ants to enter your home. But there are a couple of things to be aware of when using an ant spray. First, you should use a nontoxic spray in smaller, less ventilated areas like your bathroom. And second, they won't get rid of your ant problem completely.
Set Some Traps
Even if you kill all of the ants you can see, they're still likely to come back. Plus, those little creatures are so small and can hide almost anywhere. That's why traps can be a good addition to your arsenal. Typically, they work by attracting the ants with "food" - which we know as poison. After they feed on it, they take it back to the colony and the idea is that they transfer it to the queen and kill the whole colony. And most traps are child-resistant, so you won't have to worry about your children ingesting the poison.
Clean Your Toilet
The truth about ants is that they're always looking for food. And as gross as it may sound, urine and other matter around your toilet is considered food. If you notice little ants around the edge of your toilet, this may be what's attracting them in the first place. Consider upping your cleaning routine and keeping the area in and around your toilet especially clean. Even a quick wipe with a disinfectant every day should help curb the problem.
Ensure Proper Drainage
In addition to being attracted to food, ants are attracted to moisture - and your bathroom can harbor a ton of moisture. Try to make sure you never leave any puddles or reservoirs of standing water for long periods of time. If your shower has a drainage problem, consider getting it fixed.
Replace Broken Tiles
Cracked or broken tiles provide the perfect living situation for ants. The cracks allow them to hide out of sight and out of danger, and often cracks in bathroom tiles are also moist to boot. If you have an ant problem, whether you notice them in the cracks or not, it's a good idea to replace the broken tiles. This can help you prevent the colony from spreading and making it their new home.
Seal Cracks
Keeping ants at bay from the get-go will help you prevent any future ant problems. If ants in the bathroom are a common problem for you, seal any cracks in the walls, floor, and elsewhere to give them fewer places to enter from outside and fewer places to live if they make it to your bathroom. You should also make sure your toilet has adequate caulking where it meets the floor.
59 Beautiful Wedding Favor Printables to Download For Free!
It's no secret that wedding costs can add up fast. But we have a secret of our own: downloadable wedding labels! These labels are the perfect addition to any party favor, from almonds to matches to a spa scrub. And did we mention they're free? Keep on scrolling for our roundup of some of the best wedding favor printables on the web that will have your bank account thanking you!
Source: Lia Griffith
Disney-Loving Couples Will Melt Over These Magical Wedding Centerpieces
If you're a Disney die-hard who happens to be planning a wedding, paying homage to the beloved brand on your special day can be just as fun as it sounds. While wearing mouse ears down the aisle might not suit everyone, displaying creative, Disney-inspired centerpieces at your reception could be the tie-in you're looking for. From roses encased in glass cloches to floral arrangements that evoke a mermaid's tail, there are plenty of pretty ideas to pilfer for your big day!
7 Ways to Refresh Your Life Right Now
There's no better time than now to refresh your life and work on your wellness. Ahead are tips to help you step out of a funk and into a vibe of rejuvenation and renewal!
1. Think About Your Goals
Even if you decided against making any resolutions this year, now is the perfect time to think about a few things you want to accomplish in 2018. The goals and resolutions you set for yourself do not have to be life-altering, but can be something as simple as drinking more water. Setting a bar for yourself and giving yourself something to work for is a great way to feel energized and refreshed. Not to mention how great it will feel once you actually reach your goal and can check it off of your list.
2. Clean Your Cracks
It's time to start getting down and dirty. Do yourself a favor and clean the spaces you never think to wipe or sweep. Spots like your washing machine, the area around your trashcan, the inside of your fridge, or even the throw pillows on your couch can sometimes be forgotten on a regular cleaning day. Getting in the cracks and crevices will help you feel light and refreshed. Plus, it's true what they say: a clean space is a happy space.
3. Let Something Go
We all know how tough it is to let go of those trusty pair of jeans you wore everyday in high school, but trust us, it's something you might want to consider. Letting go of something, whether it be a moisturizer you never use or a worry you are allowing to weigh on you, is one of the best things you can do to feel refreshed and freed.
4. Switch Things Up
Reorganizing is something that you can do any time of year. It is a great way to refresh your space and to make things feel a little new without having to spend any money. Try rotating your lamps and picture frames or moving your furniture around - you never know what might spark some inspiration.
5. Try Something New
Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated isn't just about getting rid of things and cleaning out, you can also try new things to give yourself a boost. Whether its trying a new dance class or working to pick up a healthy lifestyle habit, trying something new adds a little zest to seasons in life that can feel a tad mundane.
6. Get Dreamy
Go ahead and start dreaming about what you want to explore on your next adventure. Look into warmer weather activities like outdoor concerts and markets that will be popping up near you. Before you know it, you won't be thinking about the freezing temperatures outside, but will instead be consumed with excitement and ready for all of the adventures that lie ahead.
7. Give Back
Volunteering is great for the soul. Helping and being there for others adds a little feeling of warmth to every heart and is the perfect way to refresh your life. Whether its once a week or once a month, every act of kindness goes a long way.
15 Easy Ways to Make an Old Home Look Like New
This past weekend, my husband and I moved from the 94-year-old home we've been renting in the Berkeley Hills to a 58-year-old home around the corner. I have always had a soft spot for old homes - the architecture, the charm, the doorknobs! - but they definitely come with their quirks. Love 'em or hate 'em - if you're living in an old house, you know there are some issues to contend with. Read on to find a list of 15 (relatively) quick fixes to make your old home feel new again.
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