Long summers are loved by kids. Of course, parents can sometimes find them a little tiring! When your children are home for weeks, it can be tricky keeping them entertained or simply keeping up with them. Fortunately, there are lots of activities you can both get involved in. There are also plenty you can encourage them to do on their own as well.

Some of the best summer activities and events are the ones that provide well-rounded experiences. Learning new skills, making new friends, and staying physically active are all quality things to engage in. Don’t forget to schedule some quality time together as well!

Summer Camp

Camp doesn’t have to last all summer. You can find an overnight summer camp for kids that can give them their first taste of being away from home. Or you can join in and take part yourself. City kids can certainly get a lot out of the experience as it is so different to life back home. Of course, it goes far beyond a bit of fresh air and sleeping in a bag! The outdoor activities available can provide valuable life skills as well as developing a passion for camping.

Theme Parks

Lots of parents book tickets for a weekend at one of the big theme parks each summer. While the weather is nice, it can be fun to wander through the parks and trying out all the different rides. You might stay at the park or choose accommodation nearby. Sometimes you can make a whole vacation out of it. You can often save a little by booking early or by booking bulk tickets. Why not get together with other relatives and make it a family get-together?

Summer School

Taking classes or study sessions during the summer isn’t a bad idea if your kids have struggled a little during the last year. Of course, summer school can offer tuition and guidance beyond the standard academic subjects. Music, art, crafts, and cookery are often available as well. Some of these classes are ideal for family groups too. There is nothing stopping you developing your own ‘Mom’ school either. Pick a couple of subjects from your child’s curriculum and spend some time working on typical problems with your child. It can be much more fun when it is part of a family activity.

New Hobbies

Quality time with your kids is always hard to come by which is why the summer break can be so valuable. Why not take up a new hobby that you can all enjoy as a family? Maybe you’ll try synchronized swimming, crochet, cycling, or painting? You can choose anything you like, and if you don’t find it interesting then find something else. It’s about doing the same thing together and working to get better at it as a team.

The summer can be long and lazy, or it can be action-packed and fun. There is no rule that says you have to work hard. And there’s no need to waste a single moment. What will you get up to this summer?

The last few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind. My husband has been out there for over a month now working, got the new house all ready to go and he flies back next week to move us all out there!

So I have been insanely busy packing and yard selling as well as tons and tons of donations. The kids are all excited (except our oldest who is not happy but she will get over it).

I am excited, nervous and anxious all at the same time, I think as the time is getting closer and closer the anxiety is setting in and I am not looking forward to that LONNGGGGGGGG drive!

Yesterday I walked into Sarah’s dance studio and burst into tears. Saying goodbye to a dance studio we have been apart of since 2008 is hard, and even harder because we now have to find her a studio in Texas that we will love just as much as The School of Dance.

Saying goodbye to our friends and family is going to be hard and then having to make new friends…

I am looking forward to two weeks from now when we will be unpacked and settled!

Sleep well and don’t let the bedbugs bite. Although to be fair, you wouldn’t feel the bite of a bedbug because they inject an anesthetic fluid as they do. But you may wake up covered in little red spots if you happen to have an allergic reaction to their bites. But that isn’t the only thing that makes this saying a little odd. It seems to imply that only the bedbugs could disturb your sleep, while in truth the main person who is responsible for stealing your sleep is often yourself. As unbelievable as it sounds, most people who suffer from a disturbed sleep or lack of sleep are in some way or another guilty of damaging the quality of their resting time. Indeed, ignore the bedbugs: if you want to wake up from a good night sleep feeling refreshed and energized, you need to turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary. While this doesn’t mean that you need to fill the room with religious tapers and Christian icons, there’s an element to keep from the definition of a sanctuary. It’s holiness. Your sleep is precious, and your bedroom, your lifestyle, and your behavior have to reflect it. Without sleep, you die. So make sure that you can have the best of nights every single night.

Proper Furniture For The Right Feeling

There’s no night sleep in a bedroom that is poorly equipped to fit the purpose. Your bedroom should have the right furniture to support your relaxing night sleep. What is the right furniture? Naturally, the bed plays a key role in the bedroom – it is difficult to sleep comfortably without a bed – but you need to consider the whole the room. A clean bedroom will help you feeling more relaxed as you fall asleep. This means that the wardrobe should be large enough for all the clothes, and should be provided with a door. If there is a desk in the room, you should have additional storage elements, such as a set of drawers or shelves to keep the desk clear and clean. Additionally, try to avoid leaving your clothes lying on the floor at the end of the day. This will disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the room and impact on the quality of your rest. Use a coat hanger instead, or the laundry basket if you don’t want to wear them again.

No More Hot Sleeping

Sleeping is an art that is difficult to master. But it is worth getting it right: You will feel full of energy in the morning! As a general rule of the thumb, it is recommended to maintain the temperature in the bedroom between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for your body to be able to shut down daytime functions and let your brain relax. Unfortunately, this is more easily said than done. Most people like to sleep under a thick duvet, as this looks more comfortable and relaxing. It’s hard not to overheat in those conditions without clever tips to cool down for warm sleepers. An easy way to keep your thick duvet without sweating all night long is to keep the top of your head uncovered: You lose a lot of heat through your head, and this can help to regulate your body temperature. Additionally, you could simply choose to stick your feet out from under the duvet. This is the most effective way to cool down quickly.  

Feng Shui My Sleep

Are you happy with your bedroom décor? Do you feel nourished and relaxed in it? If you are not sure about the answers to these questions, you might want to have a look at what the Feng Shui philosophy has to offer to help you. Feng Shui is more than a concept of the Yin and the Yang; it also provides valuable recommendations and tips for harmonious interior décors. While you may not want to follow everything to the letter, you will find a lot of pragmatic elements that are still valid in your everyday life. Feng Shui focuses interior décor on neutral and natural color schemes that tend to be the colors of all skin tones – from porcelain to dark chocolate. These are renowned for creating a soothing and positive energy around your sleep.

Put The Mind To Sleep

Modern life involves a lot of screen time, whether you are watching your favorite TV show or checking your Facebook status on your smartphone. Unfortunately, what most people ignore is that too much screen time in the evening can keep you from having a refreshing night sleep. Indeed, the specific wavelengths of screen light can suppress the impact of melatonin in the brain, which is a sleep hormone that is responsible for regulating your sleep-wake cycling throughout the night. The abundance of screen time before bed forces your brain to believe that it isn’t night time. As a result, it will actively try to wake you up all night long between each sleep cycle. This is why sleep scientists suggest stopping any screen activity up to one hour before going to bed. This implies that you should stop watching TV at around that time. Maybe you can prepare a bedtime book to keep you company during the last 60 minutes of the day.

Memory Foam-idable

There is no good night sleep without a good mattress. However, it’s important to remember that your body changes with time and that the mattress you might have bought a few years ago is not fitted for your new shape anymore. If you are among those lucky people who can maintain their fitness level and weight, this doesn’t mean that you should stick to the same mattress. Your mattress will need regular changing as its firmness reduces over time; every 5 to 8 years is a good time to try a new mattress. The same argument is valid for your pillow too. Waking up with neck pain is never the sign of a refreshing night of sleep.

Release The Tensions

You are constantly under pressure, whether they are physical or emotional. At the end of the day, it’s important to release your body and your mind from all the tensions that you’ve accumulated before you can go to bed. For some people, a glass of alcohol can help. But you should stay away from it: Relying on alcohol to relax is the best way to stay awake all night long! Try instead a simple yoga routine that can help you to relax your mind and your body. You will gradually feel your tensions easing as you breathe deeply through each move. There’s no need to be a yogi master to learn to relax properly. So give it a try and feel the difference.

Change Your Eating And Drinking Habits

Dieticians and sleep specialists agree that certain types of food can help you to sleep better, while other can damage your sleep cycle. Tryptophan, for example, which is common in turkey, soy beans, and pumpkin seeds, is responsible for inducing sleep. Whole grains are not directly linked to your sleep, but they help your body absorb tryptophan foods. Food that is naturally rich in melatonin, the sleeping aid hormone that is produced by the brain, is a great pillow boost in your diet. Try cherries, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, as they are one of the main sources of natural melatonin. But stay away from alcohol and caffeine, as these will disturb your sleep patterns and cause frequent interruptions of your sleep cycle during the night. As a result, you’ll feel more tired when you wake than you did when you went to bed!

Some would say that the ultimate role of a parent is to get a child ready to leave them. While that might sound quite depressing – most of us feel the flutterings of empty nest syndrome forthcoming every time a birthday passes! – it’s actually a positive thing. The best thing you can do as a parent is equip your children for the world.

Part of this is from life lessons. They see the way you do things and mimic it; perhaps you even take the time to teach them a few household chores. If you want to go a step above though, it’s well worth thinking of the skills your kids can begin to develop right now that will ultimately pay off when the time comes for them to look for employment.

Too soon? It’s a cliché, but it’s never too soon for this kind of learning – especially if you can make it feel fun for them, too! Given that computer-based jobs are going to be essential for future generations, that’s the best way to begin.

Playing Games Can Help With Problem Solving

Did you know you can play games right from within the Google browser? They’re free and you don’t need to download any existing software for them – perfect to help your kids begin to develop their computer skills.

You’ll need the Google Chrome browser for the Google-based games.

T-Rex Run

A simple runner game that can help with manual dexterity and anticipating objects – and best of all, you don’t need an internet connection to do it. You can help familiarize your children with the keyboard layout as they play, which in turn will help them feel comfortable using it – perfect for future office-based roles. Turn off your Wifi and when Chrome tells you it’s “unable to connect to the internet”, hit the spacebar and you’re off and running.

Atari Breakout

Helps to develop strategic thinking, this ever-popular game can now be played direct from the browser. Just do a Google Image Search for “Atari Breakout” and the game will appear before your eyes.

PacMan

PacMan isn’t just fun: again, it’s strategic in nature and helps with the development of fine motor skills. Just Google “Pacman” and wait for it to appear.

This is just the beginning of games available online that can help kids with their development. For example, these abcya typing games are perfect for your children and you can browse app stores for educational games for when you’re on the move.

Coding For Kids

Being able to code is already a much-sought-after ability and the need is just going to increase as society progresses its digital leanings.
There are many ways to introduce your kids to coding. It’s essentially like learning a second language, so all the benefits of being bilingual are also going to be felt. A quick browse online will find simple, often free, options for preschool to college levels. Maybe your kids will fall in love and want to work directly in coding, but even if not, it’s a great “special skill” to have for a future resumé!

Instilling good oral hygiene habits in your kids can feel like an uphill battle at times, but it doesn’t have to be when you follow these simple tips to make the activity an enjoyable one.

Give Them a Toothpaste They’ll Love Using

If you use toothpaste designed to appeal to children, you’ll have much easier time convincing them to clean their teeth. Major brands produce toothpastes that come in brightly colored tubes depicting familiar characters from well-loved TV shows.

Most kids can’t wait to get their hands on their Dora the Explorer, Minions or Sponge Bob toothpaste and you can make tooth cleaning even more fun by letting your child pick out a matching character toothbrush.

Choose Fluoride Toothpaste

Make sure you choose a toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. The internet is awash with ill-informed criticism of fluoride, but all leading experts and health authorities are emphatic about the safety and effectiveness of fluoride, so don’t be afraid to use fluoride toothpaste.

Still have questions about fluoride? Ask your dentist for more information next time you visit.

Check Brushing Technique

Now and then you should use disclosing tablets to check how well your child is cleaning their teeth. Disclosing tablets contain a dye that reacts with plaque in the mouth and stains it red. Your child will be able to clearly see any places they’ve missed and learn to pay closer attention to those spots in the future.

Include Their Toys in the Fun

Let your child pretend to clean the teeth on their favorite doll or action figure before they clean their own.

Don’t Expect Cooperation When Kids Are Tired

While brushing before bedtime is a crucial step for healthy teeth and gums, if you leave the task until just before bed when kids are likely to be tired and cranky, you’ll turn the bedtime brushing routine into a battleground.

Head to the bathroom while your little one is still feeling lively and you’ll both find the whole process much easier to manage.

Download a Brushing Chart

Print out a brushing chart that your child can add stickers to or color in each time they clean they teeth. Often the sticker chart is enough of a reward for children, but you can add a weekly or monthly prize for a completed chart if you want to.

Be a Role Model

From an early age, it’s a really good idea to bring your little one into the bathroom when you brush your own teeth. They will get used to seeing you clean your teeth and will be keen to copy you as soon as they’re able to use a toothbrush.

When you make brushing fun, your children will soon look forward to what can otherwise be a twice daily chore they would prefer to skip. Instill good habits when they’re young and those habits will still be strong when children are old enough to not have you looking over their shoulder making sure that they actually brush.

Great skin is every woman’s best accessory; beautiful skin can make you feel confident and is something that will never go out of style! Investing in your complexion is always a good idea, and is something you’re sure to thank yourself for later down the line when you’ve kept your youthful good looks for as long as possible. Here are some of the ways you can achieve fresh, soft and smooth skin.

Face

Sticking to a good skin care regime is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Moisturise morning and evening, apply eye cream, lip balm and use masks and facial oils when needed to give your skin a boost of hydration and nourishment. Using an SPF is also incredibly important, the sun’s UV rays are damaging all year round- not just in summer. If you choose a day cream or a foundation with added SPF you can kill two birds with one stone instead of using two separate products. If you wear makeup, make sure that you remove it properly every night. When you sleep the skin regenerates and renews, and when it’s clogged with makeup, it interferes with this process. Use some micellar water on a cotton pad to remove surface makeup and grime, and follow up with a gentle cleanser to clean deep down into the pores. If you suffer from acne, psoriasis or any other skin issues, speak to a dermatologist. Starting treatment as soon as possible helps to avoid damage to your skin from breakouts, and is sure to make you feel far more confident as well.

Body

The skin on your body isn’t as delicate and sensitive as the skin on your face, but it needs to be looked after all the same. Once a week use an gentle exfoliating scrub, focusing on areas like elbows and knees which are more prone to drying out. Carefully shaving is another important thing to consider, be careful not to cut yourself or dry out your skin. Many of these women’s electric razor reviews from shavingmachine.org for example can be used wet or dry so find something that works for you. With spring and summer on the way, it’s time to ditch the layers, and bare legs will soon be back out. So you’ll want your skin looking as soft and smooth as possible! Follow up every shower with a hydrating moisturizer. Rich body butters work well, but if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for it to sink in there are some great spray on moisturisers on the market. These sink in much more quickly, perfect to grab and go when you’re getting ready in the morning.

Hands and Feet

Hands and feet are often neglected when it comes to skincare. But these hardworking areas of our body need to be looked after too. Protect your hands when you’re washing up or using chemicals by putting on rubber gloves. Hands can be a dead giveaway of age, so even if you look after your complexion you’ll still look older if you don’t care for them! Using moisturizer on your hands and feet will help to keep them in the best condition. You could use a pumice stone or Ped Egg on the dry skin on your feet too so they’re flip-flop ready for the summer.

Let’s face it: money is easy for barely anyone, and particularly not in this day and age when everything seems to be so expensive. Luckily, there are ways for you to cut back in your everyday life so that you can have a much easier financial life. Here are some tips…

Make A Household Budget

First of all, it’s crucial that you make a household budget. You might be wondering where exactly all your money goes and here’s your chance to find out. Make sure that you line up your incomings and outgoings together, and make sure that your outgoings don’t exceed your incomings – you don’t want to be spending more than you earn, after all! You should ensure that you put down all of what you spend on the table – you might not think it’s expensive to buy a coffee and sandwich for lunch every day but things like that can really add up over time.

Pay Your Bills When They Arrive

There’s nothing that will make you feel more on top of your finances than paying bills the same day that you receive them. Doing this has other benefits than making you feel like a total financial wizard – it’ll also mean that you don’t stash them in a drawer for safe keeping and then totally forget about them, and it’ll mean that your bills won’t stack up and mean that you have a huge amount of money coming out of your account at some point.

Look Out For Deals

The first rule of deals is that you should only go for them if it’s something that you know that you’ll use – remember that stores essentially just want you to spend money, and if it isn’t something you would have been buying anyway then you’re wasting money instead of saving it! There’s no point in spending your whole life trekking around grocery stores with your hands full of coupons but it is a good idea to look for bargains in the things that you really need and that you buy some things in bulk like pet food and toilet paper – just make sure that you have somewhere to keep it! No one wants to have to build a coffee table out of excess tins of sweetcorn and pretend it’s an art installation.

Cook From Scratch

One of the best and healthiest ways that you can save money is to make sure that you cook all your food from scratch. Start buying more fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish at the grocery store, and follow online recipes instead of using store bought sauces and meals. Batch cooking on a Sunday can help you if you’re worried about time pressures during the week, and you can also make sure that you plan out your meals carefully so that you buy the right amount of food and nothing goes to waste. It would be a little cruel to insist that you make perfect dinners from scratch every night, so cut yourself some slack – you can only do your best, after all.

Stop Using Your Cards

Using your cards constantly is a really great way to get into debt. It’s hard to figure out what exactly you’re spending if you’re just handing over your shiny credit card instead of paying in cash, so it’s time to take out the cash you want to spend each week and use only that. It will help you stick to your budget and it will also make you a lot more aware of how much you’re spending, meaning that you won’t be quite as tempted to throw away your hard earned cash on frivolous things.

Start Socialising Differently

It’s easy to spend far too much money on socialising – you figure that it’s okay because it’s important for you to see your friends, and of course that’s absolutely true. But it’s time to cut down on those lengthy dinners with lots of wine and cocktails at the bar afterwards – instead, go out for brunch or lunch or even coffee, or invite your friends over for a girly night where you can make popcorn and watch a movie together. Make sure that what you do suits every friend’s budget – you shouldn’t be at the whims of whichever of your friends gets paid the most all the time.
Quit The Gym

Let’s face it, that expensive gym membership you took out and that you don’t use nearly enough isn’t doing anyone except the gym itself any good. It’s time to quit the gym and to start keeping fit at home instead. You could devise a short exercise routine for yourself including push ups and sit ups or you could try out some yoga at home or you could even start jogging and do Couch To 5K (let’s dream big and tell yourself that you’ll be doing a marathon in aid of your favourite charity this time next year!). You don’t need expensive gym memberships, clothing or equipment to keep fit – all you really need is your own determination.

Look Online For Tips

It’s always a good idea to look online for any money saving tips. Let’s face it, if you’re not used to staying on top of your finances, then other people will automatically know more than you do, and you can always pick up ideas from articles like this one, or others with titles like ‘100 easy money-saving ideas’ or ‘Ways to make sure that your family stays frugal’. Following money-saving blogs will help you challenge yourself to save more and to be more careful with your cash.

Ask For More Money At Work

Here is a fact: you probably aren’t being paid enough. Companies will generally get away with giving you the absolute least amount of money that they possibly can, so it’s time for you to ask for more, particularly if you feel as though you’ve been doing a great job lately and your review is coming up. There’s no point in asking for the moon – but a reasonable raise is something that any good boss should consider. If it’s impossible, it’s time to start looking for another job – money is a way that companies show that they value you, and asking for more money is a way for you to show that you value yourself.

Save On Your Energy Bills

Over the winter you probably watched in absolute horror as your energy bills went through the roof as you switched on the heating to stay warm and cozy at home. Although it’s getting warmer now, you should still make sure that your roof is insulated and that your windows and doors are free of any cracks that might be letting cold air seep into your lovely warm house. You should also cover the floors with rugs to stop heat escaping that way, and make sure that you open your curtains to let sunlight flood into your rooms to warm them up too. (Just beware that that can show off the dust that you may or may not have allowed to accumulate over the winter!)

Talk To A Professional

Finally, one of the best ways to get financially in tune with yourself is to talk to a professional. Make an appointment with your bank or with a financial advisor and make sure that you write down a list of questions to ask before you go in there so you don’t forget anything. Talking to a professional will give you some more hints and tips for the future and most importantly, it will reassure you that you’re doing the absolute best you can.

It is said that when you become a parent, your whole perspective on life changes. You immediately become more selfless and some of the things that perhaps used to interest you – such as going out drinking – no longer have a place in your life. You also become much more protective, perhaps more than you have ever been before. This is only natural, as it is ingrained in our DNA to nurture our children and above all, keep them safe.  Knowing just how to do this in the modern world, however, can be a bit of a minefield. It can sometimes feel as though there are so many dangers posed to our children these days that we don’t know where to begin. Many of us look fondly at the past, claiming that the world didn’t seem to be so dangerous back then. However, it is worth bearing in mind that perhaps the only reason why the world can seem a lot scarier these days is that we have greater access to news and a stricter justice system. Either way, it is worth taking a noted interest in your children’s safety, as there as so many bases you need to cover. The absolute last thing you want is to receive that dreaded phone call where you are told that your child has become seriously ill, or that they have hurt themselves in some way. But you can minimize the likelihood of this happening by taking precautions and educating your child about basic safety so you can both enjoy life in a carefree manner. Here are some of the most obvious ones you’ll need to tick off your list, and how you should go about approaching these issues with your child.

Bullying and self-esteem

Okay, so this one isn’t exactly an illness or a direct threat to your child’s life. But being a victim of bullying can have an immediate effect on your child’s wellbeing, which is arguably just as important. Bullying is, unfortunately, something that goes on in every school, and not every school is equipped to deal with it. That is why you need to be prepared to take matters into your own hands if your child is at risk of being bullied. Of course, a bully will go after anyone they think they can get a reaction from, so to prevent it in the first place, you need to make sure your child is not already vulnerable. This means ensuring that they are well socialized from a young age and that they have high self-esteem. Bullies pick up on signs of weakness, so sending your child to school with their head held high means that they are far less likely to be picked on. If the worse does happen and they do end up being bullied, encourage them to talk to you or another trusted family member about it. That way, the two of you can tackle the problem together.

Swimming

The amount of parents who see swimming as a secondary skill these days is quite scary. Even if you have no intention of taking your child near open water, you never know when they could be exposed to it when you are not there, or later in life. Therefore it is imperative that they know how to swim, just in case they have an accident or find themselves in some difficulty. Book your child onto swimming lessons while they are still young – around age three, if it is possible. Even if you hate swimming or are afraid of water rest assured that they would be looked after in the pool by trained professionals. Lessons are relatively inexpensive, and they could end up saving your child’s life, so it is a worthy investment to make.

In the car

Children are impulsive when they are young, and they do not understand the risks associated with driving and being on the road. You may find yourself in a situation where your child is purposely trying to distract you from driving, or they are trying to exit the vehicle while it is moving (usually in the middle of a tantrum). Make sure your child knows that being in the car is not a game. Yes, car journeys can be fun, but you need to concentrate, and therefore you cannot give your child all your attention when you are driving. If your child does frequently try and get out of the car during transit, employ your vehicle’s child locks to make sure they stay put. You also need to make a point of checking what the law is in your state regarding children’s car seats. Typically, the law states that a child up to a certain height is legally required to use a car seat. If you are unsure of which one to buy and which accessories you need to go with it, visit a site such as Babyseats.reviews. Additionally, teach your child the importance of wearing their seatbelt. When they are very young, you will have to put it on for them, but once they are old enough get them to do it themselves. It is also worth teaching your kid about what the warning signs are when a driver is drunk, and let them know that they should never get into a car with someone they think may be intoxicated.

Against dangerous people

9.9 times out of 10, everyone your child comes into contact with will be a genuine, friendly person, with no ulterior motive whatsoever. However, we all hear stories on the news about children who have been attacked, abused or abducted by adults (and in some cases even by other children), so it is always worth teaching your child the importance of trusting their instincts. The idea of ‘stranger danger’ does still apply, but is a less common term now, as studies show that the person most likely to pose a threat to a child is someone who already knows them. However, the basic advice still stands. Teach your child that no one in your family keeps secrets from each other and that if someone does something bad and then asks them not to tell anyone, they are within their rights to ignore that request. If your child is approached by someone in a manner they are not comfortable with, tell them that they don’t always have to be polite – and if the person in question tries to touch or grab them, they should scream and attract the attention of passers-by. Advise them that a mother with a child is usually a good option regarding who to seek help from, should they feel as though they need it. But the most important thing to teach your child is to trust their instincts. The point of ‘stranger danger’ is not to make a child suspicious of every new person they come across – this would only serve to make them very nervous individuals and possible overly dependent on you. But it is to help them realize when they could be in trouble, which in turn is what can help them live a more independent life. Children thrive off of knowing that you trust them, so by instilling these values in your kids you can breathe easy even when they are out of your sight. Every parent deserves to be able to relax from time to time, so by teaching your child these vital safety rules you can rest assured that they are unlikely to come to any harm.

Any new parent looks for the sought after baby nursery items, yes even seasoned parents like my husband and i. Even on baby number four we wanted to get him all new Nursery items, strollers, high chairs, crib and of course mattress. We found a great place to get all those Nursery Must Haves–  Baby Cubby.

The Baby Cubby is for every parent out there who has ever felt overwhelmed or discouraged about becoming a parent. The Baby Cubby team is made up of parents who have been there, know what it’s like and are passionate about encouraging, inspiring, and reminding parents how amazing they are and how important their role is.

The way Baby Cubby does this is by finding the highest quality and safest baby gear to provide to parents in a fun shopping experience. Baby Cubby test strollers on their stroller track, price match everyday – even amazon, offer free shipping nationwide at BabyCubby.com.

• Baby Cubby always price match, even amazon, so you know you’re getting a great deal
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Look around your home and ask yourself whether you could stand to lose some of the clutter. If the answer is yes, then you need to invest in some new storage for the house. Clutter isn’t always rubbish – it’s the sentimental things we cannot let go of. It’s the toys that the kids haven’t quite grown out of and it’s the things we need but have no home for.

When you are arranging to pack up your home for a move, you suddenly see all the stuff in the house – stuff that was always there but that you just didn’t notice! The books stacked on the shelves that were out of the way and gathering dust. The letters that piled up in the drawers and the trinkets you’ve collected from holidays as souvenirs over the years seem to jump out at you and suddenly, packing just got ten times harder. Don’t worry though, there are storage solutions out there in the world – other than storing things that you don’t need or use straight in the bin and you can take your pick from the list below as to what will suit you best!

During the whole process of moving house, you’re going to come across a lot of sentimental items. Even before you start packing up your home, you’ll have people looking around as potential buyers and if the shelves are covered in trinkets, you could put people off simply by overcrowding the space you have. Making the choice to invest in self-storage before you’ve even got yourself to the new house is a good idea for the whole family. You need to be able to keep your bits and bobs somewhere safely out of the way so you can effectively sell your house and leave a good impression. Clutter does not leave a good impression, neither do the sixty fridge magnets you brought home from Spain!

The good thing to remember about packing up your home for viewings or the actual move, is that your moving company may be one of those that offers you storage solutions for the time you are in temporary accommodation before the actual moving day. Sometimes there is a gap between leaving one house and arriving at another, no matter how well you time it.

Invest in good, sturdy storage boxes. They don’t have to be cardboard or corrugated card, but strong plastic like these ones here. If you can’t minimise your clutter, then keeping it tidied away is the next best thing. Strong boxes with the right packing materials can ensure that you can keep your belongings packed away properly while you make decisions about what to move and when. You don’t have to choose straight away what you unpack, and the right type of boxes can mean the difference between excellent attic storage in a dry space, than a basement storage in a damp space.

Moving house is a stressful time and packing a house for people to come and view to buy just adds to that stress. Think ahead about your storage options so you can pack and move in stages, making it easier on you all.

Your wedding anniversary is one of the most exciting and magical days of the year. However, this year’s is slightly different. Your husband has worked wonders to increase hit health and fitness since January, and you want to maintain your support even on this magical day.

This will naturally throw a spanner into the works during your preparations. But it’s still possible to have a romantic anniversary without sending him back to his old ways. Follow these five simple tricks, and you won’t go far wrong.

• Becoming more active has been a major influence in your husband’s personal journey. So why not arrange to do something simple, romantic, and healthy on your anniversary? Something simple like a bike ride or walk through the local woods is a great way to get some fresh air while spending some valuable time together as a couple. Seriously, that has to be better than sitting in the cinema in silence.
• Alternatively, you could use your anniversary as the perfect time to start a new hobby together. OK, so your husband may enjoy playing sports with friends and working out the gym alone. However, signing up for a weekly salsa class can be the perfect way to bring you closer together. Meanwhile, you’ll both be getting a little more exercise in a fun and exciting manner that removes the feeling of fitness being a chore. The fact that you begin the challenge on such a special day only adds an extra spice to the activities.
• A romantic meal is one of the key ingredients for a happy anniversary. However, heading out to your old favorite restaurant probably isn’t on the cards. One option is to book a table somewhere with healthier options. In truth, though, it may be better to prepare a meal at home. This lemon chicken recipe should do the trick. As for alcohol consumption, a glass of wine can actually carry benefits for the heart. Just remember not to go overboard by sinking a bottle each.
• Even if your husband isn’t materialistic, you will be buying him a present. These gifts for the man who has everything aren’t simply unique. Perhaps more importantly, they actively celebrate that new passion for being more active. Furthermore, it gives your lover something to look forward to in the future. Combine this with something simple like new running shorts, and he’ll be more than happy with that bundle.
• Tell your husband just how proud you are with his progress. Your anniversary isn’t simply a celebration. It’s a time for reflection and future planning. Men aren’t usually great lovers of overly romantic gestures. However, a poem or heartfelt letter showing that you have noticed the change will make a big impact. After all, you are one of the main reasons he is putting in that extra effort anyway. If nothing else, it will make him feel as though he is becoming a more desirable, and ultimately better, husband.

Suddenly finding a romantic and healthy solution doesn’t seem so hard, does it?

Having children can take its toll on the best relationship. When was the last time you and your man spent any quality time together? If you’re anything like most parents, it’s longer ago than you can remember. But, all relationships need nurturing from time to time. And, what better excuse than when you have an anniversary coming up? Buying gifts for men is never an easy task, and an anniversary is no different. But, it’s important you put a little thought in. This is the time for you and your man to remember those early days of your love. And, to appreciate all the years since! An anniversary present should say something about the love the two of you share. It’s a hard thing to get right, but the perfect gift is sure to hit the spot. If you’re short on ideas, we’ve got a few that should be of some help!

GET RID OF THE KIDS

It may sound horrible, but the best gift you can give your man is to get rid of the kids during your anniversary. And, this gift won’t cost you a thing! Okay, you may have to pay for babysitters. But, that’s it! Keeping the children around while you celebrate your anniversary could be a mistake. Though they are the best thing that’s come from your relationship, an anniversary should be about the two of you. Arrange a babysitter, or send the kids to stay with a family member for the night. That way, you can do whatever you fancy without having to worry. If you’ve been distant from each other for a while, this time alone will give you time to reignite a little intimacy. Even better, you won’t have to worry about little eyes peeking something they shouldn’t! Once you’ve arranged somewhere for the kids to stay, turn your attention to finding the perfect gift.

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

Whether your anniversary is a special one or not, a gift that from the past can be a fantastic choice. What better way to celebrate than to take your man back to the best times in your relationship. Of course, what this gift is will depend upon the special moments you’ve shared. Do you have a favourite song? Maybe a trip to a particular place would do the trick. Or, you could return to the restaurant from your first date. This gift is a cheap option, but it will have more sentimental value than most other choices. If you’re struggling to find something, think outside the box. You could order a backdated newspaper from the day you met, or revisit a film that from around that time. You don’t just have to pick one of these choices. Why not make the whole day a blast from the past? If you still have it, you could even put on the outfit you were wearing when the two of you first met! The more effort you put into this plan, the better.

A ROMANTIC HOLIDAY

A night without the kids is all well and good, but staying at home could find you talking about them anyway. When you’re surrounded by the things you see every day, it may be hard to get into the romantic headspace. A romantic holiday would tackle that problem. If you’re going down this path, you’ll need to find someone who can have the kids for the duration of your time away. But, it’ll be well worth it. If you explain the situation to your family, they’ll surely be able to help you out! Then, you can start planning your time away. If possible, keep this a secret from your man. You may have to tell him the dates so that he can arrange cover etc. Other than that, don’t mention what you’re planning.

If there’s somewhere the two of you have always wanted to visit, now could be a perfect time. If not, take your pick of dream destinations. Remember that romance is the goal here. You could aim for somewhere like Paris and get lost in the romantic culture. Or, you could look for somewhere exclusive, where you can get lost in each other’s company. How about a week in Barbados? You can relax on a quiet white sand beach and soak up the sun together! Make sure to choose something that you know your man would enjoy. Then, surprise him with the tickets before you go!

JEWELRY

Who says only women like jewelry as a gift? Not us! Why not buy your man the perfect jewelry piece? It’s worth spending a decent amount of money on this. That way, you can rest easy that it will last for years to come! Try to pick something that he can wear every day, as a reminder of the love you share. Like a wedding ring, though he already has one of those! Look into mens gold bracelets. Simple statement pieces like these will go with all his outfits, and are sure to last a long time! Or, you could buy him a simple gold chain necklace. Bear in mind, though, that a necklace may be harder to pull off in the office. To make the gift more meaningful, you could have an inscription included. That way, your man can turn to your words whenever he needs! If you want a personal message inscribed, think carefully about what you would like it to say. You only get one chance to get it right! Or, you could play it safe and have your names and the date of your anniversary inscribed instead! If your man isn’t keen on jewelry, you could get him a good quality pair of cufflinks instead. These will offer a reminder of you whenever he goes to work! You could have these personalized, too. Why not get cufflinks with each of your initials on them? Wearing those is sure to cheer him up if he’s ever having a bad day!

A SCRAPBOOK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP

If you have a creative flair, why not use it to make your man a gift? We all know that homemade gifts mean that bit more. And, the more meaning in an anniversary gift, the better! In keeping with looking back, a scrapbook could be the ideal choice. The good thing about scrapbooking is that you can get stuck in with relatively little experience. If it’s your first time, get a few ideas online. Then, get stuck in. Stock up on a high-quality book and a few arts and crafts supplies. The format you choose is entirely down to you. The most important thing is to include plenty of photographs of you and your man. But, the beauty of scrapbooking is that you can add other things, too. If you’re the type of person who likes to keep mementos, you should have plenty of stuff to go in there. If not, you may have to think outside the box. Think back through your relationship, then make designs to remember each event! Make sure, too, to put plenty of your personality into the book. Make sure that your man smiles each time he sees it!

BUY HIM A STAR

If your man has a fascination with space, naming a star after him could be the perfect gift. It’s even possible to name two stars side by side. How romantic would that be? As well as naming the star, you can backdate it. So, you could name two stars after the both of you and date it back to when you first met or married. Many companies offer this service. But, you’re better off looking for the official star-registry site. That way, you know the star is in a formal database! They also ensure that all stars can be seen with the naked eye, so you’ll be able to show your man where his star is in the sky! As well as naming the star, you’ll get a certificate stating its location and the name and date you’ve chosen. Most companies also offer the chance to add a personal message to the certificate. Make the most of the gift by getting the certificate framed once it arrives!

PERSONALIZED GIFT

And, it’s not only stars that you can put your man’s name to! Personalized gifts are big business. If you can think of it, you can probably get it personalized. For an anniversary gift, personal is best. You’ll need to think of your man’s tastes to get the perfect thing. If he’s a beer drinker, you could buy him a personal beer glass. Or, is wine more his thing? No problem! Or, you could buy a personalized photo frame or duvet set. How about personalized bathrobes for the two of you? Or, personalized bath towels. These would be perfect if you argue over towels all the time! Get thinking and see what you can find. It’s even possible to buy books personalized to a certain someone. The sky really is your limit with this choice!