We can all agree that children grow up incredibly quickly. In a blink of an eye, toddlers become teenagers, a few years from adulthood, and we’re left wondering what to do when they leave for university, settle down and possibly have children of their own. Although this can prove frightening to some parents, a teenager finally passing their driving test and needing their own car can also seem like a blessing. Gone are the days of playing taxi, and now is the time to for you to somewhat regain your own time and independence.

However, purchasing a car for your newly licenced teen is no easy matter. You will want to ensure their car is the safest model around, and that the insurance will cover any bumps or scratches. You will also want to buy a vehicle which isn’t going to cause you and your family bankruptcy. Therefore, the below tips will help you prepare and find a car perfect for both you and your teenager.

Go Second-hand

Your teenager will ask for an unreasonable car; something you either cannot afford or would be wasted on a new driver. Therefore, consider a second-hand car from a used car dealership. Not only does this mean you’ll be able to get more for your money, but if an accident was ever to happen, it is less costly scrapping or replacing a used car than writing off a brand-new vehicle. However, modern cars are both safer and more reliable than older models, so make sure to take this into consideration.

Educate Your Teen

Your teenager may have passed their test, but it would be smart to also get in the car with them to check their capabilities. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will also allow you to talk to them and educate them on the dangers and what to do if they were ever to be involved in an accident. This means taking them on a small circuit around your home, so they understand the mechanics of the new car and showing them where their insurance and other important documents are stored. If you’re based in the new York area, this should also include the information of a NY personal injury attorney, Paul Napoli, who practices in personal injury as well as car accidents.

Costs

An extra car in the household makes for extra costs. Therefore, it is the perfect time to start educating your teenager on the responsibilities of being an adult. There is no set or correct way of totaling up the costs of a car, but examples of sharing the costs can include your teenager paying for gas or insurance while you pay for the other, or start a monthly payment similar to that of rent or other direct debits. Of course, this can only work if your teenager has a regular income. Other ways of paying off their car could also include chores or the upkeep of good grades.

Your teenager is going to be incredibly excited about the prospect of driving and owning their own car. In fact, it is the perfect time to start teaching them about adult responsibilities. Therefore, make sure you child’s first car is safe, reliable, practical, but also fun and shows how proud of them you are.

Blogging is a popular activity among millions of Americans. It is a great way to connect with other parents going through similar issues. You can share your experiences online, offer advice and tips to other parents, and offload your problems when raising kids is a major headache. Once you build a loyal readership, you can also make money from your blog, but that takes time and effort, so don’t expect overnight success.

Design an Eye-Catching Blog

In the meantime, if you want to attract readers, you need to create an attractive, well-designed blog. There are some great blog templates out there – WordPress had a huge selection to choose from – but while generic templates are fine, it is important to personalize a website so that it stands out from the crowd.

You can make your own background for a website (and devices) using Adobe Spark. It’s easy to create eye-catching wallpapers and background art using personalized themes, photos, and text. Use your own photos and design a great background for your blog. This will help your content stand out from similar blogs.

Unfiltered Content

The beauty of blogging online is that you have a platform to say whatever you want. The more unfiltered you are, the more likely you are to attract attention in the blogosphere. This doesn’t mean you should be deliberately controversial, although if you hold controversial views, by all means, tell the world. No, what I mean by ‘unfiltered’ is don’t be tempted to sugar coat your life. If parenting is a struggle and there are days you can’t stand being a mom, be honest and open. Honesty is refreshing and readers would much rather read about your difficult life than a picture-perfect description of your amazing husband and perfect kids. Life is rarely that good, so why pretend otherwise.

Use Different Media

Mix and match different media in your blog. Text-based posts are great, but post other types of content, such as infographics, photos, and video. Visual content attracts readers and every post should include a photo. It is a good idea to use your own images as much as possible, as this helps to personalize the content and make your blog feel more authentic, but if this isn’t possible, select some good quality stock photos or browse through creative commons images.

Invite Guest Posts

Guest posts add value to your website and broaden the range of content you provide. As long as guest posts are a good fit for the site and are well written, you can’t lose.

Post Interviews

Do you know people with something interesting to say, perhaps another mom in your community who is going through a difficult time? Interviews offer a unique insight into someone else’s world and are a great way to add unique, interesting content to a blog. Nobody else’s blog will have a similar post, so your blog will definitely stand out from the crowd.

Make sure you update your blog regularly, as consistency is very important from an SEO perspective.

Stress and anxiety levels are off the charts these days due to the increased demands and need to work harder and faster than ever before. Research shows that health care providers are seeing more patients due to stress related incidents or anxiety-inducing ailments than in years past. There are many causes for this some of which include family and financial stress, relationships, or work demands. This article will share some ways to reduce stress and anxiety today so you can start to feel better tomorrow.

1. Yoga. Practicing yoga on a regular basis can decrease anxiety and stress levels a great deal. Breathing and stretching your body along with using your mind to move your body into various poses can help you feel more centered and in control.
2. Meditation. Large companies such as Google, are starting to provide their employees time and space in their work day to meditate. Meditating can help you focus on your breathing, stop your mind from racing, and can greatly calm your heart rate and increase your concentration. By taking time in your day to meditate you can be more efficient and work better with decreased stress and anxiety in your life. Companies that are allowing employees some time on a daily basis to meditate are finding that employees are happier, more productive, and enjoy coming to work.
3. Supplements. Those who experience severe stress and anxiety can find some relief by adding supplements to their diet. Supplements provide energy as well as needed nutrients for a healthier lifestyle. Drinking water along with taking healthy supplements is a great way to take care of your body and reduce stress.
4. CBD oil. An up and coming product, CBD oil is also known as cannabidiol which is a chemical component found in cannabis leaves. While it is not THC, there are still great healing properties associated with CBD oil.  This oil is mainly used as an anti-inflammatory or antioxidant. It is most popular for relaxing the mind and is used a great deal to treat severe anxiety disorders. While CBD oil has not be researched a great deal by the FDA, there are many notable positive results from using this product that are interesting. You can find out more information in this CBD oil guide.
5. Sleep. Getting enough sleep at night can greatly make a difference in one’s outlook on life. Research shows that adults should aim to get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep every night in order to be productive and energized throughout the day. Those who experience fatigue on the job may find themselves being short with others or getting stressed over mundane tasks that may not typically bother them.

There are many things that can induce stress and anxiety in today’s society. The good thing is that there are also many inexpensive and natural ways to remedy this problem. Whether you make a lifestyle change and commit to sleeping more, practicing yoga or meditation, or adding supplements and CBD oil to your routine, you can make a change to live a less stressful and anxious life.

Nothing is worse than being bored with your kids during the summer holidays. However, they’re fast approaching, and so you don’t have much time to make arrangements. Considering that, I wanted to offer a helping hand today with some suggestions. When all’s said and done, you are the best person to decide what’s right for your children. Still, I hope these ideas will point you in the right direction. You just need to make sure you enjoy yourselves and stay entertained. Use the tips on this page to ensure you leave no stone unturned this summer.

Try to spend a lot of time outside

Lots of children waste their time playing video games these days. That is something that annoys many parents because it’s bad for their health. For that reason, you should try to get your kids to spend as much time outside as possible. Maybe you could show them how to build a treehouse or something similar? Perhaps you could purchase some fun apparatus to make your garden more attractive? Just read online reviews like http://parentingpod.com/springfree-springless-trampoline-review/. With a bit of luck, you’ll discover the perfect products for your outdoor space. As a bonus, some of those items might even help to keep your kids in shape.

Encourage your kids to play with friends

All children need to socialize as much as possible. As a parent,  we can help guide them to making friends and learn how to get on with other people. Some ideas that would come in hand is to call other parents and arrange some playdates. While the kids enjoy themselves in the garden, you can possibly get some actual adult conversation. It’s a fantastic idea because it means your little ones will have lots of fun. However, it also means you won’t find yourself left on the sidelines. If the weather is good, you might consider organizing a barbecue or something similar. Tips at http://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g801/summer-party-ideas-0609/ could come in handy. That idea would mean you could invite lots of their friends at the same time.

Arrange some day trips

Getting away from your house is always a wise move during the summer holidays. There’s a massive world out there with lots to keep you entertained. So, now is the time to search online for day trip or vacation ideas. Maybe your children love spending an afternoon at a theme park? Perhaps they have an interest in history, and so you look for interesting sites? Whatever your kids enjoy, you’re guaranteed to identify something suitable. If you want the best results, involve your little ones in the process. Give them a choice of different ideas, and then let them decide how you’re going to spend your day together.
If you use some of the advice from this page, your family should avoid a boring summer. Pretty soon, your kids will grow up and fly the nest. For that reason, it’s vital that you make the most of your time together while they are young. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you keep a camera handy. These moments are when you will create memories that last a lifetime. So, ensure you document them as much as possible.

With summer approaching at a rapid rate, your mind may be drifting off towards family holidays that you can take together. There is a whole variety of options out there, and you can plan a fantastic adventure even if you have only a limited budget. Whatever you do decide on, there is nothing like an adventure for bringing the whole family together. Simply the joy of seeing new places and having different experiences can provide you with memories that will last a lifetime. So, let’s take a look at some wonderful family adventures that you can go on together.

Go on a Road Trip

There is nothing like the open road for conjuring up images of excitement and adventure as you whizz across the country. Take a look at the No Birds Bash website for an example of an epic road trip. Of course, if you have a young family, things probably won’t be quite so idyllic! You need to make sure that you have plenty of entertainment planned to keep your kids engaged while you are out on long stretches of road. You also need to ensure that you have your route carefully planned out in advance so you can choose interesting stopping points along the way. Make sure that you have a satnav to prevent any unnecessary arguments about heading off in the wrong direction!

Take a Camping Holiday

Going on a camping holiday is a nice affordable activity that you can do with the whole family. With so many different possible destinations out there, you will need to do some research so you choose the one that is right for you. Buy all your equipment in advance and make sure that you are confident that you can put your tent up when you get there so you are not left struggling! The nice thing about a camping holiday is that it moves you away from screens and other technology, so try to come up with some other forms of entertainment that you can all take part in as a family.

Go on and Adventure Trip

There are all kinds of adventure centres all over the country, usually in the heart of some wilderness or countryside that offer you the chance to take part in a whole range of activities. These activities may include hiking, mountain biking, watersports, canoeing and a whole range of other possibilities depending on where you go. The good thing about adventure holiday destinations is that they are usually very social places with lots of other families so it is very easy to meet like-minded people.

Plan a Walking Trip
If you prefer to get around just using your own two legs, a walking holiday may be the choice for you. It gives you the freedom of being able to decide where you would like to go yourself, and the chance to get out in the open air with the whole family. You can either decide to camp or book accommodation along the way depending on your personal preferences.       

Gifting is always a special thing for the buyers and the receivers both. There are numerous occasions to get a gift for your loved ones. Rather than breaking your head in confusion, you can have a look at the gift ideas discussed below and gain from it.

Birthday: Among all gifting occasions, a birthday is the most special one. This is a day that is filled with cakes and gifts by the loved ones, friends, and relatives. Now, to wish someone dearly on the occasion of birthday, always make sure that you study the other person well. Once you know the choice and taste of that person, you can easily get the online gift delivery in Canada. Surprise party can be a good idea for birthdays. You can also think of an experience gift on this occasion like scuba diving or bungee jumping or river rafting.

Anniversary: Maybe marriages are made in heaven but in our real planet, it takes the hard work of two people who accept each other whole-heartedly. Each and every single day of marriage is a learning experience for the couple. As a gift for this lovely union you can get a personalized photo frame, or you can take your spouse to a spa treat. Both these gifts would be treasured by your better half.

House-warming: Housewarming observance is a very special day for every family because it symbolizes the time they move into their own little world. Earning with a lot of dedication and hard work gives us money and when this money helps us to get a new home, it is a moment of pride and honor for the family. So to congratulate any dear friend when he/she has acquired a new space, you can take some Feng Shui items that would take care of the happiness and prosperity of their home. Laughing Buddha, Lucky Bamboo plant, turtle, etc. are some of them.

Retirement: A person retires from his/her work with a heavy but happy heart. The heart is heavy because, in some corner of the mind there is that “I am getting old” factor and also the fact that there won’t be the same morning alarm clock waking you up for the piles of work. The heart is happy because, the person who would retire has an experience of lifetime – he has crossed millions of challenges and stood firm. You can get some lovely books and a personalized coffee mug as a gift for this occasion.

Congratulations: Now, this is a large area as you can congratulate someone for buying a new car or getting a promotion in office. If your sweet little brother or sister have graduated recently, you must congratulate on this occasion. A wrist watch, pen, nice clock, or a brand new glares, jeans, and shirt collection can be gifted to the boys. And for the darling ladies, you can take up a smartphone, tablet, or handbags along with a congratulatory greeting card and send gifts online to Canada.

On Friday, June 9, Amazon Original Special An American Girl Story: Summer Camp, Friends for Life is set to launch on Prime Video in the US, UK, Germany and Austria.

In the new special, friends Z (Zoe Manarel, The Nightingale) and Paz (Alison Fernandez, Logan) arrive at S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) camp excited for tech heaven. When the administrator surprises everyone by restricting their devices, they think their summer’s doomed. Things take a mysterious turn when they meet Jordan (Monique Green, Marriage of Lies), an enchanting “counselor” who sends them on an adventure, opening them up to a world of possibilities – like befriending Drew (Lauren Donzis, Liv and Maddie). The special, directed by Alison McDonald (An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win), also stars Camryn Manheim (Extant).

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“Summer Camp, Friends for Life combines the relatable themes of friendship and collaboration in a fun and engaging S.T.E.A.M. camp environment,” said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. “Our customers will be inspired by Z, Paz and Drew as they work together toward solving the mystery presented to them.”

With 40-50% of all U.S. marriages ending in divorce, you can guarantee that at some point a child is going to be involved.

Whilst younger children usually bounce back and quickly get used to mommy and daddy having separate houses, older kids tend to be more aware. However, no matter where they currently are in terms of developmental stage, you won’t be able to hide your divorce from your children forever.

So, the priority here is making sure that your child’s emotional health remains intact – after all, they are the innocent party in this. We’ve listed the five top ways to protect your child from the negative effects of divorce.

1. Encourage Communication

You might not want to talk about your divorce right now, but some day the nitty-gritty details are going to come out and staying silent will set the wrong example to your little one; teaching them to keep their feelings bottled up can have awful long-lasting effects.

If you hire a good divorce lawyer, they may be able to help you explain the process to your child objectively. This can be a good way to start the flow of communication between you two.

2. Compartmentalize

Dividing the various parts of their life and boxing them off in mental ‘compartments’ comes easily to some people; for others, it can seem impossible. But, when your child is around, it’s so important to file thoughts about the divorce away in your mind for another time.

Remember that your spouse is also your child’s parent; your little one doesn’t want to hear bad things about mom or dad. Unless it’s an extreme situation such as abuse where your child can’t see their parent again, don’t be that parent who shares the details. Doing so can lead to a strained relationship between your child and ex-spouse for years to come. And, it will affect your own parent-child bond.

3. Stay Positive

It can be hard to think positive thoughts when the marriage you’ve worked so hard to build is being demolished in front of your eyes. But, striving to see the bright side will encourage a culture of underlying happiness and contentment in your home, no matter what.

From a child’s perspective, there’s some pretty good perks of having divorced parents; two birthday parties, two bedrooms, and in some cases, new brothers and sisters to play with. Remind them that it’s not all bad.

4. Get Support

Finally, in some cases, you will need to get extra support for your child. Some children are particularly hard-hit by a divorce; perhaps they share a close bond with your ex-spouse and not having them around is breaking their heart.

Therapy with a good pediatric psychologist can help your child to deal with the changes in their life. Additionally, encourage your child to remain friends with your ex; let them visit as often as they need and encourage them to stay in touch by calling or texting.

Did divorce affect you as a child? Did you hire a great divorce lawyer? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

More people than ever before are choosing to take a career break or make a change in their 40’s, 50’s, and even 60’s. One of the reasons for this is that the growth of online study means it’s much easier to learn new skills and gain qualifications while working. Courses such as an online doctor EDD program have grown in popularity in recent years, which means those who are perhaps bored of their careers or want to take on new challenges are no longer stuck. They have options. Here are just a few.

Consultancy

If you have been working in one industry for the last 20 years there is a good chance you know what you are doing. Becoming a consultant in that field would allow you to use your skills and knowledge to help others just starting out. Spend time assessing their business, spotting problems and coming up with solutions. Then move on to the next firm. Consultancy is a great way to use your skills to help others while meeting a range of different people.

Starting a Business

As well as opening the door to further education, the internet gives people the opportunity to start their own business. You could set up many different services including those in hair and beauty, painting and decorating, catering, or removal services, and use the internet to promote and advertise to a wider audience. Starting your own business is both challenging and rewarding. Use your experience of working for other people. Take their strengths and learn from their mistakes.

Freelancing

Freelancing can be a great way to turn a hobby into a career. If you enjoy writing, photography or web design, advertise your skills on a site such as Upwork to get your first clients. You could then set up your own website or blog to sell your skills, show off your portfolio, and build your own client base. With work like this, experience and passion are much more important than qualifications.

Teaching

Teaching makes a fantastic second career. Your skills and experience are invaluable, it’s a growing industry always in need of new staff and there is plenty of room for progression. Once you are a qualified teacher studying for an online doctor of education, this could see you go on to become a dean, head of department, chief academic officer, or an education administrator.

Nursing

Nursing is another career path where your life experience and skills could be exceptionally useful. Many people choose a job in healthcare as their secondary career as it allows them to help others and give something back to the community. Like teaching, nursing is a growing industry with room to grow and develop.

Remember, it’s never too late to learn or to make a change. Don’t feel trapped in an unhappy career. If there is a new path you are interested in, whether it’s on this list or something different, look at what skills you need and try to find courses and experiences that would fill any gaps in your knowledge and qualifications before applying. Good luck.

Do you dread shopping for Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts? The search for items that demonstrate your love feels like the quest for the fountain of youth: hopeless.

This leads many to procrastinate shopping at all. Then at the last minute, people spend more money than they intended on a gift they aren’t that happy about.

In 2016, Americans spent over $35 billion on Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts. That’s a lot of ties and flowers!

On average, people last year spent $125.92 on Father’s Day gifts and $172.22 on Mother’s Day presents.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to spend a lot of money to show your parents you love them. And maybe by spending less money, you’ll make Mom and Dad feel even more special.

Sounds like magic, right? It is, but you don’t need to be a magician to achieve it. Check out these 10 DIY crafts ideas that could make this Mother’s and Father’s Day season extra special.

1. DIY Photo Transfer to Wood

Parents love family photos. Rather than putting pictures into store-bought frames, try transferring your photos onto wood for a unique, rustic look.

With the magic of Mod Podge, you can imprint the color from a laser-printed picture onto a block of wood. You won’t need a lot of expensive supplies to make this craft, but you will need some patience and care.

Once you’re done transferring the image, get as creative as you want by adding embellishments like letters and words to the finished product.

2. Classy Silhouette Brunch Cookies

Food brings families together, and these silhouette cookies will add a special twist to your Mother’s Day brunch.

Put a spin on the classic silhouette by using your kid’s profiles on the cookies rather than a random artistic portrait. Don’t have kids? Mom will love your silhouette too!

While these cookies take some extra effort to make, you’ll create personalized works of art that make Mom feel special.

3. Tee-Time Cupcakes

Not to be outdone by Mom’s brunch cookies, check out these fun golf-themed cupcakes for Dad.

Maybe your father needs a new set of clubs or golf shoes, but there’s so much to consider when making purchases like those. It’s too easy to buy the wrong things.

So make these adorable golf cupcakes instead. And while you’re getting crafty, make a card online too!

4. Painted Cork Coasters

Dads will appreciate these colorful, fun cork coasters. And you’ll appreciate how fast and easy they are to make, with minimal materials.

Use tape to create triangular patterns on the cork for painting. But get as creative as you want with the designs.

You could paint other shapes like polka dots, hearts, and stars, or even a special message for Dad.

These coasters will score some points with Mom too. Help protect her beloved coffee table from those dreaded water stains.

5. Homemade Facial Scrubs

Your mom deserves some pampering. Spa visits are a nice luxury, but why not give Mom her own spa at home?

Here are 16 luscious homemade scrubs you can make for your mom using sugar, salt, oatmeal, and other ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

You really only need some mason jars and food ingredients for this craft. Then get as creative as you’d like in making labels for the scrubs.

6. Aromatherapy Neck Pillow

Speaking of pampering, here’s a gift that both Mom and Dad will enjoy.

After a stressful day, aromatherapy neck pillows will help your parents relax and ease into the evening.

If you’ve got a pair of long socks, rice, lavender oil, and a needle and thread, that’s all you need to make this simple craft. It doesn’t get easier than this.

7. Paper Flower Corsage

Flowers are so lovely but they fade fast. And corsages made with real flowers, precious as they are, can only be used once.

So why not make a corsage or boutonnière out of paper? Mom will treasure and wear this beautiful gift for years to come.

This tutorial will guide you through each step with highly detailed and colorful pictures.

8. Retro Personalized Food Labels

Jazz up your dad’s favorite foods—like nuts, barbecue sauce, or pickled vegetables—with this personalized retro clip art labels.

This tutorial has downloadable designs you can print. Other than paper for the labels, all you’ll need are jars or bags for the food, plus some double-sided tape.

Cover up that boring pickle jar label with “Daddy-o-Brand” and put a smile on Dad’s face.

9. Baby footprint art

Who doesn’t adore newborn baby feet? People without souls—that’s who.

But Mom or Dad will treasure this precious snapshot in time. Check out these 10 DIY baby footprint crafts that your parents will love.

Be sure to use non-toxic paint or clay when making any baby footprint projects.

10. Vintage Teacup Candles

Does your mom love antique teacups? And what about candles?

Combine both elements in one with this classy DIY teacup candle project.

You could also use these candles on your Mother’s Day brunch table! And similar to the silhouette cookies, this is a delicate project that takes some effort.

But vintage teacup candles make a charming addition to any home’s decor.

Summing It Up

With so many crafty DIY projects on the web, there’s no need for anxiety this Mother’s and Father’s Day season. Choose the craft that most inspires you, roll up your sleeves, and get started.

And if you’ve got kids, be sure to include them in the crafting process too. You may even start a DIY family revolution that goes beyond these holidays to birthdays and other special occasions.

While store-bought items are nice, homemade gifts convey a thoughtfulness that transcends picking something off a shelf or browsing Amazon.

Taking time to make something with your own hands is a physical demonstration of love. And it’s a gesture Mom or Dad won’t soon forget.

As a bonus, you’ll spend less money on making a homemade gift than you’ll spend on buying one.

Affordable and thoughtful? Sounds like a win to us.