Dealing with a parent who’s has cancer is never easy ad one who is diagnosed terminally-ill you just can not wrap your brain around it. There’s no preparation for the emotional distress you’ll feel at this difficult time.

With aggressive cancers like mesothelioma rising in number, even more families are going to go through this impossible scenario. And the chances are you’ll feel lost when trying to deal with this situation.

These are the five ways to help cope with a parent who’s dying from cancer.

1. Don’t Assume You Know Anything

As part of your preparation for this, the first thing to do is to assume you don’t know anything. Don’t torture yourself with thoughts that you don’t know how to do this or that you’re going to do something wrong. Allow your emotions to take over and say whatever is on your mind. There are no wrong answers in this scenario. Do what’s in your heart.

2. Don’t Pretend It’s Not Happening

A parent who’s dying from mesothelioma, full resource on the disease here,  or any other form of cancer has only a limited amount of time left. The worst thing you can do is to pretend that it’s not happening.

You should use the amount of time you have left wisely. Make the most of that time by acknowledging what’s going on and come up with a plan for what you’re going to do about it.

3. Let Your Parent Make the Decisions

Assuming they’re still in a good mind, allow them to make the decisions. Don’t try to force them to do anything your way. Give over your time and support to them.

Whatever they want to do, do it. The last thing you need is any family conflict at this difficult time.

You should also make it clear to other loved ones that they’re the ones in charge. They’re the person experiencing this so final authority should fall to them.

4. Demonstrate Your Love

Even though this is the most difficult situation you’ll ever experience, use the time they have to create some final golden memories together.

Demonstrate how much you love them because it could be the last chance you have. Pour out your heart to them. Laugh and cry together because these are the memories you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

5. Maintain the Peace

Assume that the dying room is a place of love and peace. This applies even if the person is unconscious. Unless your parent says otherwise, keep any family conflict or contentious topics out of the room.

Do what you can to create a peaceful environment so your parent can have the best send off possible. It will increase their quality of life and ensure that their final thoughts are happy ones.

Final Thoughts on Coping with a Parent Dying From Cancer

Understand that there’s no easy way to deal with this situation. There are no plans and what one person did won’t be what’s necessarily right for you.

There’s no denying that this will be incredibly difficult to handle, and you’ll struggle, but just listen to what your heart is telling you and keep a peaceful atmosphere.

Are you dealing with a terminally ill parent?

Toilets are something many of us rarely think about until something goes wrong. If the faucet is dripping, you can easily soldier through the increased water bills and leave it alone for months on end (although we do not recommend it). If the shower head is leaking, we delay fixing it or buying a new one out of convenience.

But the situation changes when the toilet malfunctions because there is no easy way to avoid fixing it. Plumbing projects can be a tricky proposition for many people, but they do not have to be. Without further ado, here are three toilet problems you can fix without a plumber.

Running Toilet

Though other gadgets and household items have made several technological leaps, toilets have not changed much in the last 80 years. Today’s users experience the same issues as their great-grandfathers, one of them being running toilets. A running toilet can be very annoying, especially when it tanks the water bill.

Fortunately for everybody involved, there are a few home fixes that can be applied without asking the help of a specialist. Depending on the causes, you will need toilet flappers, replacement fill valves, and pliers.

The first thing you should do is check the fil tube. After removing the tank lid, look for a small flexible tube that stretches from the fill valve to the overflow tube. After each successive flush, the overflow tube refills the tank. If the tube is somehow improperly installed or loose, the bowl will not properly refill. Therefore, make sure to reattach the fill tube keeping a distance of 1 inch above the rim.

Next up, you need to adjust the fill height. The water level is maintained by an item called a float; if it is installed too low, the flush is weak; if it is too high, the water reaches the overflow tube and the valve will not properly shut off. The float should have a factory-made fill mark, but in case it does not, you could easily mark it by measuring down about 1 inch. Flush the toilet and try to determine if the water reaches the mark and if it doesn’t, adjust the float accordingly.

Finally, if you have tried the previous two steps, your problem might be elsewhere, possibly the flapper; you should check this for fixing a toilet that won’t flush. After turning off the water, remove the flapper and go to the nearest store. Make sure it is an exact match, otherwise it might not fit with your toilet model. Still, there is a high chance you will not find an exact match, so the best thing to do is to go for an universal model. If either the problem persists, or you can’t find a flapper that works for you, the tank might need to be replaced.

Loose Flush Handle

You’ve unclogged the toilet and stopped the water from running, saving you hundreds of dollars in water bills. But there is one problem left: the flush handle is loose. Or worse, it broke off as you were using it. Regardless of what exactly happened, here is how to fix this problem.

When it comes to tools, you will need an adjustable wrong or some pliers. The first thing you should know is that the net that connects the tank to the handle is usually threaded in the opposite direction than other nuts. This means you have to do everything in reverse – screw counterclockwise to tighten it, and clockwise to loosen it.

If you want to remove it, make sure cut off the water from the toilet to avoid any potential accidents. Using a wrench, rotate the nut clockwise to remove it. Now all you have to do is run to the store, look for an exact match, come back come, install it by rotating counterclockwise and reattach the chain or wire to the lift arm.

Clogged Toilet

There are many easy ways to unclog a toilet without rushing for the plumber’s number. The first method involves using two of the most common household items: vinegar and baking soda. Apart from being excellent for cleaning a variety of surfaces and deodorizing rooms, they are also the biggest enemies of clogged toilets. You will not need any special tools.

Start by pouring one cup of baking soda in the clogged toilet. After waiting for a couple of minutes, add two cups of vinegar to the baking soda, making sure you are doing it slowly and methodically. The reason why you need to be careful is that this particular mixture causes a chemical reaction that could expose the toilet to the risk of overflowing.

Afterward, all you need to do is to wait for another couple of minutes and flush the toilet. If the mixture did not do the trick, rinse and repeat this process until it yields results.

The next method is as basic as it is efficient – using a plunger (preferably with a flange). This is an item that every house owner should possess. Put on some gloves, grab the plunger, insert it into the toilet and push it slowly; the purpose of the first push is to simply eliminate the extra air.

Pushing it too forcefully right from the get-go is not only counterproductive, but you will probably get splashed with dirty water. Make sure that the plunger is properly fixed and push up and down in successive motions, maintaining the same momentum. After a couple of minutes of plunging, the water should rush down the drain. As always, if it did not work from the first session, keep trying because consistency is key.

Finally, if all else fails, you could always try unclogging the toilet with a plumbing snake. Insert its head into the toilet and start slowly rotating the handle clockwise. As soon as you feel any resistance from the other side, pull the snake back. Flush the toilet if the clog has been fixed.

Conclusion

Despite what everybody thinks, most plumbing issues, especially those that are related to the toilet, can be easily fixed by the owners without calling a plumber over. Make sure to read this article and you will learn how to repair a loose handle, and how to fix a clogged or running toilet. Alternatively, read this article to learn about the best rated toilets out on the market today.

Dinnertime with a toddler isn’t easy. You know how quickly it can turn into a clash of wills. Suddenly, you’re no longer in the dining room but in the ring. In one corner, there’s mommy who’s trying to serve up well-rounded meals that meet her child’s nutritional needs. In the other, there’s the kid who insists on eating only PB&J sandwiches with a side of Oreos.

If you’re tired of being on the losing side of this argument meal after meal, it’s time you mix up your tactics. Your toddler may be pint-sized, but their strong will is a match for any stubborn adult. You won’t win by sheer force alone; sometimes you have to be a little sneaky. Try hiding veggies into your dishes, so your child won’t know they’re eating their greens until it’s too late. Scroll down to test out five recipes guaranteed to change your toddler’s mind about vegetables.

1. Cauliflower Pizza — a gluten-free, healthy crust alternative

Chances are, your little one loves pizza. (And really, who doesn’t?) It’s a great treat for the family, but if your child only likes plain cheese or pepperoni, it’s not something you want them eating all the time. Luckily, you can add it to your regular recipe rotation by making one simple modification. When you switch out typical flour-based dough for one made with cauliflower, you can hide a veggie surprise without sacrificing on taste. Check out this recipe to learn how to make your kid’s favorite dish a little healthier.

2. Veggie Meatballs — a meatless alternative to spaghetti and meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs, all covered in cheese, is not just a song that your family likes to sing together. It’s also a classic meal that’s loved by all. While the tomatoes in the sauce pack a powerful punch of veggies, you can amp up this particular meal’s nutritional power by substituting veggie “meat” balls for the typical beef or pork ones. Follow a recipe that calls to blend its veggie balls into a paste, so there aren’t any incriminating pieces of veggies that might turn your little one off the dish.

3. Deluxe Veggie Burgers — a new take on a grilled classic

When your child turns their nose up at tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, and onions, then a burger is more of a meat sandwich than a well-rounded meal. You can try mixing things up by replacing the meat with legumes and vegetables. The chickpeas and pecans keep the protein high in this recipe, but it’s the addition of bell peppers, spinach, and herbs that make this patty even healthier. Topped with their favorite condiments (a.k.a. ketchup and more ketchup), this burger tastes so good they won’t realize they’re eating a single veggie.

Try out one of these recipes tonight and see how easy it can be to sneak in veggies at dinnertime. Then slowly make your way through the rest of the list to see which one is your little one’s favorite. Before you know it, you’ll have three solid ways to meet your kid’s 5–10 a day.

Though healthy, fresh vegetables can be expensive. Your child’s newfound love for veggie-packed meals can put a strain on your budget. At first, your higher grocery bill can make it a challenge to pay other bills on time. An online cash loan offers quick financial help for you and your family when you’ve accidentally spent too much at the supermarket. You can head online as soon as you realize your groceries caused a minor cash shortage and, in some cases, get the cash you need in as little one business day. Fast acting and convenient, it makes it possible to pay for fresh vegetables without risking other parts of your finances, so you don’t have to choose between the household’s needs and your child’s health.

Forget about bringing home the bacon — try bringing home broccoli! Keep an eye on the season and download a rebate app. These simple tricks can keep your costs low, so you can continue to put the veggies on the table. There are a lot of ways to convince your child to eat healthfully, but sometimes you just have to rely on covert tactics. Don’t feel guilty about smuggling them into a dish. Until they grow out of their picky-eater phase, these sneaky recipes provide an argument-free way to get your kid eating well.

When it comes to thinking green in the world of plumbing, most ideas revolve around reducing usage and waste. Making choices that save on water is the best way to be eco-conscious with plumbing, but not necessarily the only way.

More and more professionals are becoming more familiar with green choices for their clients. The Plumbing Detectives, a popular Sydney plumber, have seen several eco trends lately that can help you save money as well as help the environment.

Low-Flow Shower Heads

Let’s start off with a pretty simple plumbing project: changing the shower fixtures to a low-flow variety. You can save up to 2 gallons per minute during your showers without sacrificing flow or pressure. A good quality low-flow fixture is designed to still give you a strong shower, just using a little less water. This is the kind of thing you can do without a professional with just some standard hand tools.

Dual Flush Toilets

A bigger project might be the toilet, which is still a reasonable change to make without breaking the bank. Switching a conventional toilet for one that allows you to make either short or standard flushes can save a lot of water. Just choose the button or lever for small flush if you only have a little liquid to deal with, and give it the full flush for larger waste situations. By using less water when you don’t really need it, you save several gallons every day.

You can also get low-flow toilets that don’t offer the dual flush choice which will also save on water usage but aren’t always the best option for those times you need serious flushing power.

On-Demand Hot Water

Maintaining a large tank of hot water so it’s ready for use isn’t the most energy-efficient approach, even with insulation. A system that uses rapid heating to give you hot water in moments means you can ditch the tank and only use the energy when you actually need it.

Grey Water System

If you are really serious about green plumbing, you can add in a grey water system to reuse the rinse water that drains from your washing machine or dishwasher too. This might be a bigger project than the average homeowner wants to get into, but it is a huge improvement in water efficiency if you give it a go. Water that is drained off from the washing machine, for example, is relatively clean and can be rerouted for toilet-flushing use or perhaps for outside gardening (providing you use a natural detergent). Water from the bathtub drain can be used for this as well.

Drain Cleaning

This is a little different from the water-saving tips given so far. A clogged drain sends most people reaching for the nearest jug of caustic chemicals to get it cleared, which is far from a green decision. Instead of trying to unclog a sink with toxins, try a more natural option next time. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is surprising very effective at loosening a clog as it fizzes. It also creates gas pressure if you plug the drain after you apply.

You can also try the mechanical route with an extendable drain “snake” that will directly break up the clog without any chemicals at all.

Pets hold a special place in any household. After all, they are a constant source of companionship, amusement, and even offer various health benefits. The only problem is that owning a pet can be very expensive. There are lots of ways for your furry friend to leave a huge dent in your wallet! After the fees spent in buying or adopting them, you also have to train and neuter them, buy a collar and leash, and implant a tracking microchip in them.

And that’s just for starters. The costs can quickly add up to become an unmanageable burden. The trick here is to spend your money wisely and find ways to save on unnecessary costs. But how do you make this very important distinction? After all, even the most frugal pet owner will have to save money at some point. So here are 5 tips that will help you spend less on pet supplies:

1. Buy in Bulk and Use Coupons

A great way to save is to buy in bulk. Not only will you pay less for pet supplies, but this will also ensure that you are fully stocked up for a longer period of time. You can do this at your favorite pet store or set up a recurring order for products that you use regularly.

The best thing about buying in bulk is that it may mean a significant product discount for you. At the very least, it will help you save time and the cost of gasoline.

Couponing is another habit that you should develop. That’s because they can net you savings, especially on your bulk buying sprees. The Petsmart Grooming Coupon is a great example of how this can be done.

2. Feed Them Homemade Treats

All pets need a balanced diet that provides them with a healthy ratio of carbs, proteins, fibers, and fats. You can certainly buy cheap and in bulk online stores or your local manufacturer. However, more often than not, you will find that the quality of this feed will be questionable.

What you need is a cheap option that won’t break the bank or compromise your pet’s health. The best option here is homemade food and treats. But this doesn’t mean feeding them table scraps or reheated leftovers! Take the time to research the best diet for your pet and prepare it at home.

3. Create Your Own Toys

Nothing makes people happier than seeing their pet’s reaction to their favorite toy. That might explain why so pet owners spend exorbitant amounts of money to get the latest toys on the market. But – realistically speaking – that new squeaky toy won’t be so squeaky once your furry friend has been at it for a while. So it makes more sense to spend wisely when it comes to your pet’s toys.

A great way to do this is by making the toys yourself instead of buying. You can even use fabric and other supplies that you already have at home. And with so many guides and tutorials available online, it won’t be long before you’re a DIY guru.

4. Get Regular Checkups

For most pet owners, the biggest drain on their wallets is emergency veterinary care. That’s because it usually costs much more than a regular office visit. So it’s important to ensure that you keep your pet’s vet visits and vaccines current. Some vets even offer annual package deals that could help you budget for routine care and vaccines.

5. Buy Online

Online pet stores regularly have great deals that include sales and free shipping. The best even offer free shipping for the big stuff or bulk items like sacks of kibble or boxes of kitty litter. Shopping online could be the key to spending less on pet supplies in the long run.

From the moment dad cuts the umbilical cord, you dread the “birds and the bees” talk. You never know when it’s the right time or what to say. Then, as your kids get older, you realize that there are even more talks like this one. These sensitive topics will help your kids cope with things as they grow in maturity.

In truth, there’s not a set age to have any talk. You can start talking about sensitive topics at any time, as long as you keep the conversations age appropriate.

Here are some tips to help the conversation flow well:

1. Choose a good time

As parents, we know that it’s dangerous to put things off until a better time. Still, you’ll want to make sure you have your children’s attention and they’re in relatively good spirits before sitting down to discuss something sensitive. If your child is overtired, “hangry” or stressed, the conversation won’t go as well. Let your children know you want to have a talk and give them time to wrap up what they’re doing. This way, you’ll have their undivided attention (in theory).

2. Share facts

Whether you’re discussing death, sex or drugs in school, try to find some information that your kids won’t have. Lead with your most surprising statistic to help grab their attention. Example:

“Did you know that 40 percent of the cigarettes smoked in this country are smoked by people with confirmed psychiatric disorders? Regardless of what your friends think, smoking isn’t something that people do because it’s ‘cool.’ Many people are self-medicating with tobacco and other drugs.”

3. Make it a conversation

When you’re the only one talking, you’re giving a lecture instead of having a conversation. By asking questions, you’ll keep the kids interested and you may even find out things you didn’t know. Try to ask a question every time you introduce new information. Questions like, “have you ever heard of that?”, “how do you feel about this?” or “do you know anyone who does that?” are good ways to get kids to interact with the topic. When your kids are talking and sharing with you, be sure to give them your full attention. Listen intently and respond to what they’re saying. It’s important that your kids feel like you value their thoughts and opinions.

4. Avoid getting angry or impatient

None of us are perfect and we all have moments when we lose our tempers. However, this should never happen during a sensitive conversation. If your kids are acting out, let them know you’ll have the conversation when they’re ready. Just be sure to bring it up again. If your children are being silly or goofy, this could mean that they’re uncomfortable with the topic. That’s completely normal. Explain that this is a serious talk and try to keep your cool. If you handle these conversations well, your children may become more comfortable talking about sensitive topics, which is a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives.

5. Avoid judgment

Let’s say you’re talking to your kids about drugs and they tell you that a friend is smoking pot. Be careful about your reaction here. You’ll want to be clear that it’s a poor choice without attacking anyone’s character. You can also explain that if he or she knew certain facts, they likely wouldn’t have made the decision to smoke pot in the first place.

In these conversations, you have two main objectives. First, you want to arm your child with the facts about these sensitive topics. It’s better that they hear the truth from you than myths from their peers. The truths you share should help your child manage feelings and make sound decisions. Second, you’ll want to let your child know that you’re always there to talk and listen. Keep an open dialogue and the next time you talk about something sensitive, it’ll feel more natural.

Making quality time with your family can feel like an uphill battle on those busy weekdays. There’s always sports or music lessons after school and on the weekends and you’re lucky enough if you can make sure your kids do their homework before running out the door, forget actually spending time with them.

Dinner is the traditional time when families can sit down and catch up with each other. The family meal is an essential part of family life and it’s important to make the most of this brief time. But it’s getting harder and harder for families to enjoy mealtimes together. It’s hectic enough getting dinner together on a typical weekday and the kids are half-way out their chairs the minute they sit down.

That’s why simple, easy backyard dinners this summer are a must. Start planning now – the warm weather will be over before you know it. If you have a gazebo or a covered back deck, you’re already half-way to making weekday dinners al fresco a reality. If not, now is a great time to look into a gazebo or patio furniture that can make outdoor dinners (away from the T.V.) enjoyable.

Here are a few easy ideas you can use to make outdoor family dinners as relaxing as they sound.

#1 Don’t be afraid of ready-made dishes. Whether you make them yourself ahead of time or buy them at the store, side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or pasta salad will spare you a lot of stress when it’s time to get dinner made. Anything that keeps well can be made in advance.

#2 Keep the clean up simple. Use something disposable like brown craft paper to keep the table clean. It adds a casual finish that you can even use when you have company.

#3 Find shade and shelter in case it starts raining. Umbrellas or a gazebo mean you won’t be scrambling to get the hamburgers back inside if it starts to rain or catch a late-afternoon sunburn while you’re trying to eat.

#4 If you’re worried about bugs getting at your food, keep it safe with a wire mesh colander placed upside down over the plate. It’s an easy hack to keep flies and wasps out of your hair while you’re eating

#5 Citronella candles will help keep the mosquitos from biting if you’re eating around evening. Set them up around the perimeter and eat in peace.

#6 Make the most of your barbecue. No one wants to turn on the oven on those hot summer days. You don’t always have to make burgers and steaks when it’s barbecue season. There are plenty of recipes for vegetable-heavy kebabs that are healthy and grilled.

#7 Start early with heaters or a firepit. If you’ve ever wanted to host Easter dinner in your backyard but you were too worried about the cold, you can find tasteful heaters that will keep everyone warm and cozy while you eat outside.

Eating outdoors is a treat for everyone and it can help slow things down. Spend more quality time with your family by turning your backyard into your new dining room.

Decorating your home can end up being a stressful time, whether you’re going for a large remodel or a simple paint job. To decorate with a bit less stress, you can follow our tips to make it all go a bit smoother.

Tackle one Room at a time

Trying to do too much at once can end up making it all a lot trickier, as you feel like none of the rooms are complete. For this reason, it can be a lot better to tackle one room at one time, only moving onto the next when that room has been completed. This is allows you to feel like your project is progressing and you have finished rooms to relax in when you need a break from decorating.

This is a best possible scenario that might not always be the case, if you’re doing plumbing or electrical work it can be more cost effective to do this all at once. In this case, many people find it easier to stay with a relative while the biggest jobs are ongoing.

Reduce Mess

Using dust sheets and foot protectors reduces the mess during the process massively. Companies like TRIMACO® have a huge catalogue of different items at a range of prices that you can use to prevent paint splashes, dust and plaster from ruining your furnishings, even on a small budget. Cleaning up the mess of decorating can feel like a bigger job than the decorating itself!

Some tradesmen that come to your home to help out might not be prepared, so it helps to have these to hand. Then you won’t need to spend hours scrubbing your carpet thereafter!

Plan in Advance

Having a plan in place to get your redecorating done is the best practice. This will push you to keep on going, even when you feel like the end of the decorating will never come! You can schedule in your tasks on a calendar and this will motivate you to keep the decorating going, even when you’re feeling run down.

Of course, plans don’t always work out quite that way, but having some sense of how long each task will take and when you’ll fit it in will give you an idea of where you’re going. There are even apps that you can use to share your schedule with anyone else that’s helping you on the project.

Know your Limits

While you might want to take a DIY approach to every element of your redecoration, you should also know when it’s time to hand over to a professional. Electrical, gas and water works should be handled only by someone that knows what they’re doing. This can affect your home if something goes wrong and you might even endanger someone else if you try to cut corners.

If you need to hand over to a professional, just do your research and make sure they know what they’re doing.

If you bear these tips in mind, you can make sure your redecoration goes to plan – which in ruen will make things much less stressful for you.

photo credit: Kaleen F.

Everyone knows about outdoor air pollution, smog, ozone, or haze in the air, especially during warm weather. But what about indoor air pollution? Believe it or not, the indoor air in our homes holds more pollutants and toxins than the outdoors. Here are several easy and inexpensive tips to clean the air at home.

Buy Some Plants

Many common indoor plants remove toxins from the air. For the most benefit, place at least one plant per 100 square feet of space. The best plants for air cleaning include the bamboo palm, Boston fern, and the Spider plant. English ivy and Peace lilies also clear out toxins, but be careful. Those plants are poisonous to dogs and cats. And if you own outdoor pets, bathe them often.

Take Off Your Shoes

Many pollutants enter your home on the bottom of shoes. Dirt, dust, pollen, and chemicals attach to the soles of your shoe. When you enter your home, you track those things in with you.  Invest in a good quality welcome mat for any doors leading outside so people wipe their feet. If you have a front or back porch, leave your shoes outside. If not, place shoes right inside the door. It’s a good idea to keep extra slippers or socks by the door to encourage shoe removal.

Be Aware of Fragrance

Those pleasant smelling air fresheners, laundry supplies, hairspray, and other scented items are very dangerous. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) not shown on the labels. Any product using the word fragrance has unlisted chemicals. Under the law, the composition of a fragrance is a trade secret, and therefore, companies do not divulge the ingredients. Some plug-in air fresheners use 20 different VOCs, including several regulated as toxic under FDA laws.

Find More Solutions

Opening the windows helps keep air circulating in your home and helps rid the air of toxins.  Vacuum, dust, and mop several times each week. Use microfiber cloths and mops because they capture more dust and do not need cleaning products. Just use a little water, or for heavy cleaning, use water with vinegar, lemon, or baking powder.

Also, plan on having your carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned once or twice a year. Dust and bacteria spores love hiding in carpet and furniture made with fabric. Get in the habit of changing your bedding weekly. No matter how meticulously you clean your home, dust mites and other allergens make their way into every home. Wash all your linens in hot water and dry on the highest heat setting.

If you or your family suffer from asthma or severe allergies, think about buying an air purifier. The small desktop purifiers are only effective in very small areas. Instead, purchase a portable air purifier, or if you can afford it, a whole house system. And always use a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Even the best air purifier does not remove gases. If you feel your home has radon, call a professional to check it out.

Help you and your family to breathe easier. Incorporate these tips into your everyday routine, and cut down on pollutants in your home.

Just because you’re a parent, doesn’t mean that you need to give up on all your future dreams. Sure, you have a full-time job now in more ways than one, but if you work hard and don’t give up – you can achieve whatever you want. It can be a lot harder, but your life has changed now, and you need to accept that.

One of the biggest things that hold us back, is our minds. Sometimes we lose ourselves, and we start to get fearful, and we become full of self-doubt, even when we know we’re capable of doing it. But it’s down to us to break down that barrier. It’s normal to feel insecure, especially after a new arrival to the family. Some people even start thinking that they don’t deserve to have a career because they have chosen family life instead, but you don’t have to choose! You can have both!

Here’s how.

Get your grades online

In the beginning, if your child is still very young, then it’s totally understandable why you’d want to stay at home with them, and luckily for you, you can do this while learning. You don’t have to go off to a School now to get the grades that you need. Thanks to today’s technology, you are able to find all the courses that you need, along with the training that will ensure you get that dream job. Take financing for example; if you have a love of numbers and want to pursue that career path, you can look at finance online mba programs to follow that will give you all the tools you need to get those qualifications.

Create a family planner

Using a calendar separate from your daily one that is full of appointments, is a great way of planning out family time. If you’re starting to work, or are essentially working towards that, it’s normal that you’re going to be going out to do things. One worry for parents is that they will end up getting so consumed with their job that they are no longer making time with the family. So one good trick to ensure this doesn’t happen, is making notes of any free time that you do have, to turn that into a fun-filled day with the family, or make sure that you take a day off from what you’re doing so that you can have quality time.

Stay connected during the day

Remember that no matter what you’re busy doing – you always have your technology. We live in the modern day world where pretty much everyone has an iPhone or an android, so it has never been easier to call home whether that be a voice or video call. You can send each other snapchats throughout the day, or messages just to let them know that you love them. It really doesn’t take much, but it will not only mean something to them, but it will surely make yourself feel better too.

One of the biggest things moms of lots of kids have to face is lots and lots of laundry. I mean I have to do at least two loads a day and it is not my favorite thing in the world to do.

So a few months ago my washing machine sprang a leak, it is 12 years old but man for a mom of four kids this is not the best time to have to start washing machine shopping.  So I have been looking into a good system that will save me time on washing and actually do a good job washing clothes. (fast drying would be awesome too)

So one system I find awesome is the LG’s TwinWash system. I especially love that LG has the  SideKick pedestal washer that will wash an additional small load ─ perfect for washing my daughter;s dance clothes!

Not only do these washers have mega capacity to tackle any size load, they are energy efficient while giving you the best cleaning performance. No wonder more households have chosen LG laundry over any other brand!

From 1/11-4/25 receive up to $500 off a LG laundry solution for your home.

Head on over to BestBuy.com to check out the LG Twin Wash Systems.

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Using dry erase board wall paint is one of the best ways to increase efficiency when working on projects that require you to take down notes. That’s because it allows you to convert any surface in your home into a whiteboard. However, not all dry erase board wall paints are the same. That’s why you need to do some due diligence before buying. To make the process easier for you, here are 5 tips to finding the best dry erase board wall paint for your home.

1. Consider the cost

Before you purchase erase wall paint, compare different prices in the market. Don’t go for overly expensive ones, yet they offer no additional advantages over whatever else is in the market. Go for a quality but affordable dry erase board wall paint. This way, you achieve your objective of working with any surface in your home without having to break the bank. After all, the whole point of using erase point is to avoid buying costly whiteboards.

2. Make sure it’s odorless

There is nothing as stressful as having to work with an erase board wall paint that has a sharp unpleasant smell. Chances are that you won’t even concentrate, if you use such paint. That’s why when shopping for paint, make sure to smell it, before you commit your money. Besides, some paints in the market are counterfeits and odor might be a sign of harmful chemicals in their composition. Therefore, confirming the smell could actually save your life from life threatening chemicals.

3. Consider the dry time

Before you commit your money to purchase dry erase paint, confirm that it has a quick dry time. Paint that takes long to dry would be of no use, when you need to work. The average dry time for most products in the market is between 2 days and a week. For great results, it is best to buy one that dries within 48 hours. Paint that dries fast is a pointer to the innovativeness that goes into its manufacture, which means you would be buying something of good quality.

4. Check the warranty period

The warranty period is one of the most important factors to consider when buying dry erase paint. That’s because it signifies the confidence that the seller has in the product. The higher the warranty period, the higher the chances that the product is actually of good quality, and can be relied on to deliver. Some of the best dry erase paints in the market come with a warranty of up to 10 years. That’s a 10 year guarantee that the paint will not crack, stain among other issues.

5. Checkout for ease of application

Applying erase board paint is not easy, especially for novices who have never done it before. That’s why when shopping for paint, make sure you go for one that comes with an application guide. Failure to get the process right can result in wastage. That would mean that the board’s you paint wouldn’t be usable, beating the whole essence of spending money on such paint in the first place.

Spending quality time as a family can seem like an uphill battle at times. It can even seem impossible while trying to work to make ends meet and stay on top of bills as well as other adult responsibilities. The light at the end of the tunnel, however, is that if you keep working at it, you’ll be able to fit that well-needed family time into your schedule. If you’re wondering what family activities you can get enjoy once you create the time, the answer is that there are plenty of family-friendly things that you can try. The real challenge may be agreeing when it comes to the activities! You should try to choose something everyone will enjoy.  Here are a few potential activities that you could consider as a family.

Family vacation

If you can afford it, a family vacation is a great way to get in quality time. Not only is it your chance to visit a different city, but you can share this amazing experience collectively. It may be tricky trying to pick a location that has something for both parents and kids alike to enjoy. However, when choosing the perfect family vacation destination, you could think of places with several activities such as Yosemite National Park, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, or the exciting Disney World.

Concert

If it happens that you would much rather do something fun locally, why not consider a concert? It is your chance to sing out loud and embarrass your kids with your ancient dance moves.  Depending on how old your kids are, you might want to choose a concert that will appeal to most generations. You can visit dedicated ticket websites for more information regarding potential concerts you could go to as a family. There will be a variety of concerts taking place in your city or town which you could attend. Remember to avoid weekend tickets if possible, as they usually tend to cost more than weekday ones.

Board Games

Invest in a wide range of board games at home that you can use for a family night in of games. Not only is this your chance to bring out your competitive side, but it can also encourage nights full of laughter. Some popular games that you could consider playing are Monopoly, Uno, and Twister. These are games which are very inclusive, so everybody has a chance to play.

Sports Day

It is probably common news by now that exercise has a long list of benefits for you physically, mentally and emotionally. Exercise can boost your immune system, get rid of anxiety, strengthen your brain and give you better quality sleep. Irrespective of these benefits, we still sometimes find it difficult to find the time to do it. A family sports day, however, is a great way to keep everyone active and get in quality time as well. You could organize your own sports day at your local park or join an existing one. It’s a positive activity that you may all find rewarding, and it should be a lot of fun as well.

Family time is something that is sacred to many as it can create positive feelings and strong bonds which money cannot buy. It is, therefore, important that you try your best to make time to spend with the people you love. There are several enjoyable activities that you can consider that will cater to everybody’s needs. Just try and make it your prerogative to put your family at the top of your priority list.

Our poor feet. They are the punching bag of the body, taking all of our weight, the brunt of impacts, and a lot of punishment. If you’re feeling regular pain from your toes to your heel and you live an active lifestyle, especially if you’re a runner, you are going to want to start taking better care of your feet. Here are a few ways to start doing that.

Establish your support system

First of all, whether your job, your home life, or you exercise has you on your feet regularly, you need to make sure you’re choosing shoes for practicality sake. It’s not just about looking good, after all. Make sure that you wear the right shoes when you’re up on your feet, including specific shoes for running like those shown at www.runningshoesguru.com/. The most important factor in good shoes is that they offer full arch and heel support, as well as allowing for some breathing room where the toes are. If you’re wearing shoes purely for the look and they’re not all that supportive, then think about getting some in-soles instead. If you’re out on a night about town, heels can be very tempting for the appeal they offer, but try and reduce how often you wear them.

It’s not vain to care about your veins

If you’re regularly up on your feet, then poor circulation can become an issue, too. This can lead to swelling, to numbness and pain, and to those dreaded varicose veins. Beyond being an eyesore, varicose veins can be a risk factor for blood clots. So, beneath those appropriate shoes, wear the appropriate socks, like www.sockwellsocks.com/. Compression socks can reduce swelling, improve circulation, and also result in a lot less chafing if you regularly walk or run for exercise. After exercise, make sure you treat your legs with heat so that circulation picks back up again, too. Remember, it’s not just so you don’t have unsightly veins or cankles, it will greatly reduce the pain you feel.

Try a little tenderness

After a hard day on your feet, make sure you’re being a little softer on them too as suggested at www.bustle.com/. Take time getting rid of blisters on your feet and toes by constantly cleaning your feet, using aloe vera gel, and soaking your feet in a nice, warm foot bath after a walk or a run. If you’re just after some tough exercise, then sit down and give them a thorough rub, too. Not only does it feel delightful, but it’s going to help out all the little muscles that can feel really sore as a result of the tearing and repairing process that occurs during exercise. Your feet need a little care, so don’t skip it.

Not taking care of your feet isn’t only painful, it can be dangerous. The more you stress them, the more chances of developing ulcers that can lead to infections, not to mention the more serious injuries like plantar fasciitis that can develop as a result of strenuous walking or running.