Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

6 Natural Ways to Prevent Premature Aging

You might notice that some people age faster than others due to lifestyle choices. Learning about ways to prevent premature aging is the first step to slowing down the process and living a healthier life. No one wants to look older than they are, and you can take the necessary steps to age gracefully. Here are six ways to prevent premature aging!

1. Stop Smoking & Cut Back on Drinking

It’s no secret that smoking and drinking are bad for the skin and body. The more you smoke, the more your skin will start to wither up to your dismay. These can be hard habits to kick, but they are necessary sacrifices if you take slowing aging seriously. It’s usually not a good idea to quit cold turkey because of withdrawals and irritability. Try to ween yourself off the substances slowly before stopping altogether. Alcohol and drinking dehydrate and damage the skin, resulting in premature aging. Learn more about reducing premature aging by doing more research and taking it seriously!

2. Eat a Healthy Diet Rich in Vitamins & Nutrients

The main challenge of eating healthy is getting your taste used to a new lifestyle. You may have difficulty transitioning if you are used to overly sweet or salty foods that are detrimental to your skin health. If you’re resigned to eating poorly and don’t want to change, there will be consequences in how you look. This isn’t to say you can’t enjoy yourself once in a while, but it should be infrequent. Start supplementing with vitamins and minerals and healthier foods low in carbs, sugar, and sodium. Another great idea is to try a plant-based amino acid supplement to give your body the building blocks and slow aging.

3. Make a Habit Of Exercising Most Days

If there’s one thing that can dramatically slow the aging process, it’s exercise. Studies continually support the physical and mental benefits of hitting the gym regularly. Not only does it help you inside, but it also encourages healthy skin on the outside by sweating out toxins and promoting blood flow. Exercise, especially cardio, boosts your immune system and has been shown to keep skin looking more vibrant for longer. You’ll notice that many people who exercise regularly look younger than their age.

4. Wash Your Face After Sweating and In General

The face is the area that everyone looks at, obviously, and it also contains some of the most sensitive skin on the body. When you move, it naturally creates sweat to cool down your body, but it can also irritate your skin’s surface and make it greasier. It’s essential to wash your face regularly after physical activity, or it might cause you to gain some unnecessary wrinkles and fine lines. At the same time, moderation is vital, and you don’t want to wash too much. Strike a good balance, and your skin will look much better.

5. Use A Versatile Moisturizer That Covers All The Bases

One of the first critical steps to better skin is implementing a reliable moisturizer with your best interest at heart. For instance, the Mastiha skin care mastic daytime moisturizer contains a three-in-one approach that nurtures the skin to perfect health. It uses a special ingredient known as mastic resin. This moisturizer is an “aromatic blend that is milky, floral, and ever so slightly earthy with notes from Mastiha, Neroli, Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile, and Eucalyptus Essential Oils.” Using natural ingredients is important; this is an example of a good product because it won’t damage the skin.

6. Try Out Specialized Supplements With Collagen

A pair of vial is placed on a desk surface

You can go above and beyond with specialized supplements that target your skin health. As we age, the body naturally is less efficient in producing collagen, and this starts to happen at around the age of thirty with a slow downward progression. However, you can treat your skin with supplements that contain biotin, collagen, fish oil, and many other healthful ingredients. Keeping these in your daily routine will give your body a much-needed tool to sustain a healthy and vibrant appearance while combating signs of premature aging!

These are Reliable Ways To Prevent Premature Aging

It’s inspiring that you have the choice to slow your skin’s natural aging process down. Everyone will get old eventually, but it doesn’t have to be a shocking reality at a younger age. If you follow these steps, you’ll live a happier and healthier life while retaining a preferable appearance. It starts with taking action, so don’t be afraid to change your habits for the long term!

Tundra Grey Marble as Your Flooring

Grey marble is a potential flooring solution because of its sophistication, which adds elegance, stillness, and a timeless element to any environment.

With the numerous features, it contains, it can be used for any high-end style, such as Nordic, industrial, or rustic.

Architects choose this kind of natural stonework for their projects because of its potential to be mixed with other components or types of stone in different tones. Grey marble, far from being a cold material, can be merged with beige, brown, or wooden tones to generate cozy and inviting environments.

What is Tundra Grey Marble?

Tundra Grey marble is a stunning and stylish stone that is gaining popularity. Cloud-like greys, pewters, and silvers are known for intertwining-containing natural veins of frosty cream and light greys in this stone.

Tundra Grey marble is a famous limestone with a lovely tobacco colour and grey veining in cream and grey tones. Tile and paver options are available. This grey marble’s neutrality and versatility make it an excellent choice for interior and architectural designers, enabling them to design spaces in various styles.

Uses of Grey Stones

Since the dawn of time, grey marble has been used for architecture. There are numerous and distinct ways in which people can be used for outer walls or interior construction. The favorite aspect is that there are multiple kinds from which to select that can be used.

Greystone flooring is commonly found in residences and commercial buildings. As a result, many people use them in their cloakrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. They can also be used on walls, archways, roofing, backsplashes, pavilions, countertops, and pools.

Deciding on grey stone flooring can be difficult, especially if you want a customized look. As a result, it is essential to note that each tundra grey stone has its characteristics. Colour, capabilities, and maintenance are the most common types to consider.

Benefits of using grey marble

Tundra Grey marble’s ability to modify its looks to the project’s specific requirements is one of its most distinguishing features. The following are some of the advantages of using Tundra grey marble:

1. Polished

This type of stone marble is highly polished. The polished look provides an excellent shine to the place it is installed.

2. Perfect honed

The texture of the stone is matte and lacks gloss. It is the optimal option for use in open areas.

They are antique. A rough, dull appearance reflects the aging process on the material.

3. Rate of Water Absorption

The porous potential of a stone is referred to by its absorption rating. As a result, a highly porous stone is prone to damage, structural damage, heat, and stains. Tundra grey stones are classified as follows:

Non-vitreous stones have the maximum rate of water absorption. A great example is a sandstone, which requires slightly more upkeep than granite.
Semi-vitreous stones are vulnerable to liquids and require extensive maintenance. Take, for example, the slate.
Vitreous stones, such as limestone and travertine, are less porous than other types of stones.
These are extremely watertight stones. Limestone is the best grey stone available today for pore volume and durability.

4. Oxidation

Oxidation is a natural occurrence in grey stones. This is due to the stone’s composition of natural minerals, including iron. Iron is bound to change when exposed to various conditions of the weather.

5. Improves Aesthetics

Any property that installs stone flooring has a distinct sense of elegance and class. The stones are one-of-a-kind and can be customized to your ideal shape, size, and color.

6. Offers Long-Term Durability

Most historical buildings still standing tall were built with tundra stones. As a result, using grey stone marble in your implementation ensures durability.

7. Doesn’t require High Maintenance

Grey marble is used for flooring of the whole house

Tundra stone marble is immune to various harsh elements such as weather. Furthermore, their hard material is resistant to wear and tear caused by cleaning and water permeability. In terms of porosity, regular sealing takes care of the problem.

Picking grey stone flooring can be difficult, especially if you want a customized look. As a result, it is essential to note that each grey stone has unique characteristics. Colour, features, and maintenance are the most obvious things to consider.

Trick or Treating With Kids

A lot of people do not like walking in the dark. It is even harder for some people to knock on the doors of strangers in the dark. However, Halloween is now popular in the UK. Therefore, children are eager to go out trick or treating with their friends.

Here are 5 tips to trick or treating with your kids:

1. Get More Adults Involved

It is much better to get more adults to get involved in Halloween trick or treating. If there are more adults, you will never have a problem going out with your children. You might even enjoy walking in the dark. A lightsaber sword for all events is handy to light the way.

2. Location

It seems silly. It is, however, imperative to pick the best streets in your town or city. Selecting the best street can make your Halloween more memorable. You do have to pick your local neighborhood. You can go to nearby neighborhoods. Pick the right location to ensure your children get more treats.

3. To Trick or not to Trick

Make sure your “tricks” are fairly tame. Why? You can get what you gave out. Some people might come back to your house for revenge. It is a good idea to use fake vomit or even a good fake rat. It is, therefore, crucial to take your time before deciding to trick or not to trick.

4. Check the Treats

Trick or Treat — Cookies are made in the shape of Halloween symbols

It is nice to receive treats from strangers. However, if your children or their friends have food allergies, then you have to check their treats. It is even better to inspect the treats they collect. If the treats are not wrapped, you need to check them. The treats might come with nasty surprises.

5. Fear

Once your children come back from trick or treating, you need to take off their costumes. Do not just let them go to bed. It is a good idea to read them a good bedtime story. The bedtime story can remove the images of goblins and ghouls from their minds. Ensure your children have calmed down to get a good night’s rest.

Summer Days are Soon to be Over – What to do With Your Garden Furniture and Tools

As the warmest part of the year is about to end, the time to prepare your garden for the colder months approaches. Being an organized gardener and going the extra mile to make sure you properly winterize everything will not only save time, energy, furniture, and equipment but will also ensure a good head start when the warm weather returns next spring.

Let’s find out how below!

Get your Garden Ready

Prepping your garden and doing general maintenance is the first step towards winterizing.
Put away any equipment, tools, and other supplies first, so they don’t get in the way.

Next, dig up dying or sickly plants and remove any slimy leaves. They are simply unfit for composting and, on top of that, can spread disease or pests, so the best course of action is just to burn them.

Move all plants sensitive to cold to warmer environments to protect them.

Remove any invasive weeds to prevent them from sprouting all over again and disrupting the next year’s crop. Add a thick layer of mulch to help regulate the soil’s temperature and moisture.

Use some compost heap to top up garden beds and amend deficient soil, freeing space for another batch. You can easily build it with autumn leaves, straw, or sawdust layered with kitchen scraps or other active green matter.

Outdoor Furniture

The next thing you want to take care of is to prepare your garden furniture for the winter. Cleaning, refreshing, or providing protection from the elements will ensure that your outdoor furniture will last longer and require fewer replacements over the years, saving you lots of money.

Clean

Your outdoor furniture will likely have stains, dirt, and grime from daily use, so before you do anything else, it’s important to clean them properly. As a rule of thumb, you must never use abrasive cleaners, for that will surely damage any type of material.

Use mild cleaning soap and scrub your furniture with a sponge or a brush. Use the brush on the tougher stains. If you have resin wicker furniture, it’s important to clean between the weaves with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid leaving wrought iron furniture to be wet for too long, for that will surely cause rust.

After you’re done washing, wipe your furniture with a clean, dry towel and leave them to air dry completely.

Refresh

Refreshing your furniture before winterizing is a great way to start the next spring. You will not have to worry about them looking a bit shabby, but if you give them a great makeover, it means you won’t need to buy anything new, potentially saving you quite a lot of money.

Just a quick note: before you start refreshing your furniture, be sure you’ve properly cleaned them first.

Here are some ideas on how to refresh your outdoor furniture:

Use spray paint to make your old piece look brand new. Not only is spray paint inexpensive, but you can easily repaint if you change your mind and don’t like the results;
If you have natural wicker, you can get that oiled look by applying tung oil. That will not only make them look great but provide a protective layer from the elements;
Add some colorful pillows to update and refresh a style that feels a little tired;
To refresh your faded chair seats, you can reupholster them every few years;
As a rule of thumb, teak furniture, although extremely durable, should be refreshed every couple of years. Use a teak cleanser, followed by some light sanding, and then seal it with a protective sealer.
Refresh your weathered wood furniture with a new coat of paint after you sand and clean it first.

Store

A great idea would be for your shed to be dry, waterproof, and well-maintained. That’s why it’s important to insulate it if you haven’t. Use bubble wrap, Rockwool, or Celotex to get the job done. That is the only way to ensure your outdoor furniture and other stuff are safe from all the elements.

If you plan to leave the furniture outside for the winter, know that it will be exposed to the harsh winter weather and might not last you very long. Your best bet to help mitigate all that is to invest in furniture covers or traps.

Both of these protectors are quite efficient at keeping the dreaded moisture and H20 away from your furniture, while also mitigating the effects of the sun’s UV rays. They are also a good idea for use on rainy days during the summer.

Outdoor cushions should be stored inside, where they will be protected from the elements. That way, you will enjoy them for much longer come the warm seasons.

Gardening Tools

Garden tools are organized and placed on a wooden table

Proper maintenance and storage will ensure your tools will be ready for work on that first good day of spring without you having to clean fossilized dirt from last summer. Cleaning and refreshing your tools will also ensure they have a long useful life and save you quite a bit of money in the long run.

Clean & refresh

Although most seasoned gardeners know that they should keep their tools clean, it’s kind of hard when you have so much gardening to do in the summer. That’s why autumn is the best time to rejuvenate and store your tools and equipment properly for the winter.

Here are some good ideas and practical advice:

Wash or hose any clinging dirt from your tools thoroughly (use a putty knife if needed);
Clean the pivot points of bladed tools from any dirt and debris, and use rubbing alcohol and steel wool to clean off any dried sap;
If there’s rust, remove it with sandpaper or a wire brush;
To seal the metal from oxygen after you’re done cleaning, rub the surfaces with an oiled rag covered with light machine oil;
If you use sprinkler systems, disconnect all hoses first, then drain them of any water, seal any holes, and loop them up neatly;
Run your lawnmower until its fuel runs out to avoid sitting fuel damaging the plastic and rubber parts over winter. Remove and clean the blades, then oil them. Also, remove the battery to prevent it from accidentally starting during winter.

Store

You should store your gardening tools and equipment in a shed or a garage. The only requirement is that the location is dry, so nothing gets damaged during winter.

It’s best to store your tools on a rack to keep things nice and orderly. Ensure that wooden handles aren’t resting against cement or soil, which will surely lead to rot. Shovels must be stored on hooks or with the handle on the ground, otherwise, the blade will become dull.

If you have little or no room where to put everything, it sometimes makes sense to get additional storage space. There, your tools and equipment will be stored safe and sound for the winter while you use the additional space in your home whichever way you see fit.

Conclusion

It pays to be a well-organized gardener and prepare your garden furniture and tools for the following year. Not only will that ensure that everything will be ready to use immediately, but also that no damage will slow you down next spring or cause you to give additional money for repairs or replacement.

Fun Fall Gifts for Loved Ones

The sun is beginning to set a little earlier each day and the nights are becoming cooler and cooler. It’s time to start preparing those fire pits and unfolding sweatshirts from the closet. Fall is definitely upon us! The smell of leaves on the ground and the sites of orange everywhere are filling the air. Fall is a gorgeous time of year and a great time to enjoy family and friends. While we’re celebrating them, let’s take a look at some great gifts that are ideal for Fall birthdays or special occasions.

Fall means football and tailgating! People all over the country, and especially in the south, spend their entire weekends under the Friday night lights, Saturday sun, and Sunday tailgating. Be prepared for the pregame party with some great personalized items. A high-quality cooler bag is a must to keep your drinks cool on those warm Fall days. A personalized cooler bag is even better, as you can show it off at all BBQs and tailgates.

Be prepared and ready to grill at the tailgate with some FUNctional items like grilling tools and cutting and serving boards. Perfect your meats with this personalized grill tool set. It definitely makes grilling more fun when the toolset is yours…and you know it’s yours because your name is on it! And what better way to serve the delicious meal you just whipped up than with these classy-looking cutting and serving boards? Let the juices flow when you cut through the steaming hot beef. But don’t worry, this high-quality cutting board will catch them all.

Fall days are mostly sunny days. The most ideal weather of the year occurs in the fall! Be prepared for those sunrises with some cool shades. A great look and a FUNctional gift, these stylish sunglasses are a perfect gift for anyone in your life. Everyone needs a new pair of sunglasses. You can never have enough of them lying around at your disposal. And this pair is fresh looking and built for everyday use.

Fall is the wedding season. Dress your man in style with one of these stylish and classy bowties. A cool and “in” look whether out on the town, at the office, or attending a wedding. A unique bowtie is a great conversation starter and will definitely get you noticed by all. Accessorize your outfit with one of these cool bowties and it will make your day.

Start those raging fall bonfires with one of these high-powered torch lighters. Stop dealing with matches and low-quality 99-cent cigarette lighters and get yourself a personalized torch lighter! These incredible tools keep you far from the flames as their shooting distance is nothing short of impressive.

If you don’t have access to a good outdoor fire area, just sit back on the porch with a blanket and enjoy yourself a nice bourbon. This spirit will be sure to warm you up! A stylish bourbon decanter and set of bourbon glasses are perfect gifts for any drinker in your life. So, make their fall extra special, and warm up their inners with one today! Personalize both items and make them that much more special, as they’ll become a gift that will last a lifetime in his mancave.

Speaking of keeping warm, sometimes in the Fall you’re out camping and can’t travel with an entire decanter set. For these trying times, throw your favorite spirits in one of these sleek personalized flasks. Whether it’s your name, a nickname, or a funny illustration, these flasks can be customized in just about any way possible. A fun and useful gift, these are loved by many.

Keep your favorite lady warm this fall with a stylish and classy waffle robe. A personalized robe is loved by many, and every woman loves to be warm. This exclusive waffle weave robe features a delicate hue color on feather-soft cotton material. Crafted with care and precision, this pretty robe is versatile. Its high-quality detailing lasts long after wedding prep and can also multi-task as a beach or pool cover-up.

When I think Fall, I think of candles. Scented candles with Fall odors like pumpkin and spice are a great addition to every fall decor. The smells of Fall are vibrant and definitely stand out in the brain. Fall candles are great for everything from a warm bath to sitting out on the porch enjoying a book in the evening. Let your brain wander with a great Fall scent and check out these enjoyable Fall candles.

Cold fall nights call for warm red wine, and what better vessel for your favorite vino than a personalized stemless wine cup? Take a swig from these 12-ounce stemless wine cups! Our Simply Stemless wine cups are by far our most popular seller; you can’t go wrong offering these beauties to your friends! The vacuum-insulated technology will keep wine the perfect kind of cold while sitting out at the pool on a hot summer day, or coffee hot for up to 3 hours. The Simply Stemless wine cups can hold up to 12oz – that’s two standard glasses of wine! For cooler drinks, there are a plethora of personalized tumblers out there.

One of the best Fall activities is camping with friends and family. There is a wide variety of camping gear that could make your trip most successful. Sites like Groomsday have several personalized items that would make your camping trip the best one yet! Many of these items come in stylish gift boxes, personalized with the special person’s name. These are gifts that are guaranteed to put a smile on their face.

Sleep Gummies Ingredients and How do They Work?

Sleep gummies contain an array of special ingredients that can help you get better sleep at night. Let’s take a look at the most important active ingredients commonly found in your sleep gummies and learn how they can help you get a good night’s sleep.

1. 5-HTP

Sleep gummies containing 5-HTP can help you get better sleep at night.

5-HTP is used in the production of serotonin. Our bodies can synthesize this important chemical from food that contains tryptophan. 5-HTP is then transformed into serotonin — a very important neurotransmitter that can help you regulate your mood.

Serotonin provides your mind protection from anxious thoughts, which can make it very difficult to get sleep at night. Serotonin is also a very important chemical in the regulation of the sleep hormone melatonin.

By having a good amount of 5-HTP in your regular consumption, you can improve the body’s biochemistry to get more hours of sleep.

2. Griffonia seed

Griffonia seed is an important source of the aforementioned 5-HTP.

Supplements containing 5-HTP typically derive this substance from the seed of Griffonia simplicfolia. This is something you may find in your sleepy time gummy instead of 5-HTP — but it means the same thing.

3. Vitamin B6

A healthy supply of vitamin B6 is another important support to melatonin production in the body.

Vitamin B6 has many important roles to play within the body and one of these is the transformation of tryptophan into serotonin.

As we have mentioned in the section on 5-HTP, serotonin is an important natural chemical that can improve the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, and also increase the resilience of the mind against anxieties. Both of these actions can help you achieve a better night’s sleep.

A study performed at the University of Adelaide in 2018, found an important connection between sleep function and a healthy supply of vitamin B6. Test subjects who were given vitamin b6 supplements reported feeling better and more alert upon waking in the morning.

4. L-Theanine

L-theanine is another important addition to sleep gummies that can help you cut some nice Z’s.

L-theanine is an important amino acid that was discovered in tea leaves in the 1940s. It has been called “meditation” in a cup and has been found to soothe the mind and promote relaxation.

L-theanine helps the brain create and apply neurotransmitters, including GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. It also counteracts the natural chemicals that can increase anxiety and stress. This is done by increasing the alpha waves that have been found to improve creativity, relaxation, and focus. This will allow you to be more alert and still very relaxed throughout the day.

In a 2019 study performed on test groups of healthy adults, all of whom were presenting symptoms of stress and anxiety, L-Theanine has been found to improve sleep quality and patterns. The subjects in this test were all given Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index tests before and after taking the L-theanine supplement.

Those who were given L-theanine showed a great reduction in sleep latency scores, sleep disturbance, and the need for sleep medication when compared to the placebo group.

5. Chamomile

What better ingredient in a relaxing and sleep-provoking supplement than Chamomile?

Chamomile tea has been valued since time immemorial for its singular capacity to relax and soothe a tired mind and body. This is because of its high levels of apigenin — this antioxidant can connect with receptors in the brain and improve the transition from waking to sleeping cycles.

6. Lavender

Sleep gummies containing lavender can also significantly improve your sleep quality

If you were to ask the average person to name a natural sleep supplement, they would probably mention lavender. This powerful sleep tonic has been applied extensively to improve sleep. Lavender teas can be drunk before bed and essential oils can be sprinkled onto pillows and cushions to help improve the depth and quality of sleep.

In a notable study, it was found that participants who took lavender oil regularly improved their sleep quality as well as their mental health.

7. Lemon balm

Lemon balm is another additive that can help clear the mind and body of tension and make for a night of better nightly sleep. Lemon balm is a close relative to the mint family and contains some similar benefits. It also contains rosmarinic acid — an important antioxidant that can help increase the number of neurotransmitters at work in the brain.

How can Property Management Companies Help You in Managing Your Property?

A rental property is a viable investment and may also be a source of added income. Renting involves several responsibilities like marketing, accounting, applications, property repair, etc. If only the thought of these things is bringing you hesitation, then you have every reason to employ property managers by your side. Let them do the task on your behalf while you enjoy peace of mind. Managing the property is tricky; you require many skills and experience to work in the market.

Screening tenants

One benefit of employing property managers is their handling of screening of interested applicants. Experienced managers look at hundreds of rental applications so that they may notice the possible red flag in the screening procedure. They know which areas to look into and what qualities must a reputed tenant have. They have the necessary experience in identifying the ideal tenant who can provide you with the best revenues. They take care of the property and these aspects, and that’s why you can rely upon them for their services. When you let them manage the screening process, you improve the chances of getting a reliable renter.

Communication with the tenant

The property manager comes as a contact point for the tenants because they know the tactics of efficient communication. Instead of the landlord, property managers get the query of the tenants. It is because they know how to coordinate between the service provider and the tenant. Property managers address different problems every hour and thus have the necessary knowledge to deal with these issues without any hassle.

Market the rental

Around 70% of individuals use digital resources when looking for a property. Staging the property, taking photos, posting an advertisement, and writing the advertisement copy are some steps in marketing the rental. Property managers are familiar with these aspects and know how to advertise the property well. They have in-depth information about the local region and may help you with the right strategies to select competitive rent prices. Since they become prepared with a list of the necessary information, you can rely upon their knowledge for these services. Do check out Ziprent.com, as it can help you with the assistance needed.

Your renters will stay long

Renters who are satisfied with the property are more likely to stay longer. When you have a property management agency by your side, they understand your vested interest. They will try to serve you and work to extend the tenants’ stay. You may accomplish this through multiple strategies to resolve the tenant’s issues and report you on the same.

On-time rent payment

Money — A model of the house is placed on the table next to sets of coins

Property management agencies are motivated to ensure that the rent payment comes on time. Since these companies deduct the fees from monthly income rent, they make it a point to get on-time payments. Consistent collection along with follow-up helps them deal with late payments and assess these to ensure that the problem does not pop up later.

These management agencies enforce different policies if the payment does not come on time. Moreover, they have experience with distinct procedures that help them deal with the tenant.

A Complete Guide to Helping Your Child Learn to Read

Does learning to read seem hard to navigate for your child?

Every child develops at a different rate, and reading is no different. Reading can be challenging for kids and maybe even a little bit scary.

Showing too much enthusiasm or being too pushy with learning to read doesn’t help your child become a confident reader. You can guide and support your child while maintaining a fun, loving environment.

Here are a few ways to help your child learn to read.

Use Reading Apps

There are a few different ways you can help your child in learning to read. One way is to use reading apps.

Reading apps are a great way to help your child learn to read because they can help your child with their phonics, and they can also help your child learn sight words.

Read Aloud to Your Child

If you’re concerned about your child’s reading progress, you’re not alone. Every parent wants their child to excel in school and access the world of literature.

One of the most important things you can do is to read aloud to your child. Make it a daily habit to read together for at least 20 minutes. This will help your child develop important literacy skills, such as phonemic awareness and fluency.

With a little patience and effort, you can help your child develop into a strong reader.

Use Songs and Nursery Rhymes

Songs and nursery rhymes are a great way to help your child learn to read. They can help your child learn about the different sounds of letters and how to make words. They can also help your child learn about rhyming and rhythm.

Plus, they’re just plain fun! So sing along with your child and enjoy the learning process together.

Ask Questions

As your child begins to learn to read, one of the best things you can do to help is to ask questions. This helps them to process the information they are taking in and to better understand the text.

It also shows them that you are interested in what they are reading and that you value their efforts. Asking questions also allows you to gauge your child’s understanding of the material and to provide guidance and support as needed.

There are a few things to keep in mind when asking questions: make sure they are open-ended, avoid Yes/No questions, and be sure to give your child time to think and answer. With a little practice, you’ll be helping your child become a better reader in no time!

Make Simple Word Cards For Them

One great way to help your child learn to read is to make simple word cards for them. You can write out words on a piece of paper or even just use index cards and then help your child match the words to the pictures. This is a great way to help them learn to read simple words, and it can also help them to become familiar with the shapes of words.

Once they know a few simple words, you can start to help them sound out words by blending the sounds together. This is a great way to help your child learn to read, and it can be a lot of fun for both of you.

Identify Letters In Natural Settings

One of the first steps in helping your child learn to read is to identify letters in natural settings. Start by pointing out letters in your child’s name, then move on to other letters in the environment.

Engage Your Child In A Visual Learning Environment

One great way to support your child’s reading comprehension is to create a visual learning environment at home. Try designating a space in your home as the “reading corner” and fill it with items that will spark your child’s interest and imagination.

Fill a bookshelf with a variety of books, hang artwork that your child can enjoy, and place a comfortable chair in the space for snuggling up with a good book. You can also include items like binoculars, a magnifying glass, and other objects that can be used to support exploratory play.

Play Word Games With Them

You should be playing word games with them. This can help them develop their phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear and identify individual sounds in spoken language.

You can play simple games like rhyming or counting syllables or more complex ones like making up stories with made-up words. It’s also a great way to bond with your child and have some fun together!

Read Together On A Daily Basis

One of the most important things you can do to help your child learn to read is to read together daily. This simple activity can have a profound impact on your child’s reading development.

When you read together, you are modeling the behavior of a reader and helping your child to develop vital literacy skills. In addition, reading together is a great opportunity for bonding and quality time.

Leave out books and magazines around the house, and encourage your child to read for pleasure. You can also make a game out of reading, such as keeping track of how many words your child can read in one minute.

If you don’t have enough time to teach your child to read because you’re busy, you can consider this reading tutoring online.

Helping Your Child Learn to Read

If you want to help your child learn to read, this guide will give you all the information you need. By following the tips in this guide, you can help your child develop the skills they need to become a successful reader.

For more parenting advice and anything you want to know, be sure to check out the rest of our blog!

5 Benefits of Your Annual Boiler Service

Installing a boiler in your home can make your home safe and comfortable. However, if you do not service your boiler, it can impact the performance of your boiler. It can even increase your electric bills and make your house unsafe. Do not overlook gas boiler services. They can service your boiler to extend the lifespan of your boiler and lessen your impact on the environment.

How Often Should I Service My Boiler?

We highly recommend servicing your boiler once a year. Regular service ensures your boiler runs properly and helps you identify and resolve any problems early. If you can service your boiler once a year, you can ensure your boiler works efficiently and safely.

In this article, you will learn the top reasons to get your boiler serviced once a year:

Lower Your Energy Expenses

The engineer will check your gas boiler to ensure it is running efficiently during the annual gas boiler service. If your boiler runs efficiently, it lowers your energy expenses. Regular service improves the efficiency of your boiler. It can, therefore, enable your gas boiler to run smoothly since it prevents soot from accumulating. If your boiler runs smoothly, it reduces your fuel consumption, lowering your energy costs. Corgihomeplan.co.uk can even help reduce your carbon footprint and reduce environmental impact.

Keep Your Warranty Intact

If you do not service your gas boiler once a year, you can void your warranty. So, you will no longer receive benefits from the manufacturer. Almost all manufacturers require you to hire a registered engineer to service your boiler once a year. The engineer checks your boiler for potential issues and prevents gas boiler breakdown.

Save You Money on Unnecessary Repairs

Regular servicing of your gas boiler can make your boiler more reliable and minimize future repairs. Hiring an expert to do an annual inspection can help identify and fix potential issues. If you can fix these issues early, your boiler is less likely to break down in the future.

It is, therefore, imperative to hire a registered engineer to service your gas boiler every 12 months. Regular servicing can help identify issues. If you do not resolve these issues, they can turn into major problems. It is more expensive to fix the major problems. In fact, you may end up replacing your gas boiler.

Get Your House Ready for Winter

We highly recommend you service your gas boiler before the winter. Do not until it is too late to service your gas boiler. You want your boiler to keep your house warm during the cold winter months. If your boiler is faulty or broken, you need to repair it immediately.

If you want to get your house ready for the winter, then you have to keep your gas boiler healthy. If your boiler works efficiently, it can keep your family safe and reduce your costs. Therefore, you will not spend so much money on fuel.

Extend the Life of Your Gas Boiler

If you can regularly service your gas boiler, you can save some money and extend the lifespan of your gas boiler. However, if you do not service your boiler, your boiler will not last long. Regular maintenance can keep your gas boiler running efficiently and smoothly. If the engineer identifies minor issues with your boiler, they can fix them immediately. Fixing minor issues can extend the life of your gas boiler.

However, if you have been using the same gas boiler for around 15 years, then your gas boiler might not be operating efficiently. It is better to install a new model. The new models are more economical and they come with multiple features. It is cheap to use the newer models in the long term. They can even help you lower your carbon footprint. You will still need to service your brand-new gas boiler once a year.

Title: Simple but Wonderful Fall Baby Announcement Ideas You’ll Love

Summer is almost over and autumn is right around the corner. For many mamas, your due date is nearing and it is almost time to meet your baby! Or maybe you are ready to announce that you are expecting a little addition to your family and need ideas on how to announce your pregnancy. Look no further for inspiration and ideas on how to tell the world of your wonderful news.

We compiled a list of ideas on how to announce your newborn baby to the world with some cute fall baby announcement ideas. From pretty photo props to playful social media captions, read on if you are ready to announce the new pumpkin in your family patch!

Safety First

Before sharing your baby with the world, here are a few things to keep in mind. Be careful what kind of information you share on public platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. Some new parents may choose to withhold certain information from public sites by only sharing a photo of the baby’s feet, without showing the face. They can be careful to blur out information if they post a photo of the baby in the hospital. You can also choose to not announce a baby at all online.

What to Include in a Newborn Announcement

Now that you have your family’s safety in mind, here are some details that many people do include when announcing a new baby to the world! First up is the baby’s name. You can include the first, middle, and last name, or choose an endearing nickname to make it more private. Typically parents choose to include the birth date, how long the baby was, how much they weigh, time of birth, and the gender. You can add along any other information you want to include and of course, a sweet personalized message and a photo.

Fall Photo Props

Not that you have gathered the information you want to include with your announcement, but here is how to give it an Autumn vibe. It’s all about making sure your photos are seasonal and fun—and these ideas are definitely both of those things! Use one or several of these elements to add some autumn vibes to your announcement:

1. Pumpkins – A classic autumn item that can be used in several different ways! You can use physical pumpkins around the baby along with some flowers. There are some cute graphics you can print out with pumpkins. My favorite is the pumpkin tushie! It is such a cute idea where the baby’s bottom is painted into a pumpkin bum! This one might be better saved for family only but another version is having a photo of the baby on their tummy and you are holding a mini pumpkin right over their bum so that the baby’s bottom is covered up in the photo.

2. Sunflowers – This lovely flower is everything we love about fall, add it around the baby for a timeless photo, make a custom plaque of the baby’s name with sunflower illustrations adorning the border. And my favorite is having the baby wrapped in a pretty sunflower swaddle blanket.

3. Leaves – Leaves are such a classic sign of fall and so easy to incorporate into photos. I love using a leaf instead of a pumpkin to do the bird-eye view photo with the leaf looking like a blanket over the baby. They are also so easy to add to the borders of a letterboard sign or as a part of a baby’s outfit lay flat. Easy Peasy!

4. Wheat – Another great picture of the fall season is the sheaths of wheat. It might be harder to find physical wheat to use as photo props but I have seen plenty in craft stores during the autumn season. There are also cute baby bodysuits or blankets that would go great for your baby’s grand announcement!

5. Apples – I just love the idea of using apples for a fall-themed photo shoot! There is a sense of childhood and coziness to them! The “Apple of my Eye” theme is most fitting for your precious new addition! The best part is that you can add the cutest pun-filled caption to go with your apple photo props.

6. Fall Colors – You can stick to a more simple way just by adding warm autumn colors to your photo! Just use a simple yellow or mustard baby wrap, a plum or peach is perfect for a little girl. Or stick to a more timeless color palette like creams and beiges. You can implement them in the baby’s outfit and accessories for a subtle fall vibe.

Clever Fall-Themed Captions

Now that you have an adorable fall-themed photo of your new baby, it is time to post an announcement with a perfect caption. Here are some cute ideas on what to write. Some are sentimental and some have playful puns— but you can’t go wrong with any of these:

You Autumn know that we had a baby!
Hello Pumpkin!
Added a pumpkin to our patch!
Happy to the core with our newest blessing (apple themed)
Added a little apple to our family tree
Feeling extra thankful this year…
We can’t be-leaf it! We had a baby!
Introducing the Apple of our Eye
Trick or Treat, our family grew by two little feet!
Fall is in the air and we have news to share.

How Do You Reveal Pregnancy On Social Media?

There is nothing more exciting than sharing your good news about a growing family. You want it to be special and memorable. You might be looking for ideas on how to break the sweet news with your partner, and later on how to share it with everyone else.

Some mamas can’t wait to tell everyone while others choose to wait a few months before sharing it with their friends and family. However you decide to make the announcement, here are some cute ideas to use when the time comes:

We’re expecting a little pumpkin
We’re ready to “fall” in love.
Don’t eat pumpkin seeds!
Bun in the oven!
Mom is cooking more than just a turkey!!
It’s not a trick, we’re expecting a little treat.
A pumpkin spice latte isn’t the only thing brewing..
Stuffed with love!
Here we grow again.
One more reason to be thankful this year.

You can also use the newborn announcement captions and rewrite them just a little to make it a pregnancy announcement. For example instead of “Added a little apple to our family tree” you can switch it to “ADDING a little apple to our family tree”.

I hope you found some cute ideas that you can use when the time comes.

That’s ‘fall’ folks!