Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

Itchy Scalp Remedies For Natural Hair

Itching to know the real deal?

Scratching your head is normal. Some unconsciously do it, but it can be a different story for others. An itchy scalp, or scientifically known as scalp pruritus, is a common issue for both men and women. Although it is normal to experience it at least once in your life, constant scratching may have other causes. Here, we will take a look at how hair loss and stress are connected to an itchy scalp and its causes.

What does itchy scalp mean?

Most people tend to experience both – an itchy scalp and hair loss in their lives. It’s common to lose roughly 50 to 100 hair strands a day. Although both conditions are different from each other, some suggest that there is a link between the two.

Some hair conditions such as fungal infections, allergic reactions to hair products, and inflamed hair follicles can cause your scalp to itch and possibly lead to hair loss.

Scarring on the scalp can also cause severe itching since the scar tissue damage the nerve fibers found on the skin. Repeated scratching can lead to temporary hair loss, bleeding, and scabbing. The good news is once the scratching stops, the hair will eventually grow back.

Hair loss is more prevalent in men compared to women. Women would feel their hair thinning, losing volume. Men, on the other hand, experience bald spots and receding hairlines. To help prevent this, you can use certain hair care products that will reduce the itch and strengthen the development of the growing hair follicles.

The deal with stress and anxiety

Most studies indicate that stress and anxiety don’t directly lead to an itchy scalp. Sometimes, stress can make your current scalp condition worse or cause a severe effect on the hormones, affecting your organs.

Stress and anxiety are related to an itchy scalp through heightened skin sensitivity.

In this period, your scalp comes in contact with a lot of bacteria, germs, fungi, and chemicals. Your reaction to those factors is increased.

People also experience over-sensitivity when under a lot of stress. This means, when you are anxious, you are more sensitive to certain feelings. It’s possible to feel an itch on an otherwise light skin tingle for a person with anxiety.

Causes of itchy scalp

Dandruff

One of the most common causes of an itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, or more commonly known as dandruff. The two main factors that contribute to developing this condition are the overproduction of oil and Malassezia.

Overproduction of oil makes the skin red and greasy. The glands become inflamed and you experience itching, flaking, reddened skin, and yellow or white scales.

Meanwhile, Malassezia is a type of fungus that is naturally found in the skin’s oils, and when it grows abnormally the skin releases more oil than usual. This increased secretion can lead to seborrheic eczema.

Some potential causes of dandruff include the overgrowth of yeast on the skin, seasonal changes, and stress. Common medications that will help treat dandruff include anti-dandruff shampoos with keratolytic, such as salicylic acid or coal tar, haircare products with pyrithione zinc, and antifungal creams.

Allergic reactions

An itchy and flaky scalp can be tell-tale signs of a reaction to hair care products, like the new product you are trying out. The best solution is to immediately stop using the suspected product. Shampoo residue left on your scalp can also make your scalp itchy hence, it’s recommended to use all-natural hair care products. Rinse it well during your shower.

Meanwhile, another possible cause is contact dermatitis, which is common among people who dye their hair. The culprit could be the ingredient called para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and it’s best to stay away from it. Also, avoid using products that contain synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals to reduce the chance of having allergic reactions.

Psoriasis

This is an autoimmune disease where the skin cells grow ten times faster than normal. This results in the skin producing red patches covered with silvery scales. About 50% of people with psoriasis experience their scalp flaring up. You will notice reddish patches, dandruff-like flaking, silvery-white scale, and a dry scalp. This can be mildly or intensely itchy.

The best way to relieve the itching is to use medicated shampoos or other treatments that you can purchase without a prescription.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that can develop on your scalp. It can cause redness and itchiness. It is treatable with creams and treatment medications hence it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for options.

Natural hair remedies for itchy scalp

Some causes of itchy scalp demand medical attention. It’s best to see your dermatologist if the symptoms last longer than a week or include sores and intense itching that interferes with your daily life.

Meanwhile, here are some ways to help relieve an itchy scalp using natural ingredients.

Apple cider vinegar – has great antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Dilute it in warm water and use it to rinse off your shampoo. This is can also alleviate dandruff.

Organic coconut oil contains lauric acid that helps the skin absorb oil and soothe itchy scalps caused by eczema.

Peppermint oil – peppermint is known to have a cooling effect but also reduces dandruff. Dilute it with another oil, such as olive oil, and gently massage it into your scalp before shampooing. You can also use peppermint tea when you rinse your shampoo.

Tea tree oil – tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. However, it can irritate the skin, so remember to dilute it and use it sparingly.

Add around 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to a gentle cleansing shampoo or mix it with good olive oil and apply it directly into your scalp. Research shows that tea tree oil can help treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Meditation can help reduce stress and be effective at eliminating itchy scalps caused by anxiety and eczema. One study found that meditation relieves itching by providing a coping mechanism and a sense of control.

Conclusion

There are various causes of an itchy scalp. Occasional hair loss happens when you constantly scratch the scalp, damaging the hair shafts and follicles. Stress can be a factor but not a direct cause.

Meanwhile, certain skin conditions can irritate the scalp. You can choose natural remedies to help soothe and relieve the itchiness. If the itchiness doesn’t go away and you experience pain and sores, it’s best to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

7 Fun Home Activities That the Whole Family can Enjoy This Summer

Summer is here, which means that it’s time to enjoy and relax under the sun. It’s when people want to bond with family and friends more and do all sorts of fun summer activities. However, not everyone can go out to travel as freely yet. Even if you can travel freely, you might still want to spice up the summer days that you spend at home.

Well, don’t worry. There are plenty of things to do that will help you and your whole family enjoy the summer. With these fun activities, you won’t have to worry about missing out this summer, even if you spend some of it at home.

All you need to enjoy this summer entirely you can do your at-home is by some ingenuity and creativity. Here are a few home activities that will be fully enjoyable to do in the summer even though you’re at home.

1. Backyard picnic

Who doesn’t love a picnic filled with good food while surrounded by family and friends? What’s great about a picnic is that you don’t have to do it in a park or somewhere far away to be able to enjoy it. The heart and soul of a good picnic would be the food, your family and friends, and enjoying that meal on a cloth lying on the grass.

You can easily organize a backyard picnic so that you don’t have to go to a park. It’s a great way to change the pace for a little bit if you don’t have much time traveling to the park. All you need to do is prepare food the way you would if you are going to a picnic destination. Don’t forget the picnic blanket, of course.

It’s a great way to get some fresh air going while enjoying some snacks and having a slow but leisurely time with your family.

2. Gardening

Gardening is an excellent home activity that you and your family can enjoy, and it comes with a reward. There are plenty of skills and lessons that you can learn when you take up gardening. It makes you more aware of the environment as well as sharpens your biology skills too. It would be a gratifying activity to do with your kids.

Another great reason why you should be gardening is that it’s an eco-friendly summer activity. You can even enjoy watching your plants grow over time with minimal daily commitment. It can even help you sweat a bit.

If you plant vegetables or herbs, you can even get to use whatever you grew into the meals that you serve for the family.

3. Movie night

Summer activities don’t necessarily mean that you have to be out and about basking in the summer sun to enjoy it. Sometimes, summer nights are just as good as summer mornings. It all comes down to what you do with it. One example of a great way to make the most out of your summer nights would be to organize a movie night.

A movie night is a great way to be kind of a couch potato this summer but with a fun twist to it if you make an effort. You can even play pretend with your kids and create a ticket for whichever movie you’re going to see. Make sure that whatever you watch is something that everyone will enjoy. You can also try alternating who gets to choose the movie to watch, so everyone gets a say.

4. Game night

Another excellent home activity that you can fully enjoy even on summer night could be a game night with you and your family. Nowadays, there are all sorts of video games that you can play with family and friends that aren’t too difficult, even for people who don’t know how to play video games. However, you don’t have to play video games if you don’t want to.

There are plenty of board games out there, but you can buy and use them during game night. Board games are an excellent way to bond with family while also getting into some light ribbing with one another. There are all sorts of genres of games that you can try out there, including board games.

5. Water games

Nothing says summer more than having some fun splashing around and playing with water in some way. If you don’t want to go to potentially crowded resorts or beaches, you can still enjoy some other games while at home. You’re just going to need some additional equipment that might make it easier for you to organize water games at home.

You can create all sorts of outdoor obstacle courses that center around the use of water. However, if you don’t want to do a sport out of it, you can get in an inflatable pool and enjoy some meals, maybe some barbecue by the poolside.

You can even simply get some water balloons and a water gun and run around and play with each other with it.

6. Karaoke

Whether you know how to sing or not doesn’t matter when it comes to karaoke night. Everyone from great singers to tone-deaf people can enjoy a bit of singing. It’s an especially great activity to do if you don’t have any kids will you so you can add some drinks to go along with your wild karaoke night.

It’s not every day that you can sing to your heart’s content with your full voice, and a karaoke night helps you get all of that out there. Of course, you need to have some equipment as well. Make sure that you have mics with you.

7. Arts and crafts

Arts and crafts are an excellent home activity that is fun to do, particularly if you have kids in the house. Arts and crafts can help boost your children’s imagination and creativity skills while also improving their motor skills. Plus, it is always a good idea to spend some time with your kids in an intimate fashion, such as creating arts and crafts.

Having fun at home isn’t as depressing as you think it would be if you are creative and put some thought into it. It can be more fun than going out because you can focus on bonding with your whole family.

The home activities on this list are fun, but there are so many more that you can do this summer with your family even though you’re stuck at home. This summer, make it your mission to try at least half of the home activities on this list so that you can spend some time fully bonding with your family.

Complete Body Detoxification: 7 Effective Ways To Do This Naturally

The human body comprises the physiological processes and the mental pathways that govern vital functions. Almost every process induces the accumulation of certain toxins at the cellular level. Also, you need to follow a clean and nutritious diet to get rid of the toxins and detox your body. Start with including a detox drink in your daily routine to flush the harmful chemicals away. Along with this, you might want to reduce the alcohol intake and modify the dietary sources to bring in more nutrients. Such measures might help you rejuvenate, recycle, and get the toxins out.

1. Reduce Alcohol Intake

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Most people tend to drink alcohol at meals or during celebrations. If you’re on your detox journey, you might want to watch your alcohol intake. Alcohol undergoes metabolization in the liver and transforms into acetaldehyde. Also, the latter is carcinogenic and comes under the category of harmful toxins. With excessive alcohol consumption, the toxins accumulate in your liver and impair the metabolic pathways. Not to forget, the toxins can affect your fat breakdown abilities and cause deposition of adipose tissue.

You must refrain from drinking too much alcohol to accelerate the metabolism and cleanse your organs. Instead, you can try detox drinks that aid in removing toxins from your liver.

2. Prioritize Sleep

Do you stay up late and binge-watch the Netflix series more than usual? Lack of sleep is the biggest hurdle in your detox journey. You must prioritize sleep and target at least 7 to 8 hours of rest time daily. This is because sleeping accelerates your body’s recovery and regeneration powers. Also, it increases the rate of detoxification and removes toxins faster than before. Try creating an ambient sleeping environment and limit your screen time to facilitate melatonin production.

3. Stay Hydrated

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Hydration is essential to cleanse your body and promote vital functions. Also, it aids in proper digestion and might slow down the accumulation of toxins in your cellular pathways. Your body releases wastes in the form of carbon dioxide and uric acid that require frequent cleaning. Hence, you need to load up on the water content to promote cleansing, detox, and efficient removal of wastes from your body. Aim for around 2 to 3 liters of water daily to meet the daily metabolic needs.

4. Consider Detox Drinks

Apart from proper hydration, you need other sources of detoxification as well. Try the detox drinks such as azul tea that promote flushing out of the water products and induce well-being. You can know more about azul tea here. Some drinks like warm lemon water, green tea, and cinnamon drinks can increase the rate of cleansing. Also, detox drinks contain ample nutrients that lead to holistic health and wellness. You must start the day with a detox drink of your choice to kickstart the metabolism. Long-term usage of detox drinks may beat lethargy, help you overcome aches, and enhance the quality of your skin.

5. Consume Antioxidant-Rich Diet

Did you know the toxins in your body initiate an oxidative reaction that deteriorates the vital organs? If your goal is to stay salubrious, you must follow an antioxidant-rich diet to beat the oxidative damage. Vital functions may cause a build-up of free radicals that cause oxidative damage and distress. In such cases, the antioxidants present in your diet reduce the levels of free radicals. Along with this, the diet helps ward off inflammation and protects your vital organs. Some foods that can be of help, in this case, are berries, avocados, and dark chocolates. Include the foods in your diet to nourish the cellular processes and cleanse the waste.

6. Go Herbal

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If you’re into herbal therapy, you can facilitate the detox processes using the same. All you need to do is find the herbs that lead to faster cleansing and toxin removal. Also, you can try herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, or burdock for proper detox. Start your mornings with a cup of hot detox tea to rejuvenate the body. Along with this, you may try herbal supplements like tinctures, pills, or oils to accelerate the removal of waste products. Don’t forget to research more about the detox herbs and ask an expert before diving into the therapy.

7. Enhance Physical Activity

Almost everybody knows the importance of exercise and physical activity. But, not many people follow a consistent workout routine. Apart from muscle development and fat breakdown, exercise also increases the removal of waste from your cells. You must work out for at least 30 minutes daily to cleanse your system and stay in shape. During the workout, your body experiences anti-inflammatory effects that slow down the accumulation of toxins. All these factors play a major role in flushing out the harmful debris and maintaining top-notch vital functions.

The Takeaway

For all the fitness buffs out there, detoxification is a process that ensures proper vital functioning. While carrying out the basic processes, your body is likely to accumulate debris like urea, toxic gases, and other waste material. Hence, you need to adapt to the measures that increase toxin removal. Start with drinking more water and limit the alcohol intake in your daily life. Along with this, regular workout and herbal therapy also show promising results in the detox world. Make sure to follow the steps in the long term to avoid possible relapses. Not only will it rejuvenate your body, but it also strengthens your mental health.

Best Tips for Relocating with Kids on a Private Air Charter

Relocating with your children is quite a difficult task. They’ll have so many questions, some of which you either may be unable to answer or they might not find the answers satisfactory. The trip itself can be quite a chore, seeing how it may take hours and the conditions may be less than ideal.

This is why a lot of people, when traveling with children, find that hiring a private air charter might be a great idea. The logic behind this is following:

This is a one-time trip, not your regular commute. This can offset a higher cost of travel than you would face when traveling by other means.
The journey itself would be so interesting that it would take some edge off the entire process. So, instead of a major change, your kids would face an adventure.

While they may not seem major, these two advantages alone are enough to persuade parents who already have so much on their plate. With that in mind and without further ado, here are several tips that will help you get even more out of your private air charter relocation with kids.

Think About the Schedule

Sure, you’re traveling privately, so you don’t have to worry about the other passengers, but you still don’t want your toddlers to get grumpy during the flight. Provided that you notify the charter company in advance, you may receive a more favorable flying schedule. When traveling with kids, this can make all the difference in the world.

As a parent, you should know the biorhythm of your kid the best, and this is something that you should base your organization on. Seeing as how a private air charter gives you more flexibility, you won’t have to book a flight day in advance. In fact, the chances are that you can book a flight anytime tomorrow. In some cases, and with some companies, you can book a flight that is in 4-6 hours.

Carry-on Luggage

Even though a charter flight has everything organized for your own convenience, it’s still not your own home. This means that your access to your kid’s stuff and your regular inventory will be restricted. So, you need to have well-packed carry-on luggage at your disposal at all times.

While traveling on a commercial flight, your carry-on bag size would be restricted. The size of your carry-on bag should, by default, fit in the overhead bin. There are some who suggest a 24-inch suitcase as a good solution, but the experiences of the majority of parents agree that this is just too small. Fortunately, on a private air charter, this shouldn’t be that much of an issue. This is especially true since you’ll have a staff to help you both load and unload.

Naturally, relocating with your kids means taking care of the rest of your stuff, as well. This is done best in two stages, even if you’re determined to do it all by air. So, start by looking for a private air charter for you and your kids. Then, proceed to find reliable air freight shipping for the rest of your inventory. As we mentioned in the previous section, start scheduling in time in order to ensure that it all arrives on time.

Play It Safe

One of the most important things when traveling on a private air charter is that you learn how to manage your expectations. What does this mean? Well, for starters, while this sort of trip is more convenient, it’s still not perfect.

For instance, while it’s easier to use the toilet on a private air charter, it’s still better to just avoid this altogether. Making your kids go to the bathroom before you take off is always a better choice.

Moreover, while you have the option to order a gourmet menu (the majority of private jet charters offer catering services), it’s probably better to play it safe. In other words, get yourself whatever you want but get your kids something you know they’ll eat 100%. Taking risks here is definitely not wise. Also, keep in mind that a healthy diet is a key to boosting your child’s gut health, and this is not something you should deviate from during this flight.

When it comes to the temperature on the flight, let’s just say that this wouldn’t be an issue during a commercial flight either. Now, seeing as how you’re the only traveler, it’s even easier to negotiate its adjustment. The thing is that it’s still better to have an immediate solution, like dressing your kids in layers. This way, you are more self-reliant.

Stay In Control

A lot of parents choose private air charters so that their kids can have more freedom on the flight. Others aim for a scenario where there are fewer judgmental looks directed their way.

So, does this mean that your kids can do whatever they want on a private air charter?

Well, not really!

You see, the problem is that these flights are not arranged to be completely safe for children – no flights are. So, if you think you can just let them run around without any risk, things might not end so great for anyone. Also, keep in mind that the doors to the cockpit are not locked and that the rest of the flight staff will probably not expect your kids running around (tripping them in the process).

Sure, you paid for the flight, but the staff is still responsible for all your safety, which is why it’s important that you follow their instructions and respect their authority.

In Conclusion

While the cost of relocating with kids on a private air charter is one of the most expensive ways to do so, the cost is not everything. Also, this is a one-time thing, and since the event may already be a huge thing in your kid’s life on its own, why not make an extra effort to put a positive spin on it. With the above-listed tips on your side, you can go above and beyond to optimize this trip and make it into one of their earliest adventures.

5 Surprising Benefits of Having Your Teeth Straightened

As a mom, your sole focus will be on looking after your children. While most of your time will be taken up ensuring your kids are safe, happy, and healthy, you should allocate time forlooking after your own health and wellbeing. Having healthy teeth and gums is a part of this, and if your teeth are crooked or misaligned, you may be considering options to have them straightened. To help make up your mind, here are five surprising benefits you can gain from having straighter teeth.

Better Digestion

For your body to function at its best and keep healthy, you need to have a good digestive system. When your teeth are straightened and aligned, they are better for chewing (otherwise known as the start of the food digestion process). When chewing food more rigorously, this helps to speed up the digestion process. If any food has not been chewed well enough, this can have a negative impact on your intestines and stomach.

Easier to Keep Teeth and Gums Clean

Following a good oral hygiene routine is vital for keeping your teeth and gums in excellent condition. With millions of Americans having mild to severe gum disease, you can avoid being in this statistic by having your teeth straightened.

Once they are properly aligned, you will find it far easier to keep your gums and teeth clean and healthy. If you have crooked teeth, you may struggle to floss and brush correctly, which can leave plaque to accumulate.

Clearer Speech

When having conversations with others, you may not be aware of how clear your diction is. If others have noticed a change in your speech, crooked or misaligned teeth could be the root cause. Therefore, having your teeth straightened can improve your speech for the better, making it easier to converse with friends and acquaintances.

Boosts Self-Confidence

If you aren’t happy with the way your teeth look, your confidence may be at rock bottom. Individuals with crooked or misaligned teeth are less likely to smile over those with straight teeth. If you believe your teeth are holding you back in life, you can check this page on invisible aligners.

The company linked are specialists in teeth straightening and offer invisible braces as a treatment option. They are known as the number one affordable invisible aligners supplier for teeth straightening in the country, and they boast a 100% smile guarantee.

Less Wear and Tear

The straighter and healthier your teeth are, the less impact there will be on your teeth and gums. When you bite and chew, this generates a ton of pressure that can result in problems later down the line, such as gum fractures, and increases your risk of developing periodontitis. When you opt for teeth straightening treatment, you will notice a big difference in how much pressure is put on your teeth on a day to day basis.

Getting your teeth straightened can benefit you in all sorts of ways. Not only will straight teeth improve your smile, they can enhance your oral hygiene routine and improve confidence and self-esteem.

Redefining the Motherhood Experience: 6 Apps That Can Help You Organize

As a new mother, chances are you’re trying to juggle between taking care of your baby, doing chores or completing business obligations, or even trying to squeeze in some time for yourself. While these are all natural aspects of motherhood, becoming a parent can be an incredibly challenging and stressful time we could all use some help with, and technology might be the ideal answer. If you are looking for ways to organize and make motherhood a bit easier to handle, here are some beneficial apps that might help:

Daily baby activity apps

If you’re in search of an application that will allow you to monitor your child’s everyday activities, there are a number of tracker apps like Baby Bundle and Total Baby that do the job well. These apps will give you the opportunity to log pooping and sleeping schedules, monitor feeding times, and keep track of bath routines. Offering some extra features you could record, such as doctor’s appointments, vaccination charts, and even helpful parenting guides, these tracking apps can be incredibly useful when monitoring the day-to-day activity of both newborns and older children.

Nursing and feeding trackers

While keeping up with your baby’s feeding schedule might be a difficult task for many new moms, there are plenty of apps that could help make this an easier and more pleasant experience. In case you are breastfeeding, an app like Baby Tracker Nursing will allow you to monitor your child’s breastfeeding schedule, record nursing times, or even share these details with a doctor, while an app like Milk Maid could be particularly helpful if you are pumping, allowing you to track your stored milk as well. If you haven’t decided to breastfeed, on the other hand, an application like IBaby Feed Timer will allow you to track the number of bottle feeds, the duration of feeding sessions, and even anticipate the time of the next feed.

Child development apps

If you’re looking for an all-around organizer that will allow you to keep track of all your motherhood needs in one place, a baby development app such as Mumli would be the ideal solution. This application will give you the opportunity to create your own profile where you could post updates and ask questions, and even follow and connect with other moms to share information, advice, and personal experience about all things baby-related. However, possibly the most useful aspect of Mumli is the fact that it allows you to create and share collections, providing you with a space where you could organize the mess of screenshots, articles, and messages you’ve collected in one easily accessible place.

Baby-friendly maps

In case you plan on traveling with your child, you might need some additional help when it comes to finding baby-friendly locations in new and unfamiliar destinations. Applications such as Mom Maps can be of great help, providing you with maps pinned with parks, shops, restaurants, cafes, museums, and other places you could safely visit with your baby, all approved by other mothers. But if you need more detailed apps for your own area, an app like Instant Playdates might be a better option. This application gives you the opportunity to connect with moms who have children of the same age as yours, allowing you to schedule playdates, arrange meetups, or even call them over to your home for bonding time.

Health-based applications

What first-time moms need is often a way they could keep track of their baby’s health, and fortunately, there are a number of apps that could help with this as well. For instance, an application like Growth will let you monitor your kid’s growth according to CDC and WHO guidelines, while apps such as Child Medical History can help you keep up with everything from doctor’s appointments to your baby’s blood type, allergies, test results, and other medical information. If you’re looking for medical apps that could provide useful, doctor-approved health information, WebMD Baby can be a good choice for finding helpful articles regarding health news, caring tips, symptoms to keep in mind, and much more.

Baby monitor apps

Sometimes your organizational needs might simply be monitoring your baby and ensuring they are safe and sound while you take care of necessary chores and other obligations. Thankfully, there are some apps that could help with this aspect as well. In case you don’t have a larger budget, or you simply haven’t had enough time to invest in a baby monitor, applications like Cloud Baby Monitor will allow you to turn any two smart devices you already own, such as a phone and a tablet, into a streaming device that gives you the opportunity to monitor your baby with ease.

Staying organized as a new mother is never an easy task, but the beneficial apps mentioned above might allow you to turn this beautiful yet stressful period into an easier and more enjoyable time.

Tips for the Stay-At-Home Dad

Old traditions are being replaced with new ones, as society evolves alongside technology and in many relationships, it is the woman who goes out and earns the money, while hubby takes the backstage role. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about; if she makes more money than you do, then this is the smart way to move forward; besides, many family men make some money with an online business.

If you are taking the home role in the relationship, here are a few tips to make the transition work.

✓ Be Systematic – Most men are visibly shocked when they start managing a family home, wondering how their partner manages to do everything without effort! Plan the daily clean like you would a military campaign and stick to timetables. The house doesn’t clean itself and whether or not parenting is on the menu, you need to allocate enough time to keep things clean. Hardwood floors need to be swept and mopped daily, while the vacuum deals with carpets and rugs (every other day is recommended) and putting the trash out on the right day is another chore not to overlook.

✓ Make Good Use of the Internet – Time is very important when you have a large house to manage and your weekly groceries can be bought online and delivered to your door, as can anything else that you need. For liquid refreshment, check out one of the local breweries in Sydney Australia, where you can buy fine craft beers online, then you’ll always have a few beers in the cooler when friends pop round. Any domestic services you need can be sourced with a Google search, should you experience a blocked drain or burst water pipe.

✓ Create a Weekly Chart – This will be your guide to the many daily tasks and when you list everything within a timeline, you become very efficient. Monday might be the upstairs cleaning day, with Wednesday afternoon set aside for your online work (has to be done at some time); all tasks should be listed, along with any supplies you might need.

✓ Pamper your Partner – Of course, you know how it feels to come home after a long day at the office, so do go out of your way to pour her a glass of wine and prepare an armchair where she can relax while waiting for that delicious dinner that’s in the oven. She will appreciate you running a hot bath and bringing her a drink when she arrives and this keeps the relationship on an even keel. Click here for tips to develop sustainability in your life.

✓ Parenting – If you are looking after young children, this is a whole new ball game that will stretch your parenting skills to the max! It is paramount that you don’t run out of essentials like tissue and wipes, so keep your eye on supplies and when the kids are asleep is the time for the housework!

A few years as a stay at home dad will certainly broaden your horizons and give you another perspective of your relationship; here is some Australian government information on working from home, which might prove to be invaluable.

No-Nonsense Tips for Your Family’s Budget

Does your spending ever go off course? You aren’t the only one. Although it isn’t ideal to go over budget, every family does it every once in a while.

Maybe there’s a big sale on diapers that cost more upfront but promises big long-term savings, so you sink a little more money than usual on this household essential. Or perhaps you have to call a late-night plumber to deal with an emergency leak and get stuck with a shocking invoice.

Overspending only becomes a problem when the months you overspend start to outnumber the months you follow your budget. Chronic overspending can stretch your paycheck thin and leave you unprepared for emergencies or future goals.

So how do you fix an underperforming budget and get your spending back on course? Check out these no-nonsense tips to help you save more.

Plan for Emergencies

Nobody plans to take their kid to the walk-in clinic or emergency dentist, but things happen. Your son might chip his tooth on a jawbreaker, or your daughter may hurt herself climbing a tree.

Unexpected medical expenses are one of the worst culprits for going over your budget, even if you have insurance. Between deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket costs, they can wrack up a big bill.

You should set aside some money each month for these unpredictable expenses. If you’re short of what you need, you can apply for a cash advance to help you out. You can find a short term small dollar loan that works in a pinch if you get approved. But it’s helpful to know that cash advances come in different shapes and sizes.

Calculate Irregular Purchases

Irregular expenses are your budget’s worst enemy. It’s easy to forget about these expenses until they crash-land in your budget. You might not have the wiggle room to pay for them on such short notice.

That’s why you should sit down and make a list of all those expenses that come once or twice a year. Here are some to help you brainstorm:

Toiletries
Clothes
Dental check-ups
Vehicle tune-ups
Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays
Income and/or property tax
Union dues

Try out Different Budgets

Yep, you read that right. There are different kinds of budgets! While the financial world talks in a single “budget,” they use it to describe any deliberate spending plan.

Perhaps the most common budgeting method is the percentage budget. It splits your spending into three major categories and assigns them a percentage of your income. According to this method, you should spend 50% of your money on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings.

While this breakdown might make sense to you, it might not! There are tons of other budgeting methods out there for you to explore. Here are two of them:

The Envelope System: This method splits your month’s income into envelopes for each major spending category, like rent and groceries. Once these envelopes are empty, you can’t spend any more in that category until the next month. Although typically a cash-based system, there’s a way to do it digitally, too.
Zero-Based Budget: Also known as the zero-sum budget, this method means you give a job to every last penny you earn. By assigning tasks, you’ll be encouraged to use your money responsibly. It also prevents cash from sitting in your accounts, begging to be spent on splurges.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been spending more money than you should, these tips help you budget with intention. Try them out to give yourself a better chance at following your plan!

Do Big Breeds Eat A Lot? How To Make A Perfect Diet Plan For Your Pup

Not all dog foods are created equal. In fact, there are dog foods specifically formulated for puppies, senior dogs, and small breeds. But what do you do if you have a large dog? And, do big breeds eat a lot more? And, how do you know what and how much to feed them? Here’s what you need to know to make the perfect diet plan for your pup.

Talk To Your Veterinarian

First, you should always talk to your dog’s veterinarian before deciding on your dog’s diet. Why? For one, their veterinarian can help you find the correct food for them. But also, you’ll learn if your dog has any specific dietary needs, has allergies, or needs a certain serving size.

For example, some experts and veterinarians recommend a low fat diet for large dog breeds, especially if they have a higher opportunity at becoming overweight or obese. But that doesn’t mean that every large dog needs to be fed a low fat diet. However, a larger dog, especially if more active, will need more calories than a smaller dog. A veterinarian will tell you where to keep your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Last but not least, it’s important to know the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your big breed will need. Many large breeds have joint and bone problems throughout their life. A diet higher in Calcium, Iron, and Vitamin D can help keep your dog from being deficient and making those joint and bone problems worse.

Use The Proper Food During Each Stage Of Life

Even with dog food formulas made for big dogs, there are still differences in the recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors. And, if your dog has allergies, digestive issues, or needs a special diet, that will affect the type of food they need as well. This all leads to choosing the best dog food based on your dog’s current needs.

Did you know that large and giant breeds typically don’t reach adulthood until about 18 months? Unlike smaller dogs, they need a little more extra time to grow. So, instead of switching your puppy to adult dog food right at 12 months like you would a smaller breed, you’ll need to keep them on puppy food for a while longer.

And of course, larger dogs also tend to reach their senior years faster than small dogs. In fact, many bigger dogs have a lifespan of only 7 to 12 years. So you’ll need to switch to senior dog food faster than you would with a smaller dog.

Look At The Size Of The Food

Have you ever seen kibble from different brands or formulas? Some dog food is small and round, while others are larger disks. And yes, size really does matter when it comes to your dog’s food.

Your dog will enjoy their food more when their food fits in their mouth properly. Plus, for large breeds, the larger food pellets allow them to chew their food versus just swallowing it whole. Thus, this helps your dog eat their food slower and could help keep them from eating too fast and overeating.

When your dog is a puppy, you may be able to get away with smaller sized kibble. Just be sure that if your pup is eating too fast, that you adjust their portions or get dog food with larger pieces. Puppies can choke if they swallow too much kibble at once, even if the food is small.

Another way to keep your big breed from overeating or wolfing down their food is to focus on the container that their food is in. While the size of the food matters, so does the container that holds the food. If your dog has a habit of eating too fast or choking on food, try a slow feeding food bowl.

Always Measure Out Their Food

Last but not least, you’ll need to measure out the proper serving size for your dog. Just because they are a bigger breed, it doesn’t mean that they can eat food all day, every day. On almost all bags of commercial dog food, you’ll even find their recommended serving size for your dog.

If making homemade food, feeding canned food, or if the food you purchase for your dog doesn’t have a recommended serving size, talk to your vet. They can help you come up with a diet plan and the proper serving size of food for your dog.

You’ll also need to update how much you feed your dog and how often as they grow. While a pup may only need 2 cups of food, an adult that’s 100 pounds may need 4 cups or more of dog food a day. Also, if your dog is highly active, they may need more food as well. These are all questions to ask your veterinarian when creating the perfect diet plan for your dog.

Here are some of the recommended serving sizes for popular big breeds:

English Mastiff (120 to 130 pounds): 6 to 10 cups of food a day
Great Dane (110 to 175 pounds): 5 to 10 cups of food a day
Saint Bernard (120 to 180 pounds): 6 to 7 cups of food a day
Bernese Mountain Dog (70 to 115 pounds): 3 to 6 cups of food a day
German Shepherd (70 to 100 pounds): 3 to 5 cups of food a day

Do Big Breeds Eat A Lot? The Perfect Diet

As you can see, most larger dogs do in fact need a lot more food than their smaller counterparts. While talking to your veterinarian will help you decide on the type of food and serving sizes, it’s important to remember that your large breed will eat more.

This can seem like a lot of you’re not used to large dog breeds, or if your dog is highly active and always seems hungry. But trust that their bodies were made to eat more, and as long as you’re feeding them nutritious and appropriate dog food, they should be just fine.

How to Take Camping to the Next Level

Introduction

If you are one of the many people who enjoy a good camping trip, you might find some very helpful information here. Today’s article is all about how you can take camping to the next level. This can mean one of two things:

A) Making your camping experience more relaxing and luxurious
B) Making your camping experience more primitive and authentic

Depending on your habits and preferences, you might choose one or the other. These approaches can also be mixed to a certain extent. For instance, you might choose to make your campfires with friction-based methods while still making use of a well-equipped RV. It’s all up to you, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

Try Some Rappelling

If you want to try something exciting, a little bit of rappelling might be just the thing. Now, let’s be clear: Rappelling can be very dangerous if it’s not done properly. Thus, you need the help of a certified expert if you don’t know what you are doing. Don’t think you can just “wing it,” because that kind of thinking might literally end your life.

Now that we have made you aware of the danger, let’s understand the flipside: Rappelling is both safe and a lot of fun when done correctly. Also, you don’t necessarily have to go to the highest cliff in the park. Inexperienced people can certainly opt for a short drop, although you should still use a belaying line for maximum safety.

Incorporate Some Hunting Or Fishing

Not everyone enjoys these activities, but they are an essential part of life in the wild. As such, these experiences add a lot to your experience and can be the most memorable part of a good camping trip. Besides, you also have the chance to land some very tasty meals. Fishing tends to be less restricted in most areas, but hunting on private lands will offer you a lot more freedom than public lands.

Of course, it is important that you respect all relevant laws and regulations for your area. Many outdoor-focused stores will give away hunting/fishing guidebooks for free, and these will tell you what is in season, what is not, and what rules must be followed.

Upgrade Your RV Amenities

Let’s face it, sleeping on the ground isn’t for everyone. In particular, those with back problems and other health issues may not find it expedient to sleep in rough conditions. If that description fits you, we would recommend using a high-quality RV queen mattress.

If your existing RV bed is a little better than the ground, you need to purchase an upgrade. You have a number of good options depending on the size and thickness desired. This will help you to wake up feeling rested and active, ready for another exhilarating day in the wild.

Bring A Small Solar Generator

Even if you are trying for a rough and primitive experience, you might want a little bit of electricity. If nothing else, you will probably need to charge your phone in order to keep up with important events in the civilized world. A laptop or tablet can provide welcome entertainment when sitting around the fire or in the tent, and the other people in your camping party will probably have certain needs as well.

Thankfully, there is no need to haul a full-size generator out there. There are small solar-powered generators that can generate just what you need with minimal fuss and no fuel expense. If you have a big RV, you might opt for some pre-charged deep-cycle batteries, as these can be used to power a wide range of items.

Conclusion

Whether you want an easier experience or a rougher, more authentic experience, these are just a few of the ways that you can take your camping to the next level. The real key here is planning. Without planned activities, your camping trip will mostly consist of chatting around the fire and aimless hikes. These kinds of things can be fun, but why not amp things up and get the most memorable trip that you can? We hope this article has given you some good ideas, and we wish you the best of luck.