Author: Rebecca Alston

Proven Study Shows Nearly All Parents Will Regret Not Following Their Dream

Are you a pushy parent, forcing your children to do the activities that you wanted to do? Making them do all the things that you’ve missed out on?

 

There’s a handful of reasons why parents do this – they know keeping busy with activities reduces the risk of your kids getting mixed up in the wrong things, you see an extension of yourself in your child, or you have unfulfilled ambitions that you want your child to live out for you.

 

There is absolutely no better joy than being a parent. It’s by far, one of the best things that we will ever do in our lives. But unfortunately, as parents, we tend to put our dreams on the back burner, and as a result of this, we have regrets or force our dreams onto our children. 

 

It feels as though it’s something that is expected of us when we give birth. Our lives have to completely change and this little bundle of joy has to be the center of our universe.

 

But there’s a problem with this belief. Our children will eventually grow up, they become independent and begin relying on us less.  Then they go to college, get married and start a family of their own. 

 

And now you’re left with a ton of free time and regret. Although it’s never too late to go back to school or start a business you might not have the same energy to get it going at this point.

 

This will prove to be your biggest regret, in fact, 76% of parents say that they regret not going after their dream. You regret not finishing school, not starting that business, not hiking the Appalachian Mountains, not writing that book, and this list can go on and on,

 

Listen, your life doesn’t stop because you had children. You can still be a good parent and go after your dreams of being a teacher, writing a book, or starting that business.

 

The only thing being a parent will do for your dreams is possibly making obtaining that dream a bit more challenging. And it’s likely that the route you planned on taking to obtain your goal will look differently, but it’s definitely not impossible.

 

And something that you should begin working on. 

 

Your personal dreams shouldn’t come before your family and part of being a mother is about sacrifice, right. Of course, if your personal dream is to hike the Appalachian mountains for a year then yes you’ll have to sacrifice that dream for a while. But there’s another option – you can do a week long trip every year hiking part of the mountain and picking up where you left off the following year.

 

There are literally hundreds of “valid reasons” why you should put your dreams on hold.  But these are excuses. Fear is by far one of the biggest factors. You’re afraid to fail at your dream and fail at being a parent. But what if you succeed. Imagine telling your children when they grow up how you didn’t let anything stop you from going after what you wanted. 

 

There are endless possibilities whether you’re looking to make money, start a business or continue your education to become a school teacher. So there’s no reason that you cannot finish going after your teaching career when you can get your California teaching credential while sitting at your kitchen table and become a virtual teacher.

 

There’s no reason you cannot continue doing the job that you love doing. You’re not a bad parent for loving your job. And sometimes you can have your cake and eat it too, there are hundreds of remote jobs that allow you to stay home while still earning an income

 

The last thing that you want is for your unfilled dreams to affect your children’s lives. We’ve watched tv shows and movies about this. Parents live their dreams through their children, by forcing them into activities that they don’t enjoy. Fathers pushing their kids into sports they don’t want to play, mothers signing them up for activities they wished their mothers signed them up for.

 

But these children are forced to do things that they have no interest in. 

So grab a cup of coffee or tea and start coming up with a plan to obtain your goal.

Top 10 Popular Celebrities Who Advocate Vaping

Since it first started, vaping quickly grew in popularity. Today many people worldwide use best vape starter kits and other vaping equipment. Today, vaping in all its forms is among the most popular options for quitting unhealthy habits and addiction.

Simply put, vaping has become mainstream, and various types of people, including celebrities, have indulged themselves in it. When something becomes popular, everyone gets in on it, even those in the public eye.

This post will talk about ten well-known celebrities who love to vape and share some interesting anecdotes.

 

1.   Tom Hardy

Hardy has established himself as the new male star in Hollywood. With his roles in The Dark Knight Rises, Dunkirk, The Revenant, and Venom, he showed everyone just how good he is.

Hardy has been vaping for a long time and isn’t afraid to show it. He appeared at many events with his vape pen, and we can often see him using it during several interviews.

 

2.   Lady Gaga

The famous singer and actress used to be a regular user of traditional nicotine delivery systems. However, Gaga is one of the Americans that switched to vaping. She said that she couldn’t be happier because she managed to quit her addiction.

The singer can often be seen carrying her vape device during her daily activities. Luckily, we can still find the cheap vape juice of 2020, even though big stars are using it.

 

3.   Leonardo DiCaprio

One of the world’s best actors, famous for his role in the movie Titanic and the co-star of The Revenant with Tom Hardy, Leonardo DiCaprio, is also known for being a big vaper. He was often spotted vaping at significant events and award shows. DiCaprio is a big advocate of vaporizers and isn’t afraid to say it.

 

4.   Johnny Depp

Depp, the famous movie star from the popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and many other successful movies, was one of the first celebrities to be seen publicly with a vape. The story behind how he started vaping is quite impressive. He used a vape on the set for his role and tried the real thing. He liked it and hasn’t stopped vaping ever since. He brings his vape along everywhere he goes.

 

5.   Simon Cowell

The British judge known for his participation in The X Factor, American Idol, and similar talent shows is also known as a passionate vaper. He said that he gave up on his nasty habit when he got his son. He said that his habits should in no way affect the health of his kids.

 

6.   Richard Hammond

This is another celebrity on our list coming from England. Hammond is known worldwide for being one of the famous Top Gear-era co-hosts alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May. He says that he was never a vaping enthusiast and didn’t indulge in vaping that often. However, when he wants to relax, he will occasionally use his vape.

 

7.   Samuel L. Jackson

The legendary actor from movies like Pulp Fiction, Die Hard 3, Goodfellas, and Django Unchained is very active on social media. More specifically, Sam Tweets a lot, sharing his thoughts and things going in his life. We can often see him holding a vape device in his hands and relaxing with his favorite flavors.

 

8.   Jack Nicholson

This veteran actor is known for so many roles that it’s impossible to mention them all. Only some of them are The Shining, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, As Good As It Gets, and, of course, his famous depiction of the Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman movie.

We also know that Jack Nicholson loves the Los Angeles Lakers and other sports teams. You can often see Nicholson at the games sitting court-side, right in the middle of the action. Simultaneously, we can often see him vaping during games, which is convenient since the nasty alternatives are banned indoors.

 

9.   Ben Affleck

The star of Batman Vs. Superman, Pearl Harbor, and Good Will Hunting, is often seen by paparazzi vaping while in his car or traveling. Ben is also one of those people that had a terrible addictive habit. We’re glad to see him switch to a better option, especially now when we have to take care of the environment.

 

10.   Catherine Zeta-Jones

We can see Catherine Zeta-jones vaping in public on multiple occasions. Reports say that she switched to vaping when Micheal Douglas (her husband) got throat cancer. It was a wake-up call for her about the terrible effects of bad habits.

 

Conclusion

These are just the top 10 celebrities that vape. Many others do as well, and there are some of them who we simply haven’t yet caught in the act. Just as there are more regular people who vape each year, more celebrities do so as well.

All this proves that vaping is an excellent option in this day and age. If such massive stars can enjoy it, so can you.

How to Secure Your Family’s Financial Future

Parenting is difficult, especially when you are concerned about your financial future. Making and managing money can seem overwhelming, but since it is an intrinsic part of modern life, you need to get better at integrating it into your chaotic life. 

If you want to get yourself and your family on the right financial path, get started right away. The more time you have to make changes to save money for your retirement, a house, college for your kids or yourself, the better off you will be. 

If money is like a game, then here are some tips to play it better: 

Understand the Basic Rules of the Money Game

Budgeting and savings play an important role in making the money game work for you. 

Budgeting is a tool to track where your money is going. When you figure out where your money goes every month, then you’ll finally be able to plan where you think it should be going. Yes, that means adding those secret cups of Starbucks you enjoy before you pick the kids up from school.

As we mentioned, saving your money is essential, too. Think of your income as a scarce resource. If you’re not careful, it can completely disappear from your bank account just when you need it to pay bills or take care of an emergency. By limiting how much you spend, you’ll have more money available for the things that you need when you need them. 

Keep in mind, the amount you spend depends upon your income and expenses. Besides buying less, you can also save by not spending money on things that are available free. For instance, you don’t always have to pay fees for a bank account, some financial institutions offer a free checking account. That’s great because the last thing you need to be doing is paying an institution to hold on to your money.

If you make a simple plan on how to save, your money will grow. For instance, you can choose to deposit a certain percentage from your paycheck every month into your savings account. 

If your finances are currently out of control, create a budget and set an intention to save some money every month. Budgeting and saving aren’t difficult to learn, but it requires discipline to be consistent with keeping track of your money and setting some aside month after month.  

Improve Your Understanding of the Money Game

“You don’t know what you don’t know” is an idea that’s particularly relevant to improving your financial literacy. The things that we know about money, the things that we learned from our family, communities, schools, and jobs are fairly rudimentary, and they only make up a small part of the world of money management. The better you understand how money works, the easier it will be to make the right decisions to improve the quality of your life. 

There are many ways that you can educate yourself about money without having to enroll in a class on personal finance. You could, for example, read personal finance books, subscribe to personal finance blogs, and listen to podcasts on the subject. As you find out various money hacks, try them out, and learn from experience. 

Take a Break From the Money Game

Most people think about money all the time, always worrying about how to get more of it or part with less of it. But spending some time contemplating other forms of wealth will give you a sense of perspective. If, for instance, you are a kind and loving person, then you are rich in patience and compassion, and if you are a well-read person, then you are rich in knowledge and wisdom. Of course, your kids make your life incredibly exciting and fulfilling as well. They are where your success really shines. Although these qualities can’t be measured in dollars and cents, they add immeasurably to the quality of your life.

People too preoccupied with money, who think about it during the day, reflect on it before dropping off to sleep, and then think about it again as soon as they wake up, live in one of two extreme states: They either live in a state of aversion, a state of fear, or they live in a state of attachment, a state of greed. Breaking free of a habitual preoccupation with how much money you have in your bank accounts will free up your mind to appreciate many of the miracles of everyday life. And when you are happy, your family is happy too.

4 Tips for Mothers of Newborns Your Friends Were Actually Right About

The worst thing about being a first-time mom is the doubt. You doubt yourself about everything. You try to put a good face on it. But in your alone time, you break down in the shakes because you are afraid you are going to break your baby in 17 different ways before you even get her out of your belly. The list of things that can go wrong is longer than the list of things that can go right. You are scared senseless. And that fear is not entirely unfounded.

The second worst thing about being a first-time mom is the advice – the endless, unsolicited, insipid advice. Oh lord, just make it stop! Now that I think about it, that might be the worst thing. The never-ending stream of advice is truly awful. And thanks to the internet and social media, there is nowhere to hide. You always suspected that some of your friends were idiots. This period in your life will remove all doubts.

That said, they are well-meaning idiots. And they love you very much. Moreover, some of that advice is actually spot on. It can be hard to know which advice is good and which is, well, not so much. Here is some you have surely heard before. It’s the good stuff:

Boost Your Energy and Milk Supply

Breastfeeding is hard work and it literally takes a lot out of you, especially if you have twins. If you don’t do something to boost your supply of both energy and milk, you will find yourself, well… drained. The friend that told you about the breastfeeding protein powder deserves a gold star.

You can drink protein shakes and enjoy tasty energy bars that help boost that which a breastfeeding mom needs the most. More to the point, it helps you take care of yourself. Your newborns completely depend on you for everything. You do them no favors by not taking care of yourself. Like the instructions on every flight, in case of emergency, take the oxygen to supply yourself, then help the person you are with. That goes double for babies. You have to take care of yourself if you want to take the best care of them.

Get the Right Nursing Bra

When you’re breastfeeding, a bra is no longer just underwear. It is a vital tool for you and your baby. Avoid the most common mistakes when buying a nursing bra. An example is a size. Many make the mistake of buying a bra that is too big because they think bigger is better. This is not true. What you need is a bra that fits properly.

Another common error is thinking the pregnancy bra will suffice for nursing. That is not true. While you want support from both, the nursing bra will have cups that are easier to lower and more padded cups to prevent leakage. There are plenty of areas where you can save money as a new mom. But a nursing bra is not one of them. Take your time and find a good one.

Don’t Assume Your Baby Is the Exception

Try not to take this the wrong way: While your baby is special to you, your baby is not special generally speaking. In your lifetime, babies will be born by the billions. Yours is one of them. If you fall into the belief that your baby is special, you might miss warning signs of common infant and newborn problems. You can also fall into the trap of thinking that something is wrong with your baby when they are perfectly normal. Your baby is special in the same way that every mom’s baby is special. Try to keep some perspective.

Buy the Best Camera You Can Afford

There will only be one first step, first word, and first giggle. You don’t want to entrust those firsts to some garbage smartphone camera. The reason you want the best camera for all the special moments is because 20 years later, the quality of pictures will be so far beyond what we have today, the pictures you take right now might not age well. So get the best you can because you can’t go back and retake those pictures. You get one shot for the really important ones. Make it a good one.

Sometimes, your annoying friends are right. Give a special thanks to the ones who advised you to get milk and energy boosters, to get the right nursing bra, to keep a level head about your baby’s specialness, and to get the best camera you can afford.

How To Save Money On Household Maintenance And Repairs

Everything in your house has a maintenance schedule, from the shingles on the rooftop to the concrete foundation. Failure to keep up with these things could result in costlier repairs, accidents, injuries, and medical issues. While most are aware of this, many people overlook or avoid maintenance tasks due to the cost. As maintenance can cost as much as 1 percent of the property’s value each year, it’s an expense most homeowners can’t afford. 

 

Though home maintenance is a significant expense, it is vital to the health, safety, and well-being of yourself and those you love. As such, it is best to find ways to lower your out-of-pocket expenses. Continue reading for some ideas. 

 

Take Preventative Measures

 

Many home maintenance and repair projects can be avoided by taking preventative measures. For example, installing a water softener system would eliminate some damage to your plumbing and appliances. Cleaning your gutters regularly would reduce the problems with leaks, mold, and property damage. Even something as simple as replacing the batteries in your smoke alarms could prevent significant fire damage (which is expensive to pay for). 

 

Complete Maintenance Tasks Timely

 

Timeliness is another factor to consider when saving money on maintenance and repairs. Waiting too long to complete a task could make matters worse and more expensive. For instance, changing the air filters in your heating and cooling system is a necessary maintenance job that should be done every 60-90 days. Filters are effortless to replace and cheap to purchase. 

 

If you prolong the task any longer, it could result in a buildup of dirt, debris, and allergens, which find their way into other working parts of the system. Before long, you’ll find that your home temperature is harder to control, your energy bill is through the roof, and your HVAC needs extensive repairs. Essentially, creating and sticking to a maintenance schedule can save you a ton of money. 

 

Do It Yourself

 

Believe it or not, there are several home maintenance tasks you can do yourself and save hundreds of dollars. Professional contractors often charge for an initial visit and inspection and an hourly or set rate for the labor. Why not cut out the middleman and take matters into your own hands? If you’re not quite sure how to tackle certain projects, there are free tutorials and guides you can turn to for assistance. With a few basic tools and a few moments of your time, you could unclog a drain, install a new light fixture, or repair a wobbly banister. 

 

Call In The Pros

 

Though there are plenty of home maintenance tasks you could do by yourself, others require a professional’s assistance. All too often, homeowners get wrapped up in saving money that they attempt risky jobs and make matters worse (and more expensive). Although it’s easy to learn new skills when working with electricity or your home’s structural integrity, it’s best to allow a contractor to do the work for you. They have the skills, tools, and equipment necessary to get the job done accurately and safely, providing you peace of mind while saving you money. 

 

Shop Around

 

One of the simplest ways to save money on household maintenance and repairs is to shop around. Whether you’re looking for parts and materials or searching for the right contractor, there’s always an opportunity to find a good deal. Instead of going with the most popular option, do some comparative research of at least 2 or 3 service providers to see who has the best prices (without compromising quality). 

 

Your home is one of the most significant investments you’ve ever made. Beyond its monetary value, your house provides shelter to you and those you love most. However, like many investments, part of keeping your home intact requires regular maintenance and repairs. If covering these tasks takes up more of your budget than you’d like, things such as taking preventative measures, completing things on time, D

This Is How to Carry a Baby the Correct Way

Are you wondering what is the best way to carry a baby? 

It’s a valid concern, one that new and experienced parents can have. Caring for a newborn baby can be a stressful experience. Newborns are small and fragile and require specialized attention and care. 

For this reason, knowing how to carry a baby the right way is an essential skill to have.

Fortunately, by following a few tips and tricks, you can learn to carry your baby in the safest way possible. By using the proper methods, you can become a pro in no time and start bonding with your baby through contact. 

If you are caring for a baby and want to stay as safe as possible, here are a few tips for carrying them correctly. 

 

Make Sure You Are Not Sick

Before carrying a baby, it’s important to make sure you are not sick and contagious. You don’t want to pass your illness on to a small baby with a developing immune system. Even if you are feeling slightly sick, avoid holding a baby until you are fully recovered. 

 

Wash Your Hands

If you want to hold a baby, make sure to wash your hands first. This is essential because of the baby’s immature immune system. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. 

 

Get Into a Comfortable Position

A great tip for how to hold a baby is to make sure you are in a comfortable position. Whether you are sitting or standing, you should be balanced and focus. If you are nervous about holding a newborn, consider sitting down. 

 

Stay Calm

When carrying and holding a baby, it’s important to stay as calm as possible. Not only is it dangerous to carry a baby when you are rattled, but the baby will also feel and absorb your anxiety. Take a deep breath and give yourself a few moments to prepare before carrying a child. 

 

Choose Your Carrying Method

There are all kinds of ways to carry a baby depending on what feels comfortable for you. You can carry a baby on your shoulder, cradle them in your arms, hold them against your belly, and more. Choose a carrying style that is comfortable for both you and the baby. 

 

Consider a Baby Carrier 

There are a variety of helpful accessories you can use to care for your baby, including baby carriers. These carriers are ideal for traveling, avoiding touchy-feely strangers, helping you connect with your baby in a deeper way, and even decreasing the risk of developing postpartum depression. Look for a quality carrier in a style that works for you. 

 

This Is How To Carry a Baby the Right Way

By following these tips for how to carry a baby, you can prevent injury and give yourself peace of mind. 

Start by making sure you are healthy and washing your hands. You should also get into a comfortable position, stay calm and focused, and choose the best holding method for you. If you want to make the process easier, consider choosing a quality baby carrier.

Follow these tips to bond with your little one in a safe and healthy way. 

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on health, fitness, family, and more.

Modeling These 4 Values Is Hard, but Worth It

No one ever said that being a role model was easy. In fact, it is so daunting of a task, many people actively disavow any responsibility for being a role model. It would be nice if that were possible. But it isn’t. None of us have the privilege of living in a selfish bubble where we can do anything we like without having an impact on anyone else. That is simply not how it works. And if any part of you fantasizes about being in such a bubble, you should not become a parent.

As a parent, you are not in a bubble. You are under a microscope. Everything you do is magnified, studied, and mimicked by your child. It doesn’t begin when you bring your baby home from the hospital. Learning begins in the womb. Your influence as a role model to another human being starts before you see your child’s face. There is never a time when your actions are not shaping your child. If that seems like a lot of pressure, it is.

The good news is you can do this. It helps to start the process by already having some strong life values in place. You need to think about what kind of person you want your child to be when they grow up. Then be that person. Here are a few values you are going to want to pass on:

Clear-Minded

Your greatest asset is your brain. And that will be true for your child as well. Their ability to think clearly and without the influence of intoxicants might be the life or death difference for them. It is the difference between doing well academically and doing poorly. It is the difference between being an employee and being the boss.

Unfortunately, it is all too easy to fall into the wrong crowd and bad habits that become debilitating addictions. If your child sees you taking intoxicants, the likelihood of them doing the same is much greater. You would be heartbroken to learn that in her late teens, your precious little angel is experimenting with methadone. Even if she does not become instantly addicted, it can destroy her opportunities.

Consider the jobs that require urine testing. So how long does methadone stay in your urine? It can be as many as two weeks. One night of partying can be the difference between success and a lifetime of struggle. Don’t play games with your mental health. In that game, your child is likely to be the biggest loser.

Sustainability

If you teach your child to love the planet while doing things to hurt it, they will learn from what you do rather than what you say. Sustainability has to be more than a slogan. It has to be a mission. You don’t get a badge for going halfway green. It is a commitment that has to permeate all your choices. You can’t have this one area in your life where sustainability doesn’t matter. Nobody is perfect. And your child does not have to see you being perfect. They have to see that it really matters to you. Show them that, and it will matter to them as well.

Make It Right

The first thing you learn as a role model is that nobody is perfect. You won’t be, either. So if you are a person struggling with substance abuse disorder, or anything else, the best thing you can do for your child is to let her see you making it right and staying on the path to recovery.

Some of the mistakes you make with your child as a witness will be pretty bad. You will not ruin them for life just because you are human. The damage comes when you don’t take measures to correct the mistake. If you treat lapses in values as if they were not a big deal, then the value you are hoping to teach will be no big deal to them. It is okay to make mistakes. But when you do, take the extra step of making it right. To make things right is one of the most important values you can pass on.

If no one told you that being a parent meant being a role model, surprise! It does. Start with the values of being clear-minded, being eco-friendly, and most of all, making things right when mistakes happen. Get those right, and you will be the greatest role models your child will ever have.

Turn Your Outdoor Desert Into an Oasis

Having an outdoor setting that lets you enjoy your yard and the weather is something that has become really popular of late. Every year as the weather warms up, people begin to spend more time in their yards, from activities, gatherings, and meals. 

 

Designing the right outdoor space for you takes time and can be a process to get it just right. And if you try to tackle the project without a plan first, you could spend way more time and money than you want to get your “just right” yard. 

 

The dream of relaxing, hosting, sharing time and space with loved ones is universal. Actress Rebel Wilson even went so far as to help a friend convert their backyard space to a dream outdoor “oasis.” 

 

While you may not have a friend willing to jump in and pay for a renovation of your backyard, it doesn’t mean that your backyard has to be desolate. There are numerous ways to keep your remodel costs low, whether you hire someone or it’s a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project. 

 

It shouldn’t be too stressful to convert your outdoor space into your dream. Take the time to plan how you would like to transform your outdoor “wasteland” into your outdoor “oasis” that you can enjoy and share. 

 

To help you plan your outdoor remodel, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to organize to help you get the dream yard you want. 

What’s Your Plan

Designing your outdoor remodel should start with understanding how you plan on utilizing the outdoor space you have. It doesn’t do you any good to prepare for a pool if you have a small yard, so thinking about the space you have, how you’d like to optimize its use, and the type of ambiance you want to create is essential. 

 

You can choose a design that focuses on privacy and calm for more intimate settings, such as having a waterfall, stream, or pond enclosure, or perhaps a lot of tall bushes, wildflowers, and trees.

If instead, you’re looking to host people over and want a more contemporary feel, having a gazebo, pool house, covered deck, fire pit, BBQ or other space that is open and engaging for your guests is entirely up to you.

Use Help Or DIY

Depending on the level of skill and sophistication needed to pull off your outdoor dream space, you can consider doing the work yourself. Utilizing YouTube and other online resources, you can develop a solid plan, learn how to Do-It-Yourself, and save some money in the process. The most significant expense will be your time, though even that can add up to a lot. 

 

If you are looking for major overhauls to your space, consider hiring a contractor specializing in outdoor remodels. Of course, to hire a contractor, it’s best to be sure of what you want and how much you can budget for the remodel. 

 

When discussing your ideas with a contractor, ask them a few of these questions:

  • Do you have references from similar projects? 
  • What do you anticipate the time frame from start to finish?
  • What quote can you offer for the project? 
  • Who will be coming and going from my house? Are they employees or subcontractors? 
  • How will changes, if necessary, to the original project be handled? 

To Lounge Or To Party

Your outdoor space design should also answer how you plan on using the space. Is your strategy to let you have a nice quiet place outside, or is it to host dinners and other gatherings once they become a thing again?

 

Suppose you plan to have outdoor dinners, designing your space should include a colorful, friendly dining table, chairs, and umbrellas. The next phase of your planning your outdoor dining space is to set up the cooking station, and there are a variety of outdoor kitchens to choose from. 


You can choose from stainless steel multi-family designs with an outdoor kitchen and even get as granular in your planning as selecting the type of wood doors you have for your cabinets. 

 

The how and the why of your outdoor remodel is entirely a personal choice. By planning on how you want to convert your space into something magical and something, you would enjoy using, start with a plan, designate how you want to utilize the area, and set a budget. 

The Empty Nest: Life After Children

After many years of noise and caring for children, your home is now quiet and the time is yours. Many moms feel sad and alone. A once joyful time in their lives is no more. Fortunately, as time moves forward you will fill the void in your life and become happy once again. With your children now at college or starting a life of their own, there’s time for you.

 

Self-Pampering

When was the last time you were able to sit in a hot tub and truly relax? Well, the time is here. Self-pampering not only makes you feel good, it makes you look good too. Apply the latest treatments for fine lines, give yourself a manicure, create a new hairstyle and try new makeup products.

 

An Adult Getaway

In the past, your vacations consisted of fun children-approved places and activities. While enjoyed by all, now your vacation is catered to you and your partner. If you love the outdoors, plan a hiking trip up a mountain. Or perhaps, you’re the adventurous type and want to try skydiving. Maybe you’re a true romantic, and want to visit Italy or Paris. Wherever you want to go, it’s now possible. 

 

Declutter Your Home

Children have many things and in short-order can take over a home. Now that they live on their own, the house is once again yours. Go room by room and start to declutter it. Rearrange furniture or buy new home furnishings that represent your taste. Organizing and decluttering the space will reduce anxiety and make you feel good.

 

Remain Calm

Life with kids is very hectic. There’s school, after-school activities, and homework. Now that the environment is calm you can restore calmness and serenity. There’s only you to worry about in the morning and evening. You can make dinner when convenient instead of fitting it in between homework and baths. 

 

Me Time

While you may feel sad that raising kids is in the past, the future is bright. You probably always felt guilty about spending time on yourself. Now, every day is about you. If you want to nap in the afternoon, read a book late at night or spend a few hours at the gym it’s up to you. Meeting your spouse after work for dinner is also a possibility. 

 

Filling Time

In the past starting a hobby wasn’t possible. Your children always came first. Today, however, you can try your hand at anything. Perfect a new recipe, grow a garden, learn to paint or write, the choice is yours. 

 

Who knows, maybe your new hobby will turn into a second source of income. 

 

Physical Health

As you grow older your metabolism begins to slow, making it easier to pack on a few extra pounds. Thankfully, there are ways to lose weight. Join a gym or start a new trend of taking a brisk walk every morning before work and after dinner. Cooking for two instead of a large family may cause you to order take out more often. Instead, plan healthy meals for two ahead of time. 

 

Physical Checkup

It’s important to visit your doctor once a year and anytime you feel something isn’t quite right. Early detection will prevent a minor health issue from becoming major or life-threatening. You have a bright future ahead. Take care of your health and you’ll be able to enjoy life longer. 

Many women experience depression when their last child leaves home. While those feelings are perfectly normal, it’s a compliment to your skills and dedication that they are now finding success on their own. Embrace the time you have to spend on yourself and with your partner.

Reclaiming Your Sense of Style and Beauty Amid The Pandemic

The past year hasn’t been easy for moms. You’re home 24/7 with a full house trying to help everyone adjust to the “new normal”. You’re a chef, teacher, entertainer, provider, and comforter, and the truth is, you’re tired. Be that as it may, do you have to look tired? When you look in the mirror at your frizzy hair, dry skin, and brittle nails, and you have no idea who that woman is. 

Your wardrobe has dwindled to nothing more than PJs, leggings, and sweats. Honestly, your confidence is at an all-time low. Although you know beauty comes from within, your sense of fashion and beauty routines have gone down the drain. You want to do something about it, but not much has changed in your everyday life. The good news is you can give yourself a boost with little effort. Check out these ideas below. 

 

Simplify Your Beauty Routine

You may not have the time to primp and press like you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your beauty routine altogether. If you want to boost your confidence and appearance, the best option is to simplify your routines. There are plenty of tips and tricks out there to help you look your best in no time at all. You can use multitask haircare and beauty products like shampoo and conditioner or lip gloss and eye shadow combos. 

 

Practical Yet Trendy Hairstyles

When it comes to doing your hair, you don’t have to stick to a messy bun or ponytail. There are plenty of practical yet trendy hairstyles to consider. You can have your hair braided in extensions, purchase some fashionable wigs, or twist your hair at night and apply a bit of natural hair oil for extra shine and bounce the next morning. If you prefer short hair, a nice bob or fade cut and color will look amazing. 

 

Cute, Casual, And Comfy Clothes

You might not need to wear a suit or pencil-point skirt and blazer at home, but you can still rock your favorite styles. Put the business attire away and start investing in cute, casual, and comfortable clothes. A cute romper, some leggings with a novelty t-shirt and jean jacket, or even a pair of skinny jeans with a comfy sweater are all great options. Mix and match your outfits for variety and pair them with bold and attractive accessories for a touch of flare. 

 

Get Outside

Being at home all day does not provide motivation to look your best. Sometimes, the best way to reclaim your sense of style and beauty is to get outside. Come up with reasons to get out of the house. Whether you’re going to the grocery store, taking the kids to the park, or attending an outdoor community event, you’ll be inspired to throw on your best attire in public. Try planning something out of the house at least once a week to boost your confidence and get you back in the game. 

 

Take Care Of Your Health

Beauty comes from the inside out. If you’re not taking care of your health, your looks and appearance are bound to decline. Though it may be difficult at times, ensure that you’re maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. Eat well-balanced meals, stay hydrated with water, exercise regularly, and get at least 7-9 hours of sleep. As your health improves, you’ll see a significant difference in how you look and feel. 

Sheltering in place, remote working, and distance learning were all necessary to safeguard against the coronavirus. Be that as it may, the adjustment resulted in a decline in things like style and beauty. If you’re starting to look as bad as you feel and you want to make changes, it’s not impossible. Try the above solutions to reclaim your sense of style and beauty routines. Chances are you’ll start to feel a lot better about yourself.