A Healthy and Happy Mom Is a Better Mom

Staying happy and healthy as a mom is easier said than done, but doing so is essential, not just for your husband and children, but for yourself, too.

Motherhood is one of the most exciting phases in most women’s lives, but the thing is – it can be quite exhausting. Between caring for your children, maintaining relationships, and running a household, the role of a mom can be quite a demanding one, to say the least.

Yet, we all know at least one mom who somehow manages to stay on top of her tasks while still being a great mom. And no, she’s not a Supermom nor does she have any special powers. Her “superpower” lies in her ability to prioritize herself, her happiness, and her well-being, which helps her be a better mom for her little ones. With these couple of tips in mind, you can do it too.

Ask for help

To some moms, asking for help is like admitting “I can’t do it on my own”. To them, it may feel like they’re letting their little ones down. Because of that, they’d rather skip the fun stuff with their husbands or their gal pals, often making sacrifices due to the pressure they feel.

A happy mom, however, understands the importance of delegating tasks. To her, asking for help doesn’t equal being a bad mom. It simply means she’s making time for other aspects of her life. Therefore, cut yourself some slack, and instead of letting that FOMO get the best of you, simply say that one little magic word: “Please”.

Snack smart

It’s understandable that, as a mom that’s constantly on the go, you don’t always have the time or energy to make smart snack choices. This is when meal prepping comes in handy.

 A happy mom knows that planning her meals in advance is key to sticking to a healthy eating plan. This is why she’ll always have her veggies and fruits peeled and cut in advance and stored in a Ziploc bag. That way, she can just grab the snacks and go without thinking.

Focus on a healthy diet

As a busy mom, eating healthy isn’t always easy, but it’s doable. For starters, buy fresh, wholesome foods, and go for organic whenever possible. Focus on incorporating superfoods into your diet – go for salmon, walnuts, soy, and oats.

They boost health protection and, much like certain types of oils, contain heart-healthy fats. There’s a reason why unsaturated oils made from nuts, seeds, and especially olives are a staple in Mediterranean diet, and the benefits of oils such as olive oil for heart health are well-documented. The best part? You can take these oils in a form of a supplement, so adding them to your diet should be a piece of cake!

Get your sweat on

Healthy diet and regular exercise go hand in hand, and the best results come when you put in the same amount of effort into your training as you do into your nutrition. The thing is, our workouts often get pushed off because of our jam-packed schedules.

The good news is, you can train your mind to get down to business and start exercising even when you don’t feel like it. Just schedule it like any other important task (e.g. attending a parent-teacher conference). As for exercising, it can be everything from working out in the gym with your gal pals to exercising solo on your living room floor. If it’s getting you sweaty, anything goes!

Put on some real clothes

As a mom, it can be far too tempting to stay in your pajamas or other comfy clothes all day long. You don’t have to leave the house for the day, so you might as well feel comfortable, right?

As great as it sounds, rocking comfy clothes all the time may affect your mood and confidence negatively. Think about it this way: we dress ourselves to match our mood. Therefore, it makes sense that, in order to feel good, we would pick clothes that are fashionable and flattering. That’s not to say you have to get dolled up every single day. But putting on some real clothes, like a nice shirt or even a skirt, can go a long way in making you feel good, and making extra effort in the morning is sure worth it.

Schedule “me time”

Feeling drained and worn out? Many moms can relate to this, mostly because they put all their time and energy into taking care of others. While prioritizing your family is essential, taking some time for yourself is just as important.

As busy as your schedule may be, try to make room for “me time”. Whether that’s a 30-minute bubble bath, a quick walk around the block, or a short meditation, making time for yourself is a must, and it’s not selfish – it’s self-care.

Wrapping up

The role of a mom can be demanding at times, and prioritizing your happiness and health can sometimes seem downright impossible. However, if you take the time to develop healthy habits, you can make your daily life much less stressful and far more enjoyable while at the same time setting a great example for your kids.

7 Maintenance Tips To Keep Your House in Top Shape This Spring

Spring is just around the corner, and we all know what that means. Spring brings spring cleaning.

Now is the right time to get ready to do all the necessary home maintenance to keep your house in top shape. While such an endeavor can be overwhelming, have no fear. All you have to do is follow this handy guide, and your home will be in top shape with minimal effort.

So, let’s see what you should do to get your place to look its best this spring!

 

Inspect your sidewalks and walkways

Concrete sidewalks can take a beating during the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. The first step to concrete spring maintenance is a good cleaning. Sweep away, or power wash any debris so you can get a good look at the current condition. Next, carefully inspect the concrete, checking for cracked or crumbling areas.

If possible, fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete. If your concrete sidewalk or driveway requires more serious repairs, or perhaps parts of the concrete are no longer level, look for a professional concrete leveling in St Louis service, or similar services where you are. This type of job is best left to the experts! Also, be on the lookout for deposits of a white substance; this is called efflorescence, and it’s a sign that your walkway is absorbing water.

In case your concrete is beyond repair, consider replacing it with natural stone. It is a long-lasting, eco-friendly alternative and a wise investment overall.

 

Check your lawn equipment

After a season of hibernation, chances are your lawn equipment won’t start right away. The lawnmower, in particular, is a usual culprit of sluggishness starting after prolonged periods without use.

In most cases, this is caused by high humidity, and winter brings plenty of it. High humidity causes water vapor to condense inside the carburetor and the fuel tank. When this happens, water droplets mix with the gas. This mixture isn’t ideal for spark formation; hence, the mower won’t start.

To fix this problem, change the gas in your mower. If this doesn’t work, try cleaning or changing the spark plug. To avoid such complications in the future, empty your mower’s gas tank before storing it for a long time.

 

Examine your windows and doors

During winter, the harsh weather conditions can break down some of the caulk and other weather stripping to prevent air loss. Take some time to carefully examine all of your doors and windows and be ready to repair any issues.

The bonus is proper sealant helps during the summer and winter because it prevents your inside air from going outside. Properly sealing your windows and doors will make your home more comfortable, so take some time to review your house during the spring before it gets too hot this summer.

Spring is also an excellent time to replace window screens that were damaged during winter. Do not throw away the nets you have taken down. Instead, save and use them to patch any holes you find the next spring.

 

Clean gutters and downspouts

After the last frost has passed, it’s essential to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot, and that can invite all kinds of critters into your attic space.

Having your gutters and downspouts cleaned early in the season can also help prevent damage from spring rains.

Additionally, clogged gutters might eventually crack or break, leaving openings in your roof that can result in severe water damage. As soon as it’s warm enough to do so, it’s essential to clean your gutters. Break out a ladder to clean any drains that you can find yourself. Any channels you can’t get to will require help from a professional.

 

Don’t forget the roof

Winter often damages roof shingles, so you might want to inspect them to determine if repairs are necessary. Look out for loose, cracked, and buckled shingles.

Also, examine the flashing around skylights, plumbing vents, and chimneys. If repairs are necessary, hire a qualified contractor to do it.

You might also want to wash debris off your roof. When doing this, avoid using power washing because it damages roofing materials. Damages resulting from this kind of washing can void your roof warranty, although this depends on the terms and conditions of your manufacturer’s quality guarantee.

The best way to wash your roof is to use bathroom cleaners. These will safely remove any molds, excess dirt, and any other debris that can weaken your roof.

Extra tip: if you have asphalt shingles on your roof and keep finding piles of black grit in your gutters, it’s probably from your shingles decomposing. Sun damage causes asphalt shingles to break apart, and when this happens, it’s time to replace your roof. Doing so in the spring can help prevent the hot summer sun from causing even more damage.

 

HVAC maintenance

Spring is the ideal time of the year to have your cooling system serviced before temperatures start to rise. This is one thing you don’t want to procrastinate on — otherwise, you could end up with an unexpected cooling system emergency on the hottest day in July.

If you do the maintenance work yourself, be careful not to damage any wires or components.

Spring and fall are the perfect times of the year to change out your system’s air filters. Doing so will improve the air quality in your home and allow your system to run more efficiently. Changing the air filters also helps minimize mold and pollen build up.

If you use a window unit for your AC, you should clean out the air filters and clean the coils in your unit’s front and back, so airflow is not hindered.

 

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

As the seasons change, it is essential to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries and replace units as needed to ensure your family’s safety from fire or gases inside of your home.

It’s a good idea to test your safety alarms regularly, and doing so during spring maintenance is an excellent way to remember to do it. If need be, keep a supply of batteries on hand that you’ll only use for your alarms, and replace any alarms that are out of date.

What is Vegan Cheese? Best Vegan Cheeses and More!”

Savory, gooey, creamy, melty, and tangy. There’s an entire myriad of reasons why people just can’t get enough of cheese. But if you’re one of the many eaters out there who has adopted the plant-based lifestyle or given up on dairy for good then you might be daydreaming about that one last bite.

Lucky for you, there are more dairy-free cheese substitutes than ever before!

As vegans have become more experimental with their ingredients, and a broad number of dairy-free cheese alternatives have appeared on the market as well as recipes you can make at home. If you’re someone who is not familiar with the undeniable flavor of vegan cheese then let’s go on a little journey.

 

What is vegan cheese made from?

Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese and can be made from a number of different ingredients such as nuts and seeds to tofu and soy protein in order to replicate the variety of flavors and textures of dairy cheese.

There is no one singular vegan cheese anymore! As the growth of the plant-based cheese market grew 51% over the past two years, so did the options for finding the best slice to melt on your sandwich. 

Chefs have taken on the task of recreating favorites like feta, parmesan, nacho cheese, and even mozzarella in order to meet the dietary needs of plant-based eaters everywhere. Here’s a short list of some common ingredients found in vegan cheese:

Nutritional Yeast: Often found as one of the main ingredients in a vegan mac n’ cheese, nutritional yeast brings a surprisingly cheesy umami flavor to dishes and is sometimes used as a parmesan substitute.

Nuts and Seeds: Nut bases for non-dairy cheese are fairly common, and ingredients like cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts, and pine nuts can create substitutes for cream cheese, and mozzarella.

Tapioca Starch: Tapioca starch gives non-dairy cheese its stretchy texture when melted and is often used as a binding agent.

Tofu and Soy: The crumbly texture of tofu already resembles some dairy cheeses, and can be used to recreate cream cheese, feta, and sometimes non-dairy nacho cheese!

 

Does vegan cheese melt?

Much like with dairy, some vegan cheese melts while others do not. If you’re looking to find a vegan cheese that gets melty, just look at the ingredients list and look for coconut oil or tapioca starch. While coconut oil means you’re likely to get a melty dairy-free cheese, tapioca starch will give you that picturesque stretchy texture that compliments a yummy grilled cheese.

 

Does vegan cheese taste good?

With such a wide number of vegan cheese available on the market today, in all types of forms, there will always be a delicious dairy-free alternative out there to suit any palate! Plus, even if you can’t find a market near you to accommodate your search for non-dairy cheese you can always find a recipe online and cook it at home.

Here are some of our favorites:

 

Siete Foods

 

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Siete Foods Spicy Blanco Cashew Queso is a dream to dip into with tortilla chips, and if you’re also grain-free Siete Foods offers plenty to choose from. Creamy with just a touch of jalapeno spice makes this a yes from me!

 

Kite Hill

 

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Kite Hill’s amazing cream cheese is made from almonds and welcome addition to my morning bagel. Tangy, creamy, and easy to spread, you can sub Kite Hill cream cheese alternative into other recipes like a lunch wrap or artichoke dip.

 

Field Roast

 

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Field Roast’s Vegan Chao comes in tons of delicious flavors and also available in both slices and shreds to meet whatever non-dairy cheese needs the night calls for. But who could say no to melty garlic and herb cheese on ciabatta?

 

Is vegan cheese healthy?

Just like with any part of a healthy diet, everything is about moderation! You should always take into account the nutrients, healthy fats, and fiber found in your vegan cheese. Diets found containing more plant-based protein, nuts, and fiber has been found to improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol in a recent 2018 study published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases Journal. Some non-dairy cheeses made using coconut oil do contain higher amounts of saturated fat but so long as you’re not consuming them in large quantities, vegan cheese can be enjoyed as a part of a balanced diet and healthier than dairy cheese. 

7 Coffee Alternatives to Consider in 2021

Many people enjoy starting their day with a large cup of coffee. This heavily caffeinated beverage provides an energy-packed boost many people need to start their workday. Unfortunately, coffee can increase anxiety, irritate the stomach, and even increase stress hormones.

Due to the various side effects caused by coffee, many people do what they can to avoid the morning drink. This, however, can be difficult when trying to find that morning boost so desperately needed to start the day. Fortunately, these seven coffee alternatives can give the required boost without the harmful effects of drinking coffee.

CBD

A great way to forgo the coffee is to try a morning CBD shot for lasting energy. These little shots pack a punch that can get anyone the energy they need to get through their mornings. CBD on its own can provide some people with wakefulness and provide benefits to boost energy. These shots are also combined with other natural ingredients that can also offer energy throughout the day without the coffee.

Golden Milk

Golden milk is an excellent alternative to coffee. It offers that tasty warm goodness many people enjoy from coffee without the harmful caffeine. Golden milk is a traditional Indian drink made with hot milk and turmeric. Turmeric can provide anti-inflammatory properties that can ease sore muscles and achy joints to help get through the day. Other ingredients or sweeteners can be added to boost the flavor of this decadent drink.

Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is another great alternative to coffee. Although it does contain some caffeine, it also offers other health benefits that can offset the discomforts caused by coffee overconsumption. Matcha tea provides a less jittery energy boost without the crash that many get with coffee. Its high concentration of L-Theanine can also improve focus and concentration. Its antioxidants can even provide benefits in fighting disease and signs of aging.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate may be the best alternative for those unwilling to give up their caffeine but want something other than coffee. Although it still packs the punch of coffee, yerba mate is also packed with nutrients. Created from the rainforest holly tree’s caffeinated leaves, yerba mate can offer the boost of coffee without its crash.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a type of tea made with either black or green tea. It is a fermented, sweetened tea with a light effervescence. This unique tea is famous for its ability to improve gut health and digestion. It is commonly used for those seeking weight loss options due to its ability to provide natural energy. This makes it a very healthy and fun alternative to that morning cup of joe.

Bone Broth

Although the name may not be as appealing as coffee, bone broth is a wonderfully tasty drink that can offer the energy needed to get through even the toughest days. This warm drink offers collagen and glutamine to heal the body. It also provides long-lasting and steady energy. This can eliminate that midmorning drowsiness at work.

Lemon Water

Although it may not seem like an option for replacing coffee, lemon water is a great choice when eliminating caffeine but still desiring a “pick-me-up” beverage. One-half lemon added to eight ounces of hot water can provide a warm and refreshing drink in the morning. The boost of vitamin C can provide a natural energy boost while kicking the digestive system into gear.

Whether wanting to cut out coffee altogether or just find something new, these options can provide a great place to start. For some, a combination of two or more of these choices may even prove to be better than coffee ever could be.

Understanding Moissanite and What Makes it Valuable

Moissanites are one gemstone that can leave heads turning wherever you do. In actuality, their brilliance exceeds that of diamonds. Charles & Colvard, a notable jewel manufacturer, has the exclusive rights to produce moissanite crystals for jewel making. Another company, Cree Inc., manufactures various products using this material, including LED light bulbs. In its naturally occurring state, moissanite, also known as silicon carbide (SiC), forms in several rock formations in the world, including the Green River Formation in Wyoming.

 

Are Moissanites Knock-Offs of Diamonds?

Charles & Colvard manufactures moissanite solely for jewel making and distributes the gemstones to several retailers in the United States. Unfortunately, some shady companies have introduced moissanite knock-offs into the market scene through various websites.

Does that mean that moissanite gemstones are fake diamonds or knock-offs as some individuals claim? Definitely, no. Kindly understand that moissanite is a jewel in its right. It does not share any relationship with its counterpart (diamond), even though both gemstones look similar to each other.

Moissanites are great diamond replacements, as they have more brilliance, matching toughness, and lower price options. They beat other jewels hands down, including emeralds, rubies, and CZ’s. Your moissanite engagement ring will last you a lifetime without you having to worry about scratches, chips, or scratches.

 

Mesmerizing Optical Qualities You Can’t Ignore

When you pick up a colourless diamond engagement ring, you will notice that it is free from hues, appearing ice white. Contrastingly, a moissanite gemstone may have traces of other colours, like green, yellow or brown. You can easily spot this condition in larger crystals. However, Charles & Colvard has taken care of this factor by introducing the Forever Brilliant Colour and Forever Brilliant Colourless.

Moving on to optical properties, both moissanite and diamonds engagement ring have different faceting patterns. Consequently, this implies that they can reflect light differently. When light rays enter a moissanite gemstone, it bends and splits them into halves, giving more spectral colours, known as the rainbow effect. As such, its double-refraction qualities make it sparkle more than diamonds with single-refractive properties. You may prefer the fiery optical quality of a moissanite gemstone, while someone else may go with a diamond’s classic radiance.

Moissanites reflect light rays up to 2.4 times more than diamonds. Hence, when placed exposed in the open or a well-lit environment, it is easy for anyone to spot the jewel.

 

Moissanite’s Affordability

With $300 to $400, you could purchase a moissanite gemstone. Anything less than that price may scream Fake! One thing you don’t have to worry about when shopping for this precious stone is its ethical background. Unlike diamonds, they don’t have environmental challenges.

Still on cost, kindly note that the price of a moissanite gemstone depends on its size and quality. However, you’ll get value for your money. A 1-carat diamond worth $4,000 may only cost you $400 to get its moissanite alternative. In the same vein, a 3-carat oval GIA certified diamond that will set you back by $30,000 may only cost you $3,000. As such, you don’t have to break the bank to get that amazing piece of jewellery for your loved one.

Can your child’s misaligned teeth be repaired without braces?

It is possible to align your child’s teeth without the help of braces. However, it is a little complicated for a few people. It is best to consult a dentist to check for the condition of your child’s misaligned teeth and the right approach to correct them.

 

Alternative #1: Clear Aligners

Products such as Invisalign are clear aligners that are removable and are better options than braces. Clear aligners are similar to thin and transparent mouthguards. Such tools work the best to straighten your child’s teeth. You can also opt for a tailored fit for your child’s teeth. The dentist usually replaces the set over a few weeks, which moves the teeth into their desired position over the treatment course. You can browse for the best dental services for kids near me to seek assistance in your location.

A few advantages of clear aligners are as follows:

  • Metal braces are available from a mile away, whereas clear aligners give the children a positive and confident look. If your child is shy, they will like that person would not easily recognize the aligners in their mouths.
  • Traditional braces have plenty of instructions concerning food and eating habits. For example, you cannot eat sticky gums, popcorn and drink soda. With clear aligners, you need not follow any rules as to what your child can eat. They have to remove the trays before every meal and put them back after they finish dining.
  • Mental braces are painful, especially during the tightening phase. Also, when a wire gets out of its line and pokes the gums and cheeks, it might lead to infections. Clear aligners do not possess any metal, it only has soft plastic, which means that your child will not face such high pain levels.
  • Such a treatment best fits a discreet appearance, in comparison to the traditional braces. Usually, those who want to correct minor orthodontic problems, including crooked, protruding teeth and little gaps, can opt for clear aligner treatment.

 

Alternative #2: Dental Veneers

If you have mild orthodontic issues, your dentist might suggest dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin coverings made from composite resin or porcelain. The dentist will bond it to the front of your teeth to change the appearance of your smile. Veneers are fundamentally a cosmetic change and do not offer the same potential health advantages as an in-depth orthodontic treatment.

 

Alternative #3: Do-It-Yourself Teeth Straightening

Several blogs, videos, and instructional videos make the rounds of DIY teeth straightening procedures. However, orthodontic specialists and dental professionals are repeatedly warning people about such attempts without professional supervision. Any dental procedure without an expert can put your health at risk. Moreover, children have their gums and oral health in developmental stages. So, practicing such tasks can ruin their oral health drastically. In light of this, consult a dentist who would check your child’s oral health and recommend a procedure that would best fit your child.

There is no natural way to straighten the teeth. All dental treatments possess risks. However, with increased research, the risk factors are almost negligible. You can equally cause harm to your teeth if you do it without any professional aid. If you face any urgent dental attention, opt for a Baton Rouge emergency dentist immediately to resolve the issue.

 

Alternative #4: Retainers

Depending on your child’s misalignment severity, the dentist can recommend retainers, either fixed or removable. Such retainers help in avoiding any movement of teeth from time to time.

 

Alternative #5: Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders make the upper jaw wider to enhance the child’s bite, allowing for more room for adult teeth to grow. Such palatal expanders are mostly invisible. However, patients might feel some levels of discomfort when the dentist adjusts them.

 

Alternative #6: Tooth Contouring

Tooth contouring or tooth reshaping involves removing small amounts of tooth enamel to reshape the child’s teeth that stick out. The procedure is relatively inexpensive and painless.

 

The Dentist’s Suggestions

Most of the time, traditional metal braces might occur as the only option if you have severely misaligned teeth. A dentist or an orthodontist will check for the condition and recommend the correction’s best possible way. Moreover, they will also explain the potential risks and complications associated with the therapies. It is wise to ask them questions for you to stay informed about your child’s oral health.

Straightening teeth is not always about looks. Misaligned teeth are difficult to floss and brush, which can ultimately lead to a surge in your risk of tooth decay and cavities shortly. Protruding teeth can also occur as a significant risk of injury in the case of children.

With advancing technology, braces are not the only options that one can leverage to fix misaligned teeth in children. From metal or ceramic braces to clear aligners and veneers, it is ideal to choose an alternative that best suits the severity of your child’s teeth’ misalignment. If you need a good recommendation, you can get fillings with the pediatric dentist in coconut grove fl.

3 Tips for Getting Back to Business in 2021 by Eric Dalius

It’s a fact that 2020 was the worst year for everyone due to the worldwide deadly pandemic situation. It’s especially one of the most challenging years for the business owners and entrepreneurs as they have faced extremely unfavorable circumstances in sustaining their businesses. The deadly pandemic situation is not over yet. Still, it is affecting businesses worldwide. But as 2021 has already arrived, the business owners are facing the hardest time ever. Therefore, if you are a business owner or an entrepreneur, now it’s your turn to be back in business with the opportunities that are still left in 2021.

So, without further ado, let’s move to the top 3 tips suggested by Eric Dalius with which you can grow your business and become a stellar performer in 2021 irrespective of every adverse circumstance caused for the COVID-19 outbreak. Let’s have a close look!

 

Set Your New Goals to Win Over Obstacles

It would be best if you don’t forget that you are an entrepreneur. There were several ups and downs you may have faced since you had incorporated your business. Did you ever think of giving up? No. Right? So, even this time, if you can set a new goal with a can-do attitude, you can win over the obstacles.

In order to win over the obstacles, first, you need to find out your most affected areas in business and then put maximum effort into strengthening those parts. You can put efforts into strengthening the relationship with your customer, or you can try to change your marketing strategies. Moreover, setting new goals with a can-do attitude can help you to earn prosperity in business.

 

Make an Online Segment of Your Business as Suggested by Eric Dalius

During the pandemic situation, you may have realized the importance of an online presence of your brand. According to Edition.cnn.com, online retail sales have got turbocharged during the pandemic. The giant e-commerce Amazon had to hire more employees during the pandemic situation.

On the contrary, those retail companies that are not having an online presence suffered the most, and many business institutions have not even survived. Although, not only in the adverse situation but in the last few years it has become a trend to have an online presence! Even the big business enterprises opted for the online segment for their business. Therefore, you can understand how important it is to have an online platform for your business.

 

Focus on Providing Best Customer Services

Indeed, one of the most trusted strategies is providing best in class customer service. As you must consider that getting plenty of customers won’t help you much if you can’t retain them in the long run. Your business reputation depends on customer reviews and recommendations. Therefore, if you really want to stand out from the crowd, you always need to take good care of your loyal customers so that they can choose you every time, all the time.

 

Conclusion

So, finally, as you have gone through the whole topic, you are now better ready to get back to business in 2021 and earn desired prosperity in your business irrespective of unfavorable circumstances. If you really wish to follow and apply the mentioned tips, you are not far away from reaching the top place as you may have dreamt someday.

A Few Reasons Why Apartment Living Is a Good Choice for New Moms

There are so many choices a new mom has to make. The more of them you can make and implement before birth, the better. Once the child is occupying their own space outside your body, things get fast and furious. There is no pause button. There is no undo. You just have to live in the moment and take things as they come. Once the baby is born, everything gets a little harder than it was before. Don’t worry. You can handle it.

One of those big decisions has to do with where you are going to live. Your current house might be fine for you and a partner. It is perfect for one or two adults. But it might be a nightmare for taking care of a newborn. Things like the size and amenities of the bathroom take on outsized proportions. Does your current place have room for a nursery? What about the air quality? That old house had its problems. But it wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle. Suddenly, a vulnerable newborn changes the whole equation.

Perhaps it is a good time to consider moving. Houses have their benefits. Even so, it could be time to consider moving to an apartment for the first phase of your baby’s life Here’s why:

Flexible Leases

As a new mother, everything is moving at the speed of a humming bird’s wing. You barely have time to catch your breath. Add a pandemic to the mix and things get very interesting, and not in a good way. You need maximum flexibility. This is not the time to sign a 30-year mortgage. You can’t be sure if you will be working in the same job next week. Your company might force you to relocate. This is just the way it is right now.

You need the ability to pick and move to one of those furnished apartments with a flexible lease so that you can do things like skip expensive deposits and a lengthy process of selling the old place and buying a new one. Modern apartment leasing allows you to pick up and move within days, not months.

Some of the premier leasing programs allow one to easily transfer to a different unit or even a different city. If a long-term mortgage is not a good fit for your situation, apartment living can go a long way to removing some of the stress.

No Maintenance

Personal injuries are on the rise. One of the common sources of injury is home improvement. In a house, one frequently finds themselves on a ladder, or insecurely balanced on a chair. You might even find yourself under a house doing some bit of routine maintenance. There is no end to the projects you will need to do in a house.

An apartment is generally a much safer proposition. For all intents and purposes, there are no DIY projects. When something needs to be fixed, you pick up the phone or go to the online portal and file a maintenance request. In a good complex, those requests are taken care of in a matter of days, if not hours. In a house, you can call a professional. It might take days or weeks to get someone just to come and assess the problem. Then, there are the fees, and the repair schedule, and the delays… You get the idea. A new mother needs things to work as expected and to be repaired quickly and easily when they don’t.

Amenities and Extras

One of the best things about apartment living is getting all the great amenities. Your house probably doesn’t have a well-stocked gym with all the latest equipment. But there is a good chance your next apartment will. Best of all, it is included in the rent. There is also package management meaning no more Amazon boxes left outside the house for anyone to come along and pick up. As a new mom, you want all the extras you can get included in the price of rent. You get none of that with a typical house.

Not everyone is going to be an apartment person. And you don’t have to remain an apartment person forever. You can use apartments for specific periods in your life where it makes the most sense. If you are someone who could use flexible lease options, maintenance-free living, and tons of extras, you might be in one of those periods where an apartment makes the most sense for you.

Buy Local with the Exception of These Three Things

No one has escaped the pandemic completely unscathed. Retail has been hit harder than most. The ma and pa shops along the boulevard are on the ropes if not already down and out. They need all the help they can get. A great location doesn’t help as much in a pandemic because no one is leaving their home unless they absolutely have to. People often combine shopping with eating out. But if your town does not allow inside dining right now, that foot traffic is all but gone.

Coronavirus comes after a series of challenges to local businesses. People were already getting a bit disenchanted with brick and mortar retail. Price was not the only reason they were abandoned for Walmart in the burbs. There was a distinct lack of responsiveness to customer needs. Returns were a hassle when possible at all. Delivery was expensive. Some shop owners behaved in an unprofessional and entitled manner that put a lot of people off. Then, there were the inventory problems. Everything you really wanted had to be special ordered.

For many shop owners, the pandemic was the final kick in the teeth. They have had enough. The shops that did business the right way are left to suffer for the sins of the rest. Many businesses have survived and thrived against all odds. We all want to see them do well and offer our patronage. By all means, shop local at the places that do it right. They need your help. But there are a few exceptions. Here are three:

Clothes That Fit You Well

Don’t just settle for clothes that kind of fit, and that is kind of the style you wanted. The reality is that small, local shops have limited space for merchandise. They cannot afford to bring in items that don’t sell very well. That forces a lot of people who wear plus sizes to settle for much less than what they really wanted and needed.

What you need is a plus size online boutique that carries the selection you are looking for and fast, free delivery as an option. This is not infidelity to local businesses. Long before the pandemic, women routinely had to drive to out of the way places to find a clothing store with options that fit. This has never been one of the strengths of local clothing shops. So while you continue to support those shops for your family, use the superior online options for yourself. You deserve to be as happy with your clothes as the rest of your family.

Healthy Meal Kits

Meal kits are a trend that is sweeping the nation. Even large supermarkets are getting in on the game by making their own. However, if you have special dietary needs, it might be difficult to find one that is right for you.

A healthy and happy mom is a better mom. And you need to do the things that make you healthy and happy. Moms tend to be happy when they can take a day off and not have to work the kitchen like an unpaid line cook. That doesn’t mean they are willing to sacrifice healthy eating. Find a healthy meal kit plan that is right for you and enjoy the luxury of not having to cook every night.

Consumer Electronics

Unless you have a big box retailer in your neighborhood, you are not going to have much luck sourcing the hottest electronics. It is a thousand percent certainty you are not going to find a PlayStation 5 at the neighborhood electronics shop. If you browse the tech sites, you will encounter many new and interesting products that you are never going to encounter in your local store. Shopping online is often the only way to feed your craving for the latest and greatest gadgets.

Local stores are suffering like never before. And many did nothing to deserve it. They did everything right. But the pandemic was too much. Unless you are shopping for clothes that fit you well, healthy meal kits, or high-demand electronics, shop local. They could really use your help right now.

Here Are Some Ways You Can Take Care of Your Family During the Pandemic

Something like a pandemic leaves us all feeling a bit helpless and defeated. What can we possibly do against an enemy that is literally in the air we breathe? We cannot see the coronavirus with the naked eye. And none of us are walking around with microscopes powerful enough to detect it. We don’t know when it is directly attacking our family. We don’t know which of the people in a 20′ radius of our children is a carrier of the plague. We just send them off to school and hope against hope for the best.

That’s no way to live. That feels more like surrender. While you don’t have a handy way to detect the coronavirus, you are not helpless. There are many things you can do to protect your family. One of the most important things you can do is to persevere. Do not give up on them. They need you more than ever.

You don’t have to be a doctor or a superhero to keep your family safe. That doesn’t mean that nothing bad will ever happen to the people you love. It is inevitable. But when bad things happen, you are strong enough to deal with them as they come. In the meantime, here are some of the things you can do to keep those bad things at bay:

Plan for the Worst

One of the greatest pieces of wisdom you need to live by in a crisis is to hope for the best but plan for the worst. It might not be the coronavirus that takes you. But over a long enough timeline, we all must take a bow and leave the stage. The one thing completely within your control is how your family will be taken care of when that happens.

If you don’t have it already, no one needs to tell you that you need life insurance. You already know that. There might be a few things you don’t know such as, is life insurance taxable? Does being a smoker make you ineligible? How much more will you have to pay if you have a pre-existing condition? These are the kinds of questions you will need to resolve before choosing a policy. But don’t delay in getting those answers and making that choice.

There are too many stories to count where a young, healthy bread-winner passed unexpectedly and left the family with no way to carry on financially. One simple act can guarantee the protection of your family in the face of disaster. Don’t be someone else’s cautionary tale. Be the hero your family deserves.

Don’t Let Your Family Stay Inactive

You also know that it is time to get your family off the couch and back in action — any action. You just need to get creative about getting your family outside. If you don’t have a park in your neighborhood, drive to one in the city. Better yet, take them on a road trip and take a nature walk in the woods. Too cold? Grab a frisbee and do something more active. The grace period for sitting around and doing nothing has passed.

Throw Away the Junk Food

You have let the food situation get out of hand. You have gotten so used to ordering food delivery that you have forgotten how to make a healthy and tasty vegetarian dish from scratch. What you have to do is stop ordering the tacos and throw out the junk food that has accumulated in the fridge and the cabinets.

A lot of people have given themselves an extended grace period for eating poorly. When everything does get back to normal, families are going to find that everyone is 15 lb. overweight and a lot of people will be declared pre-diabetic. Take control of the situation right now before things get out of hand.

We are headed into the second year of the pandemic. The fact of the matter is it might not go away anytime soon. All grace periods must be canceled immediately. This is not the time to wallow in defeat. This is the time to be a leader and take action. Protect your family by getting life insurance, getting them moving, and taking a stand against junk eating. Stop worrying about what you can’t do and commit yourself to what is well within your grasp.