Author: Rebecca Alston

7 Home Exterior Updates for Maximum Curb Appeal

When you’re trying to improve your home’s look, you shouldn’t only think about how it looks inside. It would help if you remembered to update and improve upon your curb appeal too.

With the right home exterior updates, you’ll even be able to enhance the value of your property. You can see some examples of this in the online gallery of these Happy Valley, Oregon landscapers.

If you’re considering investing more in your home’s curb appeal, there are several updates worth an investment. Try out seven exterior home updates in this article below.

Start with the necessary clean up

Before you do any significant updates and improvements upon your home’s curb appeal, the first step is to clean up your house’s exterior.

Sometimes, people think that they don’t like how the exterior of their home looks, but after a good cleaning, they find that few, if any, change about it at all.

A clean up doesn’t only involve getting rid of dirt. It also includes the essential maintenance of the current things around the outside of your home.

For example, you can trim the bushes and other plants outside your home that are getting a bit out of hand. You can also touch up the pain trimmings around your home. Don’t forget to mow your lawn.

This first step is essential because it’ll show you which aspects of your home need more of an update and which ones are fine.

Revamp your landscape

When people think about improving their curb appeal, their landscaping is the first thing that they believe in developing.

When you neglect your landscaping, it can make your home look older and more worn out. If you don’t trim your greeneries often, they can overgrow, which can add that neglected look to your home.

Aside from the general maintenance of your landscaping, you should consider upgrading it too. If you have the budget for it, you can also spend some money by improving the walkway leading up to the front door.

Replace the exterior finish

When people think of improving their curb appeal, often the first thing that comes to mind is the landscaping.

Although that’s a significant part of how your curb appeal looks, there are also other parts outside your home that could enjoy a revamping.

One such thing would be the exterior finish of your home. There are plenty of ways you can replace or revamp your exterior finish.

For example, house recladding in Auckland is a popular way to improve people’s homes’ surface finish. Not only are you changing the way that your house looks in a significant manner, but you’re also investing in the exterior protection for your home.

There are all sorts of recladding options available for you, so you should weigh each type of recladding material.

Place some outdoor lights

Something as simple as lighting can change how they look and feel of a place will be. When it comes to outdoor lights, your priority is how it makes your house look when it’s nighttime. Thus, you have to be strategic with your placement.

There are all sorts of outdoor lights out there, each with a different purpose, effect, and lighting method. Knowing the exact way that each outdoor lighting fixture works will help you figure out where it’s best to place them.

Besides accentuating your home’s exterior with light and pieces of furniture, you should ensure that your home’s number sign is visible. That way, guests will have an easier time looking for your home if you have a dinner party.

Swap your roof shingles

If you’re looking to make significant upgrades to your curb appeal, you’re going to have a budget. If you’re willing to get a relatively expensive update in your home, you should spend that on your roof shingles.

When it comes to the colors, you should be deliberate about the colors of your roof shingles. It’s much better to get darker roof shingles, especially if you need to neutralize your home color.

Consider switching out your windows

Replacing your windows is a step that few people take, but it can update your home’s exterior. When choosing to replace your windows, make sure that you take the entirety of your home’s design in mind.

If you have a period home, you need to make sure that your windows match that theme. Otherwise, it might feel like a mismatch.

Create stylish hardscape

Besides landscapes, you also have the option of improving upon the hardscapes around the exterior of your home.

Your hardscapes are things like the walkways leading up to the front door, the driveway, fountains, etc.

Creating a consistent style between your hardscapes will add a sense of structure to the design of your curb appeal.

Over to You

From the smallest changes to the most significant improvements, updating your home’s exterior can have massive effects on the appeal of your home.

Stick to a theme and think about how each element of your home’s exterior plays into one another.

Next time you find yourself fiending for a change in your home, consider updating your curb appeal with the help of these home exterior upgrades.

The Links Between City Living and Better Health

For years, the prevailing wisdom has been that living in a city is bad for your health. Why would anyone choose to live in a crowded, noisy urban environment when they could stretch out in the suburbs? Although it’s true that the suburban lifestyle is attractive in many ways, it may not be as good for you as you have been led to believe. A recent study conducted by the University of Oxford and the University of Hong Kong found that obesity rates are lower where the population is denser. In addition, people who live in cities socialize more often than those who live in places with lower density.

Based on these findings, the impact of urban living on overall health should be easy to determine. City dwellers typically walk more because everything they need is close to them. This results in lower obesity rates than in suburban and rural areas where sprawl forces most people to drive everywhere. Plus, being surrounded by others means city people spend more time socializing. That can have significant mental health benefits. Overall, this study concludes, living in urban areas isn’t as harmful to one’s well-being as the consensus seems to believe. There are many reasons why humans have chosen to live so close to one another throughout history. Even though technology has made it possible for us to live farther apart, that distance may be damaging to our health. For more details about how living in a city can mean a healthier lifestyle, see the charts on the accompanying guide.

Let Your Hair Do the Talking – Most Popular Hairstyles and Hair Tips for 2020

2020 has been an interesting year mixed with successes, failures, emotions, and so far, absurdities on a global scale. While everyone is grappling with what the year has given us, the masses are still holding on to what the future presents.

And for this piece, instead of looking at health and politics, we’re focusing on something the 2020 woman is concerned about – hair and style.

Despite 2020 not offering many opportunities to slay publicly, hair trends and tips have still cropped up to define what the year should look like for the modern woman. In this piece, we’ll go through the most interesting of these hairstyles and hair tips that will rock the rest of your year. So, read on.

Short Hair Is Getting Popular

With everyone under lockdown, keeping those long locks kempt is becoming quite an issue. Thus, more women are leaning towards short hair.

And even without considering the lockdown, celebrities had already started building a short hair trend as early as the year started. Most notable of them were Karlie Kloss and Kaia Gerber who donned super-chic, super-short hairstyles at the beginning of the year.

However, short hair doesn’t mean that the blade has to cut everything. You can try Bob cuts, which are the more popular short hair alternative. The classic bob is very versatile, sleek, and looks sophisticated.

Embrace Natural Texture

A common 2020 hairstyle theme is texture. More and more women are starting to embrace their natural locks and thus showing off their natural texture in any hairstyle they wear. This means that we’ll be seeing less of over-styled, super-sleek hair.

Instead, hairstyles will be having more natural texture – whether it’s curly or relaxed and tousled. That’s why classic Bob cuts, for instance, are getting popular.

This means that for 2020, heat tools should be used less often. And if you do, they should accentuate your natural texture instead of suppressing it.

Try Deep Waves and Curls

Long hair is still a popular hairstyle in 2020. Specifically, more women are leaning towards deep waves and curls. The main reason for this is, deep waves are easy to make, maintain, and can work even with thin hair complimented with hair extensions.

Deep waves only need hairspray and a wand to make. The wand creates the curls or waves while the hairspray gives the hair some hold. For ladies with thin hair, these deep waves perfectly add volume to your hair. All you have to do is run a brush through your hair once the curls are done.

Bold Roots for Depth

Color creates depth. And for 2020, bold roots are what you need for healthy-looking and voluminous hair. The best part is, this trick requires minimal effort from you.

Bold roots add more interest to your hair color. All you have to do is let your roots grow naturally as they would. The natural bold color of the roots adds the much-needed depth and edge to your hair and hair color.

And since trying this look requires little maintenance, bold roots are great for the year since most salons are not open or operate within restrictions.

Warm Hair Colors

Warm hair colors should be your colors of choice for 2020. That means no more Icy Platinum Blonde dies on your hair. Instead, warm blondes, mahogany spice balayage, and auburn highlights are the new trendy tones.

These colors don’t require much upkeep, which makes them perfect for 2020 where movement is mostly restricted. These colors also grow out nicely if you use techniques like face-framing highlights. Plus, they brighten your looks too.

Alternatively, you can go for solid colors instead of highlights – which ruled most of 2019. These single-process colors also require less maintenance, thus fewer visits to the salon.

Things You Should Know about Arthritis

What exactly is arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that results in joints’ inflammation, making it challenging to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. There are almost 100 types of arthritis, the most common ones being rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

Causes and symptoms of arthritis:

It is essential to recognize the signs of arthritis during the early onset of the disease so that timely treatment can be given. The faster you take treatment, the greater the possibility of living a pain-free life. One of the clearest indicators of arthritis is when you cannot move your joints freely, i.e., your movement is restricted. Even though arthritis is mostly seen in older people over 65 years of age, it doesn’t mean that younger people are immune to this disease. If you find swelling in your joint, it is better to consult a doctor immediately, irrespective of how old you are.

An excess of weight puts stress on the knees while walking or doing any other physical activity. Therefore, overweight or obese people are at a higher risk of arthritis. Also, medical research found arthritis more frequent in women than men. In women, the absence of hormone estrogen after menopause makes the cartilage weaker to protect it from inflammation. Biologically, women’s joints go through more movement than men and have lower joint stability. This results in a higher risk of joint injuries, thus increasing the risk of arthritis in females.

In most cases, the symptoms increase in intensity slowly. However, they could appear overnight too. With redness, stiffness, and swelling as the symptoms of arthritis, they are particularly painful in the morning hours. When it comes to RA, you may also see a loss in appetite and fatigue without reason. If you do not take treatment for RA, it can also lead to joint deformity.

Causes of arthritis

The cartilage that is a flexible connective tissue in our body plays a vital role in providing a protective cushion to our joints. Without that protection cushion between two bones, the bones cause friction against each other, causing immense pain and inflammation. So, naturally, joints become vulnerable to wear and tear when the cartilage tissue breaks down, causing damage as well.

In the case of RA, the immune system attacks a soft tissue named synovium, which creates a fluid for the cartilage enabling smooth functioning of joints. If not provided with timely treatment, it can cause total damage to the joint and cartilage.

Diagnosis and treatment

Indeed, arthritis cannot be cured, but that doesn’t mean treatment cannot help the condition. You can do in such a situation to receive proper treatment aiming at a better quality of life. Many a time, people who experience the above symptoms are clueless on how to go about it. Usually, it would be just wiser to visit a general physician and let him or her direct you to a specialist, if you indeed are suffering from arthritis. While, if your symptoms are severe and painful, it is better to get it confirmed by a rheumatologist. The earlier you start the treatment, the better are the chances of keeping the symptoms under control.

This disease can be diagnosed with imaging scans like X-ray, MRI, or CT to get a clear picture of joints and cartilage conditions. Then, the doctor would determine the kind of arthritis you have, through blood tests such as anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide), RF (rheumatoid factor), and ANA (antinuclear antibody).

The severe pain that comes along with this disease is why arthritis lowers the quality of life. So, if you manage and keep the pain in control, it can be effective in improving the quality of life in arthritis patients. Typically, treatment methods in arthritis provide pain relief to a large extent and strengthen the joints for better functionality.

Treatment

You can choose any of the treatment options available or combine one with the other in consultation with your doctor. Mostly, what works for one person may not work for the other. You can look at any of these options here:

Many high- quality researches have shown that CBD oils can be able to help lessen and control the symptoms of arthritis, for example, relieving the associated inflammatory pain. CBD extract is available as an oil, cream, or gel that patients can easily apply to the skin of the areas affected by arthritis. For a more in-depth understanding of this method, you can read this article.

  • Medication: Drugs are the most effective and used method of treating arthritis. While analgesics like hydrocodone or acetaminophen decrease only pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and salicylates decrease both pain and inflammation. However, salicylates should be taken carefully in combination with blood-thinning medications. One can also take advantage of over the counter drugs available for arthritis.
  • Supporting devices: Icing the joints frequently with ice packs or using heating bags can also help in instant pain relief. Alternatively, doctors also suggest using walkers or walking sticks to keep pressure off joints.
  • Surgery: One of the most effective treatments used by arthritis patients is knee replacement or hip replacement surgery. The total knee replacement surgery is also known as arthroplasty. In this surgery, the arthritic bone is replaced by a prosthetic one.
  • Healthy lifestyle: It is also possible to control arthritis by leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Regular physical therapy can help manage the pain by strengthening the muscles around the joint. A weight loss regime to maintain your weight can reduce the pain. The diet of an arthritis patient should be healthy and contain antioxidants. Foodstuffs like walnuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables should be taken instead of processed foods, dairy products, and junks.
  • Recent studies also point towards the advantages of a gluten-free diet for people with arthritis. In the long run, a healthy lifestyle can slow down the progression of osteoarthritis and keep the intense pain related to it.
  • Physical activity: Exercises like hamstring stretches or any exercise which focuses on quadriceps, hamstring, and glutes can be beneficial for people suffering from osteoarthritis. One of the most comfortable physical activities for arthritis has to be swimming, as it doesn’t pressurize the knees or joints. However, it is necessary to take ample amounts of rest in short intervals as well.

While surgeries and medicines can be quite costly, leading a healthy lifestyle can be a better option in the long run. Arthritis cannot be cured totally, but treatment still can do a lot better when it comes to intense pain and further deterioration of joints.

Recipe Of Jain Tawa Pulao – Restaurant Style Pulao At Home

It is sometimes difficult to find food for yourself if you are a Jain. In a place, where the base of every food that is tasty originates from ginger-garlic, Jains like us are sometimes at a loss about what to eat. When it comes to street food, it becomes all the more difficult. So, to make things easier only for you, we present this Jain version of Tawa Pulao. This famous street food is known for its mouth-watering tangy and spicy taste. Before we get on with the recipe, let’s see a bit more about this dish! The name Tawa Pulao got its name as it includes tossing rice on iron tawas! You would be surprised to know that this dish was invented by chance by a Pav Bhaji vendor when he tossed leftover Pav Bhaji with rice! Interesting, right? Tasty and spicy for sure, but without ginger, garlic, and onion!!

Ingredients

1 tbsp of butter and oil

One capsicum diced

¼ tsp of saunth powder (dry ginger powder)

2 tsp of Pav Bhaji masala

1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder

1 ½ cup of cabbage

Two tomatoes finely chopped

1 cup boiled green peas

1 cup cooked rice/leftover rice

Salt per taste

Coriander leaves

Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Start by heating a cooking pan with a tbsp of butter. Add a little oil to it to prevent the butter from burning. Add ¼ tsp of saunth powder, then start by adding the veggies- 1 diced capsicum, cabbage, finely chopped tomatoes, and boiled green peas. While it is easy to put masalas directly during cooking, sometimes it doesn’t spread evenly on the veggies and rice. To eliminate that, you can soak 2 tsp of Pav Bhaji masala and 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder for 5 mins. Continue stirring until the tomatoes become softer and then add the masala mixture kept aside. Now you can add boiled rice or even leftover rice if you want. Add salt as per taste. Make sure you separate any lumps of rice while tossing the rice. Keep on stirring it to coat the rice with the masala and veggies. After you cook it, switch off the gas and sprinkle coriander leaves on the rice. Squeeze a half lemon on the rice and make sure to mix it well.

Mostly, this Tawa Pulao goes well with curd or raita. Relish this dish to your heart’s content with your friends and family.

Interesting Hidden Benefits of House Painting

The house needs to look pretty always and so the most important thing is to protect it. The painting is considered to be the most essential factor that will help to preserve the beauty of your house. Painting a house in indeed a stressful task and so it has to be a planned project. It is important to paint both the interiors and the exteriors to find surprising benefits.

The concept of House painting is basically to give a fresh look to the house and transform it from old to new. This is possible if one uses a fresh coat of paint that will give a wide range of benefits apart from aesthetics. You may plan to make your house ready as a part of the real estate project or you may be just interested in the home improvement project. In both cases, House painting does make a huge difference. This definitely adds value to your home, especially when handled by professionals.

 

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1. Painting improves the curb appeal of your home

The House painting is the best way to give dramatic results to the exterior of the house with a fresh coat of paint. This has to be done when you find that your house is showing signs of aging. The idea of repainting should be your prime project within an affordable budget.

 

2. The surfaces of the house can be protected.

The advantage of House painting is that it will help to cover the stains and the marks of the walls. It also is a wonderful way to protect the walls from being damaged. You will find that both exterior and interior walls are constantly subject to the detrimental effects of weather. Smoke is also one of the dangerous effects on the walls of the house. You can give your house a complete makeover that is healthy with House painting that will help to control the progression of wear and tear. The exterior paint of the house will also save the house from expensive repairs in the near future.

 

3. The value of the property increases

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The idea of House painting is a smart way to find a cost-effective solution in increasing the value of the property. This is a great way to impress your buyers by giving your house a renewed look. The House painting is a cosmetic repair of the structure and so you need to invest well for this project.

 

4. Is a complementing factor in designing the home

The environment of the house should be such that it makes you feel not only safe but also very comfortable. The furniture of the house does complement the look of the house but over and above it is the color of the walls that plays an influential part. There are varied tones and color schemes that create an energetic and warm ambiance.

The best thing about painting a house is it promotes the quality of air in your home. If you have chosen to use eco-friendly paint, then it works wonders to keep the pollutants away from your home. The use of high-quality paint is the only way to keep the moisture away from the walls and this would prevent the growth of mildew and molds. The only thing that has to be given importance is the use of a new coat of paint that protects your home but has to be done in the right manner. You have to remember that you have invested to transform the look and the feel of the house, so it is wise to hire the best professional painting contractor. You can then rest assured about the minute details required for painting the house.

Common Causes of Injuries Outside the Home & How to Protect Your Children From Them

Leaving the home, whether to run errands, buy food or bond and have fun with our families should be innocuous and safe. It should not put us in danger. We shouldn’t expect an injury to take place. Unfortunately, injuries outside of the home, in public places do happen and they are actually quite common and widespread. As parents we have control over the safety conditions of our homes, but when we leave our homes, we have to trust that the owners of those properties and spaces maintain them so that our families are safe. In most cases property owners, including the state and the government uphold this responsibility well, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes things can go wrong and people can get hurt. One of the best things we can do is learn some of the causes of these accidents and the types of conditions that create them. That way we can take the necessary preventive measures to protect ourselves.

According to California legal experts and lawyers, The Barnes Firm, slip and fall injuries are some of the most common causes of hospitalization in the US and in some cases, they can be fatal. Most people don’t know how to go about navigating this injury when it happens. The best thing you can do is find a great legal firm that can assist with the entire process. One of the steps in this process is identifying the types of environments these injuries happen in so that you know how to file your claim. Here are a few causes of slip and fall injuries.

Neglected Premises

When you’re in public areas, keep an eye on the environment and know what to look for and stay away from to avoid injury. Not all injuries are preventable, because by their nature, accidents aren’t something we plan for. There are however, certain places that are more dangerous and can lead to slip and falls. For example, places that have irregular floor surfaces can cause injuries, along with damaged carpets, poor lighting, wet floors and poorly maintained surfaces. Slip and fall injuries can also take place in locations where there are renovations and construction happening, potholes in the road, and cracks in the pavement or due to rain and snow making the ground slippery. In this  case, it can be proven that the owners of the property where negligent and didn’t do the required maintenance to uphold public safety.

Distracted Parties

One of the most common causes of accidents and injuries these days is being distracted by gadgets. People who are on their phones while their driving, won’t be able to sufficiently pay attention to everything happening, making it more likely that they will hit someone or something. This is why mobile phone use is considered a road safety risk. Pedestrians are no different. If you’re walking in public areas on your phone you might be so distracted that you can’t pay attention to your surroundings, and in situations where you have to react quickly, you might not be able to react fast enough. Also listening to music in earphones or headphones is something we have to do carefully. If the volume is too loud and we can’t hear what’s happening in the environment that can also be a hazard.

Temporary Negligence

Some injuries are caused by temporary obstructions and obstacles in a specific environment. For example in a supermarket or retail space, poorly packed racks and shelves can lead to a slip and fall injury. This is why it’s important the store management prioritize a well-kept and orderly shop floor. If you go into a store that has things lying around, it might be better to choose a more orderly location in order to prevent any mishaps. Another example of temporary negligence is being in a restaurant space where a beverage has been spilled on the floor. If the spill isn’t cleaned up in time, that could lead to a customer getting hurt.

Slip and fall injuries are considered quite common. The unfortunate thing is that many of them are preventable if property owners were more responsible and took care of the environments that the public use and move around in. In order to make our communities and local areas safe, everyone has a part to play including business owners and managers. When that responsibility falls short, people can get hurt. We won’t always be able to control the occurrence of these injuries, but we can learn what to look for and make sure we steer clear of it. That way we can make the time spent outside of our homes as safe and as well-maintained as the places we’re responsible for.

 

5 Essential Baby Items Every New Mother Needs

Preparing for your new baby is an exciting time in every mother’s life. Here are some essential baby items you need to have before your new baby arrives.

Becoming a new parent is a very exciting feeling, yet it can be overwhelming. Every new mom struggles to make their baby registry. There are so many baby products out there you are not sure you will need.

Did you know that 43% of new moms only get 5.5 hours of sleep per day? While the average person gets 8 hours of sleep. Having these essential baby items makes life a little easier when you are a new mom.

Read on to get started.

 

1. Crib and Crib Mattress

The main thing you need is a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep. Co-Sleeping is not recommended, and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, co-sleeping can increase sudden infant death syndrome, also known as SIDS.

To decrease the risk of SIDS, your baby must be on his or her back in their crib with no loose bedding or blankets. Having a safe crib with a comfortable mattress for your baby is essential.

 

2. Nursing Pillow

If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, investing in a good nursing pillow will make things a little easier.

Nursing pillows help provide support in your back, and it helps you maintain a comfortable position while your baby eats. You must be comfortable so you can hold your baby correctly for them to have a good latch.

There are many nursing pillows out there, do some research to find the best one for you and your baby.

 

3. Bottle Sterilizer 

If you are feeding your baby formula, their bottles must be clean and sterilized. It is important to sterilize their bottles until they are at least 12 months old.

Having a baby sterilizer makes things easier than having to boil the bottles to sterilize them. All you need to do is load up the sterilizer and push a button and wait for them to be sterilized.

Sterilizing your baby’s bottles will help prevent infections that can cause them to get sick. That’s why a bottle sterilizer is an essential baby item.

 

4. Burp Cloths

Babies are adorable yet very messy, especially after eating. Babies tend to spit up a lot after they finish nursing or drinking their bottle. Some babies suffer from reflux, which causes them to spit up more than usual.

Having many burp cloths will make your life easier, especially if you don’t have washing machines. If you want to take it a step further, choose organic burp cloths. You should also look at the idea of eco friendly nappies.

 

5. Sound Machine

In the womb, your baby hears loud constant noise. They listen to your heartbeat and your voice and the outside world. They are not used to silence.

When your baby is sleeping, silence can be unusual and will wake them up. Sound machines help your baby get restful sleep.

White noise is recommended since it reminds them of noise in the womb. But any other low tone sounds like rain, and waves can help. Lullabies are not helpful since music stimulates their brain and won’t help them sleep.

Sound machines are great if you have a light sleeper. The sound machine should be at a volume of you standing next to a running shower. That is a safe volume that will drown out unwanted noise.

 

Add These Essential Baby Items to Your Registry

Now that you know about these essential baby items, you will be ready to embark on your new journey. Every new parent needs a sound machine, bottle sterilizer, burb cloths, a nursing pillow, and a crib.

If you enjoyed these tips and would like to learn more, check out the rest of our blog. 

5 Games to Play on Your Labor Day Camping Trip

Getting geared up for your big Labor Day camping trip? In addition to the regular camping essentials, you’ll want to be sure to take the time to plan for some fun games and activities that you and your group can play together while enjoying the great outdoors. So as you pack your tent, sleeping bags and camping stove, consider which game supplies to pack that will help you make lasting memories this Labor Day. Take a look at our top four games to play on your Labor Day camping trip!

1. Classic Campfire Games

It’s hard to beat the classics! You know which one’s I’m talking about- Telephone and group storytelling are campfire games that never get old and can provide hours of fun. With Telephone, you sit in a circle and one person begins by whispering a sentence into the ear of the person on their right. They can only say it once, and then that person whispers it into the person at their right. It goes around the circle until the person at the end says the sentence out loud, and you see how close it is to the original sentence. 

With storytelling games, one person begins by saying “Once upon a time” and the next person says the next sentence. You go around the circle, each person sharing one sentence at a time, and see what kind of story you can put together! Be sure to bring your Jack Wolfskin outdoor clothing to help you stay warm- these games are likely to keep you outside late into the night.

2. Cup Games

Do you have a stack of red Solo cups with you? There are plenty of games you can play using plastic cups. You might consider the cup stacking game and see who can stack their cups the fastest. Another fun game is called Catch That Ball. To start, make sure everyone has a cup. One person starts with a ping pong ball in their cup, and you have to pass the ball to each other using only your cup. See how long you can go without the ball being dropped! And of course, there is nothing more classic than Flip the Cup. Face a tabletop, and while holding a cup, flip it onto the table so that it’s sitting face up.

3. Charades

No matter where you are, charades is always a doable and extremely fun game option to help pass the time. It’s doable with two people, but can also be fun when done in larger groups with people split into seperate teams. Have everyone write things out on slips of paper that can be acted out and put them in a hat or bag. The first person draws a slip of paper and has to act out what it says for the group. It could be fun to choose a theme of things to act out. You could prompt everyone to write things down that have to do with camping, or maybe the specific area where you’re camping. You could also come with a list ahead of time to simplify the process and get right to the game!

4. Card Games/Dice Games

If you have some extra space in your pack, it’s not a bad idea to sneak in a few decks of cards or a handful of dice. Whether you’re bringing some basic face cards or going with something more specific, such as Uno or Phase 10, these kinds of games are great for groups and can easily make for a fun night together. Do some research ahead of time to see which kinds of card and dice games will work well for your group size and come with some ideas of things you all can play together.

5. Sports

Since you’re outdoors, finding an open field shouldn’t be a problem. Sports like flag football and baseball should be fun and easy to play for larger groups of family and friends. Be sure to plan ahead and take the proper equipment with you. Small essentials like bat tape and extra knee pads can make the game fun and comfortable for those playing. Flag football is easy enough that you’ll just need a ball and enough flag belts to include everyone. 

The best part about camping is being able to spend quality time with loved ones. No matter who you’re with — games are a great way to have fun with each other, have some great laughs, and make memories.

Raising a Child: a Guide for the Modern Parent

At times it feels like we, as parents are failing. We doubt our judgments of raising a child. “Are we doing it right?” We ask ourselves. We are not sure of the answers. Well, the good news is there is no one to raise your child. So, if you think that someone is doing it better than you, just know that it is not a competition. They are raising their children their own way, and so should you. There are, of course, some dos and don’ts when it comes to parenting a child. The world has always been a scary place, so it is up to the parents to make sure that their children are well equipped to deal with the pressures of society. Here in this article, you will get guidance for a parent on the basic rules of parenting. 

1. Health: Health comes first. And your child’s health should be your first priority. No matter where you are, what work you are doing, you should ensure that your child is in safe hands. Your child is never too young to have insurance of her own. Various health insurances cover your children’s health as a benefit of your own insurance. Make sure you know all the information. While we are on the topic of health, it must be mentioned that you need to practice healthy eating habits for your children, so that they don’t get sick as much. 

2. Education: Your child should have the best education possible. So, it is up to you to decide which school he or she is going to go into. If you invest well in their education it will later benefit them immensely. Education is always a safe investment. While at home you must engage your children in various online learning programs. This process will keep the curiosity alive. They can read leveled books online. These books are designed for them to increase their cognitive skills. Kids can learn basic life skills from these books; it can also boost up their vocabulary. 

3. Technology: The world is evolving faster than we think. The world is becoming more and more technologically advanced. So, if we do not give lessons to our children on being tech-savvy, we are basically holding them back. Kids should be introduced to various new gadgets and forums. They should have practical knowledge of things and how things work. 

4. Affection: Kids should receive plenty of affection from both the parents. They should learn to love others and be loved. Children who do not receive enough affection in early life tend to grow up with disorders of their own. You may allow your child to have a puppy or cat of their own. This will teach the kids how to take care of others and also how taking care of someone can be difficult. It will incorporate in them a sense of discipline. It is important for a child to be disciplined in life in order to achieve success. 

5. Bullying: Make sure that in school or at home, your child is not subjected to bullying. No one should verbally or physically assault a child. If someone bullies him, he should feel free to talk to the parent about it. Make a welcoming environment so that your child can talk freely. Also, observe your children’s behavior from time to time. If you feel that they are being physically violent in their conduct, you should talk to them. You can also make an appointment with a child psychologist if need be. 

These are some of the basic fundamental steps of parenting. It has been mentioned already, that there is no one proper way of parenting. So, do the best that you can for your children. Don’t forget to love them unconditionally. Love is the key ingredient of good parenting.