Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

It’s Leg Day! 4 Calf Stretches to Include in Your Warm Up

Getting ready for leg day? Make sure you don’t pull a muscle! Click here to learn some great calf stretches to incorporate into your warm-ups.

If you’re skipping out on one part of your workout routine, it’s most likely your leg training.

To some people, warming up the calves is an afterthought (although it shouldn’t be). Sometimes, we get too focused on training the muscles on our upper halves, or our “mirror muscles” that we neglect our legs, but did you know that doing this could actually jeopardize your results?

Our legs deserve some love. Next leg day, include these four essential calf stretches so that you can warm up the right way and get the most from your workout.

1. Wall Stretch

Regularly stretching your calves can help alleviate tightness, discomfort, and pain. By adding the Wall Stretch to your routine, you’re actively allowing your leg muscles to decompress which allows for better movement and flexibility.

First, stand arm’s length from a wall and put your right leg forward, then place your palms on the wall. Reach your left leg away from your body and slowly press your heel to the floor.

You’ll hold this position for 20 seconds before repeating with your right leg. Once you’re finished, you should already feel the relief in your calf.

2. Downward Dog

This classic yoga pose is more than just a way to rewind and reset. To begin this stretch, stand with your feet together and then bend over, bringing your hands to the ground while keeping your legs straight.

Inch your hands forward until your body makes an “A” shape, then push your heels to the ground. Hold this position for 20 seconds! You should feel a deep stretch in your calves if you’re doing it right.

3. Band Stretch

These leg stretches require a resistance band, but if you don’t have one, a hand towel will suffice.

First, sit on the floor and stretch your legs out while keeping your ankles connected. Then, loop the resistance band or towel around one foot while holding each end with your hands. Pull gently on the band or towel so that your toes are reaching toward your chin; you’ll feel the stretch in your calves!

Do this on the other side and repeat for however long you’d like. This stretch is great for people who have extremely tight muscles and are looking to increase their range of motion before working out.

4. The Heel Drop

If you’re trying to bulk up some muscle on your legs, this stretch is a good option for warming up your muscles before you begin training. You’ll need a step (I use a stair-step!) or a box that will support your weight.

Start by standing on the edge of the step with your feet together. With your toes on the edge, put your weight on one leg and let gravity gently drop your heel toward the floor, but don’t step on the floor. You’ll feel the pull of the muscle instantly.

Repeat this on either side for as long as desired. It’ll warm your legs up for whatever training you choose to do next!

Trying to achieve that powerful muscle physique on your lower half? Check out this post furthering explaining how to train legs!

Calf Stretches Yield Stronger Results

Including your legs in your workout warm-up is essential to achieving desired results in both health and aesthetic aspects. If you want to balance your fitness, add these calf stretches to your routine and start seeing (and feeling) a difference now!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our posts about all things health and fitness.

How to Keep Your Yards Protected from Your Dogs

Pets have always been said as human companions. Right from the very beginning, it was considered that we need a dog to learn sharing, unconditional love, and most of all loyalty. The idea of having a dog always meant early morning strolling, loads of energy, sniffing, and hair all around. Right after getting the dog the training begins, he has been taught to be best in behavior, but when the training goes wrong or if not up to the mark we might become irritated and think about giving up. But here’s where we go wrong.

Your dog might be at his highest of energy or maybe he’s an aggressive dog, and you’re already fed up with him turning your place upside down, or you have a lot of work on your head but are not able to concentrate due to your super active dog. There is nothing to be worried about as we’ve come up with answers to your problems. Want to know what it is? A Dog Mesh.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1 what exactly is a dog mesh?

Dog mesh is basically a wired fence that is used to keep aggressive dogs or large dogs controlled and stay put with non-aggressive dogs, keep them away from your yards or let you do your work with all of your concentration.

Q2 From where to buy the dog mesh?

There are numerous online sites available for buying your perfect dog mesh. Click on the link below to go to ‘Critter fence’ and you’ll find the best quality and multiple options available for you.

Q3 How to install the dog mesh?

There’s nothing you need to worry about as the ‘Critter face’ allows you to be tension free and offers installation from the experts. So, say no to worry.

Q4 How do we know which dog mesh to opt for?

Generally, there’s a basic thumb rule if you think your dog is a bit aggressive then it’s advised to go for thicker dog mesh whereas if your dog is non-aggressive then it is fine to go for thin one too.

Q5 Does this site only offer mesh for Dogs?

No, Critter fence offers various kinds of mesh for your dear pets and it covers for most of the animals.

Q6 What kind of all kinds of mesh is provided?

Critter fence offers broad categories of fresh one is poly mesh and the other is metal mesh. Both are meant for different purposes.

Worrying about the house, yards or kitchen has been the most common problem found amongst the parents of pets and generally, they don’t know how to choose or what to choose as a dog mesh so you can always count on ‘Critter fence’ as we come with more than 30 years of expert advice and offer great quality products and services. Opting with mesh has always shown the positive and happy result amongst the buyers.

HAPPY AND ENJOYABLE PETTING!

6 Pro Tips Shared by a Celebrity Nail Tech

Have you been inspiring to become a successful nail technician? Who else can give you better advice than a celebrity nail technician herself? Let’s get started!!!

1. Listen to Your Client

As a nail tech, many clients will want to have a conversation with you. While it is not a great idea to be very chatty at work but do not shut them down as well. Instead, ask them how they are doing but refrain from sharing too much information about yourself. Be a good listener and talk only as much as needed. Do not gossip about other clients as it shows that you are unprofessional and not trustworthy.

2. Be Professional

Even when nail technicians work with a celebrity, they say, they try to keep the conversation really professional as being too friendly may make them lose focus from their work causing bad results. When you are working for high profile clients, it is extremely important to stay focussed and do your job well. You need to be reliable and give good results every time which shows you are consistently good at what you do which will increase your clientele base. Do not share inside news or final look images of celebrities to the media as it is considered highly unethical and you may get blacklisted from working for many celebrities in the future.

3. Be Consistent

When you start as a nail technician, you may not get many clients for months. In fact, in the first few months, you may lose money but do not give up so soon as consistency is the key to success in this field. It may take you a while to establish your brand and get a good clientele base till then work part-time in other salons to build your network and make your ends meet.

4. Keep Learning

You cannot even start a career as a nail technician if you do not learn the necessary skills. You can gain more information by watching online videos, reading beauty product stories or visiting conferences regarding the same, but initially, it is essential that you get a formal education to become a nail technician where you will learn all the tricks that only professionals know. Do not stop there, even when you start to work, gather more information about new nail fashion trends to always stay updated.

5. Practice, Practice, and Practice

Initially, when you start building your clientele list, you will have a lot of free time hence you can take up part-time jobs in nearby salons to just get more customers to practice on as the more you practice, your techniques will improve. It will require a few years of practice before you can call yourself a pro.

6. Work Harder Every day

No one has reached the top by just slagging at their job hence work harder every day to reach where you want to be and even if you are successful, you do not have time to be lousy at work as the competition is high and any mistake can take to down to the bottom of the barrel.

You can always use social media to promote your work and get a larger clientele base. The secret to becoming a successful nail tech is nothing but the combination of skills and the right attitude towards work which will make you popular in this field, with time.

6 Handy Tricks for Managing Family Budget

Family life requires a lot of patience, and in some cases, sacrifice, in order for everyone to feel happy and taken care of. Now, that doesn’t mean that you should deprive yourself (and your loved ones) of things that bring joy and pleasure, but rather that it’s important to be mindful of your spending so you’ll be able to afford all the amazing things a family might need. Now, if you’re someone who spends a lot and then worries afterward, here are some handy tips and tricks that will help you manage your family budget better.

Optimize your paycheck

For most, a paycheck from an employer is the primary means of income. Therefore, it is probably a good idea to start with that. When you first got your job, someone with company probably had you choose what to withhold from your paycheck. That may have been fine when you first started, but if you have had a baby, got married, bought a house, or had any other significant life changes, then you might be withholding more than you need too. You can find out for sure simply by using a withholding calculator. By adjusting your withholdings to fit your life, you may be able to take more home with each paycheck.

Keep a detailed track of your expenses

Buying groceries and other essential household items can be exhausting on a family budget, which is why it’s crucial to keep track of your expenses. If you often find yourself lost amid missing receipts and a chunk of your money going somewhere unknown, then it’s recommended to carefully monitor your expenses and income. There are numerous financial budgeting apps that can help you keep things in order, as long as you remember to enter each expense after you’re done with your purchase.

Try to plan your investments in advance

This is super important, especially if you consider yourself an impulsive shopper. Buying things on a whim is something many of us are guilty of, so there’s no need to feel bad about it. However, making certain steps to ensure a better financial future for your family is definitely a must. The most effective way to achieve that is to plan your investments in advance. That way you’ll be able to carefully compare prices and offers, while still having enough time to save money so you won’t end up in a debt.

If you love traveling, then be smart about it

Travelling is one of the most exciting things that can surely strengthen family bonds and create many happy memories that will last a lifetime. Still, since traveling as a family can be costly at times, it’s necessary to be a smart traveler and plan everything well. That’s why opting for a free credit card promotion luggage can help you earn rewards subsequently, enjoy a vacation with all the perks. Traveling with your kids can be demanding at times, so having a lot of amenities at your disposal can certainly help everyone relax while having fun at the same time.

Set some money aside for financial emergencies

Life can be surprising when we least expect it, so setting some money aside for financial emergencies can do a lot to alleviate tension and contribute to overall financial stability. Simply, you’ll feel less inclined to overspend when you know there’s a faucet leaking that needs immediate attention, and having some extra money can ensure you the ability to deal with the stress without compromising your family budget. Life insurance can be an excellent way to protect your family from money difficulties because if anything happens to you, they’ll be able to stay afloat.

Find a way to reduce your debt

Today’s economy requires many people to get into debt in order to avoid housing, healthcare and education, so if you owe a lot, that’s understandable and you shouldn’t feel bad about it. But, since getting in debt is so common, a lot of people simply decide to freely spend money they don’t have, which is the last thing to do if you want a stable family budget. Therefore, reducing your debt through a debt management plan should be your top priority, mainly since repaying all your debt is probably a big step, so it’s always better to start slowly.

Don’t waste money on food and groceries

A lot of people waste food and that is a problem that definitely needs addressing. If your family is like that, then you definitely need a chat with your spouse and kids regarding their eating and spending habits. Also, before you decide to go shopping, make sure to prepare a list of groceries in order to avoid buying something you don’t need. Now, kids can be notoriously demanding whilst in the supermarket, so it’s wise to have a chat prior to leaving the house. Tell them that they’re allowed to get one thing each, and make sure to determine the price range as well, so they won’t pick something expensive.

Conclusion

Keeping your family financially secure isn’t an easy task, so these tips will surely help you get started. Just remember to plan your purchases and vacations and if possible, find a way to lower your debt, too. Additionally, keeping a log of your expenses can help you learn more about your financial habits which will surely be of great use when managing and improving a family budget.

Is Hiring A House Cleaner Service Worthy It

Everyone indeed has their opinion on hiring professional house cleaning services. Many people think that to be able to hire someone like this Houston apartment cleaning services or a maid is the ultimate luxury. Having multiple rooms and pets can pose a significant challenge when it comes to cleaning your home.

Hiring cleaners has got several benefits starting from saving time to do other things. Every second is worth some money, and probably the time you could spend cleaning your house can be utilized to generate a substantial amount of money. It feels good to have your house clean and well organized while you are busy somewhere or enjoying moments. This article is meant to help know why you need a cleaner and the distinctive advantages accrued from cleaning services.

So, do you really need a cleaner?

While paying for a service you could do by yourself is luxury, hiring a cleaner is equally necessary. Absolutely, you won’t feel comfortable living in a stuffy house.

If you have been doing the house cleaning once in a while and the results are not appealing, then it is time you need a professional house cleaner. It is something you have to admit that some people know how to clean better as compared to others.

Cleaning your house while held in a busy schedule may be a great hassle. Fatigue combined with minimal professional cleaning skills will result in an untidy house. Even when dedicating several minutes each day to a clean portion of your house may not do the trick.

With all this in mind, you can consider incorporating your own opinions and trying to see what blends well with your budget and schedule. Even though cleaning a house may be a necessity, it is part of luxury, so you should consider sponsoring the actual primary needs first.

What do you need to understand before hiring a house help?

The costs of cleaning

Indeed, the first thing you need to look into before hiring the service. Typically, house cleaning service costs, on average, $20 to $50$50 per hour. The price will vary depending on your place of residence and the charges set by the service provider. However, other factors like lifestyle, pets, and extra services can drastically increase the cleaning rates.

It is wise to obtain more than three bids before selecting the right house cleaner to hire. This way, you can compare the competitive prices they offer.

Calculate your personal hourly rates

Sorry, it would not be reasonable to hire a service that is expensive than what you earn. It is good to calculate your worthiness before you purchase any service, not only the cleaning service matter.

Additionally, it is worth checking on the time you spend cleaning your house every week. This is handy in comparing the cost of cleaning the house by yourself, hiring a maid, or hiring a cleaning company. Take time and analyze the amount you would pay yourself, assuming you are hired for the same serves.

Compare between corporate and independent cleaners

Even though you may get considerably better services by hiring corporate services, they tend to be expensive. Basically, hiring a home cleaning service from an established company will cost you 50% more than what you could pay for a similar service from a local independent home cleaner or maid if I may say.

Typically, home cleaning corporate services are bonded, licensed, insured, and they usually offer background checks, unlike independent cleaners. This can be handy in case anything happens during the cleaning of your home. If you want to escape the hefty charges, then consider hiring an independent cleaner. Make sure to hire a cleaner who has been in the cleaning field for a minimum of six months if you opt for hiring local services. This guarantees excellent service.

How frequently do you need cleaning

If you don’t spend much of your time at home, you may require less frequent cleaning than someone who stays indoors around the clock. Being at home increases the chances of doing messy.

Keeping pets is another factor that will determine how frequent you need cleaning service. It is obvious that your pets need a comfy environment to stay healthy, and they are likely to be great contributors to dirtying your house. The often you need cleaning is dependent on your lifestyle.

What the service provider will do

You may need a professional house cleaner’s services when you want a thorough cleaning of your house. It is good to hire services for something substantial and worthy of paying. Can you hire a cleaner to do the dishes, making beds, and ironing? Definitely, these are things you can on your own within a very short time, even when you are tired.

It is good to list all house chores where you need cleaning services. After making a list, don’t hesitate to sort the list and identify things that may end up increasing the cleaning costs to unexpected values. Handling daily and lighter cleaning tasks may suppress the cleaning cost incredibly.

Benefits of hiring home cleaning services

You achieve high-level cleanliness.
It gives you substantial time to spend with family and friends
It relieves you from the burden of cleaning and reduces possible self-induced stress. This is a great advantage to those who do not like cleaning.
Prevents possible friction between spouses
You save time to work on other high productive tasks.
The chances are that you will get faster services without sacrificing the quality of the cleaning service.
Hiring independent house cleaners save on overall costs
Hired home cleaning services allows you more flexibility since you don’t have to be tied to your home.

Conclusion

Even though hiring house cleaning seems to be a luxury, it is worth paying. However, you need to be considerate of what you are paying for because you may end up spending lots of income on things that you could yourself. This is an intangible investment; make sure to get the best service provider to get quality.

How to Make Pandoro Cake at Home?

Have you ever heard of pandoro Italian cake? If no, then you will be surprised to know this Italian cake is the yellow and soft leavened product that is eaten with cream or alone. There are two ways to make the cake: One which is a simple one and another is the traditional one that requires a lot of effort to make.

If you don’t like making the cake in your home, then you can buy pandoro cake online from various websites. If we talk about the history of this Italian cake, then you will be amazed to know they have their origin in Northern Italy. This cake was served in the home of rich people by the name of ‘Pan de Oro’.

While making the pandoro, you have to decide which type of yeast will make the best bread. You can use the fresh yeast so that the pandoro made will be of good quality as well as taste. You may think that the pandoro made in the home will not taste like the one which you bought from the market. If you doubt that ten pandoro made in the house is too dry inside then, you get the pandoro cake online from any website.

Ingredients Needed to Make 2.2 Pound Pandoro Cake

For Poolish

Manitoba Flour – 2 ounces
Fresh Yeast – 0.18 ounce
Water – 2 tablespoon

For First Dough

Poolish
Egg – 1 whole
Manitoba Flour – 4 ounces
Fresh Yeast – 0.18 ounce
Caster Sugar – 0.04 cups

Second Dough

Manitoba Flour – 9 ounces
Eggs – 2
Lemon Peel – ½ grated
Egg Yolks – 1 ounce
Caster Sugar – 5/8 cups
Soft Butter – 9 tablespoons
Honey – ¼ tablespoon
Vanilla Pod – 1

Cooking Instruction

You need to prepare the polish by mixing all the ingredients like yeast, Manitoba flour and water the evening before you prepare the pandoro Italian Cake. You need to mix the mixture till you get the homogenous loaf and then place the dough in the bowl for letting it rise overnight.

Next day, you need to start by making the first dough by using the polish, Manitoba flour, sugar, and fresh yeast.

Start kneading then add egg in the mixture. Mix the ingredients till the time it is blended perfectly.

You need to place this dough on the bowl and cover it with the paper. Put the bowl in a hot oven to let it rise, or you can leave the dough for 4-5 hours so that it can rise.

The dough will be double in volume if you either keep it in the oven or leave it for 4-5 hours in the open.

Once the double becomes double in size, you can put it in the stand mixer. Now add honey, seeds of the vanilla pod, Manitoba flour, sugar and peel of the half lemon.

You need to knead the mixture in the low temperature and then add egg yolks and eggs in it. Make sure the mixture is incorporated perfectly fine.

Now you need to add butter by cutting it into small cubes in the mixture. When all the butter is incorporated perfectly fine in the mixture, you can transfer the dough to the work surface that is non-floured.

You have to make folds to the mixture and then start making the ball of smooth dough. You need to place the dough inside the buttered and floured mold.

You need to place the tin inside the oven with the light for 8-10 hours, or you can keep it at the room temperature for 10-12 hours so that it can rise.

Now cook the pandoro at 140°C by placing the bowl full of water at the bottom of the oven to maintain the humidity. This will help in not only cooking the pandora cake but also helps to let it not dry.

When the pandoro is golden on the top, then you can be sure it is ready. Remove the Italian cake from your oven and let it cool. You have to remove the cake from the mold and then cover it with icing sugar.

Be it any occasion or Christmas preparing pandoro cake at home will be the best option so as to enhance the happiness by eating this golden bread.

Newborn Essentials: 11 Must-Have Items for Moms With Newborn Babies

Motherhood is such an exciting part of a woman’s journey. After nine months of carrying that child in your womb, you can finally hold your newborn. But, as much as it’s a beautiful event, it can be very tiring, especially if you don’t have the essentials.

It’s essential to prepare yourself by having the right items even before your baby is born. Below, we list down eleven must-haves that you need to make your mommy journey easier and your baby comfortable.

Baby carrier

The constant touching of the baby’s and mother’s skin creates this unique bond. And if this bond breaks, this makes your baby cry. However, you can’t go sitting on your couch all-day carrying your baby. Your hands need rest, and sometimes you have things you need to do yourself.

With this problem, baby carriers can help you carry your baby without even using your arms. It’s called babywearing, and moms do it all the time. This way, your baby feels safe, knowing you’re beside him while you still get to do things around the house.

Swaddles

Swaddles are moms’ life-savers. These little blankets create a kind of illusion that babies are still snuggled tight inside their mother’s womb. Swaddles also prevents them from suddenly waking up because of their jerking movements.

Through swaddling, you and your baby get better sleep. However, make sure to search on what’s the proper way to swaddle a child. Because not doing it the right way may bring about unwanted accidents.

Swing

Like a swaddle, baby swings mimic the womb, continuously moving and swaying while you do things. This movement helps in putting your baby to sleep. It saves you from the hassle of rocking them about.

This swinging also helps stimulate your babies or even entertain them. Some swings have toys you can attach that your baby may look at. And once he gets to use his hands, this helps them learn things faster.

Stroller

Who says you couldn’t go anywhere with a baby? All you need is to get a stroller, and you can enjoy your day. Strollers also help if you don’t have a nanny, and you need to do some errands like getting groceries, taking your daily walks, or going to the bank.

Breast pump

Perhaps you’ve already heard it a couple of times that breastmilk is the best for babies, especially important for newborns as antibodies from your milk are the ones that will protect them from any diseases.

Because of this, a breast pump is a definite need for mothers. Here are some reasons why it’s important:

● It helps in lactation.

● It ensures your baby is fed without your presence.

● It gives you a break.

Breast milk is also beneficial in cases where your baby is premature and can’t feed directly to you. At least it’s ensured that what he drinks is still healthy.

Nursing pillow

Another essential for breastfeeding is a nursing pillow. For new mothers, guiding your baby to latch correctly may take more time to learn. A nursing pillow helps with this by making things easier for you and your baby.

It helps in keeping you comfortable and in the process, save yourself from the body pains. If you are breast pumping, it also aids your partner or other persons to continue feeding your child in the proper position.

Nursing covers

Nursing covers are helpful when you need to take your baby out on important occasions. Since babies get hungry at any time, there are times when you need to feed them even in a public place.

If you’re uncomfortable with showing your breast as you’re feeding your baby, nursing covers should help. You can also use multi-use nursing covers to give you the protection you need, whether at parties, weddings, church services, or hanging out with your family.

Burp cloths

Burp cloths are something that you put over your shoulder to catch milk spit that your baby may throw out when he burps. Burping is inevitable, and it happens all the time, especially with newborns. Just make sure to choose a fabric that is soft to your baby’s skin.

Diaper bag

A diaper bag is essential when you’re going out with your baby. It’s where you put everything that your baby needs. You can usually get all of these things at Walmart or Target:

● Hand sanitizers

● Changing pad

● Extra clothes

● Food

● Cap

● Toy

● Diapers

● Wipes

This bag helps make everything organized, so you don’t need to search for your baby’s essentials in other places. If you have a stroller, you can buy a diaper bag hook. This way, when you’re out in a mall, you need to hand the bag in the stroller.

White noise machine

While your babies are in the womb, they hear humming sounds. They hear the sounds of the sea, the car moving, the rustling of leaves, etc.

White noise machines mimic these sounds to promote better sleep for your little ones. Place this machine beside their crib and watch them rest peacefully. Just make sure you choose a white noise you’re also comfortable with.

Pacifier Clips

Pacifier clips are severely underrated. Babies spit out their pacifiers all the time, but heaven forbid the pacifier is not available when the baby needs it. This is where pacifier clips come in. They are little life-savers that can preserve your sanity, because they keep the pacifier within quick and easy reach, even if the baby spits out the paci.

Over to You

Now, those are eleven newborn essentials that will aid you on your motherhood journey. Being a mother should be fun. We shouldn’t sacrifice our sleep so we can still enjoy our babies’ laughter in the morning.

Important Things to Consider While Choosing a Childcare

When you choose a childcare center for your little one, it is certainly a great parenting milestone. With so many things to consider and so many factors to take into account, choosing the perfect career in childcare and childcare center for your kid could prove to be quite an overwhelming task. You may be worried sick at the thought of your child’s safety when you leave him under the care and supervision of other people. This could fill your heart with anxiety but there is no reason to worry. Highly reputed and reliable child care centers are known for providing a friendly, engaging, and safe environment for your child.

As per Entrepreneur.com, there has been a rise in the overall number of parents who are working including families where both mom and dad are working, and single-parent families and this has resulted in an increasing need for top quality and trustworthy childcare centers. To make sure that you are opting for the best childcare center, here are some crucial things to consider while choosing childcare.

Curriculum and Program

Remember it is best to initiate age-appropriate learning at the earliest possible. While choosing the right childcare for your baby, you need to focus your attention on knowing what curriculum and programs are being offered by the childcare. You must find out the precise goals and if the programs are relevant to your child’s developmental stage and age.

The Childcare Environment

You must opt for childcare that offers a truly warm and inviting atmosphere. You need to ensure that the location of the childcare center is just right and safe for young kids. Understand the security and safety procedures that are in place to ensure your kid’s protection. Examine if there are any security issues or safety hazards. You could choose to take a tour of the most reputed childcare Auckland to rule out any safety hazards.

Student-Teacher Interaction

You must find out about the experience and academic background of the teachers. Make sure that they are having the relevant certification and training. Keep observing their body language, and the kind of words they use while interacting with the kids. An experienced and well-qualified staff would be helping out your children so that they learn all new concepts.

Recommendations

The best way of finding out if your chosen childcare center is good is by talking to other experienced parents. You also have the option to reach out to people that have had a Career in childcare and ask them for any important considerations to take into account when choosing the care center for your child. Seek recommendations from friends and family. Find out what is their opinion of a specific childcare center and ask if they know of a reliable childcare center. It is best to undertake online research and go through parent reviews and testimonials and take note of the red flags if any.

Conclusion

Always keep the above factors in mind while choosing the right childcare for your little one. Besides, rely on your first impression of the facility. Always follow your instinct. Were you uncomfortable about something relating to the childcare center? Is the environment warm, friendly, and safe? Did you like the teacher when you interacted with her? Are you having any second thoughts about her attitude or behavior? Never leave your kid with someone you are apprehensive about. Quality childcare could prove to be truly beneficial for your child’s overall personality development and learning.

7 Style Tips to Spice up Your Formal Outfits for a Chic Look

Dressing up for formal events can be quite confusing. Is it cocktail-wear? Or is it black tie?

The definition of formal attire is open to interpretation because formal attire encompasses an array of events. A formal event could be a wedding, an engagement party, a corporate dinner with colleagues, or even a graduation ceremony. Your attire for each of these events is different, however.

To narrow down the basics of formal attire, we recommend investing in luxurious fabric and selecting a classic aesthetic over an avant-garde one. Opt for simple silhouettes and dark hues for an elegant and sophisticated look. Quite easy to decode, isn’t it?

But then what do you do when you just want a little something more? How do you give your formal outfits that instant upgrade that makes them all the more exciting and memorable? Well, we are here to make the ordeal easy for you. The following are some quintessential style tips that will help you spice up your formal outfits for a chic look.

Let us take a look, shall we?

1. Black is always a good idea

Black is always a safe color choice. No matter the occasion, there is nothing quite like a black dress. Every woman has a black dress in her arsenal. It always looks super elegant and chic without even trying. So, when in doubt, just slip into your favorite black dress.

The best part about a black dress is that you do not have to worry about your color choice is wrong. Opt for a little black number or something with a longer hemline.

As Karl Lagerfeld very aptly quoted, “One is never over-dressed or underdressed in a Little Black Dress.”

If you are concerned your dress might be too simple, you can always dress it up and glam up your look with the help of accessories.

Pair your black dress with a contrasting hue to breathe life into it. Red and green accents flatter the color particularly well. Transform your look with accessories such as a ruby necklace, emerald earrings, red heels, or a stunning belt, perhaps.

If you are not one to play with color, play it safe with metallic accents, gold and silver always look stunning against a black canvas.

2. A little bling hurt nobody

Perhaps the best way to spice up your formal ensemble is with jewelry. A formal event is the best place to show off your bling. Make a statement with your jewelry. Add enticing sparkle and allure to your outfit by throwing on your diamonds or pearls.

“Jewelry is like the perfect spice – it always complements what’s already there.” – Diane Von Furstenberg

Whether it is a dainty necklace, a chunky bracelet, or statement earrings, jewelry is like icing on the cake. That said, you do not need expensive jewelry to accessorize well. It all comes down to how you style your jewelry with your outfit.

Not only does jewelry make everything fabulous, but it also gives your outfit a more cohesive and sophisticated outlook. Try pairing a simple dress with a layered necklace or a plain pencil skirt and blouse with chunky earrings. In case you feel like you have overdone it, you can always just take your fine jewelry off and stick it in your purse.

3. Shoes speak louder than words

As Coco Chanel once said, “A woman with good shoes is never ugly.”

Good shoes take you to good places. Your shoes can take your look from zero to a hundred in a heartbeat. When it comes to formal footwear, your safest bet is to opt for shoes that complement your dress. However, if you are playing it safe with a simple dress but wish to pack a punch, pair your dress with statement heels. Something colorful or sparkly always gets the job done.

If you are sporting a simple monotone dress or suit, we recommend adding a little bit of pizzazz to your ensemble with statement gold or silver heels. Who doesn’t like shiny shoes? If you prefer color, zest up your monotone aesthetic with a contrasting pair of vibrant heels and a matching bag.

A pro-tip when it comes to formal footwear is to wear something comfortable. If you have been waiting to put on a new pair of heels for a special occasion, be sure to wear them around the house beforehand. All the socializing and mingling can take a toll on your feet when they are wedged in tight stilettos. The last thing you need is sore and aching feet. Also, try to pick out a shoe with the thickest heel as it offers better balance and support.

4. A fabulous handbag is all you need

Life is too short to carry a boring bag. If you are looking to amp up your look, the simplest way to do so is with a statement handbag. Opt for anything that complements your outfit and give your ensemble a classy and sophisticated upgrade. Whether it is a classic leather tote, a glittering clutch, or a beaded drawstring bag, a fabulous statement bag never fails to draw all the attention.

You do not have to break the bank and go all out on a bag. You can find some gorgeous clutches and purses at incredibly affordable prices. However, handbags are versatile accessories that you can pair with an array of outfits. Needless to say, the investment is worth it. You just have to make sure it complements your overall style. Purses are like friends; you can never have too many. Life is short; just buy the bag.

5. A kiss of makeup can fix anything

If you think you can only spice up your outfit by switching up your shoes or jewelry, you are forgetting the most powerful weapon in your arsenal. Makeup is a form of self-expression. It can make or break your look. As Marc Jacobs said, “Makeup is the finishing touch, the final accessory.”

A little sparkle on the lids, a bright red power pout, fluttery lashes, makeup enhances your features and gives you a much-needed confidence boost. Learn to strike the perfect balance, and you will realize that no other accessory matters as long as your makeup is on point.

However, you must remember not to overdo it. For instance, if you are opting for a dark smoky eye, refrain from pairing it with dark lip color and instead keep it simple with a nude pout. Let your eyes do the talking for you. Similarly, if you are playing it minimal with the eyes, add a flirty pair of lashes and go bold with deep luscious lip color to balance it all out. A little experimentation and practice always help. Makeup is art, after all.

6. Outerwear is severely underrated

When it comes to formal wear, we always tend to focus on the dress and the accessories. Outerwear does not nearly get the amount of attention that it deserves. Carrying a classy coat, wrap, or jacket is the ultimate way to spice up your look and keep you warm if it gets cold outside.

The most gorgeous fabrics to play with are wool, fur, silk, satin, cashmere, pashmina, and leather. Yes, you heard that right: leather. A women’s leather jacket may seem like an item exclusively appropriate for casual wear. However, a leather jacket is an extremely versatile piece of clothing that can give your ensemble a hint of much-needed edginess.

A warm wool or cashmere cardigan, a buttery silk scarf, a luxurious fur wrap, a sexy leather jacket, or a chic overcoat is a simple way to give your outfit a stunning upgrade.

7. Parting thoughts

Every girl needs a stunning dress and the perfect set of accessories to make a lasting impression. However, no ensemble is complete if the person wearing it does not feel comfortable or confident. You can employ all the tips and tricks in the world, but at the end of the day, the most crucial accessory at the end of the day is your attitude. A healthy splash of confidence can make you glow. Own your appearance and take pride in it. So, enjoy the party and watch your outfit come to life.

How to Choose a Daycare for Your Child: 5 Must-Haves

It is essential to know how to choose a daycare that you can trust with your child. This guide shows how to a choose a daycare for your child.

If you’re agonizing about leaving your child in daycare, with someone else taking care of them all day, you’re not alone. Many have felt guilty about it but you shouldn’t.

As a matter of fact, it can be good for your kid according to a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Those who attended center-based childcare have better coping with emotional and peer-related problems. They’re also less likely to develop low prosocial behaviors.

What you should think about carefully is how to choose a daycare. Choosing a daycare center is one of the most important decisions that you have to make as a parent. The time spent at the daycare center is going to have a big and lasting effect on your child’s brain development.

To help you with your decision, here are some things that a high-quality daycare must definitely have.

1. How to Choose a Daycare: Start With Research

An excellent daycare center should have built up a solid reputation. However, you wouldn’t know about it if you don’t do your research.

A good starting point is to ask for recommendations from friends and family. You can also ask your pediatrician or other parents.

2. License (Yes!) Accreditation (Up to You)

When choosing child care for your little boy or girl, the facility should be licensed. This is non-negotiable! Each state will have basic legal requirements for the operation of a daycare.

With regard to accreditation, it’s entirely up to you. You have to consider availability and convenience. For example, only about 7000 programs are accredited by the NAEYC and that’s less than 10% of all child care centers.

While accreditation is nice to have, don’t get too hung up on it. You can still find a great toddlers child care program with the features that are important to you.

3. Qualified and Engaged Teachers

While you’re away, your kid’s well-being is in the hands of the caregivers. You have all the right to ask about their certification and training so you know that you can put your trust in them.

Teachers should have degrees related to early childhood development. They should also know how to administer life-saving maneuvers such as CPR in case of emergencies.

You should also observe how they interact with the children and how the children respond to them.

4. Age-Appropriate Curriculum

What are they teaching the kids? Ask about the goals for the activities and the reasoning behind their schedule. Are they tailoring the curriculum to the age and developmental stage of each child?

Perhaps more importantly, is their teaching philosophy in tune with yours? Your goal for the care and education of your little one should align with what the daycare can provide.

5. A Safe and Healthy Environment

This is another feature that you shouldn’t budge on. A great daycare center is set up with safety in mind at all times. Ask about childproofing, food and toy safety practices, and their SOP for emergency response.

Finding the Right Daycare Center

Hopefully, this article about how to choose a daycare can help you find a safe and nurturing environment for your child. Take all this into consideration but also have your own criteria for what you think is best.

For more parenting tips, feel free to browse our site.