Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

Make Your Own She Shed

We all know what man caves are—peaceful spots where guys can gather, relax, enjoy action movies, play video games and grab a few beers away from kids and wives. We will not tackle the problematic nature of man caves, but just ask this one question: “Who allowed men to monopolize that”? Most women would love some alone-time or girl time with friends to relax, recuperate and spend time on their hobbies. So, women, forget about man caves and get on board with she sheds! Want to know more about this new thing just for girls? Here’s how you can design your own she shed and make your man super jealous.

Dedicate a spot to your shed

While man caves usually take over the basement or car garage, she sheds are all about the natural environment. If you have a large garden, you won’t have any trouble finding a nice secluded spot for your shed—just look for a spot that’s surrounded with trees, grassy plants and vines. The greenery will give you a gorgeous view and allow you to enjoy your space both when you’re inside and outside. You can also bring nature inside, with your decoration, but if you find a good spot surrounded by plants, you’ll achieve that coveted fairy tale vibe!

Make a list of priorities

Before you even start thinking about your shed and the décor, you need to make a list of priorities. If you’re planning to spend your time in the she shed reading, watching movies with your girlfriends of DIY, you’ll definitely need electricity. If you want to use it for morning yoga and evening meditation, you’ll need good noise insulation and plenty of natural light. Think about how you’re planning to use your space and make a good list of things your shed must contain. This way, you’ll get to choose the right size and shape for your shed.

Build your shed

You can renovate your unused garage or do some work on a utility shed. Remember that your space doesn’t have to be super huge, especially if you want to use it for relaxation and solo you-time. If you don’t have a space to claim, you can check the internet to find a perfect shed for you and your needs. Today you can find all sorts of sizes and styles of sheds, so find something that will give you enough space for your activities and provide you with comfort. Most new sheds are very easy to erect and customize, so you’ll not have any problems with this step.

Start decorating

Once you have the space ready, you can start the fun part, decorating! This step allows you to be as creative as you want and add touches of coziness, practicality and personality. Start with repainting the space and giving it that homey feel that will inspires you to work and motivates you to relax and unwind. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on new furniture and decoration, you can hit yard sales and thrift shops and find amazing items with plenty of character.

Boost comfort

She sheds are all about comfort, so consider this: get an L-shaped sofa and cover it with fluffy soft pillows and make space for a bean bag or two to accommodate your all friends. If your space is tiny, you can go very tropical and choose to install a hammock. Cozy blankets and warm rugs are a must, especially if you’re aiming for a very chic, Boho vibe. Put a small central table near, so you can always have your cocktails and remote at arm’s length. How does Netflix and nap sound to you?

Give it personality

Your she shed needs to reflect your personality, so give it some style. If you’re outdoorsy, build a little patio and some outdoor furniture for catching the sun. If you love gardening, fill the space with your fave plants and flora-inspired decoration. No matter what you choose, you’ll certainly find some accessories that will complement that space.

Don’t neglect safety

Finish off with a few safety features. Add a smoke detector, ensure your wiring is safe and your roof is in top shape. After all, your she shed should be a place of relaxation and comfort—you don’t want to find yourself worrying about the security of your things and your visitors.

Once you’re done with design and decoration, it’s time to enjoy your private piece of heaven. Who says men should have all the fun? You deserve to relax and unwind from time to time, no matter if you’re an aspiring businesswoman or a stay-at-home mom.

Everything You Need to Know When Choosing Your Dancewear

There are different types of dancing, and for each of them, there is a different set of clothes and equipment that you need to have. Of course, some of those might be the same garments, but they should differ in some way. In ballroom dancing, for example, wearing compression shorts is not acceptable, as you should have a dress that will go nicely with the types of dances you perform. On the other hand, if you are practicing jazz ballet, compression shorts might be a good idea. Be as it may, you can never buy dancewear easily. You have to think about many different factors, and if this is your first time buying clothes for dancing, take a look at the most important tips:

Do you need a leotard?

Also depending on the type of dance, you are practicing, you might need a leotard. This is a very popular piece of clothing for dancers, and not only for the dancing lessons, as it can be used and matched outside as well. However, before you opt for buying one, it would be best to check with your instructor what kind of leotard you need. Some dances will require you to have completely different dancing clothes.

Dancing shoes are important

The most important thing you need to pay attention to, however, are the dancing shoes. Just like in any other sport, the comfort of your feet is your number 1 concern. When trying them on, it is important to have exactly the same type of socks you would wear during your lessons or competitions. This is how you will make sure that they fit perfectly. Opt for high-quality dance shoes that will make your feet comfortable and not give you any problems. Do not play around with this and try to save money on your dancing shoes as you might end up with blisters and injuries which can affect your future as a dancer.

Dresses, pants or tights?

What is the piece of clothing that you wear for your dancing classes? As already mentioned, there are different ways in which you can approach your lesson and different dances and clothes that you can wear. If you opt for ballroom dancing, or you prefer to be a girly girl while dancing, you can opt for dresses that will give you the ability to move freely. Other options include dancing pants or even better tights. The latter is also a great way to have freedom of movement, and it will also give you the ability to see your movements in the mirror in front of you. A great way to evaluate your movements and fix what needs to be fixed.

T-shirts and shorts

Of course, you can also opt for tees and shorts if they are something that will make you more comfortable while working out. After all, your comfort is the first thing you need to worry about. If you do not want to use any other activewear and see the movements clearly, you can work out in your tees and shorts. Compression shorts would be best in this case as not only will they give you a better perspective of your range of movements, but they will also prevent injuries.

Leg warmers

Apart from the regular pieces of clothing that every dancer should have in his or her wardrobe, there are others, let’s say, accessories that can also prove themselves very useful. For example, leg warmers add just a dash of fun and color to the whole look. Yes, they might be helpful as they will keep your legs, feet and your joints warmed up and thus you will be able to easily make certain moves without warming up every once in a while. In the same way, there are also hand warmers that you can also use, but these are not that important for a dancer.

It is never easy to buy equipment and clothes for the sport that you are training or learning. First of all, all this equipment can be expensive, so many turns to cheaper options, which is a huge mistake. The price might not always be justified, but it definitely means something, and you should always look for high-quality pieces, not only because they will last longer but because they can be helpful to your safety.

Evergreen Accessories That Are Always Trendy

Fashionistas know that the key to looking elevated and elegant lies in accessories. A nice addition to your basic outfit can make it look truly unique and extraordinary. While statement pieces make a huge impression and attract the right kind of attention, not everything you own needs to be over-the-top. Some timeless pieces can make an even better impression than those flamboyant additions! But what are some of those evergreen accessories that never go out of style? Here’s what every woman needs to have in her accessory palette.

Cat-eye sunglasses

While the trends in the world of sunglasses are always changing, there are a few eternally trendy pieces perfect for every face shape and season. For instance, cat-eye sunglasses are super popular now, but they actually never left the scene. They have a very feminine look thanks to which they kept their relevance through decades. No matter if you like tiny specs or prefer large exaggerated frames, you’ll find your perfect pair of cat-eye sunglasses to follow you through life. Aviators are also timeless. They are cool, sporty and edgy and complement everything from highly casual to highly fancy outfits.

A quality belt

Even the most average pair of jeans can be made attractive and unique with the right belt. A belt will sinch your waist and boost the sophistication of every garment no matter if you’re wearing a dress, pants, long shirt or a coat. High waisted pants look great with a delicate skinny belt while a loose shirt or dress requires something wider. No matter what color or material you choose, a classic belt will crank up your style, so it’s a great accessory to invest in.

Stackable rings

If you love to wear rings, you can grab a few delicate ones for a highly personalized look. With dainty rings, you can choose a statement look by stacking them on one or few fingers or you can choose a more minimalist approach and wear only one or two. All in all, you’ll wear your delicate rings no matter what fashion mood you’re in.

A timeless watch

Everyone from motivated university students to mighty businesswomen and busy mothers know the power of an elegant watch. Sure, chunky and smartwatches can be cute and cool, but elegant silhouettes have that timeless appeal that will look good with every outfit. Classy watches for everyday situations will be your best companions through life thanks to their neutral color, durable materials, and elegant shapes. Plus, you can get a matching piece for your significant other so you can both look sleek and professional wherever you go.

Cute stud earrings

The reason why stud earrings are so popular and universally beloved is the fact they look amazing with any face shape, style, and occasion. They never get outdated, especially if you pair them with a tailored blazer and slacks or something as timeless as a little black dress. If you ever find yourself in doubt about what earrings to choose, a pair of studs will never fail you.

A chic scarf

Another way to spice up your plain outfit is to throw on a classy and quality scarf. You can sport it with everything from tees and jeans to midi skirts and sweaters. Scarves are especially great for adding a touch of color to a neutral winter coat, so make sure to always have one in your closet.

A statement bag

A classic handbag is a must accessory for every woman, but those more attractive and bold pieces are also necessary. Choose a shape and size that’s practical yet unique, so you can add a twist to every outfit and make it look innovative. Concentrate on unique shapes more than color, so you can match it with everything in your wardrobe. If you spend a pretty penny on your bag, you’ll want to wear it all the time.

Nude sandals

Nude sandals are a must as soon as the weather gets warmer. Strappy models are simple, but a little more attractive than a flip-flop or other beachwear. You can choose from barely-visible straps to bolder lace-ups and pair them everywhere from afternoon strolls and nights out to chill summer weddings!

If you invest in these classic and timeless accessories, you’ll always have everything you need to spice up your outfit right at hand. Investing in evergreen pieces is cost-effective, fashion-forward and sustainable, so it’s a triple-win situation.

Find the Best Healthy Food That Fits Your Metabolism

We have all been in a situation where we hear how someone has a certain kind of metabolism that is different from ours. And it is true. There are different types of metabolisms connected to our cravings and body type. If you want to boost your metabolism and lose some weight, you need to know how to eat for your type, and what foods serve as boosters. So, here is a little guide on the basic things you need to know.

Eating for your metabolism type

Foods you should be eating for your metabolism type according to the cravings you have.

Sugar cravings

Some people naturally crave sweets more than any other type of food. This may mean that your body actually needs carbohydrates, but you are giving it sugar through the cake, ice cream, and chocolate instead. Some of the common signs that point to this type of metabolism are fluctuating weight, coffee dependency, and weak appetite in general. Since this type of metabolism craves carbohydrates, that is what you should fuel your body with. However, you should eat fruits, whole grains like barley, brown rice, and whole-grain bread, as well as lots of protein and fiber-based vegetables.

Salty food cravings

Another common craving is salty foods. These people often reach for snacks like potato chips and fatty foods. You will recognize this metabolism type by experiencing frequent anxiety, high blood pressure, and increased appetite. If you do have some of these symptoms, a safe choice for you is a diet rich in protein from dark meat like beef, dark turkey, or even salmon, and fish. Full fats from dairy products and eggs are also good for you since it is not the same type of fat you find in salty snacks. Of course, whole grain bread, and brown rice, instead of carbs is one more thing to add to your diet.

Metabolism boosters from around the world

Regardless of your metabolism type, you should stick to a healthy diet and certain foods that will boost your metabolism anyway. Different countries have their own recipes and foods that can boost your metabolism, so if you want to step out of the traditional frames, and eat something delicious and new, you should try some of these.

In China, a cold watermelon soup with ginger helps detoxify the body, has multiple benefits for the kidneys, and it boosts metabolism. Another secret of theirs is sweet corn, which lowers cholesterol, and helps with proper bowel movement, which leads to a healthy gut, and a faster metabolism.

From New Zealand, we have the sweetest, most delicious thing that has a variety of health benefits as well. Their best suggestion is to buy Manuka honey specifically from Comvita, which improves your metabolism by helping your digestive tract. It also helps with oral health, sore throats, and has wound healing properties.

Again, from the Asian culture, specifically from Japan, we have the well-known Macha green tea. This powdered tea is beneficial aside from being delicious in boosting your metabolism before and after exercise, for example, which makes it a great companion for all of you who are into fitness.

Healthy foods for any metabolism type

Now we are going to mention some of the everyday foods you may not have known were good for your metabolism.

First of all, foods rich in protein are a must, because your body uses more energy to digest them. Chili peppers, although a bit odd, help you burn more calories and with that boost your metabolism. Garlic is another common food that will help you lose more fat during the day. Citrus fruits are also good because they have low levels of sugar, and high levels of Vitamin C, which helps metabolize fat faster. Other foods you can try are lentils, coconut oil, nuts, berries, beans, oats, coffee, and green leafy vegetables. Some spices like ginger powder and cinnamon can be mixed with water, which is another simple yet very effective booster, especially if you drink it with cold water, right after you wake up.

Having a healthy, balanced metabolism is important not only for weight loss and control but also for increasing your energy and boosting your mood. You can change your diet to fit the metabolic type you have, but regardless of it, do try these foods for amazing results.

Keep it Graceful: 3 Ways to Improve Your Elderly Parents’ Lifestyle

Dignity holds a special place in human nature – people would rather part with anything but dignity. If you have elderly parents, you know that engaging with them and trying to improve their lifestyle is like walking a tightrope with their self-esteem in your hands.

There’s only so much you can do, and you have to meet them half-way. If you have a hard time finding ways to improve your elderly parents’ lifestyle, here are three major tips on how to keep it graceful.

Clean out the household together

Image source:https://unsplash.com/photos/oa7pqZmmhuA

A majority of retired individuals prefer to age in a familiar environment – namely, their home. One of the hallmarks of a functional home, especially if elderly people live there, is orderliness.

While the luxury of chaos could have been allowed up until a point, this is a time when it would be wise to help your parents clear out their stuff. This might be one of the foundational factors in improving their lifestyle, but it will probably take a lot of time.

The key aspect of the endeavor is to involve your parents as much as you can and negotiate with them about what to keep and what to donate or recycle. We know how the baby boomer generation was enamored with collectibles, but they represent nothing but hazardous clutter.

By cleaning out all of this stuff, you will create a pleasing home full of breathing room. Since you’ve involved your parents in the cleaning, they’ll pretty much remember where everything is now and, let’s be honest, the entire household, including the yard, simply looks better.

Just remember – to keep it graceful, discuss every group of items with your parents so they’ll know that their decision counts. This is important even if you’ve pretty much decided about certain things.

Encourage their walks with friends

Image source:https://unsplash.com/photos/J1EM-LnV-Eg

Physical activity and socialization are the cornerstones of health and longevity. They are also major contributors to the cognitive performance of elderly people. This is why you should encourage your parents to venture out into the neighborhood and visit their friends.

You can suggest that they go on walks with their friends and enjoy a breezy afternoon in a local park that offers ample seating opportunities. By doing this, you will kill two birds with one stone: your parents will spend more time with their peers as well as get some quality exercise.

The walks are particularly important. If they have not ventured out of the house or the backyard for the day, and they generally dislike physical exercise, it might be a good strategy to invite them for a walk with you, and use this opportunity for a heart-to-heart.

The more they are engaged in a conversation, the more likely they are to forget that they are walking before the tiredness settles in. Naturally, you have to familiarize yourself with their limits first and avoid pushing them beyond that.

Even if the constant, everyday nagging that they should walk more and socialize might become tiring for you, just remember that you are investing in the future. It is a long-term strategy to keep your parents as healthy and happy as possible for as long as possible.

Keep the family together

Image source:https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-affection-baby-child-302083/

At the end of the day, carefully cultivated family relationships are our most valuable testament. The most cherished contribution to your parents’ dignified lifestyle is an effort to surround them with as many family members as possible.

However, you’ll notice that this turns out to be a balancing act as well since your parents might require some relaxing alone time now and then. Make sure to discuss the family visits with them before coordinating anything. They’ll likely hope to spend more time with their grandchildren than anyone else.

In addition to family gatherings, by organizing a reliable in-home caregiver, you’re practically guaranteeing that your parents never feel abandoned, or consider themselves a burden on the family.

Conclusion

Thankfully, we live in an age when eldercare is developing rapidly, and new methods of aiding our parents with dignity are cropping up all around. Still, one motif never changes no matter the time and place – and that is the aspiration of the retirees to age with dignity, grace, and surrounded by the love of their family.

This is why, no matter what technology, medicine, and eldercare devise, it will always come down to what you can bring to the table as a responsible adult.

5 Tips For Volunteering at Your Child’s School

Every parent wants their child to succeed. Any parent who says otherwise is either crazy, lying, or didn’t hear the question.

It hurts whenever we see our kids struggle with homework or school in general, but you know that’s a large part of life. You try to help out as much as you can and be as involved as possible.

One of those ways of being more involved is to help out or volunteer at your child’s school. If you’re a stay-at-home-mom, it can be a way to occupy your time as well as meet other moms or parents at the school.

Below are five different ways that you can help volunteer at your children’s school. It’s not only beneficial for the school but can be beneficial for your long term physical and mental health. Of course, these are just five quick ideas and there are plenty more out there!

See What Fits Your Schedule

When it comes to volunteering, there are going to be a myriad of opportunities around. You’re going to want something that fits your schedule and something you can commit to on a regular basis.

It does no one any good if you’re being wishy-washy with your time commitments and you don’t show up to anything. See what you are physically able to do and make a plan to stick to it.

See If You Can Use Past Skills

Many schools are looking for volunteers to help students with reading, their homework, or helping with math drills. If it’s elementary school, you’re going to be more likely to help out as opposed to helping high school students with their organic chemistry products.

Some preschools and elementary schools need volunteers to help their students with various crafts or even cooking skills. You don’t have to be a Master Chef finalist, but every little bit will help and you’re bound to have a great time as well.

Of course, you may be asked to do something completely out of your comfort zone and that’s OK! If they need you to help pick out promotional items for the Homecoming dinner, then that’s great too.

Be Involved With the Big Picture

School events, such as open houses, book fairs, Grandparent’s Day, etc. always need plenty of volunteers to help out. See what you can do on those days to help out.

It’s also a great way to see what exactly is going on at your kid’s school. You might have a silent type or feel like you may not be as “in the know” as you would like, but this is a surefire way to see what’s going on in your kids’ lives. It can also be a great way to spend some quality time with your children or see how they interact with others.

Attend Parent-Teacher Events

The best way to network with teachers and be involved in your kid’s life is to make sure you’re attending and volunteering at these parent-teacher events. It could be something as simple as helping set up food before hand or cleaning up after.

It will give you a good chance to not only speak with the teacher, but to maybe get a more personal approach with your child’s teacher or those that work at the school. You can develop a positive relationship with them which can only help in future parent-teacher conferences and other events.

Volunteer With Others

It always helps to be more involved in the community and school if you know more people in that certain community. One you start going to more and more events, you’re going to start meeting more parents. Some of them may have children that are classmates with your child, while some may not.

These can also be fantastic networking opportunities or the chance to make new friends for yourself.

It can also be a chance to volunteer as a family. Make sure you talk with your child about your level of involvement and see how they would react with you being at their school on a regular basis. Younger ones might be happy to have you in the halls while your older children may greet you with a cursory wave from far away.

Health and Beauty – Make-Up To Avoid

Health and beauty practice is often linked with make-up, and there are literally thousands of products out there that range in both price and quality. Quality and value are two of the most important factors when it comes to choosing make-up, but there’s also another important factor that many people overlook when it comes to their make-up and toiletry products, and that is the chemicals used.

Due to the often international nature of make-up products, a competitive marketplace and sometimes a lack of clear regulations, some common makeup products in your home could be far more dangerous to your long-term health than you realize. We have created a shortlist of some of the dangerous chemicals you will commonly find in a supermarket near you. Check out your make-up cabinet for any of these names and choose products that use safer alternatives.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

This common chemical is often found in shaving creams, shampoos and conditioners as it is a synthetic foaming agent. Recent studies have linked this chemical with skin irritation, eye irritation, and most alarmingly cancer. On top of this, this chemical has been found to contain other contaminants also linked to cancer, such as 1,4 Dioxane.

Phthalates

This is often found in perfume products and nail polish products, and unfortunately, due to legal reasons related to company formulas, you may not even see this toxic chemical on the label (often it will be hidden simply under the term fragrance). It’s linked to birth defects, thyroid problems and problems involving sperm count and genital development in men.

While this product is banned in Europe, it’s still commonly available, and it is worth researching your make-up, health and beauty products to make sure it doesn’t contain this chemical.

Parabens

Parabens are commonly found in deodorants and products with high water content. They often have the prefix methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, and they have been found to create problems with hormone function in the body. This can lead to cancer, tumors and a suspected range of other problems. Look for products branded paraben-free when you next shop for health and beauty products.

Diazolidinyl and Imidazolidinyl Urea

These chemicals, along with a host of others, are linked to the formaldehyde family, which are known to be carcinogenic and can cause a range of irritations and allergic reactions. They can be found in everything from shampoo to sunscreen, and the use of these chemicals is banned in Europe. Mascara, make-up remover and nail polish also have been known to feature these chemicals. Source: https://wordmaze.net/

Amine Family – Triethanolamine (TEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Amonoethanolamine (MEA)

These are foaming agents are found in a range of different make-up and beauty products. From hairspray to facial powders and much more, this chemical is currently under review in the USA, UK, and Europe. This chemical has been linked to cancer and when mixed with other common chemicals have been known to produce carcinogenic results.

This is just a small list of the common chemicals you will find in everyday products. For more comprehensive information, you can search one of the leading cosmetics databases at cosmeticsdatabase.com.

Things You Can Do That Will Improve the Quality of Your Life

As we all already may have figured out, the decisions we make can have a huge impact on our lives in general – which is particularly true when we have any kind of disability. Of course, this goes for all the individuals in the people in the world, and every day and our every move can have an impact on the quality of our lives, so be sure to keep on reading if you want to learn about things you can do to improve it.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Invest your time in a hobby you love

Our hobbies play a very important role in our lives, making them more meaningful and fulfilled, which is exactly why you need to invest your time in a hobby you love. So, if you’ve always loved to read but you haven’t had time for it lately, it’s about time you changed that and started reading your favorite book once again. The same goes for any other hobby such as painting and pottery, which you can take up or resume any time in your life. On the other hand, hobbies such as gardening are more time consuming and require more dedication, so make sure you understand every aspect of that and to be well informed before you decide to take it up.

Start saving your money

Photo by Elliot Banks on Unsplash

If there’s something that’s a little bit out-of-range financially, but you’ve always wanted to have it, now is the perfect time to start saving for it. No matter if that’s a brand new bass guitar or a big-screen TV, trust us when we say that nothing is too expensive when you want it so bad for a long time. All you need to do is to devote a small section of your bank account specifically to that one thing and start setting aside a small portion of your paycheck for that thing. You can do it either on a weekly or a monthly level, but remember one thing: if you set aside only $50 a month, you’ll have $600 by the end of the year. That’s quite amazing, isn’t it?

Surround yourself with friendly faces

Our overall attitude inevitably has a big impact on the quality of our lives, and the influence of people around us is just as important. This is why surrounding ourselves with friendly faces is crucial, and it’s particularly true if we’re living with a disability. So, if there’s anything that prevents us from feeling our best at the moment, we should start thinking about the ways to overcome that obstacle. Finding a disability support worker who can help us out whenever we need it is one of the options. These people could have experience in domestic assistance, nursing services, social support, personal care, and many other fields. In addition, meeting with friends more often is highly important and relationships we build throughout our lives make us up as individuals and are essential for our wellbeing.

Make a list of everything you’re thankful for

Sometimes, we all need a little reminder of how lucky we actually are, which is why making a list of everything you’re thankful for should be your next task. This is absolutely essential, no matter if you’re a man or a woman, disabled or not – practicing gratitude is a fantastic way to boost your spirits and help you instantly feel much better and more energized. So, take a pen and a piece of paper and start writing down everything you’re thankful for. It’s the small things that count most, and the sooner you realize that, the better.

Spend more time in nature

Last but certainly not least, spending time outdoors, breathing the fresh air and enjoying the wonders of nature is another amazing activity that can improve the quality of your life. Cycling in the woods nearby is a great idea, as well as taking a long walk around your neighborhood. Having a picnic is also a good choice, so pack a cozy blanket, some healthy homemade snacks, a bottle of water, and your favorite book, go outside, and appreciate nature. Just relax, soak it all in, and you’ll see a fantastic improvement shortly.

There indeed are a lot of wonderful things that can improve the quality of your life, and these five are definitely the best ones out there. So, if you want to change something for the better and live your best life, all you have to do is to stick to our tips and guidelines. Once that’s done, you’ll undoubtedly make your dreams come true.

Measuring The Out Chairs Is Essential To Get It Properly Covered

You will have to consider a whole lot of things when you want to buy covers for your outdoor chairs. This will make your investment high yielding as well as ensure that your outdoor chairs are well protected against the environmental and natural elements, especially during the winter months.

As it is, it may be an overwhelming task to consider the types, the material, the color, and most importantly the size of the covers to ensure it fits onto your chairs well. Measuring the garden chairs can be the most difficult part of all because chairs cone come in different shapes and styles.

Some may have straight back while others may be inclined and
Some may have larger seats while some be designed for a single person to sit.

All these factors will really make it difficult for you to determine which particular type of chair covers you should buy and especially how exactly you can measure the chairs.

Tips to measure

All outdoor chair covers are designed to fit in a large variety of chair shapes, sizes, and styles. In order to ensure that you get the correct size of the covers and a good snug fit, you should measure your chairs by following these tips and instructions:

Start with measuring the height of the chair. This is actually the straight line from the top of the back of the chair to the ground, whether the back is straight or inclined.
Next, you should measure the width of the chair. You can do this by measuring the back of the chair from one end to the other. Make sure that it is a straight line.
Follow it up by measuring the depth of the chair. This is measured from the front of the seat of the chair to the backrest of it.

This will give you the exact measurement of the chairs in your garden that you want to cover properly to protect it from the natural elements and the harsh sun rays that contains harmful UV rays.

Tips to buy

Ideally, the chair covers will come with a set of unique strap and buckle system. This system will ensure that the cover is secure on the chair and will not be blown away in a stormy or windy condition.

Though you will get a lot of cheap covers on the market that may seem very enticing to buy these are not usually worth spending your money.

All cheap covers are highly unlikely to last long, not even to the first winter because these are made from low-quality materials.
These cheap materials may not be waterproof as well which is the prime requirement for outdoor chair covers.

All these will eventually cost you more than you save. Therefore, always choose the expensive ones, preferably the branded ones to make your investment worth.

Look for the range of outdoor chair covers and select the right one for your type of chair. Give some time to it and research well to protect your garden furniture and make it look best for a long time to come.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun Every Day – Follow These 5 Steps

Even though the majority of people enjoy spending time in the sun, the truth is that a large number of them don’t take proper care of their skin in order to protect it from the sun on a daily basis. If you’re one of those people, too, look no further because we’re here to help you out! Here are five essential steps you should take, so check them out!

Keep your skin as hydrated as possible

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but let us say it once again – keeping your skin as hydrated as possible is an absolute must, so don’t wait any longer and find the best moisturizer for your skin type. If your skin is normally very dry, you should opt for thicker creams that will lock the moisture in and keep it nourished all day long. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, you should certainly go for lightweight serums and gels that will instantly absorb into the skin, without making it greasy and sticky. Serums with hyaluronic acid are a good way to go as this ingredient prevents moisture loss and boosts your skin’s natural moisture content.

When in doubt, re-apply sunscreen

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of sunscreen during hot summer months, but you know what? Applying sunscreen simply isn’t enough, and that’s because it gradually wears off – especially when you’re spending a lot of time in the water, at the beach, or by the pool. Well, this is exactly why you need to reapply your sunscreen a few times a day – every two hours if you aren’t swimming, or immediately after you go out of the pool or the sea. As for the amount of sunscreen you’ll need, a teaspoon will be more than enough for the face, whereas a shot glass is fine for the body. Just stick to this rule and you’ll do a great job!

Treat skin issues caused by sun exposure

In case you weren’t aware of it, the sun can harm your skin in more ways than you can imagine, and sunburn is the first and the most obvious of them. Did you know that the sun can also speed up the process of aging by damaging the elastic fibers that keep the skin firm and allowing wrinkles to develop? Besides that, spending too much time in the sun can result in brown spots which are also known as melasma. These can be treated in numerous ways, and you should know that you can remove brown spots easily if you start using products that contain fruit acid, lactic acid, and kojic acid. These will do wonders for your brown spots caused by the extensive sun exposure!

Eat your SPF

Yes, we know that it sounds a bit silly, but trust us when we say that there are particular foods that can prevent sunburn. First of all, we must mention foods rich in vitamins C and E, so make sure to incorporate these into your everyday diet. For example, one serving of strawberries has more vitamin C than a medium orange, whereas avocados are rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from free radical damage. On the other hand, sweet potatoes feature a specific kind of vitamin A called beta-carotene which will shield your skin against the sun. Just eat them this summer and you’ll see what we were talking about!

Soothe over-exposed skin properly

You haven’t really listened to our tips and you managed to get your skin burnt by the sun? Unfortunately, the damage is done and there’s nothing you can do to fix it, but the good news is that you don’t have to suffer in pain. There are so many amazing, super soothing balms and creams that can reduce redness and inflammation while speeding up the process of recovery at the same time. All you need to do is to apply those cooling balms generously onto your sunburnt skin as soon as you notice the first signs of a pink glow. This is the best way to soothe your over-exposed skin without any pain!

Protecting your skin from the sun has never been easier – as long as you’re sticking to our tips, of course. So, if that’s your ultimate goal this summer, all you have to do is to follow our guidelines and you’ll make it happen, without a shadow of a doubt!