Category: Lifestyle

Time Management Skills: Why They Are So Important for Every Mom

People learn to understand and apply time management principles and rules from their early age. A child needs to have enough time to do homework and then rest. A teenage student should understand when it is suitable to complete all assignments on their own and when they should buy essay online to control their grades better. Adults have many things to do during the day and long-term plans they want to achieve within a month or year.

Still, a lot of things change when a baby appears in your life. It is always great to have a child, of course. But the fact that they require a lot of your time and energy is undeniable. Let’s try to discuss this point in detail.

Why Is Time Management Important for Moms?

Both new and experienced mothers try to do everything at a time, so they constantly switch from one priority to another randomly. A job or business, a partner, a child (or children), fitness and weight control, cosmetic procedures, and everything they “have” to complete require time. Finally, moms start feeling that they’re losing control because they normally get tired.

Back in my studentship days, I could just ask a reliable pro to do my assignment online, and my time management failure became fixed right after that. Moms might want to try going the same way. In their case, it is not about “outsourcing” assignments, of course, but the principle remains the same.  

Time Management Tips for Moms

Your goal is to simplify your entire life. Well, nothing will become easy, and most probably, you won’t have time to sit still. However, time will not be your weakness anymore. Time is a resource, and you can balance it appropriately. It is the way to do more things within 24 hours while enjoying the processes at the same time. You want to enjoy your work, moments spent with your partner or kids, and even moments when you’re alone and free. To make all that possible, try keeping up with the following recommendations:

1. Stop Your Routine Run

Is a child asleep? Perfect. That’s the ideal moment to think over your current priorities. What is important in your life? What requires your time because you want to do it and not just because it “should be done”?

Moms don’t always understand the importance of time spent with their children fully. Like, playing with your baby for at least 60 minutes daily without switching to any other “task” is better than running around and trying to check their job emails, cook meals for all the family members, clean the house, and prevent a kid from playing with the iron at a time.  

So, what is important? And what can wait?

2. Write Down Regular Tasks

These are cleaning, cooking, washing, shopping, etc. Then, think how much time all of those tasks would take if you distribute them throughout weekdays. Then, take into account the daily regime of your child and all other critical tasks (job, for instance). Finally, just “fit” all the routine things in between your priorities.  

It may seem that a scheduled life is dull absurd. Still, you need to set that pillar if you really want to keep your time under control. You’ll be able to add flexibility after the system becomes fully functional.

3. Know Things You Should Not Do

How would you not like to spend your time? I bet that “empty” web surfing is one of those things you would like to fix, for example. Your day can have more than one “time stealer”, and all of them should be under your control as well.

Ask yourself what these activities give you, and then try to understand what you really would like to get. There always is a value.

A rest, for instance. Try to replace a “time-stealing” activity with something that brings you relaxation and recharges your inner batteries without leaving that guilt feeling inside your mind. You’ll be much better pretty soon. Just try it.

4. Have Plans for the Near Future

What would you like to achieve in a year?

Let two big goals arise. These goals should be big enough but possible. For example, to master photography art, to leave for a trip to India, or to set a functional business startup.

So, what would your goals need you to do? Set up a to-do list with every milestone and minor task, define time to be busy with your dream, and start implementing them one by one. A listed dream isn’t abstract anymore. It’s a plan.

5. “Mom! Mommy! Mama!”

What to do if a child wants your attention and doesn’t plan to give it up?

Try to postpone all your current tasks and share that time with your kid entirely. Don’t think or do anything else. Just give yourself to your child entirely and enjoy those moments.

Your kid will have enough with a contact after some time. Then, it will be ready to let you go and do whatever you need and want. And both of you will be calm. Moms guarantee!

6. Use Special Equipment

Special forces use gadgets to handle their tasks. Being a mom is similar to being a SOF unit operator, so you should use equipment, too. For instance, a simple baby sling will let you have more control over a child and give them more contact with their mom at a time. Isn’t it cool?

To Conclude

Time management is critical for every mom. It allows you to do more within tight timeframes without getting tired and mad. Although many moms think it is difficult to organize their days, time management is not difficult to apply. It will only require some attention first and some discipline after the system is set to function. But the result is definitely worth a try!

7 Mind Games To Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is an essential skill for all productive individuals. It refers to one’s ability to think creatively outside the box and dissect issues before passing judgment or settling on a decision that is crucial for progress. It matters very little if one is a scientist or a creative worker. Having an open mindset is the key as it allows you to think through issues and establish your conclusions logically and reasonably. But how does one develop such a perspective or improve their critical thinking skills without straining? Several games exist to help you build on these vital skills. Establish the type of game that works perfectly for you and be a better critical thinker by applying the lessons from such games.

1.  Sudoku

This is a critical thinking game that challenges players to think critically. Being a logical game of numbers, players need to identify different patterns to complete them. While the game is not necessarily easy or straightforward, it involves a lot of thinking. Regular players get to exercise their minds and develop important pattern recognition and analysis skills.

 Sudoku is a game that urges players to think mathematically, which is one of the most crucial things to do. It is not surprising that it features among the best games when critical thinking games come up.

2.  Crossword Puzzles

Depending on the type of crossword puzzle you go for, these are games that help players develop a unique way of thinking. It encourages critical thinking because it encourages people to use the clue to make deductions. It is not surprising that it features among the top nt times answers when questions regarding the best mind games come up. Most crossword puzzles will use words to hint about something hidden. It is up to the players to join the dots and accurately deduce the meaning of the puzzle. People who play such games continuously tend to have a better vocabulary and grammar. It is an excellent game for developing kids, especially if the aim is to make them great orators. Adults who enjoy playing crossword puzzles are also gifted and imaginative since they always pause to think through a situation instead of reacting to it.

3.  Chess

Anyone who is into board games knows how powerful chess is. Only intelligent people can play chess successfully because it is a game of tactics and strategy. This means that players develop critical thinking skills in the process of facing their opponents. To win a chess game, one needs to think outside the box and outsmart one’s competitors. It is one of the most practical games that encourage players to focus on a single strategy of solving issues.

 

Anyone who wants to succeed in this game must be a creative thinker since it is constantly changing. Chess players are different people who can adjust and adapt to changing environmental situations. If you intend to become a great thinker who is not intimidated by changing environments, you need to start playing chess. It teaches you to be smart, resilient, and a creative thinker, all in one.

4.  Board Games

Board games are as old as they come. These are games that will stimulate your brain to think clearly and critically. They come in a variety, depending on the age and stage of the player’s growth. Most people love board games because of their versatility and that they are accommodating to people of all ages. You can quickly learn to play a specific board game and enjoy it with friends and family.

 

What’s more, these games are an excellent way to improve your communication skills and develop logical problem-solving skills. Incorporate board games at every gathering of family and friends to promote productive thinking.

5.  Jigsaw Puzzles

Puzzles are generally excellent for people who want to develop their mind-thinking capacity. One of the most effective puzzle games is the jigsaw. This one pushes players to create a pattern, shape, or image using pieces of clues. Sometimes, there is no map to guide the puzzle, making it even more challenging and exciting.

 

Besides thinking, these puzzles also force players to develop concentration and focus abilities because a slight distraction could mean starting again. As much as the games can be frustrating, they are thrilling and rewarding when one finally gets the puzzle right.

6.  List Games

These are more like challenges than they are games. The idea is to build it from a foundational concept. Players need to remember everything on the list to win. This game encourages people to be creative as the rules are unique and diverse. Depending on the theme you choose to go with, lists can be as exciting as they come. It is a perfect game for all events and age groups and can help determine people’s creativity.

7.  Computer Games

Computer games may be the obvious choice of games today. Advancements in technology make it easier for people to access computer games than they did some years back. Software developers are also working overtime considering the news games that keep emerging. Fortunately, these games also accommodate people of different ages and stages. Some of the games are competitions that foster critical thinking because the rewards at the end are lucrative and worth it.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the choice of games one goes for; the important thing is to ensure that they are fun and exciting. Most games that encourage critical thinking are fun to play. Choose what works for you and your circle of friends or family.

 

5 Healthy Habits For Busy Parents

If you’re new to parenting or are a master at managing time, you know that having healthy habits is the key to staying sane, staying strong, and oh yeah—staying healthy.

Plus, you’re not just thinking about yourself. You’re looking at all the ways that your actions positively affect your partner and children.

Most parents realize that they are setting the standard by what they think, say, and do. And, it’s not that we have to be a perfect specimen without flaws. Heck no. We are human beings. We will mess up and muck around sometimes. 

But in the big picture, we all want to live well and live quality lives to a ripe old age. We want to be there to see our babies grow up, go to college, get married, and have kids of their own. 

So, what can you do today to create the healthiest habits for yourself and your family? 

Here are 5 tips to steer in a smart and healthy direction.

Drink More Water

As human beings, we are made up of a large part of water. The only thing is, we tend to forget this until we’re thirsty. One of the most important things you can do is drink water. Drink it early in the day. Drink it often. Drink it instead of sugary stuff. Drink it and get your family in the habit of choosing water. 

It’s a single thing you can do. You might want to have a sip right now. 

Use Stainless Steel Cookware

We’ve all heard about the nasty stuff in aluminum pans. It’s not what you want to share with your precious loved ones. Choosing stainless steel saucepans is a smart way to feel good about what you’re cooking. You will keep your family healthy and safe.

Plus, you’ll make the most delicious sauces for healthy meals. Pasta with tomato sauce, anyone?

Eat Your Greens

If there’s one thing that you can do to help yourself and your family, it’s eating more produce. Eat greens that you’re getting locally—at a farmer’s market, or self-pick farm. Choose seasonal produce to keep things interesting and in tune with the changes in the seasons.

We often tend to model the habits of people around us. No doubt you notice this with your children. If you are picking away greens, guess what your kids will do? If you are pushing produce off the plate in favor of starchy foods, your kids will follow suit.

By eating more greens, you will naturally eat less meat. You’re building a healthy habit and nurturing yourself and those around you. 

In addition to eating healthy, it’s advisable to take some dietary supplements as well, to ensure that you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. There are a lot of different brands available in the stores, but not all of them are equally good. Make sure to check the label with ingredients before making the purchase. Supplements with natural ingredients, such as Nature’s Happiness, are a great choice.

Get Active

Staying healthy goes well beyond the kitchen. One of the most powerful habits you can build is getting active and staying active. 

You can do this alone, with your partner or spouse, and with your children. Many families find that by exercising together, they have quality time to connect, play, and stay healthy.

If you’re short on ideas, talk to other parents. Take a look around your neighborhood. Make a point of talking to people who are exercising and staying active. Find out what they did to get started. How did they get and stay motivated? Explore different activities in your community. Is there a park, walkway, or hiking trail to go on? 

Additionally, look for opportunities to make exercise a group activity. Perhaps there is a community center or local group that already has activities planned. You may meet other parents and children, expand your network, and boost your activity levels. 

Link To Other Habits

The interesting thing about healthy habits is that they support each other. If you do one, you’re more inclined to do another. In other words, if you’re drinking more water, you may be choosing fewer sweet sugary drinks. If you’re eating more greens, you’re likely eating fewer nasty fats. If you’re getting and staying active, you’re not modeling being a couch potato for your kids.

In addition to healthy habits supporting more healthy habits, there’s another secret to staying healthy. Start small. Start to link on new habits to ones you’re already doing. For instance, drink a sip of water while you brush your teeth. Drink a bottle of water while you exercise. By linking up new efforts with existing ones, you’re boosting your overall health—and healthy habits.

Five Struggles That Most Women Can Relate To

Today’s woman is faced with just as many struggles as she had fifty years ago, but many things have changed as to what exactly those struggles are. Everywhere you look there is gender bias, fights over reproductive rights, differences in equality in the workplace, and the list goes on. 

It seems there is so much that women fight through on a daily basis that it’s a wonder how they can still show up every day and be the amazing career women, moms, and just overall people that they can be. Let’s look at some of the struggles today’s women may deal with, so they all know they’re not alone.

Questioning If She Still Has “It”

With the ridiculous beauty standards set by society, many women are faced with self-esteem issues on a regular basis. Especially as women get older and go through body changes, having children, menopause, or other issues, they may constantly question if they are still attractive and appealing to their partners, or even just want to feel better for themselves. 

The best ways to combat this? First, ignore what society sets as beauty standards, as they are completely unrealistic. Make sure you are taking care of yourself and your body. And tune in — your body will tell you what it needs and when it is feeling good. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends, partner, or family for a reality check.

Managing a Good Work/Life Balance

A great career is high on everyone’s list. But so is having a great family life, and spending as much time as possible with your kids, partner, friends, and family. Many women struggle with finding a great balance in between. 

What’s important to meet this goal is to learn when to say no. You may want to be all things to all people, but first, you need to work on being all things for yourself. Also, if at all possible, don’t take work home. Or if you work from home, don’t let it leave the office that you work in.

Wanting to Be the Best Mom Ever

When mamahood takes over, sometimes it’s all we can think about. It’s easy to get lost in the spiral of questioning if what you’re doing is best for your child, how to set a good example, how to raise them right, and many other checkmarks you want to make sure you have. One of the best things you can do to teach your children right, though? Take care of yourself. 

Children, especially young children, learn best by copying. If they see you stressed out, they’re likely to be in more grumpy moods themselves. The next best thing you can do to be a great mom is to spend time with your children. Play with them, interact with them, get on their level and they will know how much you care.

Refusing to Let Emotions Be Emotions

Everyone feels a little down sometimes, or not quite themselves. More and more people in the nation are suffering from undiagnosed depression. Emotions are a natural part of life, and even these types of emotions should be addressed and acknowledged. It’s when these down emotions hang on for a long time that it’s important to talk to someone. 

Going to a counselor, talking it out with a friend, or even seeing a therapist is nothing to be ashamed of and is a part of taking care of yourself. You may even want to explore alternative therapies, as well. For those who may be wondering what is TMS for depression, this novel solution has been shown to be very promising in treating it. People who have tried this type of therapy have reported up to a 58% success rate in relieving depressive symptoms.

Being Taken Seriously

It’s happened to all of us and we all hate it: the dreaded mansplaining. Whether at work or in your daily life, it’s likely that you’ve encountered someone who wasn’t willing to listen to you or take you seriously. Sometimes it may even be the people closest to you who seem to be the worst culprits. 

If this happens, don’t be afraid to express your dislike calmly and clearly. The person speaking to you this way may not even realize they’re doing it. And if they continue, you can always walk away. You know your agenda; you don’t have to prove it to anyone else.

It’s no secret that being a woman comes with its own struggles, but please remember to show a little bit of compassion to yourself. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together, and knowing you’re not alone? It can make all the difference in both your mental well-being and your happiness.

5 Reasons to Book a Family Vacation to Key West

Planning a family vacation is tough when everyone has different interests. But that’s what makes Key West such a great choice for your next family get-away. From up-close opportunities to interact with nature and restful beach days to a wide range of exciting cuisines–whether you enjoy familiar favorites or prefer adventurous meals–the city of Key West, FL has the activities and amenities for every family’s need.

 

1.  Even Novice Snorkelers Can Enjoy Dry Tortugas National Park

While some visitors to Dry Tortugas National Park go because they enjoy visiting historical sites like Fort Jefferson or kayaking around the small keys where shorebirds make their home, the park’s biggest draw is the snorkeling. And while there are plenty of places to enjoy this sport around Key West, perhaps none is more popular with novice snorkelers than this national park. The waters are crystal clear and shallow enough for comfort. Visitors swim among exciting underwater sites like coral reefs and aged shipwrecks. There’s even a nocturnal snorkeling program that allows swimmers to see first-hand how active ocean life can be at night. For anyone in the family who’d prefer to stay dry, Dry Tortugas National Park offers a small beach area and a great opportunity to get panoramic views of the water and the park from the fort’s surrounding wall.

 

2.  Explore New Foods From Around the World and Familiar Favorites with Ease

Visiting Key West opens up the world of exciting foods without needing your passport. Try Santiago’s Bodega for an authentic tapas-style menu for lunch and dinner. Guests rave about the shrimp and chorizo dishes, as well as the croquettas and the spicy lentil soup. The mini quesadillas are always a crowd-pleaser, too. Santiago’s warm and welcoming dining room features reclaimed wood and recycled stained glass windows, too, giving it an old-world feel that’s still fresh and exciting. All along Key West’s Duval Street and the smaller side roads, you’ll find restaurants like Santiago’s Bodega, serving the best Italian, Spanish, Caribbean, Vietnamese, French, and Peruvian favorites, as well as popular American classics like fresh lobster roll from Eaton Street Seafood Market. Located in Old Town Key West, this restaurant offers outdoor seating and a take-out menu offering fresh-caught, made-to-order dishes. Enjoy the expertly prepared conch fritters, fish sandwiches, and fish tacos that keep visitors coming back.

 

3.  A Fishing Charter Makes Family Bonding Fun

The quickest way to make kids roll their eyes is to suggest a family bonding activity. But booking a fishing charter allows everyone to enjoy an activity together without any pressure, which allows all members of the family to relax and enjoy the experience. A fishing charter can be tailored to your preferences, from a half- or full-day trip to deep water, wreck, reef or flats fishing. All In Fishing Charters’ boat captain and crew ensure that guests have everything they need for a successful expedition, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. All you need to bring is a packed lunch and sunscreen. The skilled crew can provide guidance if needed, and the captain’s expertise ensures you’ll be right where the action is, whether you’re fishing for grouper, tuna, mahi or any of the other delicious fish that frequent the waters around Key West.

 

4.  Enjoy Beach Days for All

Whether you enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling or just building sandcastles, Key West’s beaches have something to make it a great beach day for everyone. Even though it’s a small city, Key West offers four public beaches open to visitors. Guests on the island can also enjoy the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, which describes its beach as the largest in Key West. Most beaches offer chair and umbrella rentals, as well as snorkeling gear rentals. Travelers who bring their pups with them should check out Dog Beach in particular, where four-legged friends are welcome.

 

5.  Book Custom Experiences

If you’re planning a trip to Key West to recognize a milestone birthday or accomplishment, there are a couple of great ways to make the experience even sweeter. Consider booking a customized picnic experience with Key West Picnic Company. Discuss your dream picnic with them for an amazing, one-of-a-kind experience. In addition to a basket packed with food, you may get luxury linens and pillows to sit on, real cutlery and plates, and even a Bluetooth speaker for a little light music. Or book tickets on a sunset sail to nowhere. Several sailboats offer evening cruises out of Key West and back again. Guests are typically served light snacks and beer, wine or liquor. There’s usually live or recorded music to enhance the evening and set the mood, too. It’s a great way to honor a graduate, mark a wedding anniversary or celebrate a big birthday.

 

Take some of the stress out of planning your next family vacation and arrange to spend it in Key West. There are activities to suit any intensity level and a range of opportunities that foster togetherness. Discover why so many families choose Key West.

How to Use Bentonite Clay for Hair

Have you heard of bentonite clay before? It is a fantastic product that can add additional moisture to your hair, plus it can remove toxins too.

Bentonite clay is a natural product that is made up of volcanic ash. The substance has a texture similar to mud, and when fluid is added to it, the clay has a yogurt-like consistency.

 

Where can you use bentonite clay?

Bentonite clay can be used on your hair and scalp and is applied as a hair mask. It can also be used on your skin as a healing clay mask for your face or used all over your body, plus you can use it on bug bites to help your skin repair and get rid of the bite.

The clay has healing properties that benefit your insides as well. It was used as an alternative medicine many years ago to treat digestive issues. Consumers won’t find food-grade bentonite clay for sale, as it is not used in cooking and is not commonly used internally.

 

What are the benefits of bentonite clay hair masks?

There are many benefits that bentonite clay masks provide and can be used by everyone, although women mainly use them.

One of the main benefits is that it provides a deep conditioner to natural hair and will work on all human hair types. Plus, you can easily incorporate it into your hair care beauty routine to give your curls or locks an uplift.

If you suffer from issues such as a dry scalp, heat damage, frizzy hair, dull hair, or damaged hair, bentonite clay can help restore moisture and promote healthy hair growth. You may have tried other hair products before and not been content with the result; if so, see if the effects of bentonite clay will work for you.

Along with moisturizing natural hair curls, bentonite clay can help remove toxins from the hair and scalp, similar to using products like Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid shampoo and more expensive hair conditioners. The bentonite clay hair mask can help with oil production in the hair and ensures essential oils are not damaged. The way it works is that the bentonite clay has negatively charged irons, while toxins on your hair have positively charged irons. This makes them attach, and the clay can remove the toxins based on the negative charge and positive charge coming together.

 

How to make a bentonite clay mask

Instead of buying products like a hair mask that contains charcoal, you can use bentonite clay to make a mask that will hydrate your natural hair.

To make your DIY recipe, you will need a few basic ingredients, and the good news is you can adapt this recipe to your liking and add additional ingredients if you wish.

The basic clay hair mask ingredients are:

• 1 cup bentonite clay
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water

You may be wondering why apple cider vinegar is a basic ingredient; the reason for this is because it has acidity, which helps to give your hair a nice shine.

If you would like to enhance your clay mask, you can add the following:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or almond oil
• 1 tablespoon castor oil

You can experiment with more ingredients if you wish to create a hair bentonite clay mask that works best for your type of hair, whether it is straight or has nice curls. You can even enter your name and email address onto websites that offer a newsletter with hair tips if you want to discover more recipes.

Simply mix the ingredients to create a paste. You can mix more quantity of the clay mask if you like, although it is best to make it each time you use it instead of batch making.

Before you apply the bentonite, you can do a patch test on a small amount of hair to make sure you don’t suffer any side effects from the mask.

Once completed, you will need to get a spray bottle and spray your hair with warm water.

Then apply the clay to your natural hair, ensuring you cover the tips. This may take more than 15 seconds to complete to ensure your hair is sufficiently covered.

Let the mixture sit in your hair for some time. You can leave the clay on for up to 20 minutes, but you can leave it on for 10 minutes if you prefer.

Then simply rinse out to complete your hair care beauty routine. You will find that your natural hair growth will be better after use.

Bentonite clay for hair has become one of the hair care tips contained in beauty email newsletters. The email promotes many products that are great for women to use.

4 Delicious Ten Minute Baby Snacks Recipes

This list will help you by offering you four Delicious snack recipes full of great nutritional value for your baby.

1. Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

For this healthy banana bread recipe for your baby, you will need: 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, two bananas, ½ cup agave syrup, two eggs, ½ cup whole animal-based milk, and ½ cup butter. To add more vitamins to your banana bread or add a general sweetness, you can add more of any fruit that you choose, including strawberries, oranges, apples, or any other fruit you desire. Just make sure you measured additional fruits into an apple sauce-like consistency to prevent choking. You will bring your oven to 360°F, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth, place your mixture into a greased bread baking tin and the oven, bake for about 30 minutes or until your toothpick comes out clean, then just allow your bread to cool and enjoy.

2. Homemade yogurt melts

Homemade yogurt melts are easy to make at home; just by purchasing your choice of healthy baby yogurt, you can find it sugar-free as well. You were going to choose your yogurt, add your yogurt to a Ziploc plastic bag and cut off one of the corners’ tiny corner, and just squeeze a little bit out onto a plate and place your plate into the freezer. Once your yogurt bites are solid, you can transfer them to another, a black bag to store them later, or serve them immediately. These yummy yogurt bites will melt in the mouth of your baby with literally no choking hazard. These yogurt melts can be made in less than 10 minutes; however, freezer time takes longer. These would be delicious on a hot summer or spring day.

3. Homemade puffs

Homemade puffs or made similarly to the homemade yogurt melts in the previous recipe. For this, you will choose your fruit or vegetable that you want your pasta to taste, and you’ll add them into a blender, blending them until they are smooth and creamy, possibly taking around four minutes. After that, you will add them to a bag of pastry bags or a Ziploc bag and cut off the corner again. He will then squeeze your puff mixture onto your parchment paper that is on your pan. At this point, you will bake your puffs in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. However, it will need to bake another 30 minutes with the oven at 250°F if you want them to be extra crispy.

4. Baked oatmeal cups

Baked oatmeal cups are an excellent way to add oatmeal to your baby’s diet. For this recipe, you will need: 1/2 cup rolled oats, ground (or quick oats), 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons raisins or other dried fruit snipped into small pieces, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, or honey, optional 3/4 cup milk, warmed until hot (but not boiling.

You need to preheat your oven for 375°F, grease your silicone mold or mini muffin tin, include your ingredients, then add the warm milk and stir. He will place about 1 tablespoon of butter and each of the months and then bake them for 10 to 12 minutes; at that point, you will remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Your baby would love this fun, healthy and easy-to-make addition to their diet.

 

6 Clever House Cleaning Tips for Every Busy Mom

When you’re keeping full-time work and doing all the household stuff at home, keeping a clean house almost seems impossible. You’re busy, we know. With the current pandemic and working from home setup, many can relate to how you feel about trying to clean and make the house organized while still working.

How about some cleaning hacks? If you want to get things done quickly and easily, take note of these six clever house cleaning tips for every busy mom.

1. Create a cleaning schedule.

Cleaning the whole house will take so much of your time. And you need extra minutes for that client’s request waiting for you, right? Try to make a cleaning schedule. When you know what you’re doing and what should be next, you can get things done quicker. You will also learn how to spend time efficiently.

To schedule, take note of what should be done for each day. In this way, you won’t panic if you are not able to do all. You won’t wait to smell something awful in the kitchen before putting the garbage away because it’s on the list of the day.

When you clean up at the same time every day or every week, it becomes a routine and, more importantly, a habit. Even your kids may become used to the schedule and voluntarily join you in cleaning, and that will be awesome.

2. Prioritize cleaning tasks.

Organize the things you need to do. Decide which is more important and urgent, and which would be great to do but wouldn’t cause a problem if you wouldn’t do it now. Identify also which of your chores should be done every day, and which can wait until the weekend.

When you already have a cleaning schedule or chore system at home, prioritizing is easier. This will save you a lot of time, especially when you have a busy schedule. Remember, you’re still human. You can let a non-urgent task wait until you have more time.

3. Include your family.

Do you have kids? Do they love playing around? You can take advantage of it, especially if your kids are old enough to help out. Delegate tasks to them. If you’re trying to vacuum, you can ask them to pick up small things that may have been out of place and put them where they should be. If you’re waxing the floor, maybe they can dust your furniture. They can certainly do these small cleaning tasks. Not only that they are helping you clean the house, but you are also teaching them to be more responsible and self-reliant. To make them more engaged, try giving them rewards with every task they do. They will love it.

4. Outsource when you can.

Nothing is wrong with asking for help. Even if you put on your favourite melody while working, a major cleanup can still be tiresome and time-consuming. These household tasks will not always be easy, and they may even pose a hazard to you and the family.

Hiring a professional house cleaning service won’t hurt. If you are very much distracted by the grime and dirt you’re seeing on your windows, call for a window cleaner. You won’t want to risk falling down the ladder while reaching for the window top while cleaning. Ask for professional help and let them do the cleaning. These experts know exactly how to do things safely. They can even clean better than you. They know their stuff.

5. Automate tasks.

You’re not splurge spending when you decided to buy that automatic vacuum. That’s a wise decision actually. Why spend 25 minutes sweeping the floor when you can have it done in 10 minutes with a vacuum? How about having a frost-free freezer? You won’t need to spend so much time waiting for it to defrost and cooking or eating everything in the freezer so they won’t spoil. And a dishwasher; you can now clean the bathroom while waiting for it to be done.

Automating your household chores will reduce the number of things you need to do and give you some time for yourself.

6. Don’t aim for perfection.

Having a task done is always better than making it perfect. If your goal is to perfect every household chore, you won’t finish anything. Your house doesn’t need to look spotless and perfect.

What’s important is you get simple cleaning tasks done, even if they are not flawless. Who cares if your floor isn’t shiny as that of your neighbour? Don’t worry if you don’t haven’t styled the living area like that in your friend’s Instagram post. As long as your floors are swept and the sofa set is dusted, you’re doing good. Sometimes you can’t get all things done, and that’s totally fine. Stop the guilt. You’re still human.

Managing Expenses: 7 Simple Money-Saving Tips for Moms

Finding a way to be frugal while raising your own family can be challenging.

Providing for your kids alone can be costly. After all, you need to feed them, clothe them, and ensure that they are healthy. And as they grow, you also have to provide for their education.

Trying to come up with a budget despite all these responsibilities is cumbersome. Hence, being frugal can burn you out at times.

Thus, it is not surprising that you will scour the Internet for actionable money-saving tips. That said, we have listed down seven tips on how you can save to ensure that your family is well-taken care of:

1. Budget with your partner

Make a budget with your partner, and do not keep the burden to yourself. Remember that it takes two to tango, so try to involve your spouse with budget planning.

And when it comes to budgeting, maintaining an open line of communication is essential.

Begin each year by discussing your finances with your partner. Check which items in your budget you can adjust, considering the amount of money you are setting aside for your household expenses.

Make sure that your budget is also categorized based on your needs and wants. You can always delay your wants at a much later time. One’s needs shouldn’t be sacrificed over wants.

It also helps that you make your family goals and values your guide.

2. Plan your meals

To save money on groceries, you should be a frugal grocery shopper. You can do it if you do not always buy the most expensive grocery store ingredients.

Also, making meals at home is usually cheaper than buying takeouts or eating out at a restaurant. Still, many people find themselves in a difficult position since they barely have the time (or energy) to cook after office hours.

If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you can take advantage of this to simultaneously make cheaper (and healthier) meals. Don’t allow things to expire. You can plan meals on food items that you already have at home.

Purchasing potted herbs can also be a real money saver for at-home meals. Just remember to care for them regularly.

If you have a vast yard or a community garden area, you should also consider growing a vegetable garden.

3. Teach money matters to your kids

Thinking of ways to save money while raising a family isn’t just for parents. Instead, you can also get your kids involved by having regular budget talks with them.

You don’t necessarily have to go over the nitty-gritty details about your income or expenses at home. It will also help if you educate them about the basics of saving and spending.

What kids will learn from a young age will come in handy later on when they’re older.

4. Maintain your home and belongings

By doing preventive maintenance, you’ll be saving a lot on repair bills in the future. This includes getting rid of lint in your dryer vent, clearing out gutters, and fixing a small leak in the faucet before it turns into a bigger one.

Changing the car’s air filters and doing regular tune-ups can keep you from incurring hefty car maintenance fees.

5. Only buy what you can afford

How many times did you buy something using your credit card and failed to pay the amount?

Having zero interest isn’t usually a great deal if you fail to pay it before the interest accrues. All the fun of getting that new TV set fades once you start getting the bill.

So, please wait until you have enough cash to buy it. A lot of people stay and save up for something that they want. It can be done.

6. Buy generic items

While we have our preference when purchasing fruits and vegetables, you can save up a significant amount in the long run by purchasing generic items.

This is true, especially when buying simple items like oatmeal, lunch bags, paper towels, etc.

7. Walk instead of driving

Try to adopt this simple rule- if your destination is only a mile (or less!), then consider walking than driving.

Walk to your local coffee shop, dry cleaner, or play date. Not only this helps you save up money on gas, but it also gives you plenty of exercises while helping your environment at the same time.

The fresh air will also do the kids well.

 

The Bottomline

Listed above are seven money-saving tips that can help you ensure that you can provide for your family. You may be doing some of them, while some are new to you.

Nonetheless, we suggest that you keep an open mind and consider doing a tip or two from this list.

You should also remember that you do not have to do things alone. Talk with your partner about how you should manage your finances. That way, you can provide for your family’s needs and enjoy yourself.

5 Tips To Enjoy A Virtual Smoke Session With Friends

The Coronavirus is spreading around the world. Therefore, it is not safe to go outside and cheer with your friends. Isolating yourself in apartments, houses and other places is the safest way. But, this does not mean life ends here, you can still have fun with friends while enjoying smoke sesh. Yes, it is possible with virtual smoke sessions. You can take advantage of advanced technology and join virtual smoke sessions with friends. If you are looking for how? Don’t fret, here we have 5 simple tips to make your party happening at home:

 

1. Surprise your friends with Bubble delivery

Nothing is better than surprising someone with a useful gift. Therefore, do not leave any opportunity to surprise your friends with bubblers. Order the same or different style bubblers and deliver them to your best friend’s door. It’s hard to imagine the happiness on their face. If some of your friends love the artwork, you can give them a plan bubbler on which they can show their artistic skills. Even during pandemic stress, this gift works as a great wonder to relieve stress.

 

2. Plan Your Virtual Session

Once you are able to deliver bubbles successfully, it’s a time-plan virtual session. Contact your friends and look for their availability. You can either plan a virtual party at night or on weekends, as the best option. Set a time considering everyone’s suggestions for off-office timings, holidays, or special days. It helps you to set a clock and mood for the special day.

 

3. Download a Meeting or Group App

The next big thing is to send a link to friends to downloads and join the party. If someone else is good at technology, you can assign this responsibility to him/her. As there are a number of virtual meeting apps like Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facetime, Discord, Houseparty, Whatsapp, etc. All of these are great experiences. But the best advice is to use free apps and have already been used by most people in a group. It saves you if something went wrong during a smoking session.

 

4. Clean Your Camera

Since you are speaking from different shelters, therefore it is essential each friend able to see your face clearly. Because one of the most annoying things in group meetings is when someone is speaking behind a blurry and smudged camera lens. So, do not let your phone or system camera ruin your party, wipe it before the party is going to begin. You can also use a microfiber cloth or cotton fabric to clean the camera lens.

 

5. Keep it Light

The aim of virtual smoke sessions is to get people out of people from stressful-life and have fun. Therefore, do not ruin the special day by speaking about stressful news or recalling some bad memories. This is a time to create fresh memories, hence it will be great to speak about the latest movies, web series, or something that enlighten other moods. Keep in mind, speak carefully as lots of screens are watching you.

 

Bottom Line

Virtual smoke sessions are a great way to enjoy life during boring and training covid-19 crises. So, if you have not tried this session, try once you will surely love the experience.