Category: Lifestyle

Getting Married with Children? Here’s What You Need to Know

Getting married is a tricky business requiring the soberest of considerations and the most delicate of care. It is a lifetime commitment that ends up being so for only about half of the people who attempt it. There is no real data on how happy the other half really is in that commitment. We all know people who have kept their marriage together because of external pressures when they likely would have been much happier splitting up. Staying together through gritted teeth is not exactly the portrait of a happy marriage.

Add pre-existing children to the mix, and you have made a complicated arrangement fraught with dangers even more fraught. The whole idea of dating becomes twice as challenging. Exactly when is the right time to introduce the children to the person you are dating? When do you trust that person to be alone with your children unsupervised? If the kids are a little older, how much should their opinion be weighed into your overall decision? Getting married with children is a daunting task, especially if you want your marriage to survive happily ever after. Here are a few more things to consider before tying that multifaceted knot:

Engagement Is a Promise to the Whole Family

When you are engaged to be married, you are making a commitment to a person. When that person has children, you are making an even bigger commitment. The engagement rings selected for a commitment with children should reflect that bigger commitment you are making.

An expensive ring is an announcement to the community that you have the resources to make good on your promise. When children are involved, you are making an even bigger financial promise. Children are expensive with or without a partner. You have to be prepared for that financial responsibility out of the gate.

Loving your partner is not enough. You also have to love the kids as if they are your own. If you cannot do that, you are not ready for the commitment you are making when marrying a person with children. If you are unsure about your partner’s commitment to your children, you should not accept the engagement until you’re sure.

Your Family Values Have to Be Aligned

It is possible for you to marry someone with whom you disagree on a variety of secondary issues. But this is not just about you anymore. It is also about your kids. Compromise on your values all you like. But you are responsible for the values taught to your kids.

If you believe in living a sustainable lifestyle, you can’t exactly marry someone who holds green initiatives in disdain. That person will be teaching your kids. That is an entirely different level of disagreement. You might be able to tolerate religious differences. But do you really want your kids brought up in a way you find religiously offensive?

Even if that wasn’t an issue, your kids would see mommy and daddy at odds all the time. That is confusing and frightening. It is even worse when you tell them one thing while your partner tells them the opposite. You need to make sure your values are aligned before taking the leap.

Both the Kids and the Marriage Come First

It is a false dichotomy to pit the kids against the marriage to see which comes first. The instinct is to sacrifice all else for the kids. But if that is your frame of mind, you probably shouldn’t get married at all. You are doing your kids no favors by subordinating your marriage for their affection. You are sending the message that one can be married or have kids and be happy, but not both. You will ultimately be setting your kids up for bad marriages.

Instead, model to the kids what a healthy and loving relationship between two people should look like. Don’t turn the kids into entitled little monsters who don’t know how to be emotionally available to someone else. Model a good marriage, and you will be doing more for your kids than if you focused exclusively on the kids.

Getting married with children already on board is a difficult road to travel. And while it will seldom be easy, it will be possible if you understand the commitment is bigger. The values have to be aligned. And you have to be as committed to the marriage as you are to the kids.

This Is the Protective Clothing You Should Probably Take More Seriously

For many, clothing is a lifestyle statement. It is about fashion, culture, and personal expression. It is less about fit and more about fitting in. Many considerations go into buying a new article of clothing. One of the least of those considerations is whether or not the item of clothing is actually needed. A closet full of clothing that you only have worn once, if at all, has become a right of passage in some circles.

It is probably a reactionary response to a time when a person was lucky to have one dress or one suit that was worn and patched and altered to within an inch of its life. A new piece of clothing was truly a big deal. It became a symbol of poverty that one had to wear the same clothes for long periods of time. The opposite of that is to wear them less often. It has gotten to the point where people don’t even bother removing the tags from new clothes that have been in their closet of shame for years.

Perhaps the least of the reasons we buy clothes is protection. Here is a look at some of the garments that keep us safe, and why they should move up on the list of priorities:

Work Boots

Very few people buy work boots as fashion statements. If they are not dirty and a bit on the ugly side, you’re not doing it right. A work shoe is for protection. In particular, comfortable steel toe boots are designed to keep your feet from being damaged in the event of a heavy object falling on your toes. These boots also have to be comfortable for standing and doing heavy labor on your feet all day.

Protective shoes are not just for men and women on construction sites. If you do a lot of DIY type work around the house or office, or do a lot of work on your vehicle, or just find yourself helping people move, you should have a pair of protective shoes. If they also happen to look nice, consider it a bonus, not a must.

Hats

There is a lot to know about American hats. There was a time when a man was not considered dressed until he put on his hat. Being out and about without a hat would have appeared indecent. Women also had deep cultural reasons for wearing and owning many hats. But the best reason to wear a hat today is for protection.

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and is the one most easily prevented. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses when the sun is particularly bright. You will also help protect your vision while protecting your face and upper-body. These types of hats and sunglasses are seldom the most fashionable. But they can save you from poor vision and skin cancer. As we head into Spring, it is time to reassess your hat collection.

Gloves

In many circles, gloves are still a fashion statement, Michael Jackson didn’t wear that single glove to keep his hand warm. Thin, decorative gloves are also a part of ladies’ formal wear. But those gloves are hardly meaningful protection against the rigors of hard work.

Try gardening without gloves. You can’t do it well. Many use driving gloves to improve grip and to protect their hands from a hot string wheel. If you work in a stock room or warehouse where lifting is required, you need gloves to protect yourself from tears and blisters.

Socks

One of the most overlooked pieces of protective clothing is the humble sock. It keeps your feet padded and safe from blisters. But the biggest sock innovation is moisture-wicking. Sweaty feet are not only malodorous, but become the breeding ground for fungus, blisters, and possible infection. If you have never thought much about the protective power of socks, empty your sock draw and fill it with socks that are worthy of respect.

Don’t just buy clothes because they’re in the sale. And give extra consideration to the ones that protect your feet, your skin, and your hands. Fashionable clothes are seldom worth the money. But protective clothes usually are.

5 Things to Look for in a New Apartment

Moving is hard. It is not fun. And it is always expensive. Despite these facts, people move, on average, a double-digit number of times throughout their life. Some occasions are understandable such as moving from home into a university campus dorm. If things don’t work out as expected, they will move back home. There is the first home of a couple. Later in life, one might sell the first home and move into something smaller after the kids leave for good. That is already a lot of moves. But it doesn’t even account for a third of what actually happens in real life.

Demand for apartments is soaring among millennials. That contributes to the amount of moving house we do. There was a time when home-ownership was inextricably linked to the American dream. Now, many Americans are giving that dream a hard pass in favor of lower rent and less commitment to a single location.

The onset of the coronavirus has caused a lot of us to consider relocating. If you are among that group looking for greener pastures, here are a few things to have on the list:

  1. A Landlord with Whom You Can Reason

On-site management is almost always a plus. However, that is pretty rare in many parts of the country. You want a sense that there is a human you can work with as opposed to an answering service or email address.

Can you negotiate apartment rent in the place you are considering? If it is a human-centric company, you can. An apartment rental is a real estate deal like any other. The terms are not nearly as fixed as you have been led to believe. Better deals are often available with longer leases. You just have to be dealing with real people and not merely corporate drones.

If you can’t have a reasonable conversation about the apartment with management before you move in, how likely do you think it will be for you to have a conversation about issues after you move in? Be careful when renting an apartment entirely online. If you can’t reach someone in the rental process, forget about good service once you have paid the deposit.

  1. Outdoor Spaces

One of the main features of an apartment is what is on the outside. An apartment near a park is more valuable than one without access to safe, outdoor spaces. We all have to find ways to get outdoors more often. Where you live can help. While evaluating the outside, check for sidewalks and nearby shopping in safe and easy walking distance.

  1. Check out the Weekend NightLife

Most apartments are nice and quiet during the day. People are at work and the poorly behaved are under the scrutiny of the on-site management. So before signing on the dotted line, drive through the community at night and on the weekends when more people are home. Often, that is when the loud music starts and the bickering neighbors start shouting, and the true character of the community is revealed. If it passes the weekend night test, it might be a keeper.

  1. Bugs

When you tour the apartment, there should be no bugs in sight. Open the cabinets. Look for droppings. If the complex has a bug problem, they can’t really hide it very well. Sometimes, it is not really about how well you clean. It is about where you live. They might be in the walls and the pipes. If you see signs of insects when they are doing their best to hide the problem, you don’t want to live there.

  1. Security

Where are the packages dropped off? There should be a protected space for all those Amazon deliveries. Is the parking lot well lit? Even if you don’t have kids, would you feel safe having a child playing outside or walking home from school in that neighborhood? If not, then it is not secure enough for you, either.

When it comes to your next address, don’t settle. Only rent an apartment with real people as managers, that have usable outdoor spaces, that are also peaceful at night and on the weekends, that is free of bugs, and is secure enough for children, even if you don’t have any.

6 Money Management Tips for Single Moms to Consider

Being a single mother can be tough, especially when making money and taking care of your children with only one income. It’s not always easy to ask for help, as most single moms are literal superheroes that can multitask better than anybody else on the planet. You can do everything, but you may want to keep a keen eye focused on managing your money to secure your financial future. While accomplishing so many tasks in a day, it can be easy to let your finances slip to the back of your mind. Here are six tips that will help single moms to manage their money better.

 

Increase Your Earned Income

It should go without saying that making more money is the first thing most single moms consider when having financial difficulties. They should consider the possibility of working from home as many opportunities will allow them to make money while being with their kids. A single mom would want to work from home because they must offset the cost of daycare or a babysitter. The main tip here is simple. Make more money.

 

Explore Debt Relief Options

Every month there are bills and household expenses that must be paid. Many times people will fall into debt. As most people are trying to get out of debt, one option is to consolidate their debt. Before you decide to consolidate credit card debt, there are several options that you must take into consideration. How can you consolidate your debt? What company are you consolidating your debt with? Will you be paying higher interest if you consolidate your debt?

 

Think Long-term

It can be difficult when you need money right now this month to think long-term about your finances. You need to consider the long-term options available to you. You want to be saving money, even if it’s a little bit per month. If you are putting money away in the bank, then that can be used for emergencies.

 

Seek Financial Assistance

There are many options available at the local, state, and federal level that offer assistance to single moms. They understand that you need help, and if you reach out to these institutions they can assist with daycare. Specifically, they will assist in maintaining nutritional sustenance for your children. Some people may think this is a bad thing, but they are there to help.

 

Protect Your Children Financially

It may seem morbid at first, but one crucial thing to consider is to get life insurance for yourself. If something were to happen to you, then you want your child or children protected. There are incredibly reasonable options available for single moms.

 

Net Worth is Crucial

Reaching out to professionals who understand debt relief and financial planning is a significant step in securing your financial well being. It’s important to consider paying down debt, and some people specialize in this type of service. They are very knowledgeable. These people can also help with your overall financial health. You need money to secure your livelihood because bills need to be paid. Take advantage of these services as they are there to help.

Top 6 Least-Known Facts about Bike Tour Companies

Are you planning to go on a bike tour? You need a bike that is well-suited for bike touring to travel almost anywhere. Choosing the best bicycle tour company for your needs is essential. You would want a tour guide company that will cater to your needs while giving you the experience of your lifetime. However, with many companies out there, it can be quite hard. Here are the points that will help you pick the right bike tour company.

 

1. Flexibility

You should be able to discuss the various tour offerings with the company. The initial step to consider is whether the given tour guides organization is compatible with your schedule, travel style, and family or individual needs. You can enquire about personalizing your bicycle handlebars and pedals and about the various route options depending on your personal fitness goals. The best tour operators are always interested in knowing what you aim to get from your experience.

 

2. Conduct Your Research

Find out what kind of bikes an operator uses and how they maintain them. Look for an organization that invests in quality equipment. Read the supported bike tour reviews before you commit to booking any cycling holiday. It is also worth checking Google reviews to ensure that other cyclists recommend the tour and are satisfied. At the end of your research, you should be convinced and identify a given bike tour operator’s competency. With a good tour company, you get to rock a sweet ride and have the experience of your lifetime.

 

3. The Tour Period

This guided bike tour ranges from weekend trips to two or more weeks’ tour. The area of coverage is also different depending on individual tours. Know the number of days for actual biking and whether there will be a rest day in the middle.

 

4. Enthusiasm

The best tour company have a personal passion for their trips. The guides are always willing to share fantastic places and memorable experiences with you, and no question is a waste of time. Companies like Tour de Vines are usually eager to share details about stunning views, great foods, and unique cultures you are likely to experience.

 

5. Knowledge Of The Region

Choose a bike tour organization that has a thorough knowledge of the region you will be visiting. The best operator will know the tour destination inside and out. You can, therefore ask about restaurants, local attractions, and terrain. Besides, having guides with in-depth knowledge of the region creates a sense of security and trust.

 

6. First-Line Respond Team

The tour company should be easy to reach by email or phone and have materials on hand with enough information about tours that interests you. Also, expect a tour operator to respond to your questions quickly and thoroughly. Personalized, positive contact with a tour operator before a trip suggests that they will be organized and responsive when the need arises, like when you realize you forgot to carry a raincoat.

Search no further for the best bike tour operator since Tour de Vines offers the best walking tours,  bike tours, and adventure travel vacation. Anytime you want to go on a vacation, make sure you get the very best.

Tactics for Handling Work Stress During Your Pregnancy

Work stress can be quite overwhelming for women who are expecting, and finding effective ways to manage it is crucial for ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Stress is a normal part of our daily lives, and each one of us has some sort of coping mechanism that helps them deal with stressful situations. The problem arises when the stress becomes overwhelming, which can take a serious toll on a person’s mental health if not managed effectively.

As a working mom-to-be, you may find yourself feeling stressed out at work, and while there’s no way of escaping stress, there are ways to cope with it effectively so it doesn’t interfere with your and your baby’s health. Below, a couple of effective tactics for handling work stress during your pregnancy.

Avoid overcommitting

When you overburden your schedule with more tasks than you can handle, it can quickly become a major source of stress. Not only does saying yes to everything you’re asked to do leave little room for self-care, but it’s also not worth it. Surely, as an expectant mom, you could probably use some extra cash, but committing to working overtime or late nights is definitely not worth the stress you’re going to put yourself through.

If your workload is something you don’t have a say in, look for some other obligations you can eliminate from your to-do list. Oftentimes, we will accept invitations to events, dinners, and birthdays to make other people happy. However, there are times when we simply can’t make it, and we shouldn’t feel bad about it. If the person who invited you is a true friend, they’ll understand, and you can always send them a gift. If they don’t get it, or worse, get mad about it, you’re probably better off without them anyway.

Create a routine to follow

Routines are there to make our lives easier. They practically put us on autopilot, meaning we’re able to do things without thinking because we’ve repeated them so many times they’ve become a habit. To create an effective routine to follow, make sure to set aside a time for work. Also, think about how much time you’ll need to tackle every task. When given a task, start right away, even if it’s due next week.

As a mom-to-be, it’s important for you to be prepared for unexpected events, so rather than procrastinating and putting off your tasks, tackle them as soon as possible. Not only will this take some of the stress out of the equation, but it’ll also make you more productive and help you stay on top of your work.

Read all about it

Speaking of being prepared, make an effort to get as much useful information about pregnancy as possible. It’s important for working moms to understand the complex process that pregnancy is and take time to learn all of its symptoms. In doing so, they’ll know how to cope with stressful situations effectively while working full-time.

Moms should also explore different methods and practices when it comes to childbirth, especially practices such as cord blood banking that have a wide treatment potential and that could possibly save a life. What you do in your pregnancy will have an influence on your and your baby’s health in the future, so make sure that you do everything you can to protect your little one.

Talk about it

Communicating your emotions, worries, and concerns is key, especially if you happen to be a first-time mom and not exactly sure what to expect from pregnancy. Even just talking to your loved ones about it can help you feel better and take the stress off your shoulders, even if you don’t necessarily come up with a solution.

On the other hand, if your pregnancy is affecting your work performance and makes it difficult for you to manage your workload, try to talk to your boss. Long physical shifts can be strenuous for pregnant women, so consider asking your boss about working shorter hours. Talk to your physician as well and have them write a note listing their requirements in case you need to modify your work. Being upfront with your boss about your situation from the start can spare you the stress later on.

Wrapping up

Finding work-life balance can be challenging, even more so when you’re a mom-to-be. But women are tough, and although pregnancy puts them in a vulnerable position, they are strong enough to overcome all the mental, emotional, and physical changes it brings and stay on top of their daily tasks.

With a couple of tricks and tactics up your sleeve, you can manage to conquer workplace stress and emerge as a winner and the superwoman you are.

7 Coffee Alternatives to Consider in 2021

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

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

CBD

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

Golden Milk

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

Matcha Tea

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

Yerba Mate

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

Kombucha

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

Bone Broth

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

Lemon Water

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

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

Understanding Moissanite and What Makes it Valuable

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

 

Are Moissanites Knock-Offs of Diamonds?

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

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

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

 

Mesmerizing Optical Qualities You Can’t Ignore

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

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

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

 

Moissanite’s Affordability

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

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

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

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

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

 

Set Your New Goals to Win Over Obstacles

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

Focus on Providing Best Customer Services

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

 

Conclusion

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

Buy Local with the Exception of These Three Things

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

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

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

Clothes That Fit You Well

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

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

Healthy Meal Kits

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

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

Consumer Electronics

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

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