Why Self Care is Important as a Parent + Ways to Practice Self-Care

By Nora Banks,

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The second you become a parent, your main focus becomes taking care of your new baby. As your child grows from an infant to a toddler and eventually a teenager, you may find it difficult to find time to take care of yourself. However, a lack of self-care can turn into a downward spiral. When you’re not caring for yourself, you can start to feel stressed out and overwhelmed. This can make it harder to be an empathetic and patient parent. While you may be too busy parenting to make self-care a priority, taking care of your physical, social, and psychological needs will ultimately help you feel your best, making you the best parent you can be.

Benefits of Practicing Self-Care

  • Lowers stress levels
  • Teaches our children to value their health and well-being
  • Helps us be better, calmer, healthier parents

Ways to Practice Self-Care

There are a variety of ways to practice self-care. It’s important to experiment with different ways to determine which strategies work best for you. Here are a few things you can do on your own to help you get started.

Digital detox

While scrolling through social media and surfing the web may seem like a good way to relax, this practice can sometimes cause more stress than it relieves. Digital devices can create a lot of pressure to be “on.” You may feel compelled to answer social media messages right before bed or even reply to a work email late at night. These habits can take a bigger toll on you than you realize. A digital detox can help you reset some of these habits and may even be beneficial for your children as well. Continue reading

Here are a few tips for your digital detox:

  • Turn off or put away your device for at least one hour every night
  • Set aside one weekend each month to step away from your cell phone
  • Keep your phone out of your bedroom when it’s time for bed

 Join a book club

Joining a book club can serve several purposes and offer a variety of benefits including:

  • Allowing you to have regular social interactions
  • Motivating you to set aside time to read
  • Giving you something to look forward to each week

If you aren’t aware of any local book clubs, contact your local library. Chances are they host book clubs or know of a few in your community. You can also start your own book club. Gather a couple of friends and meet every week to discuss a chapter or two of a book. You can take turns picking out books and hosting the discussion. If you’re not into the social aspect of joining a book club, consider an online book club. Though these are bigger than your typical book club, they allow for a more relaxed atmosphere. An online reading group will motivate you to take time to yourself without the extra stress of feeling pressured to contribute as much.

 Spend some money on yourself

As a parent, it’s easy to spend money on your kids while neglecting yourself a bit. It’s always important to show your children that you value yourself too. Give yourself permission to spend a little time and money on you. Even if it’s just getting a haircut or buying yourself a new shirt. Consider setting aside a set amount each month to spend on yourself or just do something nice for yourself once in a while.

If you’re someone who feels guilty spending money on yourself, try shopping at a local thrift store or online consignment shop. Not only will you be able to get more bang for your buck, you’ll also feel good knowing that you’re extending the lifespan of clothing. Online thrift stores like thredUP offer a huge selection of affordable clothing including hard to find brands like Lularoe.

 Write in a gratitude journal

Writing in a gratitude journal only takes a few minutes of your time and doesn’t cost you any money. Each morning when you wake up or at night before you go to sleep, jot down three things you’re thankful for or three positive things that happened that day. Your list can include simple things like beautiful weather or bigger things like paying off a credit card. Either way, taking the time to remind yourself of all the things you have to be grateful for can help you feel good about life. Not to mention, studies show people who keep gratitude journals sleep longer and experience higher quality sleep, which is something every parent could likely use.

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10 STYLES OF GIRL PARTY DRESSES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

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Teenage is all about exploring the world around you, making new friends and having a whole lot of fun. It is time to hang around with your buddies and not to forget party with your gang in dressy clothes.Although there are various designs in girl party dresses are available in the market and also on the shopping websites, choosing a dress for yourself is a tedious job indeed.  In this article, we have listed down the beautiful girl party dresses which you can wear and enjoy your time with your dear ones to your heart’s content. You can also find a wide range of party dresses online.  Continue reading

DIFFERENT STYLES OF GIRL PARTY DRESSES

TUNIC

The tunic dresses have a simple and subtle design. They are straight fitted just like a tunic. If you are not willing to dress up too much for the party, you can always pair it with a denim jacket and you are good to go. They suit all the body types however if you are too thin, a tunic dress is not for you. 

HIGH LOW DRESS

The high low dress has asymmetrical hem which is higher on the backside and lowers on the front. It flatters all the body types.  

EMPIRE WAIST DRESS

An empire waist dress fits perfectly at your bust and flares down straight. It is made using fabrics like satin and silk. It normally does not have any flare but they are flowy in nature. You can pair this dress with rugged boots, to get a fabulous look.

MAXI LONG DRESSES

If you want to wear a dress but do not want to expose your skin, a  maxi dress is for you. Maxi dresses are flowy and will perfectly flatter your figure. If you are a little shorter than normal, a maxi dress will make you look even shorter. You can also read this article on how to create five sultry looks with a Maxi Dress for different looks.

KAFTAN DRESS

A kaftan dress has a loose fitting and flared sleeves. This dress is made using a flowy fabric. Normally they are worn with leggings or a palazzo, but if you are confident enough you can wear it without any contrasting bottom. You can wear a piece of statement jewellery with it and rock at the party!

SHIRT DRESSES

Shirt dresses are perfect for a fun party with besties. The shirt dresses are just denim or cotton long shirts. They are not at all fitted and fall straight on you. They will give a very casual and boyish look.

POP OVER DRESS

The pop over dress has a top part, which is extra flowy fabric, or silhouette that actually pops out of the whole outfit. Thus the name of the dress is pop Over dress. 

A LINE DRESSES

Like the alphabet A, this dress is narrower at the top and flares down towards the hem. Since these dresses are fitted at the waist, you need to be careful with your waist size before going for this one. A line dresses are your go-to choice when the plan for the party suddenly pops up. 

LAYERED DRESS

As mentioned in the name of the dress, a layered dress has a sheer fabric layer over the main dress. This upper layer of the sheer fabric has a front or side slit. This slit adds volume to the overall dress.  While choosing a layered dress, make sure that the layers have contrasting colours, or else the layers will overlap each other. 

FIT AND FLARE DRESS

A fit and flare dress fit perfectly at your waist, and flares afterwards. The hem length of the dress can vary according to the dress. This dress is flattering to all the body types and gives a curvy look to your overall figure.

Now that you have information about various types of girl party dresses that are suitable for you, dress your self in one of these beautiful dresses, dress up a little bit and enjoy your time with your near and dear ones.

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How to Take Baby Pictures: 5 Baby Photography Tips that Work

 

Baby boy taking selfie with a cell phone camera

By admin ,

Your precious little bundle is the centre of your universe. If only your baby could stay little forever!

Well, good news… they can! All with the magic of baby photography.

And you don’t need to rush off to a professional photographer to do it. Capture every moment your heart desires on your own at home. All you need is a few tips and tricks up your sleeve.

To help get you started, let’s look at 5 tips on how to take baby pictures of your very own.

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1. Find the Light

Rejoice! You can forget about those fancy camera flashes. To get a beautiful glow in your baby photos, all you need is natural light.

Pick the room in your house that gets the most sunshine, preferably with north-facing windows. Its indirect sunlight isn’t as glaring and will minimize harsh shadows.

If you’re wanting an outdoor shot, wait until “Magic Hour” when the light is softer and warmer. That’s during the first hour after sunrise or the two-hours before sunset.

2. Capitalize on “Happy Times”

Let’s face it, as angelic as our little ones are, babies don’t always cooperate in photos when we want. To capture their best mood, you need to work around their schedule.

Figure out when your baby is happiest during the day. It could be after eating or a good nap.

Newborns might be the best photo subjects while sleeping. Or during a breastfeeding photo shoot.

Once you’ve identified their “happy times”, shoot photos during that part of the day for the best chance to capture those baby grins.

3. Use Props

Props add fun elements to a photo. And newborn photography props provide much-needed support for your little one.

To use props properly, pick ones in a neutral color that won’t distract from the star of the show. Light colored props will help with lighting. Textured props, like a fuzzy blanket, give visual interest.

4. Angles and Details

While we can’t get enough of those pudgy baby cheeks, don’t forget about the other details you love about your baby beside the face. Flat-rolled thighs and those precious, tiny toenails deserve their own photo.

Play around by taking photos from different angles. Shoot your baby from straight on, get down low on their level, or take pictures from above (just make sure you have a firm grip on your camera!). And don’t forget about those all-to-cute close-ups.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Edit

Yes, your baby is perfect just the way they are. But for those professional looking finishes, a little retouching will take your photo to the next level.

It’s ok to smooth out small bumps, blotchiness, and those tiny scratches. An editing tool will take away a running nose or dried milk around their mouth.

Also, consider converting your pictures to black and white. Removing the color can sometimes soften a photo and give it unexpected elegance.

Capture the Memories by Knowing How to Take Baby Pictures

You want to remember your baby being this little forever. By knowing how to take baby pictures, you can start gathering the memories that will last you a lifetime.

Find tips on how to style your little one up for photos with posts in our Baby N Kids Fashion blog!

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Helpful Tips to Quickly Regain Your Pre-Pregnancy Body

pre preg

By admin,

After having a baby, it’s only natural to want that trim and tone pre-pregnancy body back. However, it’s important for new moms to give themselves a break. After all, their body just created new life, and it’s going to need some time to get back in shape.

The fastest way to quickly regain a flat stomach after giving birth is by following a healthy eating plan, getting plenty of sleep, exercising, reducing stress, and breastfeeding. By giving the body a bit more time to recover, any new mom can get their pre-pregnancy body back.

Continue reading

 Get Moving

 It’s important to get up and get moving as soon as possible. Something called postpartum diastasis recti can result in that “mom belly” or “muffin top” that many people talk about. One of the best ways to eliminate this unwanted roll is by exercising.

 Additionally, exercise is great for reducing stress, which also makes losing weight easier. The key is to choose exercises that increase energy while avoiding workouts that zap energy.

 When exercising, make sure to focus on proper posture and form, strive to move each day, and spilt up the workouts throughout the day. It’s a good idea to get a friend to exercise with, too.

 Remember, re-strengthening the core is essential to flattening the stomach, and for new moms, crunches won’t do the job. Instead, activities that engage the core are best for getting that flat stomach back quickly.

 Get Enough Sleep

 For new moms, this is easier said than done. It is hard to get enough sleep with a newborn; however, when the baby sleeps, mom needs to, too. Not only is sleep important for long-term health, but it also has a positive effect on helping moms maintain a healthy weight or to lose weight.

 A recent study provided evidence that people who slept a minimum of seven hours each night were less like to suffer from obesity. Many of the reasons behind this were that sleep affects several hormones in the body, with one of these being cortisol. It’s important for new moms to take advantage of nights when they can get more rest.

 Breastfeed if Possible

 If it works for both mom and baby, opting to breastfeed is an effective way to burn off extra calories, while bonding with baby. This is especially the case for the first few months after giving birth.

 Many don’t believe it, but breastfeeding can help to improve weight loss significantly. This was proven in one study that found moms who only breastfed were able to lose the baby weight faster and more efficiently during the first six months after giving birth.

Eat a Healthy Diet

 It’s important for a new mom to limit the amount of starchy and sugary foods they consume. Sugar can cause inflammation in the body, and dairy and gluten cause bloating, which slows down the return of a flat belly.

 Inflammation may also affect a person’s hormones and metabolism, so reducing these inflammatory foods can help to speed up the progress a person sees. As a result, it’s a good idea to follow a healthy diet after giving birth.

 Keep in mind, it may be tempting to reduce caloric intake, but this isn’t a smart move, especially for moms that are breastfeeding. A better strategy is to make better food choices. This includes things like fruits and vegetables over candy and pre-packaged snacks, as this is going to support weight loss efforts.

 Drink Plenty of Water

 It’s crucial to remain hydrated. New moms need to make sure to drink plenty of water during the day. This not only helps a person stay hydrated, but it can also speed up metabolism.

An added benefit is that drinking water regularly is going to keep the belly full, resulting in diminished appetite. A good strategy is to keep a bottle of water on had all the time. If it is around, most moms are going to drink without even having to think about it.

Water is also good for energy and staying awake. As a result, it makes a great all-day companion for everyone, not just new moms.

 Don’t Wait to Exercise

While exercising was mentioned above, it’s essential not to put this off. Some new moms delay exercising after giving birth. This is because they have the wrong idea that they must wait for six weeks, or until they have gone to their post-natal check-up.

 However, if a mom had a normal, uncomplicated birth, then there is no reason they can’t begin working out immediately. For those who suffered a medical complication or went through a cesarean, it’s best to speak to a doctor first.

 Avoid Getting on the Scale

 After giving birth, even a few months after, it’s best to stay away from the scale. This is just going to cause a person to obsess over the number they see.

 Remember, the body took nine months to get to the final pregnancy weight. As a result, it’s going to take some time to undo all of this.

 Some doctors even say that it took nine months to put on the weight, and it’s going to take nine months to take it off. It’s best for new moms to give themselves a break and avoid the scale for a while.

 Get a Workout Buddy

 Chances are there are more than a few new moms in the area. There’s a good chance they want to drop the post-baby pounds, too.

 It’s a good idea to take advantage of all these moms and see if anyone else is looking for someone to help them remain accountable. If so, get together, bring the babies, walk and socialize. This offers new moms a way to get out of the house and begin to drop the baby weight.

 Getting the Pre-Baby Body Back

 Remember, it is going to take some time to get the pre-baby body back. However, following these tips will help ensure it’s possible.

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Top Ten Parenting Apps from Pregnancy, Childbirth and Childcare

Hi All,

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Today in an internet-centric world apps play an important role in planning for a baby and raising them as well.

Here are some of the top apps which I recommend:

Fertility Apps
  • Clue.
  • Fertility Friend.
  • Kindara.
  • Natural Cycles.
  • Ovia.
  • Period Tracker.

Pregnancy tracker apps

  • What To Expect 
  • WebMD Pregnancy
  • Glow Nurture Pregnancy App.
  • The Bump Pregnancy Countdown.
  • Hello Belly Pregnancy Tracker
  • BabyCenter

Baby growth apps

  • My Pregnancy & Baby Today Daily Calendar
  • Sleep Baby Sleep
  • Baby’s Firsts
  • HiMama Parent

Other Fun Apps

  • Peanut
  • BabySparks
  • Baby Night Light (for comforting light and calm sounds for your baby to sleep)
  • Glow (logs feeds, sleep schedules, medicines, growth charts)
  • Baby Pics Photo Editor (you can edit pics, create collages, add fun messages and more)
  • MyMedela (helps breastfeeding moms)
  • Sprout

Image Source: Pexels.com

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YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING A TEENAGER BRA

By-  Varda Agrawal

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Teenage is the age of turning from a girl to women.  This is a big milestone in the life of your teenager daughter, which brings along many emotional, mental and physical changes in her. One such physical change in your teenager is her developing breasts that need the right support and comfort. Continue reading

A right teenager bra can give your daughter the support and comfort that she really needs, thus boosting her confidence. The most important thing while shopping for your daughter’s first bra, is being open while talking to her. Let her know, why it is important to wear a bra?.  Make sure that your daughter feels comfortable throughout this process.

Buying your daughter her first teenager bra can be a very daunting job indeed…  don’t worry, we have got you sorted… Here is your guide to buying a teenager bra

When to buy your teenager her first bra? There is not any specific age when a girl needs a bra, but these situations can be a perfect time to do so:

  • When her breasts start to develop

  • When you notice all her friends are wearing one.

  • If she asks for one herself.

  • If her sibling is wearing one, so she also wants to wear.

  • Needs extra support for sports.

Types of Teenager Bra

Training Bras

Your teen might not need a bra for support, but because her friends or siblings are wearing one, she may also wish to try one. Since her breasts are still in a budding stage, training bras are best for her. They are non-wired and non-padded. They don’t have coverage and lining

Everyday Bras

After your teenager daughter has undergone some degree of breast development, it is time to transition from a training bra to an everyday bra. Teenagers are more attracted to the prints, patterns and colours, but the bra that is less likely to show from her clothes, like nude or white ones are the ideal ones. Supportive and broad under band will give her confidence and comfort that she will very much need from her bra. The everyday bras are mostly made of cotton material, hence they are very comfortable to wear. They have separate cups and supportive underbands. They are lined and lightly padded. They also offer good coverage. Teenagers can opt for the everyday bras with transparent straps, for occasional party wear use.

Sports Bras

A sports bra is a must if your teen is active in sports or fitness. They give snug fittings and good support so that your teenager can participate in an outdoor sports activity with confidence. To know more reasons on why one should wear a sports bra during exercise, click here.

Right-Sizing

As the breasts are in the development phase, the size will constantly vary and grow. It is very important for any age group, to wear the right size bra.  Lingerie and department stores usually offer free fitting services, where a trained professional can measure your daughter’s breast and suggest the proper size.

Your teenager may feel embarrassed to have herself measured so you can do the measuring at home before you go shopping to ensure her comfort.

Measuring It

  • To measure your band size, wrap the tape snugly under her bust. Note the number in centimetres and round it to the nearest whole number.

  • To measure her cup size, wrap the tape around the fullest part of her bust. Note the number in centimetres and round it to the nearest whole number.

  • Now refer to the teenager bra size chart on zivame.

So here is all you need to know about buying a teenager bra. Now go ahead and enjoy shopping… after all, it is one of the big milestones of your daughter’s life.

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Perfect Presents For Proud New Parents

Happy parents with their baby in living room

By Sally,

With around 34 babies being born each minute in India, the chances are you may have recently welcomed a new arrival into your family.  Congratulations! It can sometimes be difficult to know what to take as a gift when you meet the new little one; people often love to buy clothing or jewelry for the baby, but what about the exhausted new parents?  They will have been busy preparing for their bundle of joy but now the hard work begins.  What can you give them to make their lives a little easier?

Pampering and recovery treats

All new Moms would relish the opportunity to have a little me-time after the baby arrives, but it’s not always possible to get out for appointments, especially with breastfeeding. You may like to buy a gift voucher for a relaxing spa treatment – Bengaluru itself has many spas to choose from – but for life with a newborn, a selection of pampering treats Mom can enjoy at home might be more useful.  Since hair can change and thin so much after pregnancy, a little pack of ayurvedic post-pregnancy hair care remedies such as neem or bhringraja might be appreciated, or even an offer of massage at home.

Practically perfect

A recent study has found that parents lose around six years of sleep when a new baby arrives.  As a result, it can be difficult to get motivated to do the most basic tasks such as cooking healthy food or getting out for fresh air, exercise or hobbies.  Practical gifts can be really precious, whether it’s offering to look after the baby while the parents take a walk, bringing homemade food to keep in their freezer, or buying them a subscription gift that brings their hobbies home.  Whether their passion is food, fitness, reading or crafting, these services offer them a chance to be themselves again, rather than just Mom or Dad.

Prudent present-giving

A recent study has estimated that the cost of raising a child is Rs. 64.7 lakh from birth to college.  With this in mind, new parents might simply appreciate a small financial gift, either in cash or investment such as gold which they can keep.  Alternatively, you might like to offer to contribute towards future music lessons, or sports kit, if those things are particular passions of yours.  It will depend on your relationship with the parents; for some, talking about money is inappropriate, but for others, it may be a welcome relief.

New arrivals bring great joy to a household, but also a lot of sleepless nights and tired days.  If you are visiting friends or family with a new baby, think about thoughtful ways to show them that they are loved and supported too.  Pampering treats, practical help or small financial gestures can be great ways to reach out to new parents. Offers to cuddle the baby while they take a shower or nap will also be gratefully received too.

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Stress Management for Moms

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By admin,

At times, being a mom can sometimes feel like a thankless job, but at the end of the day, seeing your family happy makes everything worth it. In your children’s eyes, you’re a superhero who can do anything, anytime, anywhere. While you’d like to think this is true most of the time, every now and then, even a superhero feels overwhelmed! An excessive amount of stress on the mind and body may result in fatigue, irritability and high blood pressure.

Stress Awareness Month is recognized throughout April and below, we’ve highlighted some ways in which you can take a step back from an overwhelming situation and channel those anxious feelings in order to spend less time worrying about life and more time enjoying it!

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Talk it Out

 One of the best ways to release stress is to do just that — release it! Talking about your feelings with someone you trust is both relieving and empowering. Relieving in the sense that you’re no longer keeping things bottled up inside and empowering because that person may be able to help you come up with a plan to be proactive against future stressors.

 Whether it’s with an individual, like a counselor, or a support group, it’s important to have an ally in your corner that you can vent to about anything. It’s better that this person is unbiased, so most likely not your significant other, as you want to feel comfortable enough to discuss any topic without judgement or adding additional stress on your loved ones.

 Everyone needs that person to turn to where no topic is too personal to discuss, even when it comes to intimacy troubles with your partner. It’s important to have a  person in your life who you relate to and can offer advice on even the most embarrassing topics, like treatment options to overcome low libido, which can stem from an increase in stress. Having these conversations with someone you trust may also encourage you to seek the professional help necessary to work through your issues and in turn feel more at peace.

 Practice Self-Care

 As of late, self-care is a buzzword that seems to be popping up all over the place. As a busy mom, self-love is likely the last thing we’re thinking about. Carving out some time for yourself is something you deserve and should not bring on feelings of guilt.

 The beauty of self-care is that it comes in many forms. Therefore, the way it’s practiced varies depending on the individual. If you’re someone who enjoys cooking, spend some time testing out new recipes while your kids are napping or in school. Challenging yourself while creating something delicious is a great way to alleviate stress and get making dinner out of the way at the same time!

 Plan Ahead

 It’s likely your most stressful moments occur when you’re trying to get everyone out of the house on time. One kid can’t find their shoes, another just spilled their snack all over, and to top it off, the dog ran out the front door because you left it wide open.

 By the time you get where you need to be not only are you late but you feel like your head might explode! In order to avoid this feeling, consider planning ahead a bit. Even the smallest steps such as laying out a no-fuss outfit or packing your kid’s lunches the night before can save you time and sanity when attempting to get everyone out of the house in the morning. It takes time and practice, but once you’ve adapted a routine, what was once a dreaded time of your day will turn into one you actually look forward to.

Before bed tonight, get out a pen and notebook, and dig deep into your thoughts. Create a list of all your stressors, then list possible solutions under each one. This will get your brain flowing and help you see that it is possible to reign in the chaos and lessen your stress.Don’t go too extreme right off the bat. Starting small will lead to larger changes that may cause a ripple effect and work their way into other facets of your life

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Busted Myths about Refurbished Computers

 

 

 

 

 

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By – Will Bail

Consumers are sometimes afraid of buying refurbished computers. Perhaps they aren’t aware of what it means for a computer to be refurbished, or they may have heard one of the many long-standing myths about refurbishment. However, the truth reveals that refurbished might be a good option for anyone who needs a new computer, even if they’ve never considered it before. Continue reading

 Only One Type of Computer Is Refurbished

Buyers can purchase refurbished desktops to tablets and everything in between. Furthermore, any brand of computer can be refurbished. Customers have plenty of choices when it comes to the type of device and brand. Recompute laptops include all the best-known names: Dell, HP, and Apple, to name a few.

Refurbished Computers Haven’t Been Examined

The entire process of refurbishing a computer, or any other device for that matter, is that it’s checked over for hardware and software issues. A reputable business will perform those checks thoroughly, ensuring that the computer works and, in many cases, is as good as new! Plus, some components have to be replaced even if they’re still in working condition, so your refurbished computer might come with brand-new parts.

 Customers Have No Protections With a Refurbished Computer

A refurbished computer often comes with a warranty, a guarantee that it’s free from certain defects. A warranty shows that the company certifies they’ve performed all the required checks on the computer. You can rest assured when you know that the company stands by their work. Warranties may not be available with all refurbished computers, and refurbished warranties may be shorter than those that come with a brand-new computer.

Refurbished Computers Will Break Down Soon

Eventually, software may require newer hardware (hard drive, memory, and graphics cards, for example), and hardware will not function as well as it once did. But a refurbished computer can last as long as a new computer, providing you with years of service before you need to buy a new computer. Even with a new computer, you run the risk of failure. All manufacturers have some new devices fail eventually. In fact, if refurbished computers have been used for a short while, they may have already passed the point at which they would have failed.

You Can’t Expect Good Performance with Refurbished Computers

If a company is any good, the checks it goes through means a refurbished computer will work as well as a brand-new computer. In many cases, users cannot tell the difference between a new computer or one that’s been refurbished. Components such as memory or hard drives may even be replaced completely before a computer is certified refurbished, so software wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, either.

 Businesses Won’t Benefit From Refurbished Computers

Although shoppers will find refurbished computers that are suitable for their personal needs, business owners shouldn’t overlook refurbished computers, either. Everything from portable laptops to workstations can be refurbished. If a business needs several computers, buying refurbished can add up to quite a savings over new machines.

 

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One Unique Way to Challenge Yourself as a Mom

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By Samantha Giermek,

We all know being a mom is a tough, thankless job. Constantly cleaning, child-rearing, caring for, babying children as well as the husband can be stressful and even depressing. It’s not that we don’t enjoy being mothers, in fact, we think it’s the greatest gift a human being can offer another. But what do we do when all of the work of being a mom just simply isn’t enough? When it seems like we need a little more purpose- a little more challenge?

 

Continue reading

Of course, motherhood is challenging in and of itself. Recently my 4-year-old has been sick every 2 weeks- for a week at a time. We thought this trend might stop after practically the entire half of the year went by (the first time this started) at age 3. Well, it’s back again. Time to go to the store, pick the right vitamins, pick up all of your usual cough or flu medicine, along with all of the other essentials for a good night’s sleep, such as a humidifier…you hope stemming the tide of the monsoon of sickness. When it passes, we all rejoice! Only to find the nagging cough coming on again in another 2 weeks. This has been going on for over 4 months.

It’s challenges like these that made me question a few years ago if I was doing enough in the world. Am I doing enough just taking care of my kids, raising them to be decent human beings and fussing about the house? I thought I was missing something.

I decided I would look inward at myself, examine my strengths and see if there was an opportunity that would allow me to give as much as I was giving at home but to the outer world. I thought about doing some crafts at home and selling them at the local farmers market. But I’m not much of a craft person. I watch a lot of home renovation shows on HGTV- but I wasn’t able to afford to buy rentals and fix them up. And that’s when I stumbled on the opportunity to become a surrogate.

There was one thing I knew about myself, and it was that I had good pregnancies. All of my pregnancies with my children were “easy” and my children were born with no C-sections. I didn’t even have an epidural for my second child he came so easy! To become a surrogate, I needed to have healthy pregnancies already, be a US citizen, and also live in a surrogate friendly state. There are other qualifications to becoming a surrogate, but these are some of the main ones.

And the more I looked for opportunities to challenge myself, the more I found that infertility is a real thing for a lot of people- according to RESOLVE (the national infertility association) 1 out of 8 couples struggle with infertility of some form or another.

Becoming a surrogate that year led me to a journey I never thought possible. I love being a Mom, and it is deeply satisfying. However, when you become a surrogate for another family in need- your life changes as a result. It is challenging becoming a surrogate, and there can be many steps to the process, but it is so worth it!

Knowing you don’t take this child home with you, but you provided the chance for this child to go home with his/her parents when they otherwise would not have existed- it’s the most unique opportunity for a mother that I hope many others have the ability to experience. It was this cause that ultimately led me to not only have a surrogate child, but to help others have children through surrogates as well.

Written by: Samantha Giermek, business owner and surrogate coordinator for www.madeintheusasurrogacy.com.

 

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9 Clever Baby Hacks and Pieces of Advice for New Parents

Happy parents with their baby in living room

By admin

Did you know that 3,855,500 babies were born in the United States in 2017? If you’re preparing to have a baby, it’s great to know that you’re definitely not going it alone.

Many new parents have come before you, and they know the struggle is real. They’ve managed through sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and improbable messes, too. What’s more, they’ve come away with some pretty nifty tips.

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Ready to get your hands on their collective advice for new parents? Read on for nine essential hacks that’ll save you time, money, and precious energy.

Tips for First-Time Parents

First-time parents, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Bringing home baby will change your life forever. And while it comes with its own set of unique challenges, raising a child represents the most rewarding experience that you will ever have.

You may already have tons of baby gear. And you’ve probably already taken the time to prepare your home for your infant’s new arrival. But you’ll still need a list of surefire tips when the going gets tough.

Whether changing diapers, putting your baby down for a nap, or learning the ins and outs of cleaning a high chair, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve organized this new parent advice by theme to make tips easier to find in a pinch. Like, say, when you’ve got an inconsolable baby in your arms at 3 am. Fortunately, these hacks will help you with that, too.

1. “Mess-Free” Diaper Changes

Let’s just get this out of the way up front. “Mess-free” diaper changes are an oxymoron. That said, a little advice from the pros can help you minimize the damages.

If you have a newborn baby boy, always have a washcloth or small towel handy to cover their penis during diaper changes. Cold air can stimulate little boys to urinate, and it’s better done on an absorbent towel than in your face or on your clothes.

As for diaper cream, it’s a necessary, messy evil. In fact, its moisture resistance makes it nearly impossible to wash off.

What to do? Use a baby wipe to immediately wipe the goop from your fingers by wrapping it tightly around each digit.

Or, better yet, get a soft plastic diaper cream applicator so that you can keep your hands cream-free in the first place.

 2. Diaper Bag Must-Haves

As babies get older, they sometimes rebel against diaper changes. Or, they prove such wiggle worms that you can’t get them to hold still long enough to get a clean diaper on them.

So, keep change-time only toys nearby to capture their attention. Don’t forget to stash a few in your diaper bag, too.

Always keep empty ziplock bags in your diaper bag. You never know when a serious mess could occur. And, believe me, babies are capable of some doozies.

Besides plastic bags, throw in an extra shirt for you as well as a onesie or change of clothing for your baby. You’ll thank yourself later.

3. A Little Warmth Goes a Long Way

After having a baby, expect some serious sleep deprivation. There’s no way around it.

Fortunately, baby sleep hacks abound. One of our favorites? Heat up the baby’s bed before you transfer them from your arms into it.

Do this with a microwave heat bag. Just make sure to remove the bag before you add the baby.

And don’t let the area where you’re going to lay them down get too hot either. You simply want to dull the sensation of going from warm arms to a cold bed.

4. White Noise Machines Rock

A white noise machine will prove a sleep-saver for you and baby.

Why? Before birth, infants sleep despite a sea of noises all around them, from the sound of your heartbeat to your voice and more.

It can be difficult for them to go from these sounds to silence. Fortunately, this machine surrounds them with the comforting noises from their prenatal experience, giving you a chance to catch up on some much needed shut eye.

5. Red Lights Instead of Red Eyes

Now here’s a weird hack that works surprisingly well.

Change out the light bulb in your baby’s room from a white light to a red one. Yes, it’ll look a bit odd to say the least.

But wait until you’re trying to find something or get around your baby’s room in the middle of the night. Then, you’ll see what we mean.

Why? Red light gives off a dimmer type of light and is far less likely to wake up baby in the middle of the night. Yet, you’ll still see well enough to avoid fumbling around or making noise in the dark.

6. Mastering Baby Messes

Yes, babies are adorable. But they also represent fine-tuned mess-making machines. So, get ready for lots of stain removal.

Always keep these three items on hand:

  1. Dawn dish soap
  2. Hydrogen peroxide
  3. Baking soda

This triple threat will remove just about any stain without harsh chemicals. What’s more, you probably already have all three of these items under your kitchen or bathroom sink.

7. Tackling High Chair Disasters

As for items that babies use every day, think simple and easy to clean. High chairs prove a notoriously difficult item to sanitize. Yet, they get truly disgusting.

So, get one that can be hosed down in the backyard or washed in the shower. You may also be able to dismantle and wash portions of your high chair in the dishwasher.

While we’re on the topic of high chairs, here’s a super handy hack for bibs. Purchase an adhesive hook from the store and stick it to the back of your high chair. That way, you’ll always have a spot to hang fresh bibs.

8. Dealing with Baby Clothes

 When you embark on the journey into parenthood, you also embark on the journey into keeping paired socks together and accounted for.

Any experienced parent will tell you that keeping matching socks on your baby’s feet proves nigh on to impossible.

Don’t make this task even more difficult by tempting your dryer to “eat” teeny-tiny baby socks. Instead, invest in a mesh laundry bag.

As for dealing with baby clothes, instead of trying to fold them, roll them. Once you’ve rolled them into neat little piles, stack similar items in small storage boxes. Or, use drawer organizers to keep them neat and easy to find.

9. Invest in the Best Device EVER Created for Babies

Right now, a pack and play might not sound like a big deal to you. But once your baby arrives, you’ll immediately start to see the utility of this device. In fact, we believe pack and plays are among the best baby inventions in history.

They prove highly transportable and can go nearly anywhere. (Some models can even be carried on your back.) Find out more about the best pack and plays by reading this blog.

They allow your infant to have a safe place to play and nap no matter where you travel.

Finally, they’ll keep mischief-makers out of trouble while also corralling messes in one easy-to-clean location.

Golden Advice for New Parents

 The journey into parenthood comes with its road bumps as well as plenty of advice for new parents. But not all advice is created equal.

You need to stick with what works for you and your baby. That said, simple, effective, cheap hacks like the ones above will make your life easier.

Ready to learn more about what to expect when your baby comes home? Check out this post on seven must-haves before your baby’s arrival.

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Simple Ways To Improve Your Family’s Finances

By- Alishba Irfan 

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Image Source :- Pixabay

It can be difficult to make ends meet today. If you have children and loved ones dependent on your paycheck, then it can be even harder for you to make your money stretch. Fortunately, there are ways that you can improve your family’s finances. Continue reading

Create a Budget

The first step in improving your finances is to set a budget. You will not be able to improve your financial situation until you know where your money is going and how much you need to bring in to make ends meet. You should get your family to help you put together a budget.

Ask everyone to write down what they are spending money on. You should also keep track of your own purchases. After everyone has kept track of their purchases for a month, you can set a budget.

Be Prepared to Make Sacrifices

If you want to get your finances in order, then you will have to make some sacrifices. Most people are spending money unnecessarily. It can hurt to make sacrifices, but you may be able to free up hundreds of dollars per month by making a few change sin your life.

There are several ways that you can cut down on your expenses. For example, if you have an expensive cable package, then you can replace it with Netflix or Hulu. You can also get rid of vices such as smoking and drinking. Additionally, you can prepare your meals at home instead of buying them.

Do Not Make Impulse Purchases

Many people buy something just because it catches their eye. However, you do not want to make impulse purchases. It is best to remove yourself from the temptation. For example, if you know that you are tempted to buy something every time that you go to certain stores, then you will need to avoid going to it.

It is also a good idea to use the 30-day rule before making a purchase that you do not need. You should wait 30 days and decide whether you really want the item. You may find that you do not want the item after a month. You should also encourage everyone in your household to follow the 30-day rule.

Find New Ways to Bring in More Money

Many people take out title loans or use a credit card when they are not bringing in enough money to pay their bills. However, you may not have to take out a loan if you can find ways to increase your monthly income. There are endless ways that you can make money nowadays.

If you have extra time, then you can get a part-time job. However, there are ways that you can make money without a second job. For example, you can take surveys in your spare time. You will not get rich doing this, but you will have extra money to spend.

You can also become a product reviewer. Babysitting, dog walking and tutoring are some of the ways that you can make money in your spare time.

 

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