Category:

DIY

How to Throw an Amazing Budget-Friendly Party

by LifeAsMama January 14, 2020

You might be thinking that details don’t matter, but they do only, not the one you are thinking about. Having Instagram-worthy decorations and amazing expensive cakes won’t help people to have fun. The important details are things like having good hospitality and helping them feel comfortable and have fun. It is really important that you are a good host because some of your friends are shy by nature and they are uncomfortable in social gatherings, particularly if they are surrounded by lots of people that they don’t know. Therefore you don’t need to have fancy things for people to enjoy your party.

Visit A Party Supplies Store

Naturally, you will want to have some fun decorations for your party. All you need to do is decide on a colour scheme that you want to go with, and find some inexpensive accents that will fit your envisioned theme. Go for things like plastic cups, plastic tablecloths and a few centrepieces. When you have gathered all that you need you can decorate your space and make a fun environment that you and your friends will enjoy.

Choose A Few People That You Will Invite

This is the best way you can plan a budget-friendly party that will also save you a headache. Put together a list of guests that you truly want to be there, and you will save more money than you can believe. The fewer people you invite the cheaper it will be to celebrate your birthday. And on top of that, having a more private “exclusive” is very chic. Your list should consist of your closest friends and avoid inviting colleagues or not so close friends.

Get Creative With You Lighting Situation

There is nothing more inexpensive yet so effective. You need to have good lighting to set the right mood and to create a fun atmosphere. When you are hosting an evening party keep your lights low and place your lamps and candles in the right places so you set the right tone. Utilise things that you already have at home and don’t be afraid to get creative with your ideas.

Don’t Be Embarrassed To Take People Up On Their Offers

This is a great way to make the party more fun and comfortable. This way you will be saving money and you won’t have to worry about people not liking the food or drinks that you’ve bought and that they will be thirsty or hungry. It is a great way to keep the party budget-friendly and people feeling like they are included.

Rent Out A Photo Booth

This might be the biggest thing that you can spend your budget on. Everybody will love the photo booth and it will provide entertainment so you don’t have to worry about people getting bored. Even when you might be thinking that nothing is going on at your party and it’s boring your friends will be at the photo booth taking fun pictures. This is great if you handout with a crowd that isn’t all the same age. It is a great way to make your friends connect and create new friendships if they don’t know each other. Having a photo booth is getting really popular in 2020 especially with young adults from Sydney. Therefore, you won’t need to worry about finding a photo booth hire in Sydney, and they are not as expensive as they used to be. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Be Your Own DJ

The best way you can lively up your crowd is by having some good jams. We all know the importance of having a good party mix. The key to having the best party mix is to incorporate old traditional guilty pleasure hits and then make your way up to the music that is popular nowadays and that you know that all of your guests will be able to enjoy it. It’s important that you calculate the length of your party right so your guests don’t have to hear songs over and over again.

It is really important that you determine the budget that you are comfortable with, so you can start saving up. Keep in mind that you don’t need to have a luxurious fancy party for your friends to have a good time.

About the Author

Stella Ryne is an art historian, traveller, conscious consumer and a proud mother. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book. Stay in touch with Stella via Twitter and Facebook.

Air fresher and house plants in pots on the stone black tale closeup

Bring Nature Into Your Home: Tips & Tricks

by LifeAsMama November 18, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

Your home should be your personal sanctuary, and there’s no better way to make your sanctuary truly beautiful than to bring nature into your home. This can be especially therapeutic for those who prefer to spend time in nature, but due to other commitments, they can’t do it that often. So, whether you’re a nature lover or simply want to add a touch of nature into your home, here are some tips and tricks that will help you get there:

Use the right colors and patterns

Opting for the right colors can make or break the space. If you prefer natural vibe, then it’s only logical to use colors inspired by nature such as various shades of green, blue and brown. Other great choices are grey, black and white, but it’s important to keep in mind that choosing a color palette requires a lot of planning, so you won’t end up overdecorating your place. That can often have the opposite effect from the one you’ve originally intended to achieve. If you prefer wall art, then getting wallpapers with floral or palm motifs can contribute a lot to the overall design of your nature-inspired home.

Don’t forget the importance of the right elements

Bringing nature into your home means having to play with different elements. The best way to add a dash of a luscious forest or a romantic stone castle vibe is to use nature-inspired elements such as wood, stone, seagrass, and leather. Having a stone-wall in your living room can surely make your home look more elegant and better-planned, or adding wood logs as decor pieces can surely make your home look more visceral and beautiful, but always keep in mind to use only those elements you personally connect with. That way your home will have elements of nature, while also being naturally inviting to you and your guests.

Make it comfortable and snuggly

Obviously, not many things in the forest or a field is truly snuggly, but there are ways to incorporate some comfort into your nature-inspired home. For example, incorporating some wabi-sabi decor can make your living space seem more in sync with nature and its realities.

Also, adding a braided wool rug will surely make your space look unique and more sophisticated. Nature by itself doesn’t necessarily have to be comfortable, but adding certain nature details will surely have a positive effect on your home and the way it feels to you.

Plants are also a great idea

Having a lot of greens in your home is the ultimate way to bring nature into your home while still making it look balanced. For those who prefer minimalism, the best way to add plants is to have only a few plants strategically placed wherever it’s suitable. On the other hand, those who love maximalism can play with plants of different types and sizes to create a perfect indoor jungle or a forest. In case you’re inexperienced with caring for the plants, you can always get those that are low-maintenance so you won’t have to worry about watering them every day.

Have a lot of natural light

Living in a home with a lot of sources of natural light will definitely make you feel like you’re standing on a sun-kissed field. Therefore, installing large windows and having light and breezy curtains is a great place to start. If you don’t have a lot of access to natural light (living in a surrounded place), then there are still ways to maximize the amount of light you have during the day. Painting your walls light color and having lightly-colored furniture will surely make your home look more lit.

Making your home more in sync with nature can also have a lot of benefits to your mental health since a lot of natural elements can make you feel more peaceful and balanced. Just make sure to not go overboard with certain decor elements, as that can make you feel a bit redundant. Therefore, consulting a decor specialist can be of great help, since an expert can give you the right advice, while also taking your preferences into consideration.

About the Author

Lana is a stay-at-home mom, writer, and interior design enthusiast. She loves writing about interiors, but her specialty is landscape design. She enjoys playing in the kitchen and cooking for her friends and family, spending time in nature and learning about other cultures by traveling.

DIY Home

7 Home Repairs Everyone Should Know

by LifeAsMama November 13, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

Owning a house is something that we all dream about, but with being an owner comes more than just relaxing on your deck and having fun times with your family around the fireplace. It needs someone who will be dedicated to keeping your home safe and running smoothly. Occasionally repairing things around your house is the part that comes with it, even if you are not a big DIY person, there are a couple of things that you need to know how to fix by yourself.

1. Learn How to Unclog a Toilet

Most times clogged toilets are difficult to deal with because most of us start making bad decisions at that moment. When we start realizing that the toilet is clogged it is filling up with water and overflowing. Therefore, you need to know how to fix it in advance so you know what to do when the crisis strikes.

It’s fairly simple. The only crucial thing you need to have is a plunger. If you think you need something more heavy-duty is a plumbing snake, and both of those are under 10 dollars. In most cases, the snake isn’t necessary, but if you have a child that can throw things like toys or jewelry in the toilet bowl, then only the snake will do the trick.

This is the best tip someone can give you. If you don’t have a tool close to you and you need to fix the clog quickly, mix dish soap with four cups of boiling water and put it into the toilet bowl. That should clean it out if the clog is made out of biological things.

2. Learn How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

There are many ways of fixing leaky faucets. In most cases it only depends on the type of sauces you have. There are two types of faucets, two-handle washerless faucets and single-handle washerless faucets. But in most cases, you don’t need to worry about what type your faucet is. Most leaks can be fixed with a wrench and in some bad cases, it can require a trip to your local hardware store to buy the replacement part.

3. Learn How to Replace a Faucet

You might hear some people bragging about how they can replace the faucet on their own, but that is not that impressive because replacing a faucet it is simple. All you need to do is find a new fixture that has the holes as your old one because it needs to fit properly on the sink. Before you start, take pictures of everything before you start working so you know how to put it back together. After that shut the water odd, drain your faucet and them follow the instructions that came with the faucet.

4. Learn How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

There are many ways you can fix clogged garbage disposal, sometimes it can even be fun like doing a mini science experiment. All you need to do is pour half of the box of baking soda into the drain on the side that the disposal is on, and then pour the other half into the disposal. Chase the baking soda with white vinegar and let it do its magic for an hour. After the one hour has past pour hot water over it and your disposal should be unplugged.

5. Learn How to Fix the Washing Machine

If your washing machine breaks don’t immediately start searching for a handyman, thinking about how you can do it on your own. It may sound complicated but in most cases, it’s nothing that you can’t fix by yourself. You just need a few tools and light. Most times the filter is clogged or you just need to buy a spare part. Most washing machines like LG or Bosch ones have the same problems. Therefore, there are a lot of places that sell LG washing machine parts.

6. Learn How to Clean Grout

It is important that you clean your grout from time to time. Even though this may not sound like a repair, by cleaning it you are repairing it. All you need to do is mix some baking soda and bleach. Apply it to the grout and scrub the grout with a small brush or a toothbrush. After you scrubbed it to clean it with some water and you will have a new looking grout.

7. Learn How to Replace Outlets

If you need to change outlets, the first step is to cut the power and with a voltage, tester confirms that there is no electricity in them. Take off the faceplate, unscrew the outlet and memorize which wires connect to which outlet. Connect the new outlet, screw it back on and turn the electricity back on and test your work.

Be confident in yourself, you don’t always need a handyman. You can surprise yourself with your independence. But make sure you evaluate the risk that comes with repairing things before you start doing it.

About the Author

Holiday

A Busy Mama’s Guide to Managing Holiday Stress

by LifeAsMama November 12, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

There are a lot of expectations around the holidays. As a mother, you’ll probably feel the pressure to cook the perfect meal, buy the best gifts, and attend every social gathering, while still managing your regular day-to-day responsibilities.

Balancing these tasks can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you don’t take care of yourself. However, with realistic expectations, mindful planning, and a little self care, you can keep holiday stress at bay. Here are five simple ways even the busiest mamas can navigate the holiday season:

Balance Social Obligations

The holidays are a great time to gather with family and friends. However, committing to too many social gatherings can become more of a stressor than something you enjoy. Consider which holiday gatherings you’d like to host and attend versus the ones you’d rather skip.

Be sure to prioritize important family traditions, and don’t be afraid to say no when you don’t feel up to going somewhere. If you have to turn down an invitation, consider sending a thoughtful thank you card, or offer to meet up at a later date. The holidays are a busy time for everyone, so chances are they’ll understand.

Treat Your Body Well

During the busy season, it’s easy to push your own needs to the side. However, prioritizing your health and scheduling time to focus on yourself will help you keep up on your mental and physical needs amid all the holiday chaos. Be sure to carve out time in your schedule to take care of yourself and practice self care.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating healthily. In addition, consider blocking off a day to treat yourself to a stress-relieving spa treatment. Or, if you’d rather stay in, buy some new skincare products to indulge in at home. When you look and feel your best, you’ll feel more confident and energized to push through the holiday season.

Make a Plan

It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays. Ahead of the busy season, take some time to list out all of your responsibilities. Then, create a schedule for yourself, and set flexible deadlines to keep yourself on track. Break up activities, such as gift buying and home decorating, over a few weeks so you’re not scrambling to get everything done at once.

The holidays can get expensive, so it’s also good to prepare a budget ahead of time. Project the amount you anticipate spending on gifts, food, decor, and travel, and try your best to stick to your budget so you’re not overwhelmed when the bill arrives.

Get Your Kids Involved

Striking a balance between your family, career, and personal responsibilities is a task for a super mom. When you’re running around trying to get everything done, you may feel a strong sense of mom guilt. However, your responsibilities don’t necessarily have to take you away from your kids.

Consider involving your children in holiday activities, such as gift wrapping, decorating, cooking, and cleaning. This will give you peace of mind in knowing you’re spending quality time with your kids while also accomplishing tasks around the house.

Ask for Help

You may not feel comfortable admitting you need help, but doing so will help take some of the weight off of your shoulders. All moms need a break at some point, and your social network of support will help reassure you of that.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, consider delegating some responsibilities to your partner or a close family member or friend. Free up some time for yourself to relax and decompress, and remember that you can always return the favor when things have settled down. Asking for help not only allows you to enjoy the holiday season but also makes others feel good, too.

Give Yourself A Break

You don’t need to throw the perfect family gathering, buy the best gifts, or attend every holiday party to have a joyful holiday season. Remember, you can’t be two places at once, and you can’t expect to do it all on your own.

Don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go as planned. Instead, acknowledge what went well and cherish the memories you’ve made. Things will likely settle down come January 2nd, so go easy on yourself, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Beauty Health

8 Ways To Protect Your Skin During Cold Weather

by LifeAsMama November 12, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

Cold weather can leave your skin feeling dry, rough, itchy and prone to damage. So how do you and your skin survive the cold temperature, low humidity, and high wind? We’ve got you covered.

With just a few simple dermatologist recommended steps, you can guard your skin during the cold weather. Read on to learn more.

Moisturize Often

Cold weather can strip your skin of moisture. Lack of hydration can lead to dry skin and makes it susceptible to premature aging. Step up your moisturizer or moisturize your skin often to lock in the moisture.

Your skin’s outermost layer (stratum corneum) acts as a protective barrier [1]. It prevents water from escaping the skin and harmful bacteria from entering the skin. Water is essential in maintaining the strength of the barrier.

Moisturizers contain ingredients that help in water retention in the skin. Consider using a barrier repair moisturizer [2] that repairs the skin’s natural barrier. It has the property to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Moisturizers come in the form of creams, lotions, gels and serums for different skin types. Know your skin first and stick to a moisturizer that suits your skin.

It is best to apply a moisturizer after cleansing. The lotion will lock all the water that is saturated after cleansing.

Using a hand cream after washing your hands in cold weather also helps keep your hands soft and moisturized.

Exercise With Caution

Exercise offers a ton of benefits for your skin. It flushes out toxins in the form of sweat, clears pores and increases blood circulation. However, while the weather is cold, consider working out indoors. During cold weather, air lacks humidity and getting exposed to such air damages your skin.

Take Warm Showers, Not Hot

It is tempting to take a hot shower in cold weather but did you know that hot water can strip the moisture of your skin. Hot showers can make your skin feel like a dry and withered leaf. Warm shower with a hydrating body wash can protect your skin from the harsh weather.

Don’t wash your hands with hot water. According to dermatologists, washing hands with cold water is as effective at removing germs as hot water.

Choose Gentle Products

Switch to gentle skincare products in cold weather. Avoid products that contain fragrances, sulfates, parabens, alcohol and other toxic ingredients.

Pick a cleanser that is free of harsh chemicals and pH balanced. Harsh cleansers tend to wash off the natural oils from your skin leaving it dry.

Use a moisturizer that suits your skin otherwise it can clog your pores.

We can’t stress enough on the benefits of sunscreen. Sun can have a damaging effect on the skin, ranging from dark spots to patches to tan to wrinkles to skin cancer. Don’t skip your sunscreen in winter thinking that it’s only for the summers. The sun’s rays in winter are not as strong as they are in the summers but your skin still needs to be shielded from the UV rays. Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 for the cold weather [3].

In cold weather, under eye skin has a tendency to get even drier. The skin around the eyes is extremely thin and needs an eye cream that hydrates it to keep it supple.

Avoid Wearing Irritating Clothes

Since the skin in cold weather feels dry and sensitive already, make sure you don’t wear synthetic clothes that may irritate your skin further. Breathable cotton fabrics are a great option in cold weather.

You could layer up with sweaters and gloves for the hands to keep yourself warm. Change out of wet clothes to prevent itchy skin.

Use A Humidifier

Air lacks humidity when the weather is cold. Use a humidifier at home to increase the humidity in the air. This can prevent your skin from drying a lot

Limit Exfoliation

Exfoliation is crucial to get rid of the dead skin cells but limit it during the cold weather.

Exfoliation helps blemished skin, clogged pores, pigmentation, and suntan.

Exfoliating shouldn’t be done more than once a week since over exfoliation can strip off the natural oils from the skin and disrupt your skin’s pH balance, potentially leaving it even drier.

Eat Right And Stay Hydrated

Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to give your skin the required vitamins.

Fatty fish, avocado, walnuts, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, green tea, dark chocolate are some of the many foods that are great for your skin.

We don’t feel thirsty in cold weather but our skin needs the same amount of hydration irrespective of the external environment. Make sure to drink at least three liters of water every day. You could include warm herbal teas during the day which also work as an alternative to caffeine.

Let us know how your skin feels after incorporating these steps in your routine during cold weather.

REFERENCES:

Author Bio :

Nisha is passionate about writing and loves to share her thoughts with the world. She is a regular contributor to skinkraft.com and a few other websites. She has written many articles on yoga, fitness, wellness, remedies, and beauty. She keeps herself updated by going through interesting blogs every day. This fuels her passion and motivates her to write appealing and engaging articles.

DIY Holiday

20 DIY Christmas Gifts That People Will Actually Love

by Amber King November 6, 2019

written by Amber King

I am a huge fan of DIY Christmas gifts. My husband and I despise spending more than five minutes at a mall during the holiday shopping season, and I never want gift giving to feel like an obligation. I like giving gifts that are thoughtful and personal. Anyone can pass out gift cards, but it’s a true friend that puts time and effort into a truly special gift.

But there’s a long-standing problem with DIY gifts—more than one, actually. First, they have a bad reputation. I know I’m guilty of giving out at least a few DIY duds (sorry, mom and dad). They can also be frustratingly time consuming. And when we’re already busy with a hectic holiday season, no one has time to spend hours upon hours on everyone on their list. So for this list, I had two criteria: gifts need to be high-quality and something people would actually want, and they also need to be reasonably easy to put together.

I scoured the Internet and put together this list of my favorite DIY Christmas gifts. Check them out and get crafty!

Home Decor

1. Starbucks Candle

Down Redbud Drive

Do you have a friend that wouldn’t survive without their daily trip to Starbucks? You can fuel that obsession in a creative way with a DIY Starbucks candle. Candle making isn’t as hard as it seems, and when your friend is finished burning the candle, they have a cute Starbucks mug to use all year-round.

Tutorial: Down Redbud Drive

2. Stovetop Citrus Potpourri

One of the best things about the holiday season is the smell. Candles are a popular gift this time of year, but stovetop potpourri is a great way to mix it up. This DIY Christmas gift idea combines everything you need for a fresh-smelling home into a reusable glass jar. Your gift recipients just need to put it on the stove and enjoy the fresh scent!

Tutorial: Sheri Silver

3. Photo Coasters

Cardstore

This DIY Christmas gift will be something your friends and family will cherish for years. You’ll need a few supplies like ceramic tiles and a bottle of mod podge. You’ll also need to print out high-quality photos. These photo coasters take a few days to dry, but they’re not hard to make.

Tutorial: Cardstore

4. Wine Cork Vase

Design Improvised

You’ve been collecting those corks all year, and now it’s time to put them to good use! This DIY flower vase is the perfect gift for friends that also enjoy a good cup of wine. Give the gift with flowers already inside to make it even better.

Tutorial: Design Improvised

5. Upcycled Throw Pillow

Organized 31

You’ll need to have some skills for this one, but making throw pillows is actually easier than you’d think. Find fabric from old clothes or the bargain bin at the store.

Tutorial: Organized 31

6. Knit Pot Holders

Homey Oh My

You don’t need to be an expert knitter to make these simple knitted pot holders. They’re great projects for beginner knitters, and you can pass them out like candy to everyone on your list. Try to coordinate colors with your friends’ kitchens to make the gift extra thoughtful.

Tutorial: Homey Oh My

7. Fleece Blanket

Cutesy Crafts

I absolutely love a good DIY fleece blanket. There are at least three in my living room, and I’ve already made them for all my friends and family members. They take a little bit of time, but they’re not hard. And you can personalize each blanket with printed fabric. It’s a great gift for the men on your list that aren’t easy to shop for.

Tutorial: Cutesy Crafts

Self Care

8. Terrazzo Style Slice Soaps

https://fallfordiy.com/blog/2017/02/28/a-new-obsession-diy-terrazzo-style-slice-soaps/

DIY soaps are always a good idea for gift giving. They encourage self care, and they look especially pretty when wrapped up in ribbon and bows. Instead of your normal bar of homemade soap, try out these cute and creative terrazzo style slice soaps.

Tutorial: Fall for DIY

9. Pumpkin Spice Lip Scrub

Club Crafted

Lip scrub is like chap stick, but it’s way better. It moisturizes lips and removes dry skin that always comes with dry winter weather. This sweet-smelling DIY Christmas gift makes a great stocking stuffer.

Tutorial: Club Crafted

10. Lavender Bath Salts

My Cultured Palate

Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing bath? Those baths are even better when they come with the therapeutic properties of these DIY bath salts. Give someone the gift of self care with these easy-to-make and always-thoughtful bath salts. You can even customize them for each person on your list.

Tutorial: My Cultured Palate

Edible

11. Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Eating Richly

This idea is perfect for all the chocolate lovers of the world. These cute little chocolate pops magically turn into decadent hot chocolate when you stir them into a mug of warm milk. It’s a creative gift idea that you can make in bulk for neighbors and family members.

Tutorial: Eating Richly

12. Homemade Ice Cream

Country Living

We all scream for homemade ice cream! This recipe is easy to make (no turning involved), and the seasonal flavor is sure to be a hit. Package your pints in cute cartons and add some ribbon for good measure. You’ll have to transport your gift in a cooler so it won’t melt, but it’ll be worth it.

Tutorial: Country Living

13. Healthy No Bake Granola Bars

Happy Kitchen

Christmas gift giving usually involves a lot of cookies and candies, but what about the people on your list that are serious about health or struggling to stick to a diet? Gifting them a plate full of sugary sweets might not be appreciated. But what they will appreciate is a gift that’s both delicious and healthy.

Tutorial: Happy Kitchen

14. Candied Pecans

The Rising Spoon

Baskets of cookies are the go-to gift for neighbors, teachers, and friends, but your gift can stand out by going in a nuttier direction. Candied pecans are sweet, festive, and easy to make. Make a big batch and give them out to everyone on your list.

Tutorial: The Rising Spoon

15. Coffee Mixers

Tatyana’s Everyday Food

Coffee is always a good gift idea, and you can make that morning cup o’ Joe extra special with these DIY coffee mixers. Hit up your local thrift store for some cool-looking old spoons, and add chocolate, nuts, coconut, peppermint, and anything else you think will pair well with coffee. When you put the spoon in the coffee, the chocolate will melt to make a really delicious holiday treat.

Tutorial: Tatyana’s Everyday Food

Everything Else

16. Hand-Painted Tote

Adventures of a DIY Mom

It’s not the tote itself that makes this project a great DIY Christmas gift (unless of course you’re skilled with a sewing machine), but the design you pick can be customized for everyone on your list. It’s an especially great gift for your kids to make. They can give them to teachers, grandparents, family members, and whoever else would appreciate an environmentally friendly and super cute shopping tote bag. Buy blank tote bags and use fabric paint for the design.

Tutorial: Adventures of a DIY Mom

17. Leather Bookmark

Making Manzanita

Need a gift for a book lover but don’t know what’s currently on their “to-read” list? You could go with a gift card to Barnes and Noble, but that’s not exactly personal. So why not pair that gift card with a cute handmade leather bookmark? They’ll think of you every time they get into a good book.

Tutorial: Making Manzanita

18. Hand Warmers

The Typical Mom

Homemade hand warmers are a super simple yet thoughtful DIY Christmas gift. You only need basic sewing skills, a few scraps of fabric, and some rice. Package your handmade gift in a cute little bag with a personalized note to make it extra special.

Tutorial: The Typical Mom

19. Flannel Infinity Scarf

Swoodson Says

This cute scarf looks like an in-depth DIY project, but it only takes 15 minutes. It’s cute, cozy, and your friends in winter climates will appreciate the extra warmth. They’ll be impressed that you made it yourself–and you don’t need to tell them how easy it was.

Tutorial: Swoodson Says

20. Embroidery Hoop Ornaments

Swoodson Says

These easy DIY Christmas gifts are an opportunity to stretch your sewing muscles. You don’t need to be a pro at embroidery to make these cute little ornaments. There are super simple designs that are perfect for beginners and even kids.

Tutorial: Swoodson Says

What are your favorite DIY Christmas gifts? Let us know in the comments!

Family Fun Holiday Kids Motherhood

5 Steps in Planning a Road Trip with the Kids

by LifeAsMama October 28, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

Road trips are part of the fabric of American culture. A great, flexible and affordable way to see the country, many people favor long drives over air travel to get around. Of course, whilst road trips are fun and exciting some of the time, spending long hours and days cooped up in a car on the road can have its challenges. When you add the kids into the equation those challenges can amplify. However, with a little preparation and some ‘off-road’ thinking, you can anticipate and negate the problems commonly faced when you take your family on the road and maximize the fun.

Packing and Preparation

Being well prepared is key for any long journey. Gone are the days where you and your partner could just throw a bag in the trunk, jump in the car and GO. With the kids in tow, a much greater degree of preparation is necessary. As you aren’t limited by airline luggage restrictions, packing doesn’t need to be as restrained as you’re used to. Depending on how long you’re going to be on the road you should aim to pack one appropriately sized bag per passenger. That way you can factor in all gear for all types of weather, and various types of footwear to suit any terrain, meaning you can enjoy all the sites and attractions along your way. Make sure you pack at least one or two in-car bags full of snacks, cleaning wipes, extra layers and emergency supplies (more on these later). Also, give your car a good service before you set out.

Choosing Destinations

The key to a successful road trip with children is planning where you will end up each night. It’s important to remember that with kids you need to allow more time for everything – from packing up the car to visiting tourist attractions and stopping for restroom breaks. When choosing your nightly stopovers it may be a good idea to go for places that include breakfast so you can fuel your troops before you start – this will eliminate the need for an early stop and get you on your way more quickly.

And of course, the big question is where you actually want to go – the Coasts are ever-popular choices, packed full of stunning nature, exciting cities and towns and classic destinations. Whether you’re discovering the gems of the East, like Niagra Falls or taking in the splendors of the Sonoma Valley on the West. Choose what you want to see and do, and leave enough time to see and do it – there is no point in rushing through amazing attractions just because you need to keep on schedule. Getting the kids involved in the planning process is a great way for them to feel more involved, and make the days more goal-oriented – much better than being sat in the back seat feeling aimless for hours at a time.

Fun and Games

And talking of long highway journeys, it’s important to remember that children have a much lower boredom threshold than adults. While you may be content to gaze at the passing scenery and listen to the gentle hum of the engine for hours at a time, the little passengers in the back will be getting increasingly restless. Have a selection of car-friendly games and activities planned out. In the mornings the kids are going to have much more energy, so games with lots of interaction are best (‘I spy with my little eye’, or other classic car games are great). In the afternoons the chances are that everyone (except, hopefully, the driver) will be getting a little drowsy, so more relaxed pursuits such as drawing, reading or watching movies on phones or tablets can work well. If you want to add a bit of road trip education into the mix then getting the kids to read the map or the GPS and give directions (probably best to supervise unless you want to end up lost) is a great way to get them involved.

Emergencies

Back to being prepared. Make sure you have a well-stocked first-aid kit – bandages, plasters, gauze, antiseptic, treatments for poison oak or any of nature’s other miseries are all a must – and travel sickness treatment to alleviate everyone’s suffering. Make sure you take all medications for the whole family and keep them somewhere secure where only the adults can access. Keep track of where you are and make sure you have all the appropriate emergency numbers (the local coastguard if you’re by the sea, or the forest rangers if you’re in the wilderness, for example). As with any adventure – hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

Snacks and Meals

It’s almost a tradition to hit the junk food when you’re on a road trip. Outlets seem to be placed every few miles along the way, and it’s quick and easy. However, you don’t really want your kids eating fast food constantly, so planning healthy alternatives to munch on for the trip is essential. Choose fruits that aren’t too sticky and messy, such as apples and pears, and make sure you have a selection of nuts to nibble at. Sandwiches will replace burgers and hotdogs easily enough, and are easier on the wallet as well as the waistline.

The key to a successful road trip is, at the end of the day, enjoyment. However, preparation ahead of time, and the ability to quickly address your little troopers’ needs, whether they be appetite, health, boredom related or anything else will mean less on-the-road stress and more road trip fun. For all of you.

About the Author

Bethany Seton is a real estate agent from Melbourne. For the last two years, she decided to leave her office job and follow her passion for writing and traveling. Currently, she travels with her laptop and writes for various blogs, hoping one day she will gather all the experience she gets in one book.

Holiday Lifestyle Travel

Style Tricks: What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway

by LifeAsMama October 17, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

For some people, packing for a weekend getaway is something they do with ease, but for the majority of us, this simply isn’t the case. Even though we are aware that we only need to bring a https://realisationpar.com/shop/weekend’s worth of clothes and shoes, many of us tend to get carried away and either overpack, and this is especially true for those of us who wait until the last minute to start packing their bags and then do it in a hurry. To help you pack smarter, quicker, and lighter, we’re sharing a list of essentials you should definitely bring for your weekend getaway.

A pair of basic denim jeans you can dress up and down

An essential in every capsule suitcase, a pair of plain, basic denim jeans can be used to create a range of outfits. A pair of jeans in a classic, timeless hue can be mixed and matched with virtually anything, and their versatility allows them to be worn for many occasions. A nifty transitional piece, denim jeans can easily be taken from a daytime to a nighttime outfit with the addition of elegant accessories. During the daytime, they can be worn with flat shoes and a plain tee, and when the sun goes down, they can be paired with cute heels, a feminine top, and statement jewelry to get a chic outfit for a night out.

A jacket that can be worn with multiple outfits

Another important item in a weekend travel bag, a versatile jacket that can be restyled and worn with multiple outfits is going to save a lot of space in your suitcase. Depending on the weather and season of the year, pack a jacket you can rock with different shirts – it’s best to stick within a neutral color palette and go with hues like beige, gray, black, and tan. If it’s cold, a cozy, camel coat may be the perfect garment to pack, but if it happens to be warm and sunny, you should bring a versatile denim jacket. As for autumn and spring, a trench coat or a quality leather jacket in a neutral color will do the trick.

A printed dress as a statement piece

While basic, neutral pieces are a must on every weekend packing list, it’s advisable to bring at least one or two statement pieces that call for attention. Not one garment can make a woman feel more in touch with her feminine nature than a chic, fitted dress. A beautiful Realisation Par dress can make a woman feel empowered and take any outfit from basic to chic in an instant. Be sure to pack at least one statement dress and maybe a skirt that you can wear during the day and turn it into a nighttime outfit by swapping out the accessories and changing the tone of the dress.

Lightweight tops you can layer

While it might be tempting to pack sweaters to keep you cozy during the winter, chances are, they’re going to overtake your suitcase, leaving no space for some other essentials. It’s better to pack several shirts you can layer, and combine them with a lightweight jacket or a simple coat. If it happens to be warm, wear an unbuttoned denim top paired with a simple tee or wear it as a shirt on its own. If you simply can’t afford not to bring your favorite knit, winter sweater for your weekendgetaway, consider wearing it while you’re traveling. This will help save space in your suitcase and keep your travel bag light, meaning you won’t be paying extra for luggage.

Neutral shoes that match all your outfit combinations

Another basic element on your weekend packing list, shoes can be used to tie the whole outfit together or support the look without attracting too much attention. When traveling, comfort is king, so it’s best to equip your suitcase with neutral, cozy shoes that you can match with all your outfits. Bring a pair you can wear while walking and sightseeing (sneakers or ballerina flats), one pair you can wear for any special activities you had in mind, and then one pair of shoes that will spice up your outfits and dress them up (heels or sandals). If the weather’s changing, be sure to pack a pair of shoes that accommodate those weather conditions (boots or flip-flops).

Women are notoriously known for bringing overflowing suitcases when traveling, even when it’s just for a couple of days. It’s high time females set the record straight and stop getting all the bad rap about overpacking. By mindfully organizing your travel bag and being strict with your outfit choices, you can master the art of packing light and make sure you’re all set for your weekend break.

About the Author

Mia Taylor is 33 year old blogger who writes about beauty, fashion and travel. She had always been passionate about fashion and over time she had developed a style of her own. Mia loves to mix and match and get inspire girls with her advice about outfit and accessories. She loves telling a story about her travels, providing beauty tips with readers.

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Design DIY Humor

5 Mini Renovations You Can Plan (Or Do!) Yourself

by Guest Contributor October 16, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

“Home renovation” usually brings to mind an arduous process involving thousands of dollars’ worth of construction, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. You might be surprised at how easy it can be to give your house a makeover with a bit of planning and the right expertise. There are a few small renovations you can plot and carry out yourself that’ll make your house worthy of any A&E Channel special you can think of, and we’ve picked 5 of the best of them just for you at Life As Mama!

Light Up Your Life

LED lights are a fantastic way to bring strong, long-lasting lighting into your house while seriously cutting down on your energy bills. And with LEDs becoming more popular as time goes on, there are an increasing number of bulb and fixture styles to work with any home aesthetic. A filament antique LED bulb is a great choice for taking advantage of the modernity of LED lights while also retaining a cozy atmosphere for any living room or bedroom.

The Whole Shooting Match

The outside of your house is the first thing guests (or even potential buyers) are going to notice, so making a positive first impression with your home’s exterior is crucial. Investing in some affordable outdoor remodeling won’t just give you a nicer driveway or a more even backyard surface for your evening cocktail parties; it’ll likely raise the value of your house as well. This is one area where spending a little in the short term can end up paying off big in the long run.

Indoor Style in Outdoor Spaces

Any house can benefit from the aesthetics of a well-done tiling job, and a deck or jacuzzi can benefit from some smart tiling practices as much as the bathroom or kitchen can. You don’t need a lot of heavy equipment to do some tiling yourself: often it’s as simple as having a lot of tile glue and a little bit of patience. It’s easier than you think to get all the tools and resources you need to make a DIY tiling project that’s as simple to accomplish as it will be beautiful to look at when it’s finished. That said, when it comes to outdoor remodeling, sometimes you need…

Get Your Mind Into the Gutter

Having clean gutters is important not only for having the outside of your house look nice, but for making sure the drainage is working safely as well. Much of the time this can be done with as little as a rake and a stepladder. Cleaning your gutters of leaves and other detritus is generally a pretty simple process, but if you don’t feel like hoisting yourself up to the roof there are cleaning services that provide gutter maintenance, too.

Secure Your Pool

Pool safety is an undervalued but incredibly important part of any home that has an outdoor swimming area; many pool safety supplies don’t just make your yard safer, they improve the aesthetics of your pool by protecting it from the elements too. A startlingly high percentage of household injuries and even deaths take place in or near the pool, so taking poolside safety seriously is no laughing matter. AquaSafe Unlimited Las Vegas sells and installs pool covers that are a great way to make sure that no one takes an unexpected dip, and that leaves and rainwater stays out as well.

Make Your Voice Heard

Are there any other little ways you’ve managed to give your house a mini-makeover that you’d like to share with us and our readers? Leave us a comment below and tell us the best ways you’ve found to shape up your home with ease! If you need help with easy ways to add a little magic to particular parts of the house, check out our guides to designing your kitchen and bringing some life to your home’s entryway. And remember to keep up with our blog at Life As Mama for all the best tips to make motherhood as simple and fun as it can be.

About the Author

Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, and former HR professional. She enjoys writing about events, travel, specializing in home goods, DIY crafts, and gifts decorating trends, but also covers developments in HR, business communication, recruiting, real estate, finance, law, and investing.

Beauty Beauty & Style

6 Tips to Becoming Successful in the Beauty Industry

by LifeAsMama October 15, 2019

written by LifeAsMama

The beauty industry is among the hottest ones out there right now with evolving trends, new methods, and pioneering techniques. As a mom intending to start her own business, this is the best career path you can choose. After all, you spend a great deal of time nurturing your children and taking care of the family. So caring for other people comes naturally to you and with lots of experience.

However, the inner strength is only a fuel that will help you take a leap into this new business endeavor. You will need to prepare for the ups and downs, as well as to build your own brand and clientele from scratch. And with these tips to be successful in the beauty industry, you can easily reach professional achievement while being an incredible mother at the same time.

1. Create a business plan

Everything starts with a plan. As a mom, you are used to making lists and organizing things that will come pretty handy when starting your beauty business. Taking care of the family budget has taught you how to organize your funds which will help with calculating your budget.

When creating a business plan concentrate on all the things you will need like space to work in, products, equipment, and furnishing. Also, don’t forget expenses for defining your brand, social media campaign and employees, as well as bills for services like electricity and the internet. This may sound like too much right from the start, but will actually help you determine your budget and seek out loans in time.

2. Set your goals

While running a successful business is the main goal, getting there will take several smaller ones. Goals are essential parts of the business plans since they allow you to follow your progress and evaluate your steps. Use a corkboard or planner to divide your goals into milestones and start fulfilling one by one by setting deadlines and activities.

Since starting something from scratch is always challenging, surround yourself with inspiration and support from your loved ones. If you fail to reach a milestone, take a break and reflect on what led to that. And then start all over again. In business, just like in life, the best results come from learning on mistakes and constantly improving yourself.

3. Define your brand

Defining a brand starts early on and consists of several aspects. You need to visualize your business by coming up with a logo and interior design of your salon. Also, you should think about uniforms and colors you want to dominate the space. All these elements will help you create an image on the market making it essential to your brand.

But most importantly, try to find ways to be distinguishable from the competition. Prices, style, and service will help you build a better brand that will create satisfied and loyal clients.

4. Build your social media campaign

It’s impossible to be successful without a good social media campaign. It may sound like something that will take a lot of your time, but actually, you will enjoy doing it. As a mom, you will not only attract attention but also serve as inspiration for others to follow in your footsteps. Show your following how dedicated you are to your business and how much you love what you do. That will tell them you appreciate them as well and want to provide them with the best service.

Use photos and witty captions to create a welcoming atmosphere even before your clients come to your salon. Also, know where to find your target audience and how to charm them. And as time goes by, you will create brand ambassadors that will promote your services on their profiles.

5. Get professional training

Clients seek your services because they trust you to give them the best results. This is something you can do only through proper education at the beauty therapy academy and makeup courses. Starting with the basics may sound tedious, but it will help you expand your knowledge and focus your area of expertise later on.

Moreover, you will learn how to properly use the equipment and products to the satisfaction of your clients. Building your reputation on extensive knowledge and education is the key to create loyal customers and a trustworthy brand.

6. Follow the hottest trends

Beauty treatments and makeup styles change so you need to keep up with all the innovations and hottest trends. You can do this by subscribing to magazines, attending lectures, following influencers and fashion icons. However, it’s always wise to keep an eye on your competition and see how they deal with the newest developments in the beauty industry. This way you will stay on top of the global trends and be able to offer the highest quality of service to your clients.

Final thoughts

Organizing the home and taking care of the family is a demanding job and an excellent experience to use when starting your own business. Being successful in the beauty industry requires a lot of dedication and proper knowledge, but all the hard work will pay off in the end. While being a mother is the priority, you can still have a successful business and feel accomplished. Especially when your family is there to support you along the way.

About the Author

Nina is a lifestyle blogger, yoga aficionado and a travel enthusiast with a distinctive taste for home decor. She’s passionate about learning new things and sharing meaningful ideas. In her free time, she loves to design clothes and furniture. If you wanna see what she’s up to you can find her on twitter

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