Category:

Lifestyle

BeautyHealth

8 Ways To Protect Your Skin During Cold Weather

by LifeAsMama
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:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513299/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/
  3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun
  4. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002104.htm

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.

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food

5 Ways for You and Your Family to Become Locavores

by Jennifer Landis
written by Jennifer Landis

As a parent, you put a lot of thought into what to feed your family. Weekly budgeting, meal planning and shopping — it all takes time and effort. Yet you take these steps to keep your family healthy.

Nevertheless, you can do more to make your diet nutritious and enriching. Many choose to become locavores, people who source food from local sources — anything less than 100 miles away. Locavores experience a slew of benefits.

For one, a purchase from a nearby farm travels less distance than grocery store goods. Therefore, the process uses less fuel and less carbon enters the atmosphere.

As a locavore, you’ll also experience added health benefits. Fresh produce loses 30% of its nutrients within three days of harvest. Spinach, for example, loses 90% within the first 24 hours. When you buy local, goods are fresher than those at big box stores.

Now that you’re ready to make the switch, discover how to turn your family into locavores.

Search Online

A straightforward way to find local fare is to search on the internet. Seek out farmers who sell their harvests. You can also look for nearby restaurants that source ingredients from local providers.

Don’t limit yourself to food. You can also find clothes, beauty products, office supplies and other useful items made in your hometown. If you can’t find anything, post a question on a local forum and wait for people to reach out. Many people have home-based businesses they’re dying to talk about.

Hit the Farmer’s Market

You can always find local fare at the farmer’s market. Locavores who shop at markets prove community-based business matters. When you support a local seller, you boost the city’s economy.

With an increase in demand for local food, you’ll begin to see more of it. Restaurants might add new local-inspired options. Boutiques might source items from nearby artists. This change will make it easier to maintain a locavore lifestyle — a win-win for you and the community.

Sign Up for a Co-Op

Once you’re fully on board with the locavore lifestyle, join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. You pay an upfront subscription fee in exchange for the regular delivery of locally-grown crops. Subscribers gain access to a range of products from a single farm or group. Each shipment is sure to inspire your weekly menu.

Another option is a co-op, a system where farmers pool resources and provide goods to individual members. To join, you pay a membership fee. In exchange, you receive well-sourced groceries. Some co-ops fill shelves with food from nearby farms. Others grow and harvest the food themselves with the help of volunteers. You may be asked to work in the field picking strawberries. You could also help members shopping in the store.

Start a Garden

You can’t get more local than a garden in your backyard. Step out the door into your personal supply of fresh fruits and veggies. Starting a garden might seem daunting, but it’s a simple process. Find a sunny spot and ensure the soil is loamy enough to support growth. A space of 160 square feet — about the size of a shed — is enough to grow food for a family of four.

Start with plants that are easy to grow and great additions to mealtime. Include options like:

  • Carrots
  • Zucchini
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Green Beans

A garden is an activity the whole family can participate in. Teach your kids how to dig into the soil and plant seeds. Keep an eye out for symptoms of disease, such as leaf and stem rust, a golden residue that tends to seek out corn. You can even let Fido wander around the jungle as the whole family picks fresh goodies.

Preserve Crops Post-Harvest

Gardens don’t yield much in the cold months, but you can still enjoy your harvest year-round. Some foods stay fresh for months, as long as you know how to store them. For instance, sweet potatoes, squash and apples have long shelf lives. With the right preservation techniques, you can eat like a locavore until spring comes.

Preservation won’t keep fresh fruits and veggies in their original form. The result, however, is more nutritious than the canned variety at the grocers. For example, transform leftover tomatoes into salsa, spaghetti sauce or juice. Blend once-fresh peaches or raspberries into jams. You can also pickle cucumbers into a salty treat. Running out of recipes? Simply can your leftovers, a preservation method that requires a pressure cooker and glass jars.

Love Local and Become a Locavore

Eating local might take a bit of research on your part. However, the work will pale in comparison to the payoff. You and your family will get to eat fresh, tasty and nutritious food year-round. Local businesses will flourish as you buy products. Plus, you can learn the benefits of growing your own garden.

Start your quest to become a locavore today, and see how great you feel tomorrow.

 

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
FoodLifestyleRecipesSeasonal

10 Thanksgiving Appetizers To Kick Off Your Holiday Feast

by Amber King
written by Amber King

Mmmm, it’s almost Thanksgiving, and we can already smell the turkey. That bird will always be the star of your Thanksgiving feast, but a superb holiday dinner can’t survive on turkey alone. There are the sides to think about, and of course, the desserts. But you’re still missing one very important step in your annual food coma. The appetizer!

The keys to a good Thanksgiving appetizer are making something that’s festive, delicious, and still leaves room for the main meal. Dishes earn bonus points if they’re easy to make and don’t require a lot of extra time spent in your already busy kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a few or the entire family is headed to your house this holiday, these 10 Thanksgiving appetizers will kick off your main meal in all the right ways.

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

 

Cranberries are a Thanksgiving must-have, and these cranberry brie bites are both easy to make and super delicious. They’re made with crescent rolls, and they cook in only 15 minutes. 

Get the recipe with Delish.

2. Sweet Potato Skins

Sweet potatoes are another Thanksgiving staple you can’t do without. And if you want to mix it up and step away from the traditional sweet potato casserole, why not try this healthy Thanksgiving appetizer? These sweet potatoes skins have chickpeas and shallot along with just the right amount of cheese. 

Pinch of Yum has the recipe. 

3. Wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Dipping Sauce

Not everyone is a fan of asparagus, but to be fair, not everyone has tried these yummy asparagus wrapped in fluffy pastry and then dipped in balsamic sauce. This recipe is healthy, easy to make, and you might even trick your kids into eating a vegetable on Thanksgiving. 

We found the recipe from CountryLiving.

4. Mac and Cheese Bites

If you have your doubts about kids reaching for the vegetable Thanksgiving appetizers, these mac and cheese bites are sure to win them over. They’re the perfect finger food, and you can even make them ahead of time. You’ll need a mini muffin pan and about 30 minutes to make these.

Chef in Training has the recipe.

5. Crock Pot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Any Thanksgiving appetizer that you can make in the crockpot is a winner, and these meatballs are no exception. They’re sweet and tangy and oh so tasty. Kids and adults both like them, and the recipe couldn’t be any simpler. You can use homemade meatballs if you want, but frozen meatballs are a lot easier when you’re juggling the other dishes in your multi-course meal.

Tastes Better From Scratch has a good recipe to follow. 

6. Cranberry Pomegranate Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a great appetizer no matter the occasion, and this festive take on the classic recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s different enough to be an exciting addition to your meal yet familiar enough for the picky eaters at the table. Better yet, it only takes a few minutes to put together.

Get the recipe from The Cafe Sucre Farine.

7. Pumpkin Hummus

Hummus is healthy, versatile, and it won’t fill you up before the main course. You can pair it with pita chips, vegetables, and you can even use it for deviled eggs and salads. There are countless different types of hummus, but for a Thanksgiving appetizer, we recommend a smooth and creamy pumpkin recipe. The pumpkin flavor is perfect for fall.

We found a great recipe from Kim’s Cravings. 

8. Simple Salmon Dip

Dips are great for appetizers. People can casually munch without filling up too fast, and you can get creative with providing crackers, vegetables, or crostini. This simple salmon dip won’t add a lot of extra work to your already busy cooking schedule, and you can even make it the day before. 

Snag the recipe from Once Upon a Chef

9. Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Perfect for munching, spicy pumpkin seeds are always a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving feast. They don’t take long to make, they’re healthy, and they definitely won’t ruin anyone’s meal. As the kids are carving their fall-themed pumpkins, you can collect the seeds and turn them into a tasty treat. If you know your kids won’t appreciate a lot of spice, you can adjust the recipe with your favorite seasonings.

She Wears Many Hats has a good recipe you can use for a Thanksgiving appetizer. 

10. Sweet Potato Crostini

Who doesn’t love crostini? They’re little toasts you can pile up with whatever you want, and this sweet potato version is perfect for a Thanksgiving appetizer. They’re not hard to make, so you can assign your junior chefs the job of putting together this festive finger food.

We found a good recipe with Taste of Home.

Is there a Thanksgiving appetizer that you make every year? Let us know in the comments!

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
sunflower Christmas tree
HomeLifestyle

14 Sunflower Christmas Trees To Brighten Up Your Holiday Decorating Ideas

by Amber King
written by Amber King

For most of us, sunflowers are associated with the blue skies of summer and crisp air of early fall. They stand tall and proud spreading warmth for their season of joy, and then they disappear until the next year comes around. But thanks to this new holiday trend, you can deck your halls with boughs of holly AND enjoy the beauty of these special flowers. Sunflower Christmas trees are taking over, and we’re definitely okay with it. It’s time to liven up your holiday decorations and embrace the sunshine.

Pinterest recently announced its Christmas 2019 decor trends based on what people are searching for most. Sunflower Christmas trees are up 66% compared to past years. Themed Christmas trees have long-since been popular, but it seems decorators are looking for new, contemporary ways to adorn their trees. Sunflowers are this year’s answer, and we’ve already seen some seriously pretty trees from the season’s earliest trendsetters. 

Check out these sunflower Christmas trees to inspire your holiday decorating. 

One of the best things about these sunflower Christmas trees is that they’re fairly simple to create. Forget all those glass balls that always end up breaking. For this look, stock up on fake sunflowers from your nearest craft store. You might even get lucky and find all those summer flowers in the clearance section. Choose the long stem varieties to make it easier to stick your stems into the branches of your evergreen. You can also mix it up with blooms of different sizes. In addition to flowers, a lot of these examples use strategically placed ribbon to pull the look together.

If you’re looking for more of a rustic look for your sunflower Christmas tree, you can also weave some decorative burlap in between the branches and flower stems. Tuck everything in so it stays put, and position your lights to create a truly dazzling nighttime display. 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what do you think? Will there be a sunflower Christmas tree in your living room this year? 

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
HolidayLifestyleTravel

Style Tricks: What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway

by LifeAsMama
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.

Twitter

1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
BeautyBeauty & Style

6 Tips to Becoming Successful in the Beauty Industry

by LifeAsMama
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.

become successful in beauty blogging

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.

woman working beauty blogger

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

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
autumn make up tips beauty fall
BeautyBeauty & Style

7 Gorgeous Autumn Make-Up Tips

by LifeAsMama
written by LifeAsMama

Regardless of if you’re from Australia or America, Autumn is the most stylish month. Leaves turn colours and start to fall, the temperatures drop, yet everything seems warmer due to the colours. You’re no longer limited to tank tops and shorts when it comes to fashion, as the weather is comfortable enough for many stylish pieces of clothing.

Your spanking new outfit should be accompanied by the right Autumn make-up look. There’s nothing that spells fashionista more than fresh Autumn make-up that complements the whole ambience. If you’re not sure what colours and techniques to use this Autumn to make your make-up pop, feel free to stick around.

woman in autumn makeup tutorial tips

1. Just foundation

This fall, dare to be more natural. The colours around you will already contribute to the dramatic season, so why should your makeup? Instead of going for elaborate and overdone looks, aim for simplicity. Autumn can set you free and show you a you that you didn’t even know existed.

Applying just foundation to your face gives you the confidence you need to nail the day ahead without wasting your time on a long makeup routine. Fresh skin will always be in style, especially when everything around you seems to be falling asleep. You can show off your complexion in the soft Autumn sun easier than ever.

Use a radiance-boosting foundation formula so that your skin can shine through it. If you’re feeling extra daring, you can even only use coverage where it’s needed. With solid blending and a little patience, your skin will only show off your beauty.

2. Making red lips casual

We’re all used to the classic red lip look that’s so dramatic it can only be pulled off by movie stars or on special occasions. This fall, dare to make your red lipstick more casual by pairing with simple makeup. The rest of your face doesn’t need to be polished at all if you want a more casual red lip look instead of the classic and dramatic one.

This look can also be used to awaken and complement other low-key makeup on your face. For example, it goes best with a little smudgy eyeliner to accompany it. Though you could wear this look on any occasion, it’s best for those long office days when the rain won’t stop falling and you want to feel more beautiful. As well as that, it goes best with the after-work drinks you’ll inevitably get after such a long and rainy day.

3. Subtle smokey eyes

We’re all familiar with the dramatic smokey eye, fit for all grand occasions. If you want a bit of drama in your everyday life but feel that the traditional smokey eye would simply be too much, you could always embrace the subtle smokey eyes trend. This is a perfect daytime look that doesn’t require a lot of work but gives the results you were looking for.

All you have to do is add a touch of shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes. Use a gold or silver shadow. For this to truly be a daytime look, make sure to keep the rest of your makeup simple. Autumn is all about choosing a focal point that will carry the whole look. Less truly is more, and you’ll get to see exactly why that’s true when you pair your new makeup look with the fashionable Autumn outfit you’ve come up with.

4. Natural eyebrows

Eyebrows have been the focal point of makeup trends for a while now, and this fall, you should definitely put your brows front and centre. Natural-looking brows are the perfect look for Autumn 2019, as this is the year where we embrace our own eyebrows instead of making them into something they’re not. Even if you don’t have enviable eyebrows, embrace them- they’re yours!

All this makeup look requires is for you to brush up your brows with a spoolie then will in the sparse spots with a brow pencil. Make sure to use small and feathery strokes. This way, you’ll only be enhancing the natural beauty of your brows instead of completely making them into something else. It’s a quick look that you can complete every morning before you head out.

If you don’t feel like doing the rest of your makeup- you don’t have to. The natural brow look works perfectly well by itself, making it ideal for those days when you just don’t have the time or the energy do devote yourself to your makeup.

woman fall make up tips

5. Accents

Adding accents to your look is always a good Autumn choice. When it comes to this season in particular, it’s best to use the mauve shade. It’s more dramatic than the summery shades yet it doesn’t have the heft of deep fall tones. Mauve is also one of those shades that looks good on everybody, regardless of skin tone.

If you want to experiment with mauve, you should go crazy with it. Instead of just applying it to your lips, cheeks or eyes, consider wearing it on all three features. Not only will this complete the look wonderfully, but it will also flatter your face more. As well as that, you’ll have a more formal yet casual fall look suitable for every occasion.

6. Achieve a rosy glow

A rosy glow is a look that never goes out of style, regardless of what time of year it is. The look is inspired by the flush you get from the chilly Autumn air. It’s especially popular in Australia where the air isn’t that cold even when Autumn knocks on the door. Instead, Aussie girls get to feel the magic of Autumn by adding a touch of extra blush along the cheekbones. For a more natural look, blend out toward the temples.

This look is also perfect from drawing away attention from your nose. In fact, some Aussie girls would argue that the technique works better than the best rhinoplasty in Sydney. It’s an easy everyday look, it makes you look cuter, it allows you to feel the spirit of Autumn, and it draws away attention from your nose while still looking natural.

7. Add some colour

Just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean that you have to stick to only the tried and tested fall colours. Instead of constantly opting for the basic colours that make you feel safe, why not experiment a little? Fall might be the time of year when nature starts falling asleep, but it’s also the time of year when society starts blossoming.

You should add some unexpected colour to your eyes and make your whole daily look pop. Instead of using black liner, why not use blue? This could easily be the focal point of your look, meaning that you don’t have to overdo the rest of your makeup. Simple natural lip gloss and a bit of mascara will work just fine. Because you’re only overstepping the rules of subtlety a little, this is a perfect day look for those days where you want to feel extra pretty. It could also be a great look for a casual drink with friends.

Conclusion

As you can see, it’s not impossible getting that Autumn make-up look you desire. The way you do your make-up will greatly affect your mood and the rest of your outfit. In that spirit, you should really put in some effort, as the results will definitely be worth it. Becoming the muse of a whole spectacular season like Autumn isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible with the right make-up technique and colours.

About the Author

Mia Johnson is a writer with a ten-year-long career in journalism. She has written extensively about health, fitness, and lifestyle. A native to Melbourne, she now lives in Sydney with her 3 dogs where she spends her days writing and taking care of her 900 square feet garden.”

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
HealthKidsLittle KidMotherhoodToddler

How To Get Your Child Ready For The Dentist

by LifeAsMama
written by LifeAsMama

Children should have their first dental appointment a few months after their first teeth come out. For most children this will be between 6 months and 1 years old. These very early dental appointments will usually just involve a quick check to make sure that the first teeth are coming through without problem, and will be more focussed on instructing parents on how to look after these early teeth.

The most important dental appointments for children occur at around the age of 3 or 4. This is for two reasons. Firstly, children at this age are starting to take responsibility for looking after their own teeth. Getting the right instruction and guidance from a dentist is vital at this point. Secondly, children can start to form meaningful associations, both positive and negative, with going to the dentist at this age.

Early negative experiences with the dentist can cause an avoidant pattern of behavior, as far as dental visits go. Avoiding the dentist in early adulthood is one of the biggest causes of serious dental problems down the line.

Therefore, in order to keep their teeth healthy throughout adulthood it’s absolutely vital that a child has positive early experiences with the dentist. Here are a few ways that you can make sure that this happens.

kid brushing teeth child dentist

Make sure that your child knows what to expect at the dentist

The reason why a lot of people dislike going to the dentist is that it’s such an unusual experience. Laying on your back with your mouth open while someone touches your teeth is not something that happens in any other setting.

Your child is far more likely to have a positive experience at the dentist if they know what it will actually involve. It’s therefore important that you talk to them about what happens at a dental appointment, and why they do what they do. Have your child touch their own teeth to see what it feels like.

Getting used to the sensation of having their teeth felt will make the experience much less unpleasant when it actually comes to visiting the dentist.

Have your child practice having their mouth open

This may sound strange, but the experience of having your mouth open as wide as possible can be strange and unpleasant to a child. It can work muscles that are not used to being used, and can make the mouth feel dry and scratchy.

The best way to get accustomed to having your mouth open for several minutes is through practice. In the few days that lead up to the dental appointment, have your child keep their mouth open for a minute at a time.

This will both get your child used to the feeling of having their mouth open as wide as possible, but will also make the actual dental appointment run much quicker and smoother.

Plan out what questions you want to ask the dentist

Seeing the dentist is a great opportunity for a child to ask any questions about their mouth and teeth that may be worrying them. This could include questions about baby teeth becoming wobbly or any discomfort that they may be feeling when teeth come out.

In the vast majority of cases issues that your child may be worried about will be perfectly normal, and the dentist will be able to put their mind at ease. This reassurance can help build a positive relationship between the child and the dentist which will lead to a proactive approach to managing and preventing oral health problems as they get older

It’s also well worth thinking about what you want to ask the dentist about your child’s teeth before you go to an appointment.

child at the dentist

How to handle suggestions for improvement from the dentist

Perhaps the largest reason why people don’t like going to the dentist is because they associate it with lectures about how they are not looking after their teeth properly. Such criticism can particularly affect a child, leading to feelings of shame around their teeth and promoting a pattern of behaviour where teeth are neglected because of this shame.

Of course, if a dentist is overly critical to a child and their parents, that is poor practice and you should seek out a different dentist. 

However, if a dentist sees problems with a child’s teeth, it is their responsibility to suggest ways that these problems can be fixed. Usually these problems will boil down to a “brushing blindspot” namely a part of the mouth (usually at the back) which is being missed during brushing.

You should reassure your child that brushing is a skill that takes practice, and that they should not feel down if their teeth are not perfect. Work with your child to implement any advice from a dentist. When improvement is reported during your child’s next dental visit, praise and reward them for their hard work.

Treat your child after a dental visit

Going to see the dentist is a very healthy and responsible thing to do. It should be rewarded as such. Make sure that you do something fun with your child immediately after the dental appointment.

The more your child associates dental appointment with pleasant experiences (even if they only occur soon after the appointment), the more likely they are to be proactive about seeing the dentist in the future.

About the Author

 Ron Baise is a dentist with over 30 years experience. He is currently an Associate Dentist and 92 Dental in London, England.
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
boy sleeping kid sleep apnea
BabyHealthKidsLittle KidMotherhoodPre-TeenToddler

Childhood Sleep Apnea: What Parents Need to Know

by LifeAsMama
written by LifeAsMama

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 1 to 4% of children in the United States are diagnosed with sleep apnea and most of them are between ages 2 to 8 years.

What is child sleep apnea?

Child sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a child takes short pauses in breathing while sleeping.

What causes child sleep apnea?

Pediatric sleep apnea is often caused because the muscles in the upper airway relax while the child sleeps. This makes the muscles susceptible and allowsthe tonsils and adenoids to restrict the airflow in the upper respiratory system. This causes sleep apnea in children.

It can be genetic and can also occur in children who have large adenoids and tonsils. If sleep apnea is untreated or undiagnosed, it can pose behavioral as well as physical problems in children.

girl sleeping child sleep apnea

What are the sleep apnea symptoms in children you need to watch out for?

A child with sleep apnea may have the following symptoms:

At night,

  • Regularly snore loudly
  • Pause, snort or gasp and may actually stop breathing. Their own snorts or gasps may awaken them from their sleep.
  • Sleep in abnormal positions or be restless throughout the night
  • Sweat profusely during sleep
  • Tooth grinding (bruxism)

During the day,

  • Difficulty in waking up
  • Wake up with a headache
  • Get cranky, irritated or agitated
  • Fall asleep or daydream
  • Breathe through the mouth and speak with a nasal voice

If you see these signs in your child, talk to your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist. Consulting a pediatric dentist may seem an unlikely suggestion, but it is the right way to go about it because pediatric dentists are probably the first in line to detect sleep disorders.

If a pediatrician or a pediatric dentist thinks you are showing signs of sleep apnea, a sleep study may be conducted. 

How is sleep apnea medically diagnosed?

A test called polysomnogram may be conducted to assess whether a child is suffering from sleep apnea. The test is painless and requires you to stay overnight at the sleep clinic along with your child.

During the sleep study, the following is monitored:

  • Eye movement and muscle activity
  • Brain waves
  • Oxygen levels in the blood
  • Breathing
  • Gasping and snoring while sleeping
  • young boy sleeping kid sleep apnea

What are the treatment options?

If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are a number of treatment options available. The doctor may choose the treatment option that is best suited for your child’s condition.

Surgery: A widely accepted treatment for childhood sleep apnea is the surgical removal of tonsils and adenoids. This procedure is known as adenotonsillectomy.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This therapy requires wearing a mask while sleeping. A tube connects the mask to a portable unit, which then applies pressure to open the throat muscles and prevent them from blocking the air passage, thus allowing regular breathing.

Diet and Medication:Some children may suffer from sleep apnea due to obesity. Doctors may recommend diet and weight loss programs to correct the sleep problem.Medication may be prescribed, which may include antibiotics (if surgery was done) or topical intranasal application of corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medication.

Oral Appliance Therapy: This therapy has emerged as an alternative to surgery and CPAP therapy. This therapy makes use of a dental device that works as a mouthpiece moving the bottom jaw and tongue forward to keep the upper airway open for the child to breathe normally. The oral appliance therapy can be worked out under the supervision of a pediatric dentist.

Bottom Line

Dentists can detect the early signs of sleep apnea. Therefore, you must involve your family dentist in your child’s healthcare program. Get a regular dental check-up done to ensure that your child receives the right treatment at the right time.

About the Author

Shen Chao is part of Dr. Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working for the Smile Clinic, he’s gained first hand experiences into the questions and concerns that dental patients have. He has been writing to inform people about various dental topics to help his readers improve their oral health. When he’s not working, you can find him on a hiking trail with his dog or having a Sunday cook-out with friends.

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Baby and mother sleeping together in bed
BabyHealthMotherhood

The Link Between Depression in Mothers and Their Baby’s Sleep

by LifeAsMama
written by LifeAsMama

It’s common for newborn babies to not sleep through the night, as do their parents. However, research shows that the first six months of life are extremely important in the development of sleeping patterns (circadian rhythms) for the future. New studies show that babies whose mothers suffered from depression before they were pregnant or during their pregnancy are much more likely to having erratic sleep patterns in their first six months than other babies. We’ll explore in this article exactly what this link means for newborns.

mom happy holding baby sleep

The Background to the Study

This latest study comes from years of studying the link between sleep and depression and circadian rhythms, and finding that they were closely interlinked. At first, the research focused on adults and teenagers, before they moved on to looking at the link in newborns. This research is based on studies of sleep between two groups of newborn babies and their mothers. One group is comprised of mothers who suffered from depression during their pregnancy, and the other group is made up of women who have never suffered from depression in the past or present.

The Study Details

The women in both groups wore small devices on their wrists called actigraphs which evaluated how much sleep they got at night, how much light exposure, and their daytime routine including activity and naps. They started wearing them during the last trimester until their babies were eight months old. Two weeks after the birth of their babies, each child also received a small actigraph to wear for eight months.

Impact on Circadian Rhythm

The study showed quite conclusively that babies who were born to depressed mothers had nearly zero or zero evidence of an innate 24-hour circadian rhythm after birth, whereas the babies born to mothers without depression had this. This continued throughout the length of the study. As Nancy Kruger, a psychology writer at Australian help and Oxessays explains, “if sleep is constantly disrupted and there are no clear circadian rhythms, these individuals grow up to be much more likely to also develop depression. This is why it’s so important for all babies and new mothers to get the best sleep possible.”

Napping Patterns

One key connection found that babies born to moms who were depressed tend to nap more during the day, take more time to get to sleep at night, and also wake up much more often throughout their sleep. This is like insomnia in adults but starts much earlier. This creates more sleepless nights in parents but also means that those children may be more likely to suffer from depression later on in their lives. Researchers did reassure families that babies born to depressed mothers will not necessarily follow in their footsteps even if depression runs in families, while also warning non-depressed parents that they should still closely monitor their baby’s sleep.

Mom and baby sleep depression

The First Months

It’s very important for babies to be trained in the fist few months to sleep when it’s dark and be awake when it’s light out, so that their circadian rhythm can develop properly. Young babies that are two months or younger need 11 to 18 hours of sleep, so napping is also recommended, and for the next ten months 11 to 15 hours of sleep is required. Then, infants between the ages of 1 and 3 need 12 to 14 hours. That’s why it’s important to establish rituals around bedtime to help children understand the difference between nighttime sleeping and daytime sleeping, such as night clothes and day clothes.

Building a Schedule

It’s also important to build a sleep schedule around bright lights during the day to get your body’s circadian rhythm to associated light cycles with sleeping. Make sure you’re not shining the light in their eyes and they’re protected from direct sunlight. By four months old, the sleep schedule should be much more regular and centered on nighttime sleep with fewer breaks. In fact, Georgie Prince, a health blogger at Academized and Paper Fellows, adds that “during this time, it’s also important for the new mother to sleep on a regular schedule as well. The post-natal period is a high-risk time for depression in new mothers, even if they have no prior background of depression, and lack of sleep is a contributing factor.”

By making sure you’re monitoring your baby’s sleep patterns and building a natural schedule for sleep from the earliest age, you’re giving your child the best possible chances to have normal sleep patterns later in life and prevent depression.

About the Author

Ellie Coverdale, a health writer at Ukwritings and Essayroo, shares her insights on psychology and health in families. She is interested in the links between families and physical and mental health. You can also find her work at Boomessays. In her free time, she practices yoga and meditation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts