Category:

Lifestyle

5 Quick Relaxation Methods For Working Moms

by Guest Contributor September 9, 2019

The pace of modern life sometimes leaves us little room to just sit back without constantly having tons of to-do lists and worries rushing through our head. No wonder that in these circumstances, stress is a leading health issue affecting 75% of people in the US. However, the consequences of this can be quite bleak. In fact, studies have shown that even mild stress compromises our health in the long term, which means it is in our best interest to change our lifestyle to fight stress as much as we can. To give you some of the best ways to create a daily routine that will relax you, here are a few ideas.

A little bit of exercise

To take action against this worldwide health threat, many people leverage exercise. About half of surveyed Americans incorporate regular physical activity in their routines in order to fight stress. You don’t have to become a gym rat and spend hours on end on a treadmill to get there – a little bit of movement every day will not interfere with your schedule but you will feel the difference immediately.

For instance, even a brisk walk will help your brain get those important neurotransmitters that are going to shield you not only against the negative effects of stress but also from anxiety and depression creeping up on you. Keeping your body physically active will also help you get a good night’s sleep, which will also help you feel light and relaxed.

Relax your body

Sometimes, when we come home from a long and hard day at work, we can feel all our muscles being tense. This is why it’s worth introducing a few things in your daily routine that will help relax your body and feel refreshed the next morning. For instance, yoga is a great tool to fight stress this way. Not only does it stretch and relax your muscles so that you can say goodbye to backache but the breathing exercises involved also help slow your heart rate.

Another way to help relax your tense muscles is by taking a bath. You can create a relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom by adding a couple of scented candles. If you want to get the wellness centre feel, consider getting some aromatherapy oils and diffusers. You can always change the scents depending on the mood.

Put on your headphones

Music is a powerful tool that can influence our mood in the blink of an eye. It can even help us cope with stress by listening to our favorite tunes both before and after stressful situations. So, it’s obvious that turning to music therapy and creating your own relaxing playlist is worth your while. As a rule of thumb, slow, instrumental music is the best to lower your heart rate and relax your mind, but each of us has different tastes so find what works for you if you’re not a fan of relaxation music. One thing is for sure, though, which is that listening to music on a daily basis will improve your mood and only benefit your mind. Note that listening to music entails actively listening, not just using it as background noise while you’re doing something else.

Socialize

No matter if you prefer spending time alone, socializing and spending time with your friends and family members should be an important part of your daily routine. We, humans, are social beings after all, and just talking a little with others helps us relieve stress and feel happier. Not only will you be able to talk about what’s bothering you and receive support from the people you love and trust the most, but spending time with friends is guaranteed to involve plenty of laughs, and laughing is certainly the best stress-reliever.

Organize yourself

It might sometimes seem impossible to even remotely organize all the mess around us. Countless tasks waiting to be finished, bills waiting to be paid and promises waiting to be fulfilled. In these cases, it’s worth taking a step back and reevaluating your priority system. First of all, you have to learn the power of saying “no”. You are not obliged to agree to every single favor asked of you only to get overwhelmed and stressed out, which diminishes your efficiency to even get the most important ones done. So, learn when it is advisable to put yourself first and say no.

Secondly, try to organize your to-do list every day. This little routine will take you far as you will be able to sleep soundly, not worrying about forgetting something important and already knowing where to start the next morning.

Conclusion

Of course, there are other ways in which you can lower your stress levels too, but these five little lifestyle changes are a good first step towards a more relaxed life where stress is not what controls your every move. So, get some exercise, relax your body, listen to music, talk to your friends and keep your priorities organized, and you will feel less stressed amidst the chaos of the 21^st century. Good luck!

About the Author

Emma Williams is an Australian writer with a master’s degree in business administration, who has a passion for anything lifestyle and design related. She spends most of her time redecorating and participating in house projects. As a great nature lover, her biggest pleasure is spending time in a small cottage by the river.

Find her on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/EmmaWilliams204

Food Healthy Eating Keto

Keto Food Pyramid: What To Eat On A Keto Diet

by Guest Contributor September 4, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Food pyramids are diagrams showing optimal servings of each food group to eat in a single day. They’re meant to be visual illustrations of how you should eat to stay healthy. The most well-known food pyramid was created by the US Department of Agriculture in the early 1990s. It had grains at the base and fats and oils at the very end. Well, turn this pyramid upside down and you’ll get what is essentially a keto food pyramid.

While there is no official keto food pyramid, most illustrations showing how the keto diet should look like are essentially the same with small variations. So, how does the keto food pyramid look like? Find out below to learn how you should eat on a keto diet.

The foundation: fats and oils

The keto diet is a high-fat diet, so fats, oils, and fatty foods should provide most of your calories on this diet and you’ll find them at the base of the keto food pyramid. Examples of such foods include:

Cold-pressed oils (olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, sesame oil)
Butter and ghee
Heavy cream
Lard
Bacon
Avocados
Coconut
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, trout, herring)
Fatty cuts of meat (minced beef, ribeye, pork belly)

While it may seem like a lot to base your diet around these foods, keep in mind that you will have different portion sizes on a keto diet than you would have on a regular diet. Fat provides 9 calories per gram, whereas carbs and protein provide only 4 calories per gram [1]. That means you’ll need a smaller serving of fat to get the same number of calories you would from the other two nutrients.

Besides that, you will get a combination of fat and protein from other foods you eat on a keto diet and which will contribute to your daily fat intake.

The middle: protein foods

The keto diet is also a moderate-protein diet. Moderate usually means getting 20-25% of your calories from protein or to eat 0.8-1.2g of protein per kg of body weight. Protein foods you’ll find at the middle of the keto food pyramid include:

Red meat (fatty cuts)
Fish and seafood (crab, octopus, shrimp)
Eggs and full-fat dairy

You’ll notice that legumes are not listed as a source of protein on the keto food pyramid. That’s because most legumes contain starch in addition to protein and they can, therefore, lead to overeating on carbohydrates.

The reason protein intake needs to be moderate rather than high on keto is that protein can kick you out of ketosis – the goal of the keto diet. During ketosis, your body is not only converting fat into ketones; it is also converting a portion of the protein you eat into glucose. This process is known as gluconeogenesis and it helps keep blood sugar levels normal [2]. However, too much protein can raise blood sugar levels that will stop ketosis.

Next Level: Vegetables, Nuts, Seeds

You still need to eat some amount of carbs on a keto diet. Ideally, these carbs should come from low-carb vegetables as well as nuts and seeds. Examples of low-carb vegetable include:

Cruciferous (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage)
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce, arugula)
Non-starchy vegetables (zucchini, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms)

Of course, the list of vegetables allowed on a keto diet is much longer than this. To know which veggies you can and should enjoy on a keto diet, you can either use diet apps, online nutrition databases or choose vegetables listed on ready-made keto meal plans and keto food lists.

Keto-friendly vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while helping you stay within your daily carb allotment. It’s recommended to have 3-5 servings of vegetables a day to stay healthy [3].

Besides veggies, nuts and seeds also have a special place on the keto food pyramid. Most nuts and seeds are high in fat and low in carbohydrates. There are a few exceptions, however. Chestnuts are mostly composed of starch while cashews are higher in carbs than other nuts, so try to avoid these. Otherwise, a handful of nuts and nut products a day can keep your diet on track.

The Very End: Berries

Government food guidelines typically recommend eating up to five servings or 2 cups of fruit a day [4]. The keto diet is different in this regard, and fruit intake is kept to a bare minimum. The only fruits recommended on a keto diet are berries such as:

Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Goji berries
Blackberries
Cranberries

Berries are lower in carbohydrates than most other fruit and it’s easy to keep your intake of berries low due to their small size. Keto dieters typically use berries to flavor and sweeten smoothies, shakes, desserts, and as decorative food.

While fruit definitely provides a host of health benefits and is rich in valuable nutrients and fiber, it still is nature’s candy for a reason – it’s high in sugar. A medium apple, for example, can provide around 25g of carbohydrates.

What Else?

There are foods and ingredients that may not be in the keto food pyramid because they’re not essential. Still, these foods can contribute to the keto diet in many other ways. Examples of such foods are:

Herbs and spices
Condiments
Non-nutritive sweeteners
MCT oil
Protein supplements
Multivitamins

Another ingredient not listed on the food pyramid but that is, nonetheless, essential is water. Water intake paired with adequate electrolytes intake is just as important as sticking to your keto macros.

Summary

The keto food pyramid is like your standard food pyramid turned upside down. It completely excludes grains, which are the cornerstone of standard food guidelines and places oils and fats in their place. The keto food pyramid can help you visualize how your keto diet should look like, but keep in mind that good keto nutrition is much more complex than that and not everything about the keto diet can be illustrated with a pyramid diagram. Still, you can use it as a rough guideline if you’re a beginner.

About the Author

Sofia Norton

Dietitian Expert, Kiss My Keto

Driven, dedicated and team-oriented professional with more than 6 years of experience providing wellness and nutritional support in various capacities. After Sofia learned about “food deserts” as a kid, she became determined to devote her life to like to making healthy foods accessible to everyone, regardless of income or location. Sofia has traveled around the world, teaching nutrition to communities in extreme poverty. In her spare time, Sofia loves long bike rides and exploring local farmers markets.

References:

Family Recipes Food Healthy Eating Recipes

9 Veggie-Loaded Kid-Friendly Meals

by Guest Contributor August 29, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Let’s talk about veggies, mommas! Are your kids eating enough vegetables? I know, getting kids to eat broccoli can be a challenging task to some parents. I hear you! The nine recipes below are going to help you add more vegetables to your children’s diets, and they are going to actually enjoy them. These recipes have been tested by parents and approved by kids.

Including vegetables in your kid’s diet is very important. Veggies are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which boost your health and immunity. You may think your kids don’t like vegetables, but maybe you just haven’t tried the right recipe. Cauliflower may taste boring steamed, but it takes on a whole new shine when you turn in into fritters.

Let’s give those fritters a try, shall we?

Let me know if you have any questions! Have a great day!

CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS

Simple and very tasty, this kid-friendly Basic Cauliflower Fritters recipe is a must-have for everyone. You will not be able to stop at one!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/basic-cauliflower-fritters/

POTATO CARROT PANCAKES

These delicious Potato Carrot Pancakes are healthy, very easy to make, and kids love them! This recipe requires only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes of your time.

Recipe here: https://lifeasmama.com/the-potato-carrot-pancake-recipe-thats-fast-healthy-kid-friendly/

CORN FRITTERS

These easy Corn Fritters are sweet, delicate, and filling. They can be prepared with fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Simple recipe – great taste!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/corn-fritters/

BROCCOLI FRITTERS

These light, golden-brown Broccoli Fritters make a delicious vegetarian dinner or lunch — and kids love them, too! Ready in less than 30 minutes.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/broccoli-fritters/

VEGETABLE FRITTERS

These Vegetable Fritters are truly the best! Made with zucchini, carrot, and corn, they make a great lunch or snack, and you will not be able to stop at one!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/vegetable-fritters/

POTATO PANCAKES

So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! Follow my simple instructions and make this easy treat today!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/classic-potato-pancakes/

SWEET POTATO HASH BROWNS

Made with only 4 ingredients, these Sweet Potato Hash Browns are easy to make and very delicious. Learn how to make perfect hash browns with my step-by-step photo and video instructions.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/sweet-potato-hash-browns/

MASHED POTATO CAKES

These Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes are so addictive! A crunchy, cheesy crust is hiding the soft, velvety mashed potato filling. They make a perfect side dish or a filling vegetarian meal.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/mashed-potato-cakes/

ABOUT TANIA SHEFF

Tania is a creator of food blog called Cooktoria, where she shares quick and healthy recipes with Mediterranean twist. All of her recipes include step-by-step photos as well as instructional videos, which is very helpful. She can’t wait to become friends with you!

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Finances Lifestyle

8 Habits You Can Develop That Will Improve Your Finances

by Guest Contributor August 19, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

When it comes to finances, we could all use a little help. Many American high schools don’t teach a course in basic financial literacy, and many of us don’t pick up tips from our parents. Instead, we are left to learn how to manage our money when we are out on our own for the first time. Oftentimes, we’ll end up figuring things out only after we have made mistakes.

Despite whatever mistakes you make, there’s always plenty of room for improvement, whether it’s saving a little more money or paying off debt. There are plenty of habits to develop that can lead to better finances overall. You don’t have to be a financial guru to make daily choices that lead to better financial health.

Image by William Iven from Pixabay

Here are a few basic habits that can improve your finances.

1. Set Clear Financial Goals — and Update Them Regularly

A great financial habit to get into is setting financial goals and milestones. How can you improve your finances if you don’t have any end goal in mind? You need to know what you want, which is the first step to figuring out how to get there. Each month, take a look at your finances and decide on some goals for that month.

For example, if you have debt, you could resolve to make a larger payment that month, or you could try to save 5% of your paycheck that month. If you accomplish your goals, you could try to ramp it up next time – save 10% of your paycheck! You can have longer-term plans, like saving for retirement or paying off half of your student loans. Just be sure to do a self-check regularly to make sure you’re on track.

2. Pay Off High-Interest Debt First

As a general rule of thumb, high-interest debt will cost you more. The higher the interest rate, the more you will pay in interest on that debt. It may also take you longer to pay off the debt. If you have any debt (and most people do), then you should try to prioritize paying off the accounts with the higher interest first.

Image by Lucia Grzeskiewicz from Pixabay

This could mean a credit card with a high APR or a private student loan with a high rate. Make a list of your debts, and rank them by interest rate, highest to lowest. Start by making bigger payments on the high-rate debt while maintaining all low-interest accounts. Work your way down the list!

3. Set Up Automated Savings

Resolving to save more money is always an admirable goal, and you can help yourself do that with automatic savings. Most employers offer you the option to set up automatic electronic direct deposit paychecks, so you don’t have to go to the bank to deposit a check anymore.

Direct deposit allows you to sign up multiple accounts. Every time you get a paycheck, you can devote a percentage to your savings account, checking account, etc. If you set aside a decent portion of your paycheck to savings, then you can automatically save money without ever touching your accounts. You can do this while also depositing your spending money for the next two weeks into your checking.

Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay

4. Track Your Expenses

If you have trouble keeping track of your spending, accounts, and money in general, then consider tracking them automatically. Luckily, it is easier than ever with free apps and web-based platforms. Many of these will link to your accounts and track the activity automatically. In real time, you can see exactly where your money is going. That makes it simple for you to cut costs and retool your budget as needed!

5. Use a Cash-Only Budget for Random Expenses

If you struggle with impulse shopping or buying things that you don’t need, consider using a cash budget for those random expenses. There isn’t much to this idea: just set a limit on those expenses, like going out to eat or ordering takeout. Withdraw your limit in cash from your bank account. Use that cash to pay for those purchases. Resolve to leave your debit and credit cards alone if you’re doing this.

Limiting yourself to cash is great because you can help yourself spend less. It’s much harder to part with cash, and you can make it a challenge to save as much of that cash on a weekly or monthly basis. If you really curb your spending, then you can roll over that leftover cash and withdraw even less money for the next cycle. This will help you save money in your bank account.

Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay

6. Put Basic Monthly Expenses on a Credit Card – Pay Them Off!

Don’t get this confused with the cash budget, which is for random expenses. By following this advice, you are putting your essential, necessary monthly expenses on a credit card (expenses such as fuel, transportation, bills, etc.)

By using a credit card, your checking account can be left untouched until it’s time to make a credit card payment. Ideally, you’ve saved up one or two paychecks by now; then you can cover your credit card bill with money you would have spent up to that point anyway.

Making these payments diligently can help build credit over time, and it’s made easier because these are essential expenses that you would have made anyway. However, make sure you control your spending. Don’t spend too much on credit, and don’t miss your payments.

7. Check Your Credit Report on a Regular Basis

This is a pretty easy tip. Each year, you can check your credit report for free – 3 times per year. It’s important to review your credit in order to spot any discrepancies. If you stay on top of it, you’re more likely to prevent credit card fraud, identity fraud, etc. Each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) allow you to request a report once per year.

Image by Sally Jermain from Pixabay

8. Find a Side Gig to Increase Your Income

If you want to supplement your income, don’t think that you’re limited to your full-time job and paycheck. Consider taking on some extra work to bring in some additional cash. There is a massive online market for freelancers with many different types of skills such as writing, photography, graphic design, and more. It doesn’t end there either, you could pick up a side-job and work part-time, or you could reach out to your community looking for all sorts of work.

While getting on top of your finances isn’t always easy, these habits can make a difficult chore a lot simpler. When they become routine, add more to increase your financial health — and your financial know-how!

Author Bio

Andrew is a Content Associate for LendEDU – a website that helps consumers from all walks of life with their finances. When he’s not working, you can find Andrew hiking or hanging with his cats Colby & Tobi.

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Health Kids Pre-Teen

Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit – What You Need to Know

by Guest Contributor August 17, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Getting braces has become a rite of passage for children. Every year, millions of children in America get braces or some sort of an orthodontic treatment.

When your child is getting braces, it is a huge event for the whole family. Orthodontic treatment for children means that the parents also need to educate themselves on the treatment.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it’s time for your child to get an orthodontic treatment:

Image by Wilhan José Gomes wjgomes from Pixabay

At What Age Should Your Child Visit the Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7.

This is the age when a child’s permanent teeth start coming in. If your child is at risk of developing any orthodontic problems, they can be diagnosed at their earliest stages. This can help the orthodontist predetermine the plan of action if your child will need orthodontic treatment.

Prepare Your Child For Their First Appointment

Walk your child through what will happen on their first visit to make sure sitting in a dental chair doesn’t scare them off. Talk them through the process of how their first appointment will involve a pain-free examination.

Image by lalogargano from Pixabay

What to Expect From Your Child’s First Visit

The first visit to the orthodontist will be a basic examination of your child’s teeth, mouth, jaw, and evaluation of treatment options if the orthodontist spots a problem.

The orthodontist will also take X-rays of the mouth to see how the teeth are positioned, and whether permanent teeth are going to come in. The orthodontist will also take impressions of your child’s teeth with a mold which will be the exact replica of your child’s teeth. This will help your orthodontist decide which treatment options are best.

Your child will not be getting braces on the first visit itself. The first visit is just an evaluation of whether braces are needed and if they are, what course the braces treatment should take.

What Will You Learn from Your Child’s First Orthodontic Visit

The first time you take your child to see an orthodontist, you’ll learn whether they need orthodontic treatment and what braces treatment options are available and best suited for your child’s needs.

The options include:

Metal braces
Ceramic braces
Invisalign

If your child doesn’t need treatment to correct an improper smile, then your orthodontist will schedule periodic visits to make sure your child’s permanent teeth are coming in properly.

Image by Marc Thele from Pixabay

Explain to Your Child What Braces Treatment Will Involve

If your child needs to undergo braces treatment, it will be great for your child to understand how braces or Invisalign can straighten crooked teeth, imbalanced jaw structures, and improve the smile so that your child becomes more confident.

It might be useful for your child to talk to a peer who is also going through braces treatment and using braces to correct an improper smile. Your child might be more open to braces treatment if it is easier to relate with their peers and stay enthusiastic about getting braces.

If your child is going through orthodontic treatment, remember that dealing with your child’s questions and doubts with patience is the key. The earlier your child sees the orthodontist, the lesser time treatment will take.

Author Bio:

Creating perfect smiles is what Dr. Satish Pai is committed to. An orthodontist by profession, he believes that a perfect smile is a powerful part of a person’s personality. When he is not working hard on perfecting his patients’ smiles at Putnam Ortho, he is busy writing engaging articles about everything related to healthy and perfect smiles. His other passions include golf, yoga and surfing. Spending time with his family always brings a smile on his face.

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Lifestyle Motherhood

Time-Saving Tips That Will Change Your Life for the Better

by Guest Contributor August 14, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Being a mom means being busy, and that applies whether you go out to work or stay at home. There’s never enough time to do the dozens of things that need doing, and that’s not forgetting those things that you do just to stay sane and avoid the dreaded mommy burnout. And don’t forget to include daily playing and bonding sessions with your kids on top of everything else.

All in all, every mother out there knows what it’s like to wish there were a few more hours in the day. Sadly, we can’t make that happen. But there is some smart advice which can help you to save some of that precious time.

1. Start riding instead of running

For some reason when people talk about cool gadgets which can help moms to save time they tend to focus on kitchen appliances, as if there’s nothing in our lives except cooking. Whilst it is true that modern tech can be a great help, there are also many recipes for delicious and quick meals you can make with only a sheet pan and an oven.

However, some gadgets can make a huge difference not only for your own time management but also your budget and the planet. Personal mobility gadgets are at the top of that list.

As a busy mom, you definitely don’t have the time to walk when running errands. Driving is the solution for many, but a lot of us live under budget limitations or in places where the traffic makes it rather hard to get to some places.

An electric scooter is an easy solution to this. It might not go as fast as your car and won’t be the ride you would choose if you need to go a long way out of town. However, when running errands in your neighborhood it is a fantastic option which saves time and gas. The abundance of different models can be confusing, but you should be able to choose wisely using a detailed guide to electric scooters which compares all the top models and explains every feature. This will help you determine which of the many versatile modern scooters will suit your own personal needs best. Many of them are very affordable, so anyone can buy one with a minimal amount of budgetary planning.

2. Stop multitasking

Think multitasking helps you to get more things done?

Well, time-management experts like James Clear say the exact opposite is the case. This is because multitasking means that you aren’t focusing on the specific task at hand. Thus your productivity goes down, and there’s a bigger risk of making a mistake. For a mom, those mistakes can be anything from mixing up times in your kids’ football training schedule to forgetting the dinner that’s in the oven, to messing up a report at work and thus having to stay late to fix it.

All in all, such issues can range from mildly irritating to life threatening. Therefore, you should stop multitasking not only to save time by completing every individual task more quickly because you are focused, but also to avoid potentially bigger problems.

3. Socialize during mealtimes

Can’t find the time to meet up with friends? It can be extremely hard to free up an afternoon or even a couple of hours during weekends. However, socialization is imperative for sanity and for happiness – science says so.

So do your best to socialize during mealtimes. After all, this is the time when others should be doing the same thing, so you only need to make sure you are at the same location and it will be much easier to fit meetings into your busy schedule.

Also, if being busy leads you to the bad habit of grabbing a sandwich and eating on the go, turning your quick meals into friendly catch-up sessions will have a positive impact upon your health. And you definitely should turn your family meals into more than just meals. Turn off the TV and drop your smartphone and tablet and enjoy instead a discussion of your day, your goals, or your dreams – or even the latest Netflix show. Never miss out on an opportunity to bond.

4. Make your home smarter

Electric scooters are great, but they aren’t the only gadgets that can help to you save time while improving your life overall. Turning your house into a smart home will assist in this endeavor just as much. There are a great number of gadgets that can help you, including:

Smart sprinklers
Roombas (smart robotic vacuums)
Smart plugs
Smart locks and security systems
Smart lights and thermostats

Not all of these will save you time directly, for example the seconds you save opening the door with a key or a smartphone app don’t really make much of a difference. However, having an opportunity to lock the door from a distance will help you if you forgot to do it as you left as you won’t need to waste your time going back. This is why smart plugs are a godsend for anyone who has ever forgotten to unplug the iron.

Smart sprinklers and vacuums, on the other hand, will help save time and generally make your life easier. As tech continues to evolve, there will be more devices which will be able to improve your home.

About the Author

Bio: Kate Bregovic is a wife, mother, freelance writer and fitness enthusiast. She covers many topics – from business management trends to fitness regimes. When she’s not writing, she’s planning outdoor activities for her family, cooking or working out at the gym. Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrs.kate.bregovic

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Finances Marriage

6 Financial Things to Consider Before Marriage

by Guest Contributor August 14, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Marriage isn’t just a matter of romance. Although love should be the main reason why you seal the deal with your significant other, there are other critical aspects to consider, if you wish to keep your marriage alive. Before even signing the papers, you should discuss important matters, like finances, assets, or retirement plans, with your future spouse. Here are six financial things you should cover before getting married…

Discuss your opinions about money

Different stands on money can break your marriage in the future. Seeing that most of us have strong opinions about money-saving and expenditure, not having the same views about the subject could tarnish your relationship. Some people are more secretive about their spending habits and like to hide where the majority of their money goes. Others are more upfront about it. Your spouse might want to put more money on the side, while you might be more casual about saving. If you don’t see eye to eye in this particular case, chances are it will start to bother at least one of you shortly. Most of the times, these habits are formed from our upbringing, and are not easy to get rid of, or correct. The safest way to approach this matter is to start recognizing your patterns of behavior and pinpoint those negative sides. Then, with the help of your spouse, you can slowly start changing the behaviours that are not benefiting your marriage.

Plan your estate

Planning far ahead is necessary if you wish to sort all your affairs, and leave a clean plate. That’s why estate planning is so important. Planing what will happen with your property and financial assets, and that your family is taken care of after you die is essential, if you wish to do right by everyone. Otherwise, unsorted financial aspects might lead to feuds of the beneficiaries of your estate if they fell they didn’t get what they deserved. So, have a talk with your spouse, and plan and update items like your will, life insurance policies or investment funds, and elect who will be the beneficiaries. This is imperative, even more in the case if there are more heirs involved, especially children from different marriages.

Prenuptial agreements

Prenups are not considered romantic, and just talking about them might kill the vibe, but in most cases, they are recommended. Many financial planners and accountants advise making these agreements, to avoid being sorry later, especially if you are bringing more assets than your spouse into your marriage. Research made with a thousand participants in Australia reveals that, although 74% of them thinks prenups are okay and justifiable, only 18% of them have such a contract. Such contracts are there to protect your interests in the case of divorce and are not anti-marriage. So, it is essential to talk about these matters before getting married, openly and honestly, without hurting anyone’s feelings. Your safest choice would be to hire experts, like the divorce lawyers from Sydney, who will guide you through this process, and have your best interests in mind.

The debt status of your partner

Make no mistake, you will share both the good and the bad when getting married. This means that all the debt your spouse has acquired over the years will become yours. So, before getting hitched, you might want to get a glimpse into what their liabilities are. If your partner has doubts about sharing this info with you or seems to dodge this issue, then you might have something to worry about. Give different, open-minded approach to this matter, without judging them. If they still don’t want to discuss this matter, you might want to reconsider your options. The basis of any successful marriage is honesty, and you should always be able to have an open dialogue about such issues. It is your right to have an insight into this, as it might strongly affect you in the future!

Financial and family goals

Setting the same financial course for you and your family is imperative for a healthy marriage. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss your attitudes about risk-taking and money. Most people have strong opinions about this, and it would be wise to make financial plans and goals for the foreseeable future. Only when you come clean about what you want to do with your money, you’ll be able to move forward. It is up to you whether you’ll invest your money in real estate, set it aside, or invest in the stock market. If you plan to start a family, you need to have a talk about what will it look like. How much money will you need? How many children? Will one of you stay at home to look after them, or will you pay for daycare? There are literally hundreds of questions you should talk about with your spouse.

Income source

Being fully aware of your spouse’s income source, or sources is one of the essential things to talk about before getting married. Whether they have a steady, nine-to-five job, with a fixed salary, or they are freelancing with unpredictable monthly income, you need to be informed about it. You need to know whether you will be able to meet all your monthly financial obligations together. Bills, mortgages, and food are all things you need to find the money for every single month. And even though it is perfectly fine to have an unpredictable source of income, you still need to make a long term plan on how you will deal with these issues in rough times.

Final thoughts…

Getting married means sharing everything with your spouse, whether you like it or not. Finances are often one of the main obstacles in a marriage, especially if you were not open about them in the beginning. To increase the chances of having a successful union, you should be clear about every aspect of your financial status, from indebtedness and retirement plans, to tax information and intent to sign a prenuptial agreement. Only then will your partner be able to trust you fully, and vice-versa!

About the Author

Find her on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/EmmaWilliams204

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Fitness Lifestyle

Lose ‘Baby Fat’ After Pregnancy With These 6 Exercises

by Guest Contributor August 13, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

It’s safe to say that losing weight is much more difficult than gaining it. That’s especially true following a pregnancy. That kind of fat likes to hang on for dear life and never let go. Of course, that shouldn’t discourage you from working out and doing the best you can to lose it.

You just have to be patient, consistent, and careful with your diet. Eating clean is a prerequisite for every weight-loss journey. And on top of that, you can’t forget about exercise. New moms rarely have time to shower let alone work out, but even a workout that lasts for 15 minutes can do good for your body.

In order to help you, take a look at the exercises below.

Photo by Daniel Reche from Pexels

Walking stairs

Climbing stairs will most certainly strengthen your core and lower body. At the same time, your body will burn a lot of calories in a short period of time. With each step, your heart will start pacing and you will sweat. Just go easy in the beginning, and then slowly transition from walking to running.

Wide squats

Bear with us here. Squatting may sound dreadful, but it’s extremely good for losing baby fat. If you want to know how to build muscles in your legs and glutes, this is the way to do it.

In order to tone your core and regain pelvic floor strength, you need to stand with feet shoulder-width apart, then lower into a squat, pressing hips back and down. Then go back to the standing position.

Start by doing a set of 20 reps. Then crank it up to 30 as you start to progress.

Image by Mircea Iancu from Pixabay

Park strolls

Well, this one is a walk in the park. Seeing that you now have a youngster in your family, take baby with you for a light stroll outside.

You could walk around the block or visit a park. If you like shopping, you can go pay a mall a visit too. Just remember to have walks regularly.

You could start with five easy walks per week. As you start feeling strong again, you can crank it up to seven and walk for longer distances.

Mule kicks

This is another great fat-burning exercise for fresh moms. To do mule kicks, you should start in a position where you are crawling on hands and knees. Your wrists should be aligned under shoulders and knees need to be under hips.

Then contract your abs and lift one leg so it’s parallel to the floor. Keep your knee bent and foot flexed as you lift your leg. Finally, go back to the starting position and repeat three quick sets 15 to 20 times. Once that’s done, switch sides and repeat.

Image by Mabel Amber, still incognito… from Pixabay

Quarter curls

This exercise is great for burning belly fat. You just need to lie down on your back with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart.

Keep your feet flat on the floor with your hands behind your ears. Scoop your belly in and curl shoulders off the mat. Hold it for five seconds, exhale and slowly go back down. For a start, do three sets of 5 to 10 reps.

You will feel a burning sensation. Once you start feeling that, you will know that it’s working. Your belly will be thinner and thinner in no time.

Side lunges

If you want to trim your legs, arms, glutes, and abs, side lunges are the way to do it. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and lunge to one side with your first leg. You need to land on the heel first.

Keep the torso straight and abs tight. Your lead knee should point in the same direction as your foot. If you let it loose, the exercise won’t be as efficient as it should.

Final thoughts

Don’t worry, you will lose weight. Just remember to be patient and persistent. Start with light exercises, build up your form, and then increase the number of sets and reps.

Baby fat will be gone in no time, and you will be back on track once again when it comes to your shape. Good luck!

About the Author

Sean L. is fitness and keto addicted; also the managing editor at Dream Keto. He likes everything that is green, from spinach to beautiful nature landscapes. Each day, he gives his best to stay in ketosis and exercise. Sean also enjoys cooking healthy meals, traveling and playing with his German Shepherd.

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Beauty Beauty & Style DIY Lifestyle

Beauty Treatments That Will Make You Feel Your Best

by Guest Contributor July 26, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

We all have those bad days when we’re in desperate need for a bubble bath and some smooth jazz in the background, with scented candles infusing the air with pure serenity, right? Well, it’s on those particular days that we realize that beauty is so much more than skin-deep. It’s that feeling of comfort in your own skin, of no rush moments when you devote your full attention to your body and soul and choose only the finest ingredients to treat your body like the temple that it is.

As a mom, or a mom-to-be, these self-care moments are all the more vital. You tend to your inner caregiver, you become a role model to your little ones, and you pamper that bun in the oven when you’re expecting. Whichever stage of life you might be in, there are beauty-focused ways to feel gorgeous, relaxed, and grateful for the body that you have – so let’s go over a few that can help you even on your most hectic of days.

Sweat Out Your Troubles

Photo by The Creative Exchange on Unsplash

Most of us like that feeling when you enter a sauna – your muscles instinctively relax, your breathing changes, your pores open up, and all the pent-up negativity slowly vanishes. As you sit there, quietly pondering life, the steam helps you purify your pores, which is a vital step to help your skin make the most of all the beauty products you’re about to slather afterwards.

No time for a full-blown sauna escape? You can steam your face with herbal teas with the same glorious effect. It will tone, plump, boost circulation, help you get rid of those annoying blackheads, and prep your complexion for that sunscreen.

Vivify Your Skin Care

Photo by ika dam on Unsplash

This is a shout-out to all future moms who are struggling to find a comfortable position to sleep in, let alone a moment for pampering. In those beautiful months of bonding with the bun in your belly, you need to create a pregnancy skin care ritual based on natural ingredients such as clay for purification and inflammation-reducing antioxidant masks. It shouldn’t boil down to preventing stretch marks, as your skin truly deserves more, better-tailored care during your pregnancy.

Natural, toxin-free, organic goodies in your skin care items are your best choice for the long haul, not just while you’re expecting. However, start now, and you’ll likely help your skin through this somewhat challenging period to prevent and treat acne, signs of aging, dry patches, and the like.

Head for a Relaxing Massage

Photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash

Imagine finding that perfect solution to painful, swollen ankles, sore joints, and overburdened, painful lower back. That would be a professional massage helping your muscles and your joints cope with your growing baby, and giving you the much-needed time to relax.

Even if you’re not expecting, every gal should treat herself to an occasional relaxing hour under the hands of a skilled masseuse. It’s wonderful for your circulation, skin health, and it can become a truly calming ritual with the help of the right essential oils, candles, and music.

Treat Yourself to that Bath

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

Sometimes, the simplest solutions that protect our beauty are the ones we need the most. And so we go back to the bubble bath, the iconic epitome of Zen you can do at home, and every week if you so please. Instead of relying on the bubbles, add a few bath essentials to make it worth your while. Think about herbal baths infused with plants that help you sleep better, sea minerals for radiant skin, and prime moisturizing baths with fair trade honey.

Just a few drops of lavender essential oil, or any other favorite of yours, and you’ll be floating away to an oasis of your own. Put on some tunes, slather a generous facial mask for rejuvenation, and enjoy your own fifteen minutes of glory.

Pamper Your Tired Locks

If your pores are tired, how can you assume that your lovely strands aren’t? Odds are, you need to give your hair back some of its plump fullness, and there’s no better ally in this endeavor than your kitchen. Although not every woman is too eager to get messy with her beauty products, some of these DIY hair masks are worth a few minutes of your time and handiwork – and they do mostly take a few minutes to prepare.

If you want to banish brittleness, mix in milk and honey and generously spread all over your locks. It revitalizes and it smells delicious, so you’ll feel invigorated all around, and you’ll renew your hair’s natural glow. Other combinations that work well include bananas with olive oil or eggs, while even one-ingredient masks such as putting on plenty of coconut oil can restore your perky mane.

When it comes to beauty, it’s a life-long pursuit much like any other worthy goal in life. Since your inner feelings, health, and mindset are indeed reflected all over your largest organ, devoting time to your health through self-care means you’ll naturally beautify your complexion and your life. Use these tips to stay beautiful and happy alike!

Author Bio

Sophia Smith is a beauty and style blogger, an eco-lifestyle lover, a graphic designer and DIY enthusiast. She is very passionate about natural skincare, yoga and mindful living. Sophia writes mostly about beauty-related topics in her articles. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Naughty Nutrition, Life Goals Mag, Sivana Spirit, Bonvita Style, Mom With Five, Cause Artist, and Carousel.

You can find out more about her writing by following her on: Facebook Twitter

Health

5 Summer Health and Safety Tips For The Whole Family

by Guest Contributor July 25, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

For families with children, the summer season always means a lot of time outside in the sun and heat. There are beaches to visit, parks to play in, and bikes built for riding, but all that summer sun poses certain risks. There are things like sunburn and dehydration to worry about, and every family should take these risks seriously. Extra precautions should be taken concerning health and safety, and we have the most important tips to ensure your family has the best summer yet.

1. Heat safety

It’s important for the whole family to be aware of ways to stay safe during the hot summer months. As a parent, it’s your duty to inform and protect your kids from dangerous weather outside. When it’s extremely hot outside, stay inside air-conditioned areas; this may be your home, a shopping mall, or a community center. Also, be sure to keep lots of water on you to stay hydrated. If you are a family that is normally on top of your water intake, that’s great! But when it’s really hot out, up your normal intake to make up for the hot weather.

2. Sun safety

No matter the temperature outside, sun safety is always important. Sunscreen is always a smart first layer of defense to protect you and your family. Proper application of sunscreen is crucial, so always cover yourself head-to-toe and reapply as needed. In addition to sunscreen, clothes are great protection from the sun. Sports performance clothing that is tightly knit is great at blocking the sun and keeping your skin dry from sweat. However, the best defense from the sun is seeking shade. If you plan to be outside for a long time like at a sports event or on the beach, come equipped with a sun umbrella or a place to stay safe from the sun.

Image by Bob Dmyt from Pixabay

3. Children’s eye health and safety

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month! This is a good reminder to take your child to the eye doctor to get a vision check. This is especially important if they’re spending a lot of time outside in the sun. UV rays can cause short-term issues like sunburnt eyes and long-term problems with vision. If you’re concerned about your child’s eyes while they’re in the sun, buy them sunglasses, a hat, or try to keep them in the shade as much as possible.

4. A tip for mom

National Breastfeeding Month is also celebrated in August! For all of the new mamas and mamas-to-be out there, take time this month to brush up on breastfeeding best practices for the well-being of you and your baby. There are so many areas to get support when it comes to breastfeeding, from a local hospital, your doctor, online forums, and even friends!

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

5. A tip for dad

Dads have to be aware of summer safety for health too! Many women have skincare routines to help protect themselves from the sun, but we have some skin tips for dad too! The summer heat may bring a desire to shave off any facial hair for cooling relief. When you shave, you’re exposing your skin to the sun, heat, and pollution of the summer air, so it’s important to shave with care. Always use trusted shaving products with high-quality ingredients to protect your skin. After you shave, using an SPF is vital to keep skin safe from the sun. You should apply some form of SPF every single day, all year long. You don’t have to apply body sunscreen to the face, but find a men’s moisturizer with SPF protection to use every morning.

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