Whether you are celebrating a special birthday, a graduation, or simply want the chance to catch up with friends this summer, you can’t go wrong with hosting a dinner party. This is because they give you the chance to spend quality one-on-one time together in a relaxed, informal setting. 

However, this doesn’t mean that planning a dinner party is easy – as many people feel stressed at just the thought of inviting others into their home for the night. After all, you’ll want to impress your guests.

Photo by Stefan Vladimirov on Unsplash

Despite this, planning (and hosting) a successful dinner party can be a lot of fun – and here are some top tips that you can use to pull out all of the stops and impress! 

• Choose a theme. Many people mistakenly believe that themed parties are just for kids – but this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, themed parties can be a lot of fun for adults too, especially if they get to use their imagination a little or wear a costume. Choosing a theme is a great way to make the planning process a little more straightforward too – as you’ll be able to base all of your future decisions such as the menu, drinks and decor around this theme.

• Plan the menu. Given that it’s in the name, the most important aspect of your dinner party for you to tackle is the dinner. After all, guests will likely arrive hungry and ready to eat. However, it’s important that you don’t panic too much about this – meals don’t necessarily need to be fancy in order to be good. Instead, focus on cooking something that you know you do well and that all guests will enjoy. Be sure to check ahead of time if there are any dietary requirements you might need to consider. You might also want to prepare some separate dishes for little ones if they are bringing along kids (or for fussy eaters).

• Dust off the tableware. Hosting a dinner party is the perfect excuse to dust off the good stuff – such as the Ceramic Tableware you usually reserve for special occasions. This is because it adds an extra touch of class and sophistication to your evening, making the whole event feel that much more special. Furthemore, you’re bound to get more compliments from your guests!

• Spring clean (some of) your home. Cleaning your home and brushing up on your gardening is another essential step when hosting a dinner party, as you’ll want to create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. However, it’s important to remember that you only need to focus on the areas of your home your guests will actually be spending time in – such as the living room, dining room, bathrooms and garden. This lightens your workload and will take some of the pressure off your shoulders. Once you’ve cleaned, you can also start focusing on the fun stuff, such as decorating your home for your party. For example, you could get crafty and make personalised table decor for each of your guests. 

Self-care is essential for a healthy mind and body, but it can be challenging to make time for it in our busy lives. Between work, family, and social obligations, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. However, if you make self-care a priority in your daily routine, it will be easier to fit into your schedule. The following blog will discuss some tips for making self-care a priority in your life!

Photo by Elina Fairytale

1) Make A List Of Things That Make You Feel Good

The first step in making self care a priority is identifying things that make you feel good. This could be anything from taking a walk in nature to reading your favourite book. When you know what makes you feel good, it will be easier to make time for it in your busy schedule.

Make a list of activities that make you happy and refer to it when you feel overwhelmed or stressed. This can help remind you of the things that bring you joy and can help motivate you to make time for them in your day.

2) Schedule Time For Self Care

One of the best ways to prioritise self-care is to schedule time for it in your day. This could be something as simple as dedicating an hour each day to yourself or setting aside time every weekend. When you have dedicated time for self-care, it will be easier to stick to it, and you will be less likely to put it off.

If scheduling time for self-care seems daunting, start small and gradually increase the amount of time you dedicate to it. You may find that you eventually want to spend more time on self-care, but starting with a smaller commitment will make it more manageable.

3) Find A Support Network

It can be challenging to make time for self-care when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. In these cases, it can be helpful to find a support network. This could be friends, family members, or a therapist. When you have people who understand what you are going through and can offer support, it will be easier to make time for self-care.

If you do not feel like talking to someone about your struggles, consider joining a support group online or in person. There are many groups available that cater to various needs and interests. Finding one that resonates with you can help make self care a priority.

4) Make Time For Yourself

One of the best ways to make self care a priority is to make time for yourself. This could be something as simple as taking a relaxing bath or reading about natural way hair care tips. When you take time for yourself, you are allowing yourself to recharge and relax.

If it is difficult for you to find time for yourself, start by dedicating ten minutes each day to something that makes you happy. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend on yourself until you reach an hour or more. Taking this time for yourself will help improve your mental and physical health!

5) Don’t Overcommit

One of the main reasons it can be challenging to make time for self-care is because we often over-commit ourselves. We say yes to too many things and feel overwhelmed and stressed. This can leave little time for us to relax and rejuvenate.

When you are planning your day, be honest with yourself about what you can actually accomplish. Don’t say yes to things that will stress you out or cause you to feel overwhelmed. This will help make room in your schedule for self-care.

6) Use Technology To Your Advantage

Technology can be a helpful tool when it comes to making self care a priority. There are many apps and websites that offer tips for relaxation and stress relief. When you feel overwhelmed, take a break to read an article or listen to a guided meditation.

If you find that you struggle to focus on self-care, consider using technology to help you. Many tools are available that can make it easier for you to relax and de-stress.

7) Make It A Habit

When it comes to making self-care a priority, one of the best things you can do is make it a habit. This means that you should try to make time for yourself regularly. When self-care becomes a habit, it will be easier to stick to, and you will be less likely to put it off.

If you find it challenging to make time for self-care, start by doing something small each day. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend on yourself until you reach an hour or more. Making self-care a habit will help improve your mental and physical health!

8) Prioritize Your Health

When it comes to making self-care a priority, it is essential to remember that your health should be at the top of your list. If you are not taking care of yourself, you will not be able to take care of others.

There are many ways to improve your health, both mental and physical. Make time for exercise, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep. When you prioritize your health, it will be easier to make time for self-care.

9) Find What Works For You

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to making self-care a priority. What works for someone else may not work for you. It is essential to find what methods of self-care work best for you and make time for those activities.

When it comes to finding what works for you, experimentation is vital. Try different things until you find something that makes you feel relaxed and refreshed. When you find something that works, stick with it!

In conclusion, making self-care a priority is essential for your mental and physical health. There are many ways to make time for yourself, and it is essential to find what works best for you. When you make self-care a habit, you will be less likely to put it off. Remember to prioritize your health and find what methods of self-care work best for you!

As a mom, it’s important to find ways to get your son interested in things at an early age. This will help set him up for success in life. Here are four useful topics that can help get your son interested and excited about learning.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

#1 Cars

The first topic on our list is cars. There’s something about cars that just gets boys excited. You can start by teaching your son the different parts of a vehicle and how they work together. Then, you can move on to more advanced topics like jdm cars and how to change a tire or check the oil level.

In addition, you can take your son to car shows or races. This will give him a chance to see the cars up close and learn more about them. By being knowledgeable about cars and how they work, you can be sure that your son will always be ready should he experience car trouble or even need to purchase a car in the future.

#2 Sports

The second topic is sports. This is a great way to get your son interested in physical activity and healthy competition. You can start by teaching him the basics of different sports, such as football, baseball, or basketball.

As he gets older, you can enroll him in sports leagues or clubs. This will give him the opportunity to play with other boys his age and improve his skills. In addition, watching live sporting events is also a great way to get your son interested in sports. He’ll be able to see his favorite athletes in action and learn more about the game itself.

#3 Music

The third topic to get your son interested in is music. Music has been shown to provide a number of benefits for children, including improving memory and concentration, reducing stress, and providing a creative outlet.

There are many ways to incorporate music into your son’s life. You can enroll him in music lessons, take him to concerts, or simply play music at home. If your son is interested in a particular type of music, you can use that as a starting point to explore different genres and artists. Music can be a great way to bond with your son and give him an outlet for self-expression. It can also be a valuable tool for teaching him about cooperation, teamwork, and discipline.

#4 Technology

The fourth and final topic on our list is technology. Technology is becoming increasingly important in our world, so it’s essential that your son be familiar with it. You can start by teaching him how to use basic devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones.

As he gets older, you can introduce him to more advanced topics like coding or website design. By understanding how technology works, your son will be better equipped to use it in his everyday life. In addition, he may even find a career in the tech industry if he enjoys working with computers and other devices.

Getting your son interested in these four topics at an early age will help set him up for success in life. Cars, sports, music, and technology are all great ways to engage your son and get him excited about learning. By introducing him to these topics, you can help him develop important skills that will benefit him throughout his life.

Image Credit

No one needs an excuse to head off on vacation, but if you want to give your holiday a little more purpose, or you have children or students you want to educate, there are plenty of educational trips to choose from. Below you can find some of the stand-out places to visit. 

The USA

If you haven’t been to the USA before, now is a terrific time to start. The USA has everything, it has sun, sea, cities, and some of the best food and biggest portion sizes you could hope for, but it’s also a great place to educate children or students. America has lots of history and culture. 

If you want to teach your children about the history of America and how it has shaped the world today, then head to New York and some of the surrounding states that were instrumental during the revolution. If you want to educate them about nature, there are plenty of National Parks too. 

France   

If Europe is more your thing, then head to France! France is one of the oldest and most culturally rich countries in central Europe. If your kids are learning the language in school, then even better, visiting France will become an immersive cultural experience you will never forget. 

Some of the educational travel that you get when you visit France includes its history, in particular, the French Revolution and Napoleon, which was important in shaping the direction of European and global politics for centuries. Additionally, you can enjoy some amazing food.

Germany   

Perhaps, another of Europe’s most pivotal countries historically is Germany. Germany has a long and interesting history that has influenced our global culture and economy in interesting ways. Did you know that German was considered prior to English as America’s main language?

Along with an incredibly rich history and culture, Germany also has incredible landscape and natural beauty, so you can choose what kind of trip to go on with your children or students. Finally, there is no better way to learn the German language than with an immersive experience.

London, UK 

Along with Paris, New York, Berlin, and Tokyo, London is one of the cities that has a global reputation. London is worth visiting for this reason alone. But there are some excellent educational opportunities as well, such as a deep dive into the rich and ancient cultural history.

Start with the Tower of London, where high profile prisoners were kept before being taken to the gallows; you can also visit famous art museums such as the Tate Gallery and the National History Museum. Don’t forget to visit the London Eye for an unforgettable view of the city. 

Scotland, UK  

If London has given you a taste for history and culture, then head to Scotland next! As with London and England, Scotland has a long past with many famous sites to visit and learn about. There’s no better way to learn about history and politics than visiting Scotland’s ancient castles and modern museums. Forget about the weather and focus on an educational experience.

Although having a playground is a terrific way to let off steam and have some fun, it is sometimes overlooked when it comes to child safety.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Kids can not only see themselves in trouble but also cut themselves or devour one of those wonderful red berries in the blink of an eye!

If you want your yard to be a secure place for your children to play when they’re old enough, begin planning as soon as they are.

Secure Your Gates And Fences

If you already have a fence, double-check that each panel is properly fastened. It’s a good idea to secure gates to keep children and visitors safe while also keeping strangers out. You can then let them play in the garden without feeling as though they will escape and run into the road. If you have locks on your gate make sure they are higher up, this way small children can’t reach them and unlock them in secret. 

Plants And Shrubs Must Be Examined

There are several plants and bushes in the yard that are dangerous to youngsters, such as roses, Rhododendrons, and mistletoe. Whenever in question about whether a plant is harmless and you cannot identify it, it is advisable to remove it. Keeping plant foods and insecticides in an unsecured container is also quite harmful.

Surfaces That Are Safe

Because children’s ability to walk is unknown throughout their first few years, having an even and stable surface in the garden is vital. Paving must be leveled and artificial turf could be used to create a cleaner, straighter grassed space. your children may now enjoy fun outside every day of the year since artificial grass won’t allow them to slip on the muddy lawn. They can also love playing outside without having to worry about bringing dirty items inside.

Ponds Are A Risk

Ponds are a no non for a safe garden this is because, children can drown in less than two inches of water, posing a serious hazard to them. If you wish to keep a pond, make sure it is secure and protected.  A lockable gate can be placed around it or you could cover the water with safety netting or a screen if you have enough space. Ticks and mosquitoes might be attracted to ponds, so make sure you use protection to keep the bigs at bay and prevent nasty bites. 

Garden Tools Should Be Locked

If they’re interested, you’ll have to hand over every tool you own. Your tools must always be kept out of the reach of youngsters. Keep lawnmowers, digging forks, and other sharp tools away from the ground for your child’s safety so that he or she can explore.

Allow Them To Have Their Own Space

If you don’t want your child to touch items you don’t want them to, make a separate area for them to play in. If you have the space, make a fun and safe play place for them. Wooden Climbing Frames are great for children’s spaces.  Add in some toys, a sandpit, and a mud kitchen and they will have hours of fun outdoors. 

This short guideline should assist you in making your garden child-safe. Do you have any other suggestions you’d want to contribute in the comments section?

Everybody knows that having a baby is a life-changing event, but what many mothers aren’t prepared for is how much having your baby can make you lose yourself. From sleep deprivation to having a whole human relying on you, it can be hard to find time to be yourself. If you’re struggling to find yourself again, try some of these tips, so you can enjoy motherhood and still feel like you.

Image – free for commercial use

Let Go Of Guilt

Guilt is a nasty trap that a lot of new mums fall into you, which can leave you feeling paralysed. We can all feel the guilt of not being present enough, of not spending enough time with our children, or about forgetting or missing a milestone. When you let go of guilt, tell yourself you’re good enough, and realize that you don’t have to be perfect all the time, you can release yourself from a state of mind that can really hurt you. 

Take Time For Yourself

Now that you have no guilt about your parenting skills, you can take some much needed time for yourself so you can get back in touch with yourself. Taking care of a baby all day can be a black hole for the person you were before you become a mother. If you don’t take some time for yourself in order to reconnect with yourself every day, you can soon feel like you’re drowning. Even a few minutes to have a shower or a cup of coffee can make a difference. 

Exercise

Taking care of your body can boost your health, your self-esteem, and your attitude. After having a baby, the last thing you want is to squeeze into your workout gear and hit a workout class. Look for classes designed for new mums, or try workouts online that you can do in the privacy of your own home. If you really want to get your old body back immediately, you could also consider a Mummy Makeover. 

Meditate

Meditation isn’t just sitting on the floor cross-legged for an hour, doing nothing. Meditation is about being aware of yourself and can be done in lots of different ways. It will ease your stress and anxiety, boost your self-esteem, and bring control to your life. In just three minutes a day, you can change the way you feel. 

Spend Time With Your Spouse

Remember what it was like before you had kids? When it was just you and your spouse? Relationships change after having kids and it can be hard to remember what was important about them before the baby. Even when you’re tired, try to make time for your spouse or partner. Do whatever works for you and your schedule. You might have to get up a little earlier to have a cup of coffee together before the baby wakes up, or you could meet up for lunch. Reconnecting with your spouse will help you find yourself again and remind you of your quality time before you had kids.

As a mom, you want your child to excel in school. You may be wondering how you can help them do this. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know where to start. This blog post will discuss some tips that will help your child succeed in school. You’ll also find some resources that you can use to help your child get ahead!

Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels

#1 Help your child develop a good work ethic

One of the best things you can do to help your child excel in school is to help them develop a good work ethic. This means encouraging them to put effort into their schoolwork and helping them learn how to be responsible and organized. One way to do this is by setting a good example for yourself. Show your child that you take your own education seriously and that you are willing to work hard for success. You can also help your child develop a good work ethic by providing encouragement and praise when they do well in school.

It’s also important to set realistic expectations for your child. They may not always get straight A’s, but it’s more important that they try their best and learn from their mistakes. Finally, help your child develop a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. With a growth mindset, your child will be more likely to try new things and persist through setbacks. Before you know it, you’ll be helping your child pick out student accommodation for when they go off to university!

#2 Help your child develop good study habits

It’s also important to help your child develop good study habits. This includes teaching them how to focus and stay on task, setting regular homework times, and helping them find a method that works best for them. For example, some kids prefer to study in short bursts, while others prefer studying over an extended period of time. 

You can help your child find what works best for them by experimenting with different techniques until they find one that works well. You can also help your child set goals and track their progress. This will not only motivate them but will also help them stay accountable. When your child sees that they are making progress, they will be more likely to continue working hard!

#3 Help your child develop a love for learning

Another important thing to remember is that you should help your child develop a love for learning. This means exposing them to different kinds of activities and subjects and allowing them to explore their interests. You can do this by signing them up for extracurricular activities, reading with them often, and taking trips to the library or museum.

It’s also important to foster a positive attitude towards schoolwork. Help your child see mistakes as opportunities for growth instead of viewing them as failures. Encourage them to ask questions in class and get involved in their education. When your child feels invested in their own education, they will be more likely to excel!

#4 Get involved in your child’s education

Finally, it’s important to get involved in your child’s education. This means checking their homework often, attending parent-teacher conferences, and volunteering at school. You can also help your child develop good study habits by setting a good example yourself. Show your child that you take your own education seriously and that you are willing to work hard for success. You can also help your child develop a good work ethic by providing encouragement and praise when they do well in school.

In conclusion, there are many things you can do to help your child excel in school. By encouraging them to work hard, develop good study habits, and develop a love for learning, you can set them up for success!

Going home after giving birth can be quite overwhelming, especially if it’s your first child. Aside from all the hospital equipment that is to be taken care of for a short period of time, you will also have to adjust to this new life where you are solely responsible for another human being. This article will provide some tips on easing this transition early in the life of your newborn.
Image Credit

Baby arrives home – so exciting!

You’ve had a wonderful time with him or her at the hospital. Now it’s time to get on home and start your new life as a parent. While you’re excited, you might still be wondering about all of those things that need to be done before the baby gets there.

Here is a list of 10 great tips for you to follow when your newborn arrives home:

1) Gather Your Supplies

At least one week prior to departure, make sure that you have all essentials gathered up in one place ready for transport before the big day comes. Things like formula, diapers, wipes, towels, etc., should all be carefully chosen based on preference –it may even take trying out different products until everyone in the family is satisfied. Packing lists can be found all over the internet, so print them out and have them ready for use when your baby gets home!

2) Prepare Your Car

If you are driving yourself or with a friend, make sure that your car is in good working order. Make any necessary repairs prior to arrival. If helpful, purchase an infant car seat to ensure safety while travelling to and from places together. You should also prepare the backseat of your vehicle by removing any objects which may risk harming or injuring your child in case of sudden braking or accidents. These things include airbags (which should never be set off while kids are present), loose change or other heavy objects on floorboards, or even more obvious hazards like unsecured car seats, seat belts, etc.

3) Initial Feeding

Once you get home with your baby, resist the urge to feed him or her right away. Check for any jaundice by looking at his/her skin colour, which normally starts off a bit yellowish. If it is not yet visible after 24 hours, but you are still concerned about it, consult your doctor on how best to check for this condition. Once all of this has been taken care of and if no feeding issues arise, get ready to breastfeed or bottle-feed your child upon arrival. He or she may be quite hungry already after his trip!  

TIP – Lactation Supplements: 4 Herbs to Support Milk Supply

4) Be Responsible About Hand Washing

It is important that everyone in the family knows how to properly wash his or her hands. This sounds obvious, but it’s really not always done! Wash your hands promptly after touching public surfaces like doorknobs, railings (esp. inside elevators if you’ve been shopping), handrails, etc. Also, make sure that towels and other objects used by others are kept separate from those used by your baby.

5) Practice Safety Measures

Babies are very impressionable creatures; they learn quickly through their senses. The easiest way for them to learn is via imitating you! Teach them right away about safety measures for both indoors and outdoors by following these easy rules:

1. a) Never leave babies alone on elevated surfaces –like changing tables, beds, strollers, etc.–
2. b) Make sure that windows and doors are locked at all times or that you’re holding them if they’re opened.
3. c) Keep sharp objects like scissors and knives out of reach and sight, preferably within drawers with child-proof locks.
4. d) Use the proper outlet covers for accessible plug points.
5. e) Turn hot water heaters down to lukewarm temperatures (113 degrees Fahrenheit is considered safe).  
6. f) Don’t cook with bare hands as children may play with small objects such as crayons which can cause fires when put near open flames.  
7. g) Unplug all appliances before going to sleep –some may be defective and start a fire while unplugged– or if going out for a long time.
8. h) Keep all chemicals out of reach and sight by using proper cabinets, etc., to store them securely.

6) Be Aware Of Poisonous Objects

Keep your baby away from plants that are poisonous or dangerous, even if they look innocent enough to touch or eat! Some common household plants that may prove fatal include daffodils, lilies, caladium leaves, calla lilies, philodendron, oleander shrubs/trees, asparagus ferns, azaleas and rhododendrons. Also, keep medicines and other objects with toxic effects placed where children can’t access them –even those labelled “child-proof” have been shown not to be!

7) Monitor Your Baby’s Cries/Noises

Difficult as it may sound, you need to learn how to discern whether your baby is crying due to something minor or because there might be some problem. If you are still unsure of the cause even after conducting a physical checkup, always err on the side of caution and contact your paediatrician immediately! Remember that crying is one-way babies communicate their needs to you. They can’t tell you what’s wrong if they’re not given the opportunity to do so. Also, be attentive to any strange or unusual noises your child makes –this also serves as an important sign that something may be wrong with him/her.

8) Be Familiar With The Normal Growth & Development Of Your Baby

It is important to know the normal patterns of a baby’s growth and development since these can help you determine if something isn’t quite right. For example, your baby’s face should become rounder as he/she takes in more breast milk or formula after birth. His/her weight will initially go up very fast, but this may slow down between days 7-30 or two weeks from birth. After which, his weight gain will begin to be slower instead of fast –but still steady– until about three months when it reaches a plateau. This means that while some babies might have “lazy periods” by six months old, most healthy children are capable of gaining one ounce per day on average! Also, don’t forget to keep track of your baby’s developmental milestones –like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, etc.

9) Start Basic Health Care Procedures Early

Your baby may be healthy when he/she comes home, but this doesn’t mean that you can let health care slide! It is important to establish a system for regular checkups with the paediatrician so that any potential problems can be handled early on before they escalate into bigger concerns.

10) Give Your Baby Plenty Of TLC

Above all else, keep in mind that babies are born with no prior knowledge or experience on how to live and thrive in the world. Therefore it is imperative that you provide them with as much love and nurturing as possible during their formative years! This will not only ensure that they grow up to be happy and healthy but will also help establish a strong bond with you as their parents.

There You Have It 

It will always be your choice when you need to bring home a new baby. That’s the best part about having independence and freedom! But just because it is a personal decision, you must not forget that a newborn comes with a lot of responsibilities too, so please always take these tips into consideration. The utmost important thing to remember here is that babies aren’t disposable –throw-away– objects which can be replaced if damaged, so take care of them well from the get-go. Don’t forget about these great tips next time your newborn comes home!