Starting school can be daunting, regardless of whether you’re just starting primary school or you’re a seasoned year 9. You might get teachers you’ve not met before or you might be moving schools entirely – it’s scary stuff! But, there are lots of ways you can help your child settle into the new school year.

It can be really beneficial to create realistic routines for kids to follow, particularly as starting school adds more structure to their lives compared to the summer holidays. Ultimately, starting a new school year is fun but a challenge for both the kids and the parents, so check out some useful tips below that will help ease your child into it!

Keep their mind agile with regular reading time

It is well known that reading has countless benefits for children and teenagers, not least limiting their screen time! Whilst some kids are born bookworms, others might be a bit more hesitant, making it all the more important to plan regular reading times into their new school schedule.

One way of motivating reluctant readers to pick up a book is to use personalised books, like the ones available here. By having their name featured in the story, they are far more likely to be interested in the book and reading. Regular reading is a great habit to develop early on, as it is easy and simple to implement, plus you never know, they might become the next John Grisham!

Designate a particular place for them to keep their new school things

One of the most worrisome parts of the new school year as a parent is your child forgetting an art project or asking for food tech ingredients an hour before school starts. Or, even worse, them losing the hideous pink sparkly pencil case they spent all summer talking about. That’s why Apartment Therapy has come up with a great tip: create a good spot for your kids to keep all their rucksacks, workbooks and planners, so they never lose anything again!

This space is probably best near the front door, but whatever works for your household. If you can help your kids develop the habit of coming home and putting all their things in one place, they will struggle to forget things and hopefully they’ll be reminded of anything they needed to do when they got home.

This will also make your life easier when leaving in the mornings, as you can double-check they have got everything they need for the school day!

Create a plan for the afternoon once school finishes

Your children might be used to doing whatever they wanted to during the summer holidays, so they’re probably going to come home from school and instantly run off to play or watch TV. This is why it is important to plan ahead to the afternoons after school, so they continue following a structured day and get things done!

It all depends on the child, of course. Some kids will need time to themselves after school to process and unwind before starting homework, whereas other kids might be more productive with their homework straight after school whilst they’re in the right mindset. Schedule time for relaxing or doing homework and be strict with following it, so they understand the importance of being productive.

Stick to an early bedtime

With the after school schedule in mind, it’s crucial to factor in an early bedtime for your children. It might not always seem like it, but school is mentally and emotionally draining, making sleep more important than ever. If you get them into the habit of getting to bed early, they’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another hard day of school.

Everybody needs different levels of sleep and this changes a lot as kids grow up, as Active Kids explains here. When your child gets a bit older, try having a discussion with them about a reasonable bedtime that will ensure they get plenty of sleep. This will help make sure they stick to the bedtime chosen by them, as opposed to a specific bedtime that has just been forced onto them.

All these habits are essential for making life easier for both your child and you when starting a new school year, so give them a go and see how it goes! With all the ups and downs of lockdowns this year, it’s good to create new habits and routines for your child so they can get used to the structured timetable of school and see themselves flourish and succeed in all their classes!

Many factors can lead expose your skin to ageing. Some of these factors, such as natural ageing, cannot be prevented. Fortunately, others are easy to manage. Here are the top ways to reverse premature skin ageing.

Pixabay – CCO Licence

Limit your exposure to sunlight

Whether you are running errands or relaxing at the beach, protecting your skin from the scorching sun is advisable. Always seek shade, wear clothes that protect your skin from direct exposure to sunlight, and apply sunscreen.

Additionally, avoid direct exposure to sunlight by limiting your movement in the sun. If it is a beach day, spend most of your time in the water and avoid sunbathing for extended periods. 

Use skincare products

Do you know reverse premature skin ageing by using anti-aging skincare? There are many skincare products designed to keep your skin youthful and healthy. 

Consider using these products as recommended by the manufacturer or your dermatologist. Accordingly, be cautious of the ingredients used to manufacture some products. Some skincare products are made using chemicals that are harmful to your skin and overall health. Always check the label for the list of ingredients. 

Get hydrated

Water comes with a host of health benefits, ranging from digestion to reduced inflammation. Similarly, your skin requires plenty of water to stay young and smooth. Staying hydrated helps the skin heal and regenerate faster from damage. This is crucial in reversing premature skin ageing and restoring healthy skin.

Drink plenty of water every day to stay hydrated and boost your skin health.

Eat a healthy diet 

Experts suggest that fruits and vegetables prevent premature skin ageing. Accordingly, highly processed food with added sugar and salt may accelerate the development of wrinkles and spots on your skin. Refined carbohydrates are also dangerous to your skin. Replace these unhealthy foods with a healthy, balanced diet today to reverse premature skin ageing and restore your skin’s youthful glow.

Exercise

Physical activities that involve sweating improve blood circulation and immunity. Accordingly, exercise helps you open your sweat pores to remove toxic substances that may accumulate beneath the skin. This, in turn, prevents skin ageing. Reverse premature skin ageing by exercising daily and engaging in activities that make you sweat. However, you should not forget to wash your skin gently after sweating.

Quit smoking 

Smoking has many adverse effects on your health. Research indicates that smokers tend to experience premature skin ageing compared to non-smokers. The chemicals in cigarettes speed up skin ageing by developing wrinkles and a sallow complexion. 

Stop smoking to protect your skin and reverse premature ageing, among other health benefits.

Wash your skin

Scrub your skin gently every day using soap and water to prevent irritation from accumulating dust and dirt. Cleaning your skin also removes substances that may speed up premature ageing, such as chemicals from makeup.

Perspiration also irritates the skin. Therefore, you should ensure you wash your skin daily to remove sweat and other harmful substances that cause skin ageing. 

Final thoughts

Have you noticed symptoms of premature skin ageing, such as wrinkles and spots? Use these tips to reverse them and restore your healthy, youthful skin. Above all, get a good night’s sleep on a clean bed and pillows to protect your skin and improve regeneration and healing. 

Once you step into motherhood, keeping up with the latest trends may be the last thing on your mind. However, to put a spring in your step and boost your confidence, finding your style again and wearing clothes that match your personality can help. Your mind and body go through a lot during pregnancy and afterwards, so if you have lost your sense of personal style, here are some simple tactics you can take on board today. 

Embrace Your New Body 

Although many of us would love nothing more than to have toned body straight after giving birth, your body won’t spring back to its pre-baby self as quickly as you would hope. Understandably, it will take time to get back into shape, so instead of feeling deflated and unhappy with the way you look, try and embrace your new body and remember all the hard work you’ve gone through during pregnancy. When it comes to finding clothes that fit you, establishing your body shape and accepting your figure is key. Don’t try and squeeze into pre-baby clothes initially or purchase garments that are too big.  

Clear Your Wardrobe 

As a busy mum, you will have limited time for yourself, so when it comes to waking up and getting ready for the day, having all your clothes aligned together in your wardrobe can be a big help. If your wardrobe is overflowing with items, it’s time to get rid of maternity wear and anything that doesn’t reflect your personal taste anymore. Once you begin getting rid of clutter and organising your wardrobe space, you will be left with clothes that you feel good in. 

Invest in Heels 

Even though we’re facing unprecedented times due to the coronavirus outbreak, once restrictions lift and we’re able to get out and about, having a pair of killer heels at your disposal will mean you’re ready for any kind of occasion. As a hardworking mum, you need to have something to look forward to, so kitting your wardrobe out with designer items, like these Valentino Shoes, will mean you have the perfect heels to wear. You will find a variety of Valentino Shoes alongside other designers like Gucci and Versace at SSENSE. If you’re looking for accessories to pair with your shoes, this site also sells clothing and bags you can check out. 

Find a New Bag 

Whether you’re running daily errands, heading for lunch with the girls, or off to work, having the perfect bag on your shoulder can make all the difference. Once you enter motherhood, your priorities will naturally change, so you need to find a bag that not only looks the part but is functional and can store all the essentials. 

While most of your time will be taken up with running around after the kids, it’s important that you allocate some time for yourself and what interests you. As you can see, there are lots of things you can do to reignite your passion for fashion and help you choose clothing that represents you in the best light. 

Nothing is more special than receiving a gift that has been personalised and Happiness is a Gift offers an array of charming gifts to suit everyone from kids to adults.  All of these can be personalised to your specifications with a name, date, message etc. which adds that special touch.

I was delighted to be gifted this Two Tiered Slate Cake Stand which is perfect for displaying a variety of things such as cakes, sweets or savoury items.

I was able to choose a two line personalisation to go around the top and bottom of the top tier. I decided to opt for ‘Fiona’s snacks & Treats’ for the top and ‘Eat, be happy, enjoy…’ for the bottom.  I think this encompasses using any type of food on the stand and gives a bit of a feel good factor.

The stand is quick and simple to set up and stores away very compactly which is great.  I think it’s a lovely piece which I will definitely be using multiple times over the festive period and beyond.

Happiness is a Gift has a good choice of personalised items and I’m delighted to offer one of my readers the chance to win any gift of their choice from the website up to £30

Whether you fancy getting the man in you life some personalised socks or cufflinks, your mum a gorgeous personalised bracelet or travel bag or just treat your home to a new clock or chopping board there really is something for everyone.  Not forgetting children where they have everything from drinks bottles and lunchboxes to gardening kits and flipflops!

What would you choose?  Just fill in the Gleam form below and let me know in the comments what item you like over at Happiness is a Gift.

One gift up to the value of £30

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions. We are not paid for reviews. Although we do receive the product to try out and enable us to write the review.

Choosing a Mommy Makeover Doctor  

 Having a baby is a joyous occasion. Before, during and after your pregnancy, you go through many emotional and physical changes. Unfortunately, most of these physical changes aren’t welcome by new moms, which is why most women desire a mommy makeover. 

 What is a Mommy Makeover? 

A mommy makeover is not one cosmetic procedure, but several different personalized treatments designed to help you regain your pre-pregnancy shape. Customized to address any physical changes you may have experienced during pregnancy, a mommy makeover can include one or all of the following cosmetic procedures: 

•  Breast lift 
• Breast augmentation 
• Tummy tuck
• Labioplasty
• Liposuction 

 Choosing the Right Surgeon 

The surgeon you choose to perform your mommy makeover is a choice you will live with for years, if not the rest of your life. When performed correctly, a mommy makeover restores your pre-baby body and makes you feel more like yourself. On the other hand, when performed by an inexperienced surgeon, your chances of having poor aesthetic results increase, which usually leads to additional cost, lower self-esteem and possible medical complications.  

 If you’re considering a mommy makeover, it’s vital that you choose the right plastic surgeon. Since mommy makeovers consist of several different procedures performed at the time, the best way to ensure a positive outcome is by choosing a reputable board-certified surgeon.  

Many patients think the surgeon they choose only needs appropriate certification to be deemed qualified. While it’s vital that the surgeon you choose is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, they also need to be trained to perform a variety of cosmetic procedures.  

As you can imagine, each area of cosmetic surgery requires a specific set of skills, such as tummy tucks, breast augmentation and breast lifts. Given this, the surgeon you choose should be experienced in the procedures you are considering. During your initial consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the prospective surgeon’s level of experience.  

Questions to Ask 

Similar to knowing your medical history, you need to know how much experience the surgeon you’re considering has, how long they have been practicing and which cosmetic procedures they specialize in. To gauge their level of expertise, ask the following questions: 

• Do you specialize in the procedures I am considering? 

• How many years have you have been performing this type of procedure? 

• How many times have you performed the procedure? 

But even with the highest level of knowledge and expertise, your surgeon’s aesthetic sense should be appealing. Everyone knows that what one person finds beautiful, another person may find unappealing. For this reason, never choose a surgeon based on a friend’s recommendation. Their experience is as unique as they are, so you need to carefully look at the results for each plastic surgeon you interview.  

To determine a surgeon’s sense of appeal, ask to see before and after photos. Compare the results of each procedure you are considering. Are the results appealing? Pay very close attention to patients who have qualities similar to yours. In fact, you may want to take a selfie and use that for comparison.  

Finally, look for consistency in the results. Are the patient’s results similar to what you want to achieve? Do you find the results visually appealing? Do you think you would be happy with the same results? Don’t be afraid to ask questions and inquire about the pros and cons of each procedure. 

Meet Our Surgeons 

At Waldman Schantz Plastic Surgery Center, a team of highly skilled plastic surgeons and experts in body contouring procedures can help get your pre-baby body back by providing you with personalized results that meet and exceed your expectations. Its surgeons are skilled in the most advanced mommy makeover procedures available today. 

Dr. S. Randolph Waldman 

He is a distinguished Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 30 years experience. With his knowledge and skills, he brings unparalleled expertise in facial plastic surgery. 

Dr. Stephen A. Schantz 

Dr. Schantz is skilled and well trained in all facets of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He received specialized training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery during his fellowship including facelift, browlift, liposuction, power assisted liposuction, breast augmentation, breast reduction, laser-assisted breast reduction and lifts, abdominoplasty, and laser resurfacing. 

Dr. J Brad Turner 

Known for his keen eye, Dr. Turner specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breast and body. He aims to guide his patients through the transformational journey of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. 

Am I Good Candidate? 

After you’ve chosen the right surgeon, you still need to make sure you are a suitable candidate for a mommy makeover. During the consultation, your surgeon will examine your areas of concern and make the appropriate recommendations to restore your pre-baby figure. 

If you have any of the following aesthetic concerns, you may be an ideal candidate for a mommy makeover: 

• You have loose skin on your abdomen that won’t respond to a low-fat diet and exercise 

• You still look like you are pregnant even though you are several months postpartum 

• You have fat on your legs, hips and waist that doesn’t respond to exercise 

• Your breasts now have a deflated appearance after giving birth 

Is it possible to have a baby and your dream body? Visit www.waldmanplasticsurgery.com or call (859) 254-5665 today to find out how a mommy makeover can bring your sexy back! 

Traditional vs SlimLipo

Traditional liposuction can be incredibly effective, but this procedure isn’t for everyone. In addition to having a lengthy recovery period, traditional liposuction often results in highly visible scars as well. Those are just a few of the reasons why many patients have now turned to SlimLipo. This advanced procedure has a much shorter recovery time, and patients are usually back on their feet after just a few days. Here is a closer look at how these two procedures are carried out and a few signs that it may be time to consider fat removal surgery.

A Look at Stubborn Body Fat

Many people are surprised to hear that they can’t target specific pockets of fat with various exercises. Your body fat will eventually melt away if you consistently burn more calories than you consume, but it could take years to get rid of fat in areas such as the stomach, legs, and arms. You might even begin to burn muscle before your body targets the fatty tissue. Stubborn body fat is kept as an emergency source of energy, and your body will do everything that it can to retain it. The primary goal of liposuction is to quickly extract stubborn body fat that isn’t responding to dietary changes and exercise.

The Pros and Cons of Traditional Liposuction

Hundreds of thousands of liposuction procedures are carried out every single year, and that makes it one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world. During one of these operations, one or more incisions are made near the pocket of fat that is going to be extracted. The surgeon will then use a tool known as a cannula to extract the fat with suction. In some cases, the surgeon will also reposition the underlying soft tissue to create a balanced appearance. Once the soft tissue is in the correct position, the incisions are sutured shut and a compression garment is placed over the treatment site.

Even though traditional liposuction is very effective in most cases, many patients aren’t ready to spend weeks recovering from a cosmetic procedure. Following liposuction, most patients must remain in bed for at least one or two weeks. Due to the size of the cannula, the incisions tend to be quite large as well. A skilled surgeon can minimize the appearance of those surgery scars, but they are usually visible for the rest of the patient’s life.

Understanding SlimLipo

Even though SlimLipo and traditional liposuction produce similar results, the recovery period is much different. Patients who undergo SlimLipo can typically head back to work within 48 hours, and most can begin exercising after two weeks. During the recovery period, there is usually much less discomfort as well. Unlike traditional liposuction, general anesthesia isn’t used during SlimLipo. Most patients are perfectly fine with a local anesthetic, but some opt to use an oral sedative to calm their nerves. SlimLipo can be carried out in a few different settings including an outpatient center, a plastic surgery office, or a hospital.

Laser Technology and Liposuction

The SlimLipo procedure is relatively straightforward, and patients can typically head home within one or two hours. When the patient first arrives at the office, the treatment site is cleaned and a local anesthetic is administered. Once the area is completely numb, the surgeon can make one or more small incisions near the stubborn body fat. Instead of immediately extracting the fat with a cannula, the surgeon will first use a medical-grade laser to break apart the fatty tissue. The fat cells are much easier remove once they have been emulsified, and that means a smaller cannula can be used.

As an added bonus, the laser also tightens the nearby skin. When skin cells are exposed to pulses of laser energy, the body floods the area with fresh collagen and elastin. Over the course of a few weeks, those proteins will tighten and tone the skin The laser also cauterizes the nearby vessels, and that reduces bleeding and bruising.

Choosing the Right Procedure

Every patient has their own unique cosmetic goals, and there isn’t a single procedure that works for everyone. That is why all patients need to schedule an initial consultation with the surgeon to learn more about the pros and cons of these treatments. Traditional liposuction might be a better option if quite a bit of fat needs to be removed. SlimLipo is typically preferred for smaller pockets of fat in sensitive areas. It is also a good option for patients who can’t take weeks off work or spend days recovering in bed. Patients can generally resume most everyday activities within 72 hours as long as they carefully follow all of their aftercare instructions.

About Dr. Schoenfeld

Dr. Philip S. Schoenfeld, M.D., F.A.C.S is a double board certified plastic surgeon who has been practicing reconstructive surgery in Maryland for over 20 years. His practice, Renu Med Spa, was awarded the 2017 Spectrum Award for Excellence in Customer Service by City Beat News. To learn more about Dr. Shoenfeld, please visit www.renudc.com. 

Cartilage Implants For Improved Nasal Tip Shape 

If you find that you’re dissatisfied with the shape of the tip of your nose, whether it’s hooked or too pointy, there are a variety of ways that this issue can be corrected. The primary treatment used to fix the shape of the nasal tip is the rhinoplasty procedure. With the rhinoplasty procedure, cartilage implants can be used to alter the shape and overall appearance of your nose to something you’re more fond of. While the tip of your nose is just one small portion of it, it’s also the most noticeable part of the nose, which is why you should consider the rhinoplasty procedure if you want a change.  

How Cartilage Implants Can Improve Your Nasal Tip Shape  

Many people find that they don’t love the shape of the tip of their nose, which can be due to it being too bulbous or too pointy. Whatever the reason, there’s a very easy fix that can correct the issue while still allowing your nose to have a natural shape and appearance. The usage of cartilage implants allows you to alter the tip of your nose in any way you see fit. This cartilage can be taken from a variety of areas around your body and can be placed inside the tip of the nose. The procedure is a simple and straightforward one that takes hardly any time to complete.  

Cartilage implants can be created from the septum of your nose or from the small area around around the middle of your nose between the two nostrils. In some situations, you may not have enough cartilage in these areas that can be taken and placed within the tip of your nose. If this is the case with you, cartilage implants can also be made from cartilage found in a small section of a rib or your ear. No matter where the cartilage is taken from, the implants made from the cartilage will be able to increase the size of your nasal tip to create better balance along your face.  

 Why You Should Consider Rhinoplasty Surgery  

When you are considering improving your nasal tip shape, there are several things that you should consider. To be a good candidate for this procedure, it’s important that you’re completely aware of how these cartilage implants will change the appearance of your nose and are ready for these changes. This is a big change to the appearance of both your nose and your face, which is why you need to be confident that the procedure is right for you. Your plastic surgeon will be able to answer any questions that you may have and will be able to help you determine if cartilage implants are the correct way to go in regards to improving your nasal tip shape.  

Other signs that indicate you are a good candidate for the rhinoplasty procedure is if the growth within your facial features is complete, if you are generally healthy, and if you don’t smoke. The most important thing to remember before you’ve scheduled this procedure is that you need to set realistic goals. While cartilage implants through rhinoplasty surgery can help to improve your nasal tip shape, the results may not allow for your ideal nose shape. Make sure that you talk about all of this with your surgeon.  

Benefits of the Rhinoplasty Procedure  

The primary benefit with using cartilage implants to improve your nasal tip shape is that it can improve your appearance and help you obtain a symmetrical and straight nose that you can be happy with. A rhinoplasty surgery is also a very common type of plastic surgery that is considered to be minimally invasive. If the tip of your nose was so narrow that it was causing health problems, the opening up of your nasal tip can help with breathing issues and sinus problems that you may have experienced in the past.  

Although a rhinoplasty surgery does bring with it a set of risks and potential complications, the majority of these are rare, particularly if you choose a rhinoplasty surgeon who is reputable and has earned your trust. The usage of cartilage implants is also among the safest techniques used in plastic surgery. If the cartilage can be removed from another area of your nose, this means that the operation site is kept small and localized, possibly minimizing the amount of stitches or sutures that you will need once the procedure has been completed.  

How Does a Rhinoplasty Procedure Work For Cartilage Implants?   

Like nearly all types of plastic surgery, a rhinoplasty will begin with the surgeon providing you with anesthesia, either to numb the pain or to put you to sleep while the procedure occurs. Since you are having cartilage implants placed within your nose, the only incisions that need to be made are ones within the tip of your nose and others in the area where the cartilage is being removed from. If the cartilage is being taken from the area between your nostrils, the incisions will be small and the skin will be raised while the cartilage is removed. After the cartilage has been placed within your nasal tip, the skin will be draped back over and the incisions will be closed with sutures.  

Although the procedure is a simple one, you will still need to recover. The recovery for a rhinoplasty will usually involve the application of a splint inside your nose in order to keep the nose in its correct position as it heals. The swelling that you experience should fully subside after several weeks. As the new cartilage implants settle inside your nose, the tip can slightly change shape for up to a year.  

Dr. Daniel Becker is a nose job specialist in New Jersey. He has received double board certifications and has been a top-rated surgeon by the South Jersey Magazine and Philadelphia Magazine. You can learn more about him and the procedures he provides here: www.therhinoplastycenter.com