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For the Home Home How To Parenting

2 Easy Ways to Put Together a Budget Nursery for Your Baby

Having a child is expensive, and there’s no getting around that. However, there are many ways to save money on some essentials while still offering your child a comfortable, healthy life. You don’t need to go cheap, but there are many ways to stay frugal so that you can maintain your financial situation. Learning the best ways to put together a budget nursery can make all the difference right from the start.

How to Put Together a Budget Nursery for Your Baby

Use Hand-Me-Down Items

Hand-me-down items are common for the baby’s nursery because you really only need them for a few years. Your baby will grow up faster than you think, and those items you bought for your baby are going to be useless. So if you’re spending a lot of money on something like a crib, remember that your baby won’t need it for long.

So when you become a parent, put your pride aside and accept when people offer you hand-me-down items. Using these items is a great way to save money, and you can get some fantastic deals. Some people give out baby items for free, or you can find ads on websites that offer free baby items that are still in perfect condition.

Buy it All From One Place

One of the best ways to save money is to buy all of your baby-related items from one store. Since you’re likely to have it delivered, many stores offer free delivery or they’ll add in some discounts and bonuses. Taking advantage of these benefits is a brilliant way to ensure that all of your items arrive on time. Plus, you get to save money since you’re not paying for multiple deliveries.

Check out stores such as Foryourlittleone that offer a complete selection of baby-related items and furniture. With a massive selection like this, you can get baby car seats that you’d typically need to buy from a specialist vendor. It’s convenient, inexpensive, and can help save a considerable amount of money.

Making a Budget Nursery for Your Baby

While having a child is expensive, there are many great ways to stay on a budget. Do you have any other tips? Leave a comment and let us know, we’d love to hear them!

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Marriage

4 Couples Christmas Traditions To Keep The Romance Alive

Winter has finally arrived, and with it, the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. The spirit of Christmas is in the air, and you can not help but feel joyful whether you are a fervent celebrator or a contented observer. What makes this season even more lovely are the customs and traditions across the world during this time of year. Do not forget to spend quality time with your soul mate when decorating your homes and shopping for gifts. Consider some of these couples Christmas traditions to keep the romance alive.

Starting couples Christmas traditions is the perfect opportunity to create some memories with your significant other. You and your partner need to sit down and come up with some Christmas traditions for couples to rekindle that fire in your relationship. Since the festive season is filled with continuous planning and stress, this exercise will allow you and your partner to decompress while still spending some quality time together. It is also an excellent method to get to know one another better, which is especially essential if you are in a new relationship.

Couples Christmas Traditions To Keep The Romance Alive

Hot chocolate dates

Why not have a hot chocolate date with your significant other? Couples like participating in this custom since 1) who does not enjoy a hot chocolate on a cold day, and 2) it has a romantic vibe to it. As you savor your hot chocolate and talk about your future goals, remember to be grateful for this precious time you have together. Either way, it will be a fantastic way to celebrate, whether you choose to do it at home near your fireplace while curled up or in a coffee shop.

Christmas Eve boxes

Christmas Eve boxes are not just the domain of children; adults can enjoy them too. Add in some matching pj’s and socks, a boozy treat, and something yummy to eat. You could also pop in personalized books for girlfriend or boyfriend too, and start a new tradition of giving them back every year!

Christmas date advent

This Christmas, give yourself and your partner a gift that will continue to give for the entire new year. Put some ideas for dates for the following 12 months in a jar on a few pieces of paper. Monthly, choose one slip of paper and embark on this specific date night escapade.

Choose a new Christmas Ornament

Purchasing ornaments is one of the most meaningful Christmas ideas for couples. It serves as a lovely reminder of the memories you and your partner have created together and has a significant meaning. One day, you will have a tree full of decorations that mean something to you as a couple. 

Couples Christmas Traditions

Taking part in these couples Christmas traditions will help you create some incredible experiences along the way that you will remember for the rest of your life. Make these traditions your own by infusing them with unique creative flair, and then let loose as you share some unforgettable experiences as a team! What are some of the Christmas traditions you and your partner love doing together? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Family Activities Parenting Travel

4 Simple and Fun Getaway Ideas For Families

It’s that time of year when you’re thinking about scheduling a family vacation with the kids for next year. However, planning a trip that everyone will love may be challenging, especially if you want to avoid spending excessive money. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as you may think, and to guide you, we’ve put together a list of simple getaway ideas for families.

Getaway Ideas For Families
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Getaway Ideas For Families

Resorts

It might be hard to find resorts that can cater to both adults’ and children’s amusement, especially if you don’t want to pay a fortune. Hobourne provides just that at very reasonable rates. With a supervised children’s facility on-site, you and your spouse may enjoy a child-free day of tennis, dancing, swimming, or dining. Alternatively, spend a good time as a family with many activities suitable to everyone, such as Bingo. Vacation clubs are ideal for both entertaining and educational stays, so think about it!

Camping

Camping with your kids is one of the most cost-effective and exciting vacation options there is. Going camping with your family has several advantages, like being at one with nature, sleeping in your tent at night, and having the flexibility to come and go as you wish. You can affordably buy outdoor gear online at ECOGEAR FX.

In today’s world, a five-person tent costs next to nothing. Plus, most sites now provide electricity outlets for kettles, portable stoves, refrigerators, and electronics.

Once the kids have gone to bed, you and your partner can relax beneath the stars with your favorite beverage. Being out in the woods has a certain allure, and it’s something to consider for a simple and inexpensive vacation. 

Nature stays

If camping is not an option for your family, how about a nature stay? A nature stay would include renting a hotel but spending the day exploring our world’s natural treasures. Not only will your children learn about our world, but you can get some great family photos with amazing backdrops. Bali is an excellent location it is inexpensive and offers beaches and outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, diving, glass-bottom boat excursions, and rice paddy hikes throughout the summer.

Staycation Getaway Leads for Families

Finally, if you can’t afford to go away, don’t go away! Grab your favorite foods, get a room at a nearby hotel, and spend time together as a family. Consider building forts, watching movies, cooking delicious meals, and most importantly, cherishing every moment spent together as a family.

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Adulting For the Home Home

4 Important Things to Consider When Looking for Your Next Home

Looking for your next home signals the beginning of a new chapter in your life, but it’s no easy task. With so many properties to look at, you might become overwhelmed by the choices available. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on what you want from your new home:

Things to Consider When Looking for Your Next Home

Type of Property

Deciding on the type of home you hope to move to is an excellent way to narrow down your choices. Without a clear idea about the kind of property you want can make your search take a lot longer and more stressful. Thinking about the style of property that will best suit your family is a critical decision.

Do you want to look for apartments near me so that you can enjoy the convenience of apartment living? Or maybe you want a large house with lots of outside space. Once you have thought about your family’s lifestyle and the type of property that will best suit the way you live, it will be so much easier to find the right home.

The Right Location

Location is everything when choosing a home, as it is one aspect of your new home that you cannot change. Finding the perfect home is especially essential when you have kids to consider. Looking for a property in a family-friendly area with good schools and lots of amenities will make family life so much easier. Drawing up a shortlist of family-friendly locations is a great way to start narrowing down your options. Once you have your shortlist, researching each of these areas in more detail will help you decide on the best place to live.

Focus on Size

Size is a significant consideration for many people when choosing a new home. If your home is too small, it can make family life stressful and impact your quality of life. However, living in a too-big home can create issues regarding increased running costs and maintenance. Thinking about how much space your family needs is the best way to choose a home that is comfortable to live in without overspending.

Turn-Key Property or Fixer-Upper?

Choosing a property that requires some work is an excellent way to get a better home for less money. However, taking on a renovation project is not something that everyone enjoys. Thinking about whether you want the challenge of fixing up a property to transform it into your dream home or whether you want a home you can move straight into is an important consideration.

Looking for Your Next Home

When searching for your new home, there are many things to consider, but thinking carefully about what you want from your new property before you even start looking is a great way to secure a home that perfectly suits your needs.

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For the Home Home How To

3 Easy Ways To Make Your Bed Extra Cozy

Your bed likely isn’t as comfortable as it could be, even if it is comfy enough. Most of us have basic beds with just a mattress cover and sheets. We don’t often think about how the materials make us feel, just as long as we’re warm. But being warm in bed isn’t hard to do, and you can easily keep your body temperature high enough to be content and cozy. However, we need to consider the whole bed, not just what you cover it with but what you could put on it to make it more than just a basic bed. Here are three ways to make your bed extra cozy.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

How to Make Your Bed Extra Cozy

Why cotton and not wool?

If you want to fall asleep without trouble, you shouldn’t be too warm. Our body temperature needs to drop for the body’s sleep routine to kick in. With this being the case, avoid using wool bedding. Instead, opt for cotton, which will help regulate your body temperature.

Plus, cotton is more versatile and more affordable. Consider the best kind of cotton, such as Merino Cotton and Egyptian cotton. The thread count should be between 800 and 1200 so that it’s soft enough to avoid creasing and becoming rigid when washed. Anything lower than 800 will be too coarse, and above 1200 will be a little too fragile.

Eco-friendly bedding

Everyone agrees that global warming affects the planet, and we need to prevent it from worsening. The way you can help is to change the way you think about what you buy. Instead of choosing synthetic sheets, you should consider cotton, wool, or even bamboo sheets. Bamboo sheets are very soft and still durable, unlike what you see in cotton and wool. This plant-based material is rigid at first, but after it has been threaded and treated, it becomes very flexible and luxurious. 

More on top 

Don’t just consider how you cover your bed or pillows, but also think about what you could put on top of the bed. Can you put a smaller pillow to plug any gaps? Maybe you can put a throw on the bed to give your feet some extra warmth should they pop out from the bottom by accident? Consider using an Oxford pillowcase for supporting pillows as these have extra material, providing you with more comfort.

You can also consider a bolster pillow for your arms, feet, or neck. A bolster pillow can help improve your lumbar spine health if you feel the need to sleep facing up.

Make Your Bed Extra Cozy

These are just a few ways to make your bed more comfortable without busting the wallet or purse strings. Consider investing in wool or cotton at first for your bedding, but bamboo if you want something luxurious and more modern.

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Adulting Decor For the Home Home

6 Easy Ways To Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious

The bathroom is a functional space in most homes, but many of us dream of having it be a space with a touch of luxury. Whether you’re inspired by the bathroom in your favorite hotel or you want more luxury in your life, these ideas can help make your bathroom feel luxurious.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

How to Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious

Upgrade The Fixtures And Fittings

Depending on your budget, you can upgrade the fixtures in your bathroom. If you have more to spend, then something like smart toilets by Trone or free-standing tubs instantly add a touch of glamour to the bathroom. 

If you’re on a tighter budget, then you can make more affordable upgrades, like swapping handles on any drawers or cabinets for something that looks more expensive. Consider switching out your old mirror for something new and larger to add some luxury. 

Tile Diagonally

Diagonal tiling, rather than tiling vertically or horizontally, looks more expensive. It makes the bathroom look larger too, which is essential if it’s a cramped room. Diagonal tiles make the bathroom feel more custom and unique. You could also cover a whole wall in tile, from floor to ceiling, to add more sparkle and dimension to an otherwise flat surface. 

Choosing the right materials is essential, but how you use those materials is just as important. Adding tile only to a small area doesn’t show off the materials to its best advantage. Tiling can be expensive, but you could tackle it yourself to save some money.

Use Large Light Fixtures

One good trick to make your bathroom feel fancy is to use a large-scale light fixture, like a flush-mount chandelier. These make a big impact but don’t take up too much of the room’s space. Remember that open space can be the biggest luxury.

Use Plants to Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious

Lush plants in attractive planters can help draw the eye where you want it in the bathroom, making the space feel a little larger. The bathroom might not seem like the most obvious place to keep plants, but some plants thrive in a humid environment. Try aloe vera, ferns, or orchids.

Upgrade Your Containers

Buy yourself a bathroom accessory set that has a matching soap dispenser and toothbrush holder. Don’t forget the rest of your toiletries, though. Pour your products, like your shampoo, body wash, and lotion, into beautiful glass containers. Getting rid of your plastic containers and opting for something beautiful will instantly make your bathroom feel more luxe and thought-out. Nobody will know your toiletries are cheap if you keep them in gorgeous containers, either.

Upgrade Your Towels

On a similar line, upgrade your towels. Throw out any that have seen better days and buy some new ones. Look for towels with some luxury details, such as embroidered edges, ribbon trim, and monogramming. Choose plush options too. Turkish towels are a great option, as they dry quickly but have a luxe, lightweight feel. These towels will look better hanging up in your bathroom and will be nicer to use too.

Make Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious 

It can be easy to make your bathroom feel luxurious. If you aren’t doing a full bathroom makeover, implement one of these tips at a time. Do you have any other ways to make your bathroom feel luxurious? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Health Healthy Living How To

4 Guaranteed Ways To Help You Stay On Top Of Your Oral Health

Staying on top of your oral health is as important as maintaining your physical health. It will help to avoid any health complications and achieve optimal health overall. Getting lazy with your oral health routine can quickly cause your teeth to start to deteriorate. These tips are guaranteed ways to help you stay on top of your oral health.

How to Stay On Top Of Your Oral Health

Join a local dental practice

It is easier to stay on top of your health checkups if they are close by and convenient. You won’t want to drive or walk for miles if you have other things to do. Using local dental services will ensure that you don’t have to go out of your way to attend routine checkups. 

The appointments will be much more convenient, and you’ll have less of a reason to cancel them. Staying on top of your routine appointments and not delaying them will ensure that you maintain the best oral health and avoid any teeth or gum complications.

Eat the right foods

Surprisingly, many healthy foods can make your teeth look brown. Foods such as berries, beets, and soy sauce can change the color of your teeth. Although this color may disappear when you brush your teeth, it won’t if you lack a regular brushing routine. 

It is best to eat the right foods if you want to avoid your teeth from looking brown. Good foods for optimal oral health include:

  • Apples
  • Cauliflower
  • Pears
  • Cheese 

Should you eat foods that discolor your teeth, make sure to brush them as soon as possible to avoid staining. 

Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste

Although many of us might think that using any toothpaste will strengthen our teeth and make them look white and pearly, they aren’t all as effective as each other.

It is best to use fluoride-rich toothpaste as the ingredients will strengthen enamel and keep teeth in their best condition. Fluoride-rich toothpaste will also help your teeth stay white, which is essential to maintain your smile. 

Floss regularly

Along with brushing your teeth, it is essential to floss too. Some toothbrushes and brushing routines might not be effective enough to remove all plaque and food remains. The floss will loosen it and remove it from your mouth. A build-up of plaque or food can deteriorate the teeth as well as the gums.

Make sure to floss once a day and do it before you brush so that you can loosen anything that needs brushing and washing away. Taking it in your bag with you will also help you dislodge anything that gets stuck, which can deteriorate your teeth throughout the day. Or, you can use it to stay on top of the condition of your teeth and gums. 

Stay On Top Of Your Oral Health

Using these oral health tips can help you optimize and maintain the health of your teeth. Make sure to develop a good routine and check in with your dentist to avoid any oral health issues.

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Adulting Health Healthy Living Mental Health

5 Important Annual Checkups For All Women to Schedule

Annual health checkups can be scary for women, but they are essential to take care of your body and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Annual Checkups for Women
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Essential Annual Checkups for Women And Why They’re Necessary

1. Dental Checkup

Dental issues like tooth decay and infections can affect other parts of your body, such as your heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. These chronic diseases also require medications that could interfere with other medical treatments (ex: antibiotics). Also, when you don’t use dental services, it leaves spaces between visits where bacteria can grow and lead to worse problems down the road.

2. Mammograms

Regular mammograms help detect breast cancer early on in its stages, which reduces mortality rates significantly. Roughly 1 in 8 ladies in the United States will develop breast cancer, but early detection by annual mammograms decreases the risk of death from breast cancer. 

The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 to 44 get a mammogram every two years. Women over the age of 45 should start getting them yearly.

3. Cholesterol Screenings

This test measures your blood cholesterol levels to help detect if you have high amounts of bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol can lead to a higher risk for coronary heart disease or stroke. 

A low-fat diet and regular exercise are key to maintaining good health and reducing your risk for high cholesterol, along with regular screenings.

4. Hearing Test

Hearing loss is caused by many environmental factors such as noise from work, home, or recreational activities. Regular screenings can determine if someone has hearing loss, and working with an audiologist for treatments can be helpful.

5. Gynecological Exams

These exams are necessary to check the health of a woman’s reproductive organ systems. They help detect diseases and infections early on to reduce your chances of infertility. 

The types of gynecological exams women receive are different depending on their age group (ex: annual exam vs. pelvic exam). Still, each test helps detect any problems that may arise affecting female fertility and overall health. 

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women aged 21-65 go for a well-woman visit every year. Healthy lifestyle choices such as getting regular exercise and enough sleep can also prevent many diseases and decrease risks for abnormal health problems.

Annual Checkups for Women

Annual Checkups are important because they help maintain your routine healthcare needs. Talk to your doctor about what tests they recommend for your age group. Also, try to find a doctor you are comfortable with because your relationship with them will help promote better health.

Tell your doctor about any changes in your body so they can treat you accordingly. Avoiding annual checkups robs you of early detection and it’s dangerous because these disorders can escalate quickly.