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Craft crafts Holiday Winter

Easy Christmas Crafts: How to Make a Wine Cork Reindeer with Pipe Cleaners

Easy Christmas crafts are the best. You can use them as decoration, give them as gifts, or turn them into a Christmas tree ornament. This easy Christmas craft is a wine cork reindeer, and you might already have the materials on hand.

How to Make a Wine Cork Reindeer as an Easy Christmas Craft

Required Material:

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

How to Make It:

Step 1

Using a knife, cut one wine cork in half crosswise. Then cut each half lengthwise to make four legs. It’s okay if they are uneven, mine were and the reindeer still stands. 🙂

Step 2

Cut two skinny slices of a second wine cork, crosswise again. One slice will be used for the neck, and the other will be cut to make the tail and ears.

Step 3

Set aside the slice for the neck, and then cut the other slice in half. Set aside one half for the tail, and then cut the other half in half again. These two pieces will be used for the ears.

Step 4

Using your hot glue gun, glue the four legs to one side of a full wine cork.

Step 5

Flip the cork over so that the legs are pointing down as if the reindeer is standing. Then glue the slice of cork intended for the neck on the end of the same full cork.

Step 6

Take another full cork and clue one end of it to the neck, with the rest of the cork hanging over the front of the “body”. This cork is the head.

Step 7

Take the half slice and glue it to the back of the “body” cork, with the curve of the cork facing outward.

Step 8

Find the two ear pieces (the half slice that you cut in half again), and glue them to the “head” cork, on the end where it’s glued to the neck.

Step 9

Twist two brown pipe cleaners around your pinky finger or a pencil to make spirals for antlers. Glue the tips of these pipe cleaners directly in front of the ears.

Step 10

Twist together one red and one sparkly red pipe cleaner to make a scarf for your reindeer. You can use any colors you want, but I used red. Green would be another cute option.

Step 11

Wrap the pipe cleaner scarf around the neck, adding a little hot glue to make sure it covers the neck.

Step 12

Add a green pompom to the front of the scarf (if you want).

Step 13

Place a small red pompom on the tip of the “head” cork to make a red reindeer nose.

Step 14

Add googly eyes.

Other Easy Christmas Crafts

If you love making easy Christmas crafts or doing sensory activities, check out these posts:

Recap: Easy Christmas Crafts – Wine Cork Reindeer with Pipe Cleaners

Now that you have your easy Christmas craft planned, you can get started making homemade ornaments and celebrating with your family.

What is your favorite part of Christmas? Leave a comment and let us know. 

Categories
Adulting

4 Ways to Smooth Forehead Wrinkles For Good

We know how frustrating it can be to have horizontal lines on the forehead. Not only does it affect your overall appearance, but it also lowers self-confidence. Most women often experience forehead wrinkles and other skin issues in their mid-20s. It can be due to repetitive movements of facial muscles and a reduction in collagen. 

Some of the common causes of forehead wrinkles include: 

  • Smoking 
  • Aging 
  • Stress
  • Sun exposure 
  • Genetics 
  • Excessive movement of facial muscles 
  • Alcohol consumption 
  • Bad sleeping habits, etc. 

Aging also plays a crucial role in causing forehead wrinkles. As you age, you are more likely to lose collagen, resulting in causing wrinkles and other skin issues. While forehead wrinkles are common, it doesn’t have to be your reality. 

Forehead wrinkles shouldn’t be something you are ashamed of. Surprisingly, there are some ways in which you can get rid of them to enhance your overall appearance. 

In this article, we will discuss some of the ways to hide the lines and make you look younger. So, let’s get started: 

Forehead wrinkles

1. Limit Your Sun Exposure 

While sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, it can cause severe damage to your skin. The harmful UV rays can also lead to premature aging. So, try to limit your sun exposure to prevent those lines from appearing on your forehead. 

However, if you are exposing yourself to the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours throughout the day when you are outside. 

2. Manage Stress 

Did you know that chronic stress can lead to collagen damage and amplifies signs of aging? To get rid of forehead wrinkles, learning some of the best stress management techniques is crucial. 

There’s no medical process to relieve stress. Making some changes in your day-to-day lifestyle can help you manage stress and reduce the appearance of the lines. Some of the best stress management techniques include: 

  • Meditation 
  • Yoga 
  • Getting restful sleep 
  • Exercising daily 
  • Journaling, etc. 

Mastering these stress management techniques will help you reduce the lines and keep you fit and healthy. 

3. Go For A Botox Treatment to Smooth Forehead Wrinkles

Most people often prefer to opt for home remedies and OTC (over-the-counter) products to get rid of lines on the forehead. While it may work for you, know that it only offers short-term results. And not all OTC products are created equal. Some may contain harmful chemicals which can worsen your symptoms. 

So, ditch all the ineffective treatment options and opt for botox treatment. But how does it work? 

Botox injections are usually done in the doctor’s office. For example, the experts of Botox at Hi, Finch will use a thin needle to inject tiny amounts of botox injections into your skin and muscles. It blocks certain chemical signals from nerves, which causes muscles to contract. You can go through the online resources to get a deep insight into how it’s done and what are some aftercare precautions. 

4. Use Anti-Wrinkle Creams 

There are tons of anti-wrinkle creams available in the market which you can use to reduce the appearance of the lines. But make sure to buy the cream which contains active ingredients. 

Here are some of the ingredients you should look for in an anti-wrinkle cream: 

  • Retinol – It boosts collagen production, resulting in reducing forehead wrinkles. 
  • Antioxidants – Antioxidants like vitamin C can protect your skin from damage and boost collagen. 

Summing Up: Smooth Forehead Wrinkles

Making a few changes in your day-to-day lifestyle and ditching bad habits can go all the way to reducing forehead wrinkles. 

To sum up, follow the tips mentioned above, and if it doesn’t work, consult a professional doctor immediately. 

Categories
Craft crafts Holiday

Easy Thanksgiving Crafts: How to Make a Wine Cork Turkey with Pipe Cleaners

I love holiday crafts, especially when I don’t have to buy anything new for them. I have plenty of wine corks and pipe cleaners, so a wine cork turkey came to mind as an easy thanksgiving craft. My kids enjoyed making them, too. I helped put their pipe cleaners in but they did the rest and loved the result. 🙂

Easy Thanksgiving Crafts, Wine Cork Turkey

How to Make a Wine Cork Turkey as an Easy Thanksgiving Craft

Required Material:

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

How to Make It:

  • 1: Twist the pipe cleaners around your pinky finger, a pencil, or another thin object. Then slide the pipe cleaners off without straightening them, making sure to keep the curls.
  • 2: Stick the pointy metal edges of the pipe cleaners into the cork, leaving space for all four colors to go around. The pipe cleaners mimic feathers, so make sure they go around the back.
  • 3: Glue on the googly eyes. If you don’t have googly eyes, you can make eyes out of paper and glues those on instead.
  • 4: Cut a beak from orange paper and a gobbler from red paper. I ran out of red paper so I just found some red in a magazine and cut that into a gobbler.
  • 5: Glue on the beak and gobbler, and you have your turkey. 🙂

Other Easy Fall Crafts

If you love making fall crafts or doing sensory activities, check out these posts:

Recap: Easy Thanksgiving Craft – Wine Cork Turkey with Pipe Cleaners

Now that you have your easy Thanksgiving craft planned, don’t forget about Thanksgiving dinner! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and I’m excited about all parts of it.

What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Leave a comment and let us know. 🙂

Categories
For the Home Home

5 Common Household Pests and Easy Ways to Get Rid of Them

Did you know that there are pests in almost every home in the United States? In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association, over 42 percent of homes have a problem with some type of pest. While most people think of insects when they hear the word “pest,” these creatures can also include spiders, rodents, and even birds. If you’re having a problem with pests in your home, read this blog post. It will discuss common household pests and how to get rid of them.

Your Common Household Pests

There are many different types of pests that can infest your home. The most common include:

Ants

These small, hard-working creatures are attracted to food and moisture. They can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or windowsills. Once inside, they will build their nests and begin to reproduce.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most feared pests. They are dirty and carry diseases. They can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or doors and windows that are not sealed properly. Once inside, they will hide in dark, humid places like kitchens and bathrooms.

Spiders

Spiders are common household pests that can be both dangerous and harmless. The most common type of spider in the United States is the black widow. These spiders are not aggressive, but their bite can be deadly. Other types of spiders, such as the brown recluse, are more aggressive, and their bites can cause serious health problems.

Rodents

Rodents, such as mice and rats, are attracted to food and shelter. They can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or holes in walls. Once inside, they will build their nests and begin to reproduce. Rodents can carry diseases and contaminate food.

Birds

Birds, such as pigeons and sparrows, are attracted to open spaces where they can build their nests. They can enter your home through open windows or doors. Once inside, they will roost in attics or on top of cabinets. Birds can also carry diseases.

Getting Rid of Your Common Household Pests

Now that you know what types of pests are common in households, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them. Of course, the best way to get rid of pests is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some tips:

  • Seal cracks and holes in the foundation and around windows and doors.
  • Keep food sealed and stored properly.
  • Eliminate moisture sources, such as leaks and standing water.
  • Keep your home clean and clutter-free.
  • Take your garbage out regularly.
  • Set up traps or use bait to catch pests.

If you have a pest problem, click here for professionals that will help you get rid of them. Professionals know how to correctly identify the type of pest and treat it accordingly. They also have access to products that are not available to consumers.

Final Thoughts: Common Household Pests

Pests can be a nuisance and even dangerous. But with a little knowledge and preventative measures, you can keep them out of your home.

Categories
Health Life

Here Are Things You Need to Know About the Healing Process After a Brazilian Butt Lift

Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is one of the most-sought procedures today. The main aim of this cosmetic procedure is to boost the shape and volume of the butt. However, the most challenging part comes with the healing process. Before you go for a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), you must know you are making an informed decision. Most importantly, ensure a certified and qualified cosmetic expert carries out the procedure. Discussing the reality of the healing process is crucial since most people have it wrong. Here is what you should know about healing after the Brazilian butt lift. 

The Healing Process After a Brazilian Butt Lift 

The First Days after the Procedure 

The first days after the surgery are the most difficult. Like other surgeries, swelling, pain, bruising, and decreased mobility will occur. You will also experience small leaks in the areas with incisions for the first 24 hours. What makes the Brazilian butt lift different from others and a bit complex is the kind of care and things you are expected to do to ensure you get the results you need. 

Sitting Position 

This point is a no-brainer. After the surgery, you should not sit down on your buttocks for the next 12 weeks. There is a strong restriction between three to six weeks, and you can be allowed to sit for a short time after that. You are encouraged to stand and walk most of the time and be mindful of your environment. This helps ensure proper blood and fluid circulation to the treated areas for better healing. If you have been cleared by the surgeon to sit, they recommend not sitting for more than 10 minutes. 

Compression Garments 

Compression garments are vital after BBL. Your surgeon will provide special garments to keep the butt in shape without too much pressure. The main goal is to reduce movement in the treated areas and stimulate better healing. After a Brazilian butt lift with Dr. Chamata, you will be required to wear the compression garments for several weeks to get the best results. You will wear them most of the time during the first three weeks, but you can reduce the time to 12 hours a day after the three weeks. Always wear them with loose clothes, and don’t forget the pads to absorb the leaking fluid. 

Hygiene after a Brazilian Butt Lift

Hygiene is a critical part of the healing process. With all the bandages, limited mobility, and soreness, taking a shower can be difficult and not recommended when wearing the bandages. Nonetheless, it is vital to stay clean. Ensure you take stool softeners to make bathroom visits easier, drink lots of water, and wipe yourself. Your surgeon will indicate when you can bathe safely.   

Managing Pain 

You will be prescribed medication to help manage the pain. The doctor may recommend having a caregiver since you may be unstable during the first 48 hours after surgery. Ensure you take all the prescribed medication to help deal with the pain that is usually almost unbearable during the first 72 hours. 

Recap: Brazilian Butt Lift

After the Brazilian butt lift, your body will be swollen, and you will have limited mobility. Remember, the treated part may seem significant but will reduce with time after the body has absorbed fats. So, focus on healing correctly by not sitting for a long time, maintaining proper hygiene, managing pain, and wearing compression garments as recommended by the surgeon. 

Categories
Life

5 Helpful Ways to Make Funeral Planning Much Easier

It’s no secret that planning a funeral is difficult. Between making arrangements and dealing with the emotions of losing a loved one, it can be hard to know where to start. Thankfully, there are ways to make the process much easier. This blog post will discuss five of them. So keep reading for helpful tips on how to plan a funeral with ease!

How to Make Funeral Planning Easier

1. Make a list of what needs to be done

This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s crucial to write down everything that needs to be done in order to ensure that nothing is forgotten. From making arrangements with the funeral home to ordering flowers, there are a lot of details to keep track of. Having a list will help to keep you organized and on track.

In addition, be sure to give copies of the list to other family members or close friends who may be helping with funeral planning. This way, everyone will be on the same page, and no one will have to try to remember everything.

2. Utilize online resources

There are a number of websites and online tools that can be extremely helpful when planning a funeral. For example, many funeral homes now have online portals where you can make all of your arrangements. This can be a great way to save time and avoid having to make multiple phone calls.

In addition, there are also websites that allow you to order flowers and other memorial items online. This can be a convenient option if you’re short on time or live far away from the funeral location.

3. Set aside time to grieve

It’s important to remember that funeral planning is often done in the midst of grief. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed during this time. Be sure to take breaks as needed and allow yourself time to grieve. If you’re finding it difficult to focus, it’s okay to ask for help from other family members or friends.

4. Delegate tasks to Make Funeral Planning Easier

In order to make funeral planning less overwhelming, it can be helpful to delegate tasks to other family members or friends. This way, you won’t have to try to do everything yourself. Instead, ask people to help with things like ordering flowers, making phone calls, or even just providing emotional support. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help from professional funeral homes. Funeral directors are experienced in helping families plan funerals and can take care of many of the details for you.

5. Take your time

Finally, it’s important to remember that there is no rush when it comes to funeral planning. Yes, it’s important to make arrangements in a timely manner, but don’t feel like you have to do everything all at once. Instead, pace yourself and allow yourself time to grieve and heal.

Recap: Make Funeral Planning Easier

By following these tips, funeral planning can be much easier than you might expect. With a little preparation and some help from others, you can get through this difficult time.

Categories
For the Home Home

7 Easy Ways to Hack Your Way to a Low-Maintenance Home

You live a busy life taking care of your kids, being the best you can be at work, and hitting the gym so you can stay fit, so the last thing you want to have to do is spend a lot of time on chores. Having a low-maintenance home can be life-changing.

Housework is not many people’s favorite thing, but it is necessary if you want to have a clean and tidy home that you and your family can really relax in, so what can you do to make chores more bearable?

You could use these hacks to make your home as low-maintenance as possible so you can spend as little time as possible on chores and still have and clean and comfortable home.

How to Hack Your Way to a Low-Maintenance Home

Wave goodbye to carpets

Carpets may feel nice underfoot, and they might look good in any home, but they are a lot of effort. You need to vacuum them regularly and shampoo them periodically to keep them looking their best, if someone spills food or drink on them, then scrubbing the stains out can be a nightmare to say the least. So, if you are serious about running a more low-maintenance home, getting rid of carpets and replacing them with wooden or tiled floors, which can be quickly swept and mopped clean, is a no-brainer.

Make your roof metal

Next time you need to replace the roof, opt for a metal option instead of slates and shingles. Why? Because metal roofs are better at withstanding the elements, less likely to get holes in them, and can last for 50 years or more with the proper care, which means you can spend much less time patching up the roof and much less money calling in professional roofers to make repairs. Your home will look great and be low-effort when you have a metal roof in place.

Upgrade your windows 

Windows are often a major headache in the home. Theta re very good at attracting dust and dirt, and you need to keep them clean if you want to be able to have a nice view of the outdoors, and not feel embarrassed when the neighbors see how dusty they have become.

Installing new windows, like the ones on this website, which have between the glass blinds, is a good way to do this because they eliminate the need to dust down exterior blinds and window treatments, and when combined with a robotic window cleaner, that makes for a much less stressful life when it comes to keeping windows clean, at least.

Opt for leather couches for a Low-Maintenance Home

Leather couches are far better for homes with children and pets. Unlike other fabrics, leather can be wiped clean, and this means it is much less likely to end up stained and in need of a complicated cleaning process to get it looking its best. Leather is also much better at repelling pet smells and other odors than more porous fabrics which can tap bad smells in and leave you spending a whole lot of time on cleaning them up.

Add some siding

Siding your home is a great way to increase its curb appeal and add value to your property; it is also one of the most low-maintenance ways to protect your home’s exterior too. Siding is great withstanding the elements and will ensure that your home looks just as good a decade from now as it does on the day you have it installed. All you will need to do is jetwash it once or twice a year, whereas other options might need to be painted and cleaned much more often.

Decorate with washable paint

Decorating with washable paint and/or wallpaper is a no-brainer, especially if you have pets or children who have sticky hands and paws and a love of drawing on the walls! You will be able to simply wipe them clean so that they look as good as new, whereas if you opt for non-washable decor choices, you might have to repaint or hang a new wallpaper when the kids get out of hand.

Declutter

The less stuff you have, the less time you will need to spend dusting, cleaning, tidying, and putting away the things in your home, so if you want low maintenance, less is more.

Recap: Low-Maintenance Home

By making a few changes to your home now, you can save yourself a considerable amount of time in the future by making your home as low-maintenance as possible, and that means you will be able to spend less time cleaning and more time on the things that really matter!

Categories
For the Home Home Winter

Weatherproofing Made Simple: 3 Ways To Protect Your Home

Extreme weather is more common than ever. In 2021 alone, there were more than 400 natural disasters. When unpredictable conditions are forecast, most of us have two main concerns: we want everyone to be safe and we want our homes to stand strong. It’s not always possible to prevent damage, but there are ways to protect your home. Here are some simple ways to begin weatherproofing this winter. 

How to Begin Weatherproofing Your Home

Windows and doors

As we hurtle towards winter, it’s beneficial to check the condition of windows and doors. Old, broken windows and warped frames can contribute to heat loss and they’re also likely to be more susceptible to damage if there’s a storm. Damaged windows, doors, and frames can also pose a security risk. If you live in an old house, have single glazing, or have a cracked door or window, consider replacing your doors and windows or using simple, inexpensive solutions to improve insulation. You can buy tape and seal from hardware stores to fill gaps and use draft excluders to keep warm air and prevent cold air from circulating through your living spaces. Double glazing is not cheap, but it is an investment that will save you money on your energy bills, enhance security, reduce noise and add value to your home. 

Storm protection

2021 was the third most active in history in terms of Atlantic hurricanes. If you live in an area that is vulnerable to storms, cyclones, hurricanes or tornadoes, it’s wise to take steps to protect your home and family. Check the condition of your roof regularly, invest in robust windows and doors and clear your yard to prevent flying objects from damaging your home or other buildings in the street.

If your town or suburb is an area of high risk, it’s worth getting quotes for an underground tornado shelter, which you can use to escape the elements and stay safe if there are weather warnings. Choose solid and durable materials for windows, external doors and garage doors, and address weak points as soon as possible. If you have loose or missing roof tiles, for example, seek advice from reputable roofing firms. If you leave minor issues, they often develop into more serious problems, which increase the risk of damage and cost more to remedy.

External structures and surfaces

Changes in weather conditions can take their toll on the exterior of our homes. From patios, decks, and fences to porches and facades, it’s advantageous to weatherproof external structures before winter sets in. Apply a coat of varnish to woodwork, clear gutters and drains, and use paint that offers protection against the elements. 

Recap: Weatherproofing

Extreme weather has become more common and more and more homes are at risk of storm damage and issues caused by flooding and powerful winds. Weatherproofing is designed to enhance protection and reduce risks. Tackle weak points, such as broken windows, single glazing, and roof damage, enhance storm protection and try to make the exterior of your house more resistant to rain, ice, wind, and snow. Simple solutions like varnishing external woodwork can make a big difference.