Category: Guest Post

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Guest Post Mental Health Parenting Self-care

Cannabis as a Tool for Self-Care and Parenting

weed

This blog post is written by Katie Pierce and focuses on the topic of cannabis for self-care and parenting.

Cannabis has become more popular in recent years for holistic wellness. One way cannabis use has become more widespread is through its use in self-care and parenting. With the plant’s numerous benefits, more people are exploring the benefits of using this drug outside its medicinal purpose.

However, it’s important to remember that while cannabis provides several benefits, proper use is still key. Let’s look at how to properly and responsibly use cannabis as a tool for self-care and parenting in this article.

weed, cannabis for self-care and parenting, cannabis,
Image source: Harrison Haines

Exploring How Cannabis Made Its Way to Self-Care

Cannabis was once a taboo topic for many because of its psychoactive effects. Many places in the West have stigmatized the drug, with its use becoming illegal in many places. 

However, as time went by, more studies have been conducted about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. These studies have shown that the drug has benefits beyond altering one’s state of mind. The studies have found that CBD, a cannabinoid present in cannabis, can provide healing properties without the psychoactive effect. 

Many wellness companies have found ways to effectively use these cannabinoids to promote wellness. For instance, CBD gummies are now becoming more mainstream. These gummies are marketed as stress relievers and sleep aids. 

Cannabis and Parenting

While cannabis in self-care is easier to explain, it gets tricky when we talk about cannabis and parenting. Introducing cannabis in parenting is far from the traditional approach and may even raise some eyebrows. However, learning about the positive impact of integrating cannabis into daily life can surprisingly make parenting more manageable, enjoyable, and rewarding.

Parents have a lot to take care of, and it can get overwhelming thinking about every little responsibility. Through integrating cannabis, a little bit of parenting stress can be taken off their shoulders. 

Why? Cannabis can positively impact one’s mood and overall well-being. Using the drug responsibly helps reduce stress and manage the mental load that comes with parenting. Parents who struggle with mental health struggles may also find that they feel more present when they use the drug.

Cannabis also opens doors to creativity, which proves to be incredibly beneficial in creative play. There are some cannabis strains that help tap into creativity and make playtime more enjoyable. A relaxed state of mind is a great way to also help parents connect more deeply with their children. 

How to Responsibly Use Cannabis for Self-Care and Parenting

It’s important to use cannabis responsibly for self-care and parenting. This minimizes the negative side effects of the drug. Here are some things to consider:

Do Research About Cannabis

Learning about cannabis and its effects can help promote responsible cannabis use. There are different strains available, and learning about their differences will help you select the proper strain.  

Responsible cannabis use is also learning about the effects of cannabis on one’s body. Not everyone will experience the same effects with cannabis. While some can experience different benefits, others may not have the best experience with the drug. 

Explore Different Ways of Using Cannabis

Since different cannabis strains have different effects, the same goes for different ways of taking it. Smoking is probably the most common way of using cannabis, but it will come with disadvantages, such as respiratory problems and being unable to escape its psychoactive effects.

Exploring other ways of using cannabis, such as only using CBD-infused products, can mitigate these risks and provide a more controlled experience. It’s also best to consult with a healthcare professional so that you can discuss which method can be best for you. 

Use Cannabis in Moderation

Proper cannabis use means knowing how much is enough. Using cannabis in moderation will help you enjoy its benefits without overdoing it. For example, microdosing cannabis is a good way to achieve the drug’s intended benefits without experiencing intense effects.  

To microdose on cannabis, try and start with the smallest dose. Microdosing requires a bit of experimentation. Take time to learn about how your body reacts to the drug until you find the right dosage. 

Be Transparent About Use

With the stigma still attached to cannabis use, being transparent about using it (especially for parenting) can help prevent problems. Share your experience with close family or friends in a way that normalizes cannabis as part of your self-care routine. 

For instance, mention how it helps you unwind after a stressful day, similar to a glass of wine. This can shed some light on why you use the drug. Clarify that you are not engaging in drug abuse. 

Bottom line: Cannabis for self-care and parenting

Many people are now using cannabis to explore self-care rituals and parenting techniques. While it can still be a bit difficult to approach the subject, using cannabis can still provide several benefits. Ultimately, learning how to properly use the drug is the best way to experience its positive effects without any negative side effects. 

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Big Kid Guest Post Learning Parenting

The Science Lab at Home: Easy and Exciting Experiments for Curious Young Minds

science for kids

It’s never too early to excite young minds about science at home. At its core, science is all about understanding the why and how of the universe we live in. From the tiniest insects to the mysterious vastness of the stars, there’s boundless knowledge to be found, especially for kids. 

Experiments don’t need billion-dollar Large Hadron Colliders or NASA-grade rockets. Sometimes, people can accomplish science with bits and pieces from around the household.  Invest in your child’s future by making them interested in science through these easy yet captivating home experiments.

science for kids at home
Source

Gravity Tube

What You Need

  • aluminum or copper tube
  • strong magnets

Steps

  1. Hold the aluminum or copper tube vertically.
  2. Drop a strong magnet into the top of the tube and observe as it falls through the tube. 

Scientific Explanation

When the magnet falls through the non-magnetic metal tube, it induces a current in the tube due to electromagnetic induction. This induced current creates a magnetic field that opposes the motion of the falling magnet (Lenz’s Law). This opposition slows the magnet’s fall, demonstrating the principles of electromagnetic induction and resistance.

Frozen Spinning Water

What You Need

  • small bucket with a handle
  • water

Steps

  1. Fill the small bucket with water and place it in the freezer until the water is completely frozen.
  2. Once frozen, take the bucket out and spin it by the handle.

Scientific Explanation

When you spin the bucket, the frozen water inside will demonstrate inertia and angular momentum. Inertia keeps the ice in motion, and angular momentum makes the ice move in a circular path. This activity shows how forces act on objects in motion and the properties of rotational dynamics.

Egg Drop

What You Need

  • Egg
  • foam
  • cardboard
  • anything you can use to protect the egg

Steps

  1. Design and build a structure to protect the egg using foam, cardboard, and any other materials around the house.
  2. Test your structure by dropping it from a height and observing whether the egg survives the fall.

Scientific Explanation

The goal is to minimize the impact force on the egg by utilizing foam, as it absorbs and distributes the energy from the fall. The experiment demonstrates the principles of impact resistance, energy absorption, and cushioning. The design encourages creative problem-solving and understanding of how different materials can protect fragile objects.

Match in a Glass

What You Need

  • match
  • glass cup
  • deep plate
  • water with food coloring
  • small piece of styrofoam

Steps

  1. Fill a deep plate with water colored with food coloring.
  2. Float a small styrofoam piece on the water and place a match on top.
  3. Light the match and quickly cover it with an inverted glass cup.

Scientific Explanation

As the match burns, it heats the air inside the glass. When the match goes out, the air cools and contracts, creating a partial vacuum. This lower pressure inside the glass causes the water to be pushed up into the glass by the higher external air pressure. The experiment demonstrates the principles of air pressure and combustion.

Snowball Cookies

What You Need

  • butter
  • powdered sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • flour
  • salt
  • buttercream frosting

Steps

  1. Mix butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and salt to create cookie dough.
  2. Shape the dough into small balls to represent planets and bake them.
  3. Once cooled, decorate the cookies with buttercream frosting

Scientific Explanation

You can make cookies at home to teach kids about the science of baking.  Baking is as much a science as it is an art, and the exact measures and timing required for baking should give kids a basic overview of how to mix components to create something new. For decoration, take inspiration from classic sugar cookies or even solar system-shaped chocolates for more scientific immersion. 

Living Liquid

What You Need

  • cornstarch
  • water
  • big tub

Steps

  1. Mix cornstarch and water in a big tub until you get a thick, viscous mixture.
  2. Play with the mixture by poking it, squeezing it, or trying to pick it up.

Scientific Explanation 

The cornstarch-water mixture is a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning its viscosity changes under stress. When you apply pressure, the mixture behaves like a solid because the cornstarch particles are forced together. Once the pressure is lifted, it will flow like the liquid it is. This activity illustrates the unique properties of non-Newtonian fluids. 

Walkalong Paper Airplane

What You Need

  • 8.5 x 11 printer paper
  • phone book page
  • scotch tape
  • big flat cardboard (at least pizza box size)
  • scissors
  • Printer

Steps

  1. Fold an 8.5 x 11 printer paper sheet into a simple glider airplane according to the Smithsonian Magazine’s template.
  2. Use the big flat cardboard to create a wave of air by gently pushing it forward under the glider, making it “walk along” the air current. 

Scientific Explanation

The walkalong glider flies by riding on a wave of rising air created by the cardboard. As the cardboard moves, it pushes air upwards, creating a lift for the glider. This demonstrates the principles of flight, including lift, drag, and aerodynamics. The glider stays aloft by continually adjusting the cardboard to keep the air flowing under it.

Final Thoughts:

These experiments are only some of the thousands of scientific experiments you can conduct with your child. Thanks to how easy they are,  kids can get interested in the world of science without being intimidated. 

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Guest Post Parenting

Supporting Teens Through Transition: Parenting Tips for a Long Distance Move

Parenting Tips for a Long Distance Move

If you’re moving your family to another state or across the country and you have teenagers, you may be aware of the challenges that await. If your teen isn’t on board with the move, you may have added struggles as they fight you along the way. This article provides parenting tips for a long distance move that will ease the strain regardless of how your teen feels about it.

Why Moving is Hard for a Teenager

Moving is hard on everyone, no matter your age. However, it can be especially challenging for a teenager for some unique reasons. If this is the first time your family has moved, you’ve accumulated a lot of stuff from over the years. All that stuff translates into memories for your teenager. As you think about purging your belongings to make moving easier, it can seem like you’re throwing out important memories for your teen. They often feel a sense of loss from items you’re giving away and the loss of their home, which is security for many kids.

Another reason moving is difficult is the fear of the unknown. They have established a place for themselves in their school and neighborhood. Now, they must start over and build a new reputation. While a new start can be exciting, it can also be frightening. If a teenager suffers from anxiety, stepping out into the unknown can make it worse.

Your teen may worry about keeping up with old relationships as they seek to build new ones. They may be concerned that they won’t find new friends like their current BFFs or worry that they will lose touch and their friends will move on without them. All these issues can cause major stress and emotions that your teen may not know how to handle. The following parenting tips are designed to assist you in helping your teen through this major transition.

Open Communication

Communication is the key to dealing with any change and managing stress. It’s your job as the parent to keep the lines of communication open with your teen during the moving process. This step begins when you first decide to move. After you’ve made your decision or even before, you should be upfront with your teenager about to move. Talking to them early in the process allows them time to adjust to the idea before the actual packing begins.

Encourage them to tell you how they feel about the move, even if they hate the idea. Let them know that whatever emotions they’re feeling are okay. Realize that they may feel anxious, upset, sad, angry, and excited at one time or another. Sometimes, they may feel multiple emotions at once.

Make Time for Conversation

When you decide the time is right to talk to your teen about the move, plan it for when you’re not in a hurry. You want to give them plenty of opportunity to ask questions and say what’s on their minds. Realize this isn’t a one-time thing. Instead, you should make plans to reconnect throughout the process. You’re dealing with your stress about the move, which can make it easy to overlook your teen’s feelings. They also feel your stress, which can impact their attitudes and behaviors.

Here are some ideas for when you can plan conversations during your move:

  • During breakfast on the weekends
  • Before family movie night
  • Schedule a lunch with your teen
  • Go for ice cream
  • Take a walk in the neighborhood

You’ll probably come up with some ideas of your own on times you can connect with your teen. Let them know that they can write out their feelings if they feel too intimidated to speak to you about it.

Be Honest

When your teen asks questions, be honest with your answers. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know,” instead of trying to reassure them with platitudes. They will trust what you say a lot more if they know you’re always going to tell them the truth.

Support Their Feelings

It’s all too easy to tell your teen, “It will be okay,” or “Don’t worry; you’ll make new friends.” Even though you’re trying to be encouraging, those statements can tell your teen that they shouldn’t feel the way they do. Instead, let them know it’s okay if they feel sad, mad, or anxious. You can even sympathize with them, telling them you’re going to miss your friends or something else about where you’ve been living. Validating their feelings can help them open up even more.

Give Them Some Control

The adults in your household most likely made the decision to move. Your teen probably had little to say about it. As they deal with the transition, they may feel like they have no control over the situation. You can help your teen deal with things by giving them some control. Allow them to make some choices and voice their opinions.

Some ways you can do this include:

  • Allowing them to decorate their bedroom
  • Give them a voice in where they will go to school
  • Let them decide where you’ll explore in the new town
  • Allow them to choose how they will say goodbye to their friends
  • Let them assist in making decisions about décor in other rooms, especially a family or game room

While it’s important to stick with your regular routines as much as possible, you’ll also want to be lenient if they stay up a little later at night, play video games more than usual, or want to spend extra time with friends.

Encourage your teen to do their own research about where you’re moving. They can get online and find the closest pizza restaurant, coffee shop, or ice cream place. When you arrive in your new city, let them play tour guide and take you to the places they discovered. It will help them feel like part of the team.

Stress Less with Professional Movers

You’ll be less stressed when moving long distances, which will help your teen be less stressed if you’re organized with the moving process. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this goal is by hiring professional movers. These movers not only transport your belongings to your new home, but they can also load and unload the boxes and furniture. Not quite ready to move out? You can add other services, such as packing and unpacking or storage while you wait for your new place to be move-in ready.

Recap: Parenting Tips for a Long Distance Move

Consider these parenting tips for a long distance move to find ways to support your teen. It might not be easy, but with positive support, they’ll come around.

Have you encountered a long-distance move with teens or when you were a teen yourself? Leave a comment and tell us about it.

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Business Guest Post

Five Reliable Solutions for Starting a Business in 2023

business

Successful enterprises do not simply pop out of the blues. They are painstakingly built from the ground up with hard labor, lots of financing, and commitment. And, if you want to see success as a business owner, you must apply these principles in specific areas where they will be most beneficial. 

It’s vital to focus on specific activities such as acquiring a comprehensive understanding of your industry and clientele, building a distinctive and original brand identity, and learning how to get cool business names from an exceptional naming agency. Doing this can help you prepare a successful foundation for your business. 

So, to help you improve efficiency, reduce waste, and establish a solid business, we’ll look at some critical areas you must focus on when starting your brand. 

Let’s get started: 

1. Maintain Exceptional Flexibility and Creativity

It’s crucial to realize that launching a business entails more than just devising a strategy to capitalize on an existing idea. Many businesses have attempted to repurpose and resell old and outdated concepts without making any changes. 

And believe us when we say these businesses face so much competition that they’re forced to wither and fall. 

And if you go the same approach, your firm will almost certainly fail since, in such a crowded industry, a startup offering a generic service has very little chance of distinguishing itself from the existing enterprises offering the same service. 

Instead, make it your purpose to provide new, innovative solutions to major concerns in your target market, as firms such as Apple, Under Armour, and Netflix have done. 

Releasing disruptive products made it easier for these firms to compete with their bigger competitors. 

2. You Need to Secure Funding 

Money is one significant problem that entrepreneurs encounter. And in many cases, your firm will require a regular infusion of funds from other sources because you need more than your own finances to keep it viable. 

Many firms begin with less money than they anticipate, resulting in cash flow problems and eventual collapse. 

To that end, the best strategy to secure enough cash for your business is to do periodic financial evaluations and stay in touch with possible funding sources. 

Look for overseas organizations willing to assist you in financing your brand’s activities. But don’t stop there; look for government agencies, non-profit or for-profit organizations, or private investors who can help your firm. 

The Save Small Business Funds (SSBF) initiative of the Chamber of Commerce Foundation has been a reliable source of aid for enterprises. Their primary purpose is to provide financial assistance to struggling businesses.  

However, if you wish to obtain financing directly from your clients, consider the following: 

3. Making Use of Pre-Orders 

Most business entrepreneurs assume that marketing and offering their skills as freelancers or independent contractors is the most efficient method to begin a business on a shoestring budget. 

These entrepreneurs overlook pre-orders and Kickstarter crowdfunding, which may help them generate more than enough money to start their new firm. 

Customers can place pre-orders for your items long before they are on sale, giving your company access to the funds it needs to get started. Both older firms have used pre-order marketing like Sony, and newer ones like Jeremy’s Razor. 

4. Using Viral Marketing 

According to Red Crow Marketing’s Ron Marshall, the average end user sees between 4,000 and 10,000 advertisements daily, including those from businesses, billboards, and internet platforms like Google. 

In this barrage of advertisements, fewer than 100 firms succeed in breaking through their clients’ attention barrier each day. 

As a result, in order to readily stand out and gain the attention of its target market, every brand must reinforce its image with a brilliant business name, a wonderful logo, eye-catching colors, and original catchphrases. 

Understand that how customers see your company influences how they will engage with it. Also, keep in mind that your brand’s image should be dynamic rather than static, as each client will interact with your company differently. Make it a priority to maintain a consistent brand image. 

5. Create a Trustworthy Online Identity 

If your business must thrive, then make it your goal to acquire your online consumers’ loyalty, trust, and affection. And since many transactions begin and sometimes conclude online, do everything within your power to create an engaging and relevant online persona since a solid online presence will enhance your brand’s visibility and conversion rates. 

Grant Polachek is the head of branding for Squadhelp.com, 3X Inc 5000 startup and disruptive naming agency. Squadhelp has reviewed more than 1 million names and curated a collection of the best available names on the web today. We are also the world’s leading crowdsource naming platform, supporting clients from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

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Adulting Guest Post How To Life

Different Businesses and Online Money-making Ideas You Need to Know

different business ideas, online money-making ideas, how to make money online, corona virus, covid-19 financial hardship

In this guest post,Valentina Wilson explains different businesses and online money-making ideas.

Valentina is a writer and blogger who specializes in personal finance and positive change. Valentina has a master’s degree in financial journalism and seven years of experience in personal banking and believes that small behavioral changes are the key to achieving financial freedom. Check out her blog, Best Debt Consolidation Blog, https://www.bestdebtconsolidation.org/blog/ and follow her on Twitter:@valentinailson https://twitter.com/valentinailson

Due to this corona virus pandemic, the unemployment rate is growing fast. The vast numbers of pay cuts and job losses have created a financial crisis among people. It is true that due to this pandemic, the economy is going through a rough phase and it is the consumers who are suffering from financial problems.

But, to survive in this difficult situation, you have to find different income sources. Most people are trying to look for a secondary source of income so that they can repay debts on time and protect their credit score. Many students are in knee-deep debt due to having no jobs out there. However, there are options to consolidate student loans. Also, Govt. help and an extended payment policy that can help.

According to the experts, you can consider some part-time jobs or businesses to manage your financial life.

According to the experts, you can consider some part-time jobs or businesses to manage your financial life. Online money-making opportunities are widely available, too, if you know where to look.

Home-based businesses, weekend businesses, or jobs can support you by providing extra income that can be utilized in living a peaceful financial life.

Here you go:

Weekend business ideas:

●       Baby-sitting-services

If you have very small kids and you take care of them, taking care of another child along with your own will not be very difficult for you. This service is also very cost-effective as your customers will have to come to you. This will save on your fuel expenses too. In most cases, the parents of these children have their food packed and you will just need to feed the child. However, even if they do not provide you with that then you can make a little extra food at home and feed them that. You may even take additional charges for providing food. You can pay daily, weekly or monthly fees depending on your needs.

●       Cooking classes

If you are good at cooking you could give cooking classes at home. These classes are a very convenient option as you can limit the number of classes based on your needs and you also get paid on the spot.

●       Have  a yard or garage sale

You can also organize a yard or garage sale to sell unused or mildly used items. This can be done at any weekend to get some extra bucks.

different business ideas, online money-making ideas, how to make money online, corona virus, covid-19 financial hardship

Home-based business ideas:

●       Rent your garage home to earn money

If you have space in the garage, you can rent your garage to earn money out of it. If you have a big house and one part of the house is empty, you can rent a part of your home. This will be a great source of income

●       Sell homemade products

You can sell homemade baked goodies. This will be more convenient for you if you have older children at home who can help. In a few main festival seasons, the demand for homemade goodies such as cookies and cakes rises. This allows you to get money by sitting at home and baking.

●       Be a financial coach

During times when there is too much financial uncertainty, most people are looking for someone to fall back on. If you can become a financial coach, you can help people make better financial decisions and thereby make money. You can give an ad for this and open a financial class at your home premises.

You can also create a financial website of your own so that people can have the option of signing up with you and clearing their financial doubts.

Online money-making part-time jobs to earn extra money

●       Start freelancing

If you have the skills to write, you can sit at home and with the help of the Internet, you can do freelancing. There are various freelancing jobs available on the Internet. You just need to choose the right one for you. While choosing any freelancing job, you also need to make sure that you get proper remuneration. Freelancing helps you earn good money in the comfort of your house.

●       Get paid with social networking websites

Different social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter help you earn money. They have become very popular these days. Such social networking websites need more members to join them. In return, they pay their new joiners and also pay them if they post any messages.

●       Get money to read mail.

You get paid just to click on the email and then close it. Every day, you receive paid emails in your inbox that have links to different websites. These emails help you earn money when you view them for just a few seconds.

●       Get paid for data entry

There are many types of data entry jobs available on the Internet. You just need to enter basic data information into these data entry jobs. You can earn good money with the help of data entry jobs.

●       Get paid for participating in online surveys

Online surveys are good ways to make money with the help of the Internet. While conducting online surveys, consumers’ feedback is very much essential. Those who participate in these online surveys are paid some money by the survey companies.

●       Be a social media marketer

Nowadays social networking websites are very popular and you can also carry on social media marketing about your website so that you can earn extra money. Create a profile on any of the social media websites and increase your network and friends so that you can easily boost your profits by boosting the traffic to your website.

●       Become an online content writer or blogger

Another online money-making option is to become a content writer as this way you can nurture your writing skills as well as earn money at the same time. Get in touch with a webmaster that can provide you with enough projects where you can show your expertise in writing and earn online cash. What you need to remember is that you have to do complete research on what you’re writing. You also need to be able to write unique content for their website. You can also start online blogging to earn money over time.

different business ideas, online money-making ideas, how to make money online, corona virus, covid-19 financial hardship

Lastly,

we all know that due to a rapid increase in the price of basic amenities due to the COVID pandemic, life has become very difficult. It has become difficult to pay for basics, that any luxury is way beyond reach. Thus, a single earning member family structure can not quite provide much economic stability in today’s scenario. 

So, both husband and wife must contribute towards the budget of the family. But if you want to be at home and also want to work from the comfort of your home, then there are many ways in which moms at home can make money. Also, if you have no job right now, you can easily embrace an online money-making opportunity. 

However, in any circumstances, you should never give up hope. If you have no income and you are unable to manage any job, you can ask for GOVT. grants and financial help.

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Adulting Guest Post How To Life Wine

Alternative Methods of Opening Wine Without a Corkscrew

how to open wine with a corkscrew, how to open wine if you don't have a corkscrew, wine without a corkscrew

You are so excited to attend your best friend’s party! You arrived early to help prepare and set up. However, while doing an inventory of needed party materials, you realized something: your friend doesn’t have a corkscrew! And the party will start soon! What should you do?

In times like these, creativity is your greatest asset. You must find a solution – not drinking the wine is not an option. We will tackle some methods of opening wine without a corkscrew to prepare for similar problems in the future.

Before we start, let us first review how a typical corkscrew works.

Steps in Opening a Wine Bottle Using a Corkscrew

Typically, opening wine only requires two materials: a bottle of wine and a corkscrew. The most popular type of corkscrew is called a waiter’s key. To open the wine, you need to:

  • First, remove the foil or the covering. Place the knife part of the corkscrew underneath the bottle’s lip. Turn the bottle to slice the foil and then remove the cover foil.
  • Push the corkscrew through the middle of the cork and turn clockwise. Stop when most of the corkscrew has penetrated the cork.
  • Pull the handle until half of the cork is out of the bottle.
  • Repeat if necessary.
  • Pull the cork until only a small part remains in the bottle.
  • Using your hand, pull the cork out.

The instructions above are quite easy to follow. But what if you don’t have a corkscrew? What can you do?

how to open wine with a corkscrew, how to open wine if you don't have a corkscrew, wine without a corkscrew

Other Ways to Open a Wine Bottle

Opening wine without a corkscrew will require different materials. Take note of them in the list below:

  • Use a screw, screwdriver, and hammer
  • Get a long screw and using a screwdriver, screw it to the cork. Stop pushing when you only have around one inch of the screw visible. Pull out the cork using the claw (the backside) of the hammer. This method requires a little strength, so you better prepare.
  • Use a wooden spoon
  • You can use the handle of a spoon to push the cork until it goes inside the bottle. You’ll need to hold the bottle steady, as it can easily slip using this method.
  • Open it with a bike pump
  • Punch the needle through the cork until it reaches beyond the cork. Then pump air and watch the cork move out from the bottle.
  • Use a serrated knife or keys
  • Opening wine without a corkscrew is also possible if you have keys or a serrated knife. Push the knife or keys into the cork at an angle (around 45 degrees). Then move the item in a circular motion, slowly removing the cork. After a few rounds, the cork will come out.
  • Use a towel and the wall
  • Wrap the bottom of the bottle with a towel and then hit it repeatedly against a wall. Use just enough strength to move the cork but be careful with the glass bottle. Continue until the cork slides out of the bottle, and you can pull it free. Practice caution when using this method. You don’t want to break the bottle, so make sure you form an adequate cushion with the towel before hitting the wall.
  • Use a shoe
  • If you’re afraid of using the wall, you can use a shoe to slap the wine’s bottom. However, before doing this, you must wrap the wine bottle with a towel and then place it upside down between your legs. Continue slapping until you notice the cork sliding out of the bottle.

Now, you know some techniques used to open wine bottles without a corkscrew. If ever you find yourself missing a corkscrew, then you can utilize one of the above techniques.

This guest post was written by Bill Marcia at Stags’ Leap Winery.

You can follow Stags’ Leap Winery on social media at:
https://twitter.com/stagsleapwines https://www.facebook.com/stagsleapwinery https://www.instagram.com/stagsleapwinery/ https://www.youtube.com/user/StagsLeapWinery

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Adulting Guest Post Holiday How To

Follow This Rule and Save On Christmas for the Kids

how to save on Christmas, Christmas on a budget, save money on christmas

When you’re planning a wedding, there are rules. You need something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new. Well, there is a similar set of fun guidelines for how to save on Christmas when shopping for kids. As a perk, sticking to them will save you loads of cash.

**Emily Graham is the creator of MightyMoms.net which offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life.**

how to save on Christmas, Christmas on a budget, save money on christmas, save on christmas for the kids

What Is It, Already?

The secret to a successful if scrimping holiday season is to buy kids four things: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

Something They Want

This should be a fairly easy one. Kids typically have no reservations when telling adults what, exactly, they want. For 2019, the hottest gifts of the season run the gamut from $10 Hatchimals for the littlest present-pickers to the $300 Nintendo Switch for the tweens and tweens. Ask about their preferences, and see if you can narrow it down to something that easily fits within your budget. If everything hits slightly above your spending allowance, don’t give up hope or blow your budget. Spend some time looking at toy deals on sites that collect and sort information on the best prices. Rakuten is one example, and even categorizes toys by character and brand.

Something They Need

What your children need is pretty open-ended. This could mean anything from the dreaded socks and underwear to something more profound, such as time with loved ones. Depending on where you live, you might be able to provide them with experiences that will stick with them for a lifetime. Visit a free zoo, for example, or, if you live in a warmer climate, plan a fishing trip for Christmas morning. You might also consider gifting them with educational tools, particularly if your child struggles with things like organization. Reader’s Digest lists several affordable items, including colored pens and whimsical notebooks that make great stocking stuffers

Something to Wear

Every child has to have a wardrobe, and Christmas is the perfect time to add something they can snuggle up in this winter. A set of new pajamas makes a great Christmas Eve present that won’t tie up your entire shopping budget. Stores like Carter’s and Old Navy tend to run great deals on sleepwear throughout the holiday season. You can stretch the meaning of this a bit by including things like backpacks, headbands, jewelry, and even nail polish.

Something to Read

Giving your children the gift of the written word is perhaps the most meaningful gift you can bestow. Reading has a virtually unlimited bounty of benefits for kids of all ages, infants included. If your independent reader is already absorbed in a series (think Percy Jackson or Harry Potter), add to their collection or look for supplemental guides that will add extra depth to their stories. For younger kids, you can’t go wrong with Little Golden Book titles like Mister Dog, Tootles, and The Pokey Little Puppy, all of which tend to cost $5 or less.

I Don’t Like Rules!

If you would rather stick with a larger gift or a more traditional pile of presents, there are still ways to save on Christmas without draining your savings. Start by shopping at stores that offer rewards cards. GameStop, Kohl’s, and most other major retailers have loyalty programs that can help you get some cash back or other perks. GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards might be a good choice if game systems are on their wish list; Kohl’s has its YesToYou program, which gives you money back to spend at the store on the first day of the month after your purchase.

The point here is that you don’t have to compromise your financial future to play St. Nick. If you don’t have the money to overdo it, then don’t. Not only do you put yourself under undue stress, but you’re also teaching the kids that the holidays revolve around the cash register.

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Final Thoughts

**I just want to take a minute to say thank you to Emily for writing this awesome post and sharing it with my readers!! This is not the first guest post Emily has written for Mom Wife Wine, and I hope it isn’t the last! If you’re interested in reading the other post then click HERE to read about the The Relationship Challenges New Parents Face After the Baby Arrives.

Before you go, leave a comment and let us know your favorite way to save on Christmas! **

Categories
Guest Post Wine

Wines of the World

I wrote a guest post about wines of the world for Elle’s blog Elle Goes Global.

Wines of the World
When you are drinking wine at the end of a long day, do you ever think about where it was made? I do! Every single time, I want to know where the wine came from. Every country is different and that means their wine is going to be different, as well.

If you love wine as much as I do and plan on traveling anytime in the future, wine tasting will be on your itinerary no matter where you plan on traveling to. Wine is produced all over the world and every country has unique wine. The differing climates have a huge impact on how the wine will taste, offering a wide range when it comes to the taste and the smell of wine.

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To read the rest of the post and learn about wines from South Africa, France, Argentina, and the United States check out the post Wines of The World on Elle’s blog! It was so much fun to write so be sure to check it out!

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