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Did you know that August is National Eye Exam Month? When most people plan on making an appointment with the optometrist, they tend to take more measures to protect their eyes. However, at this point, it is usually too late if you’re worried about damage. Luckily, there are many cheap things we can do every single day that will not only help us protect our eyes but will make us feel a lot healthier too. So, don’t wait until it’s time to head to the eye doctor to try out these ten methods to improve on your daily eye health.

1. Wear a Hat Outdoors
Hats are a great way to add to your fashion sense. You can find them in all sorts of styles too, which suits an assortment of people. The best thing about hats is that most of them serve a better purpose. That is, they help to block light from the sun. Usually, this occurs because of the brim, so if the sun is particularly bright it is important not to wear your baseball cap backward. Hats can also help protect your skin from the sun, as well, which will make it a lot easier for you to stay healthy in the long run.

2. Year-Round Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another fashion accessory that can take your fashion sense to the next level. However, sunglasses also serve a great purpose. They help to block out UV rays when you’re outside. People tend to only wear sunglasses when the UV rating is high, which is generally in the summer months. This is a great practice to get into because the UV rating in the summer can be dangerous. It is incredibly important to wear your sunglasses even when you think the sun isn’t bright enough to cause damage. You might be surprised by how damaging UV rays can be even during the winter months or overcast days. So, make it a rule just to put on a pair of sunglasses any time that you go outdoors.

3. Blue Light Blocking Lenses
If you spend a lot of time on the computer, then you’re really not doing your eyes any favors. For some people, it is really hard to avoid the computer due to work. Even if you spend a lot of time on your phone, you’re still looking at damaging your eyes. That is why everyone should invest in a pair of blue light blocking lenses. If you already have a prescription, then you can get your lenses coated with the blue light blocking film. This will allow you to work or enjoy your phone without having to change our glasses. Of course, if you don’t have a prescription you should still order a pair of glasses that do this. These aren’t going to cost you an arm and leg, and they will help you feel more comfortable as you look at screens.

4. Wear Goggles
A lot of people love to go to the pool and swim around under the water with their eyes open. This isn’t going to do your eyes any favors because there is a ton of chemicals in the pool that can cause your eyes harm. Even swimming at the beach can be a major issue if you get the salty water in your eyes. Of course, it isn’t exactly easy to swim with your eyes closed either. That is why everyone should make a point in purchasing goggles before going to the pool. If you don’t wear glasses, you can actually get a good pair of goggles at almost any retail store. If you do wear glasses then talk to your eye doctor about special ordering goggles, or you can purchase them online. These goggles can also be worn for athletic events, so you don’t have to worry about your glasses falling off or getting sweat in your eyes as you play.

5. Avoid Rubbing Eyes
No matter how old you are, when your eyes are dry or irritated, it is incredibly tempting to rub them. This can really do your eyes some harm though, so try to avoid doing it if you can. Instead, use eye drops to help ease the itchiness. When you do touch your eyes, anything that you have on your hands can enter the eye. Even if you don’t see anything there, your hand can still be covered in bacteria, germs, allergens, or even dangerous chemicals. Right now, it is especially important not to touch your eyes as Covid-19 can infect you through contact with the eyes. Whenever you touch your face, you should always wash your hands first.

6. Minimize Screen Time
Even if you do have blue light blocking glasses on hand, you should still try to minimize your screen time as much as you possibly can. Spending a lot of time on the computer or phone can cause eye fatigue, which comes with a wide assortment of symptoms. When you are doing screen time, you should remember the rule of 20s. That is, only look at the screen for 20 minutes at a time. When that 20 minutes is up, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It might also be useful to stand up and stretch during that 20-minute mark. In order to keep track of the time, you can easily set an alarm or download an app on your favorite browser to alert you to protect your eyes.

7. Manage Diet
Ensuring you are leading a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to offer your eyes the protection they deserve. One of the most important things to do is to keep a healthy diet. You’re going to want to load up on fruits, vegetables, and proteins. There are certain foods that help with eye health too, so make note of them and add them to your diet whenever you can. You should also drink water frequently. Keeping your body hydrated will help your entire body function better. On top of all of that, you might consider taking some supplements. Vitamins are a great option, but you can take supplements that are specifically designed for the eyes. You can also talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for these supplements to help save you money and ensure you’re getting the quality you deserve.

8. Exercise
You might not believe it, but exercising is one of the keys to helping your eyes maintain their health. Exercise is actually good for your entire system so doing it regularly will help boost overall health. Keeping up with exercise helps to reduce your chance of obesity, which can damage your eyes. It is also a good way to prevent diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of vision loss. Apart from that, getting your blood pumping is one of the best ways to ensure circulation is strong throughout the body, so your eyes will get everything they need to work properly.

9. Manage Dryness
There are actually many reasons why your eyes might feel dry. Everything from allergens, not getting enough sleep, and screen usage can play a contributing factor to your eyes’ dryness. The important thing to do is manage the dryness as it can cause a lot of problems if you don’t. There are a ton of eye drops on the market, so you might browse around, look at reviews, and then decide which brands and types you’d like to try. If you’re really worried about your eyes’ dryness, then you might talk to your eye doctor about it. Generally, they can diagnose any problems, prescribe medical grade drops, or simply point you in the right direction of the best eye drop for you. This should help you out immensely when it comes to protecting your eyes and managing their overall health.

10. Regular Exams
Without a doubt, one of the best protective measures you can make is to see your eye doctor regularly. A regular exam will help them catch a problem while it can still be fixed. This will certainly make you feel more confident about your eye health. Plus, they will ensure your prescription is up to date, so your eyes don’t deteriorate faster than they would with age. Your eye doctor is a great resource when it comes to eye health too, so make sure to ask questions whenever you can.

Your eyes are precious, so make sure you take the necessary precautions to take care of them. These ten tips will help you make wise choices when it comes to your eyes, so you can enjoy eye health for years to come.

Friendship Day is coming up this August with a full week of celebrations during the third week of the month. Unfortunately, it is a little hard to celebrate with friends when there is so much chaos going on in the world. With most people in quarantine or trying to steer clear of others, making plans to spend time with friends is definitely not going to be easy. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can make the most out of Friendship Day and Friendship week, while still self-distancing from those around you. With these ten tips, you should be able to have fun with those you love without spending a fortune.

1. Virtual Chat/Party
Virtual Chats have been one of the biggest threats during the quarantine. They definitely have helped keep us connected with those we care about. So, this Friendship day, you might make a point of firing up your favorite chat device and enjoying the company of your friends. You can simply catch up, host a group chat, or even play games. There are lots of apps that can even make your video chat even more fun. If you’re looking to do something bigger then you might consider hosting a virtual dance party, a singing competition, a game of charades, and so on. This will help everyone have some fun and forget all about the loneliness of this year for a little while.

2. Share Memories
Memories are one of the best aspects of friendship. So, this Friendship Day you might spend some time going over the good times that you’ve shared with each other. This can be done in an assortment of ways too. For starters, you might start up a chat and simply talk about your favorite moments together. Another great way to do this is to start a memory chain on social media. You might start by posting a status and have everyone leave comments and pictures. Another way is to create a hashtag that your friends can use. This will allow everyone to surf the memories with ease. If you’re feeling crafty then you can make a collage, slideshow, or even a video of some of your favorite moments that you’ve captured together.

3. Send a Craft
A lot of people have more downtime then they are used to right now. So, if you’re feeling like making something fun then you might consider doing something nice for one of your friends. There are endless options when it comes to crafting for friends. You might start with a classic craft like a friendship bracelet. These are a perfect way to bring a smile to friends that know you well, especially if you’ve been friends since childhood. You might also consider leaving fun pictures, candles, or anything else that might be crafty. This will help cheer up the people you care about while showing them you are still connected even though you aren’t around them.

4. Order Food
Social distancing is hard. Most people are making three meals a day, seven times a week. If this isn’t tedious, then it is definitely time-consuming. So, for Friendship Day, you might take the time out to order your best friend something to eat. There are lots of delivery apps to choose from right now and most restaurants are participating in delivery in order to keep their sales going. So, simply choose the food and have the meal delivered to their door. Thanks to contactless delivery, there is no need for a signature on your items. This gift will certainly bring a smile while adding a little bit of convenience to their evening. The best thing about this is you can order delivery even if you aren’t in the same town, which will make your surprise even more appealing.

5. Parking Lot Meal
It is hard not to spend time with friends, especially when we normally see them fairly often. Sharing a meal, or even a cup of coffee is one of the most common ways of bonding. You don’t have to give this up though. In fact, you can alter your favorite meal times to include social distancing. The best way to do this is to have a parking lot of meals. Simply go through a drive-thru and order your food, then park next to your friend’s vehicle. From there, give them a call. You can talk using the phone while visibly seeing one another as you eat together. Although you won’t be able to hug, you will still feel a lot closer to your friends.

6. Door Surprises
If you want to have some fun during the whole week, then you might consider leaving door surprises for those that you care about. This doesn’t mean go on a shopping spree to get everyone gifts. Instead, get a little creative with the surprises. For instance, if you have a garden, then pick flowers and leave them on the doorsteps of your loved ones. If they have a garden too, then you could leave the cuttings of some of your plants for them to plant. Another simple idea is to leave out little pieces of candy or some of your baked goods. A simple note is also an easy option to share your feelings. You can keep the surprises anonymous, to see if people guess who left the items, or you can share the love with your name on each item. Either way, your friends are certain to enjoy the gifts from your heart.

7. Drive-By Messages
This year, birthday parades have become a huge hit. With everyone keeping their distance, this is actually the only way many people are able to celebrate their big day. You can easily use the birthday parade idea and transform it into a friendship parade. Even if you’re the only car in the parade, your friends are certain to enjoy the drive-by message that you provide for them. You can use a poster board to create one generic message for everyone, or you can create something special for everyone that you visit. Either way, the message will help lift the spirits of those you care about most.

8. Virtual Fun
It is hard not doing things with other people, especially if you once enjoyed activities together on a regular basis. In most cases, you can take the activity online though. For instance, if you used to jam out with your friends, then you can start a group chat to do the same thing. It might not sound as natural, but you’re bound to have some fun. You can also do hobbies with your friends. If you spent time knitting or crafting together before, then set up a camera at your table and do the same thing. You can even play games together to keep life interesting. Either way, there is no need to be alone, especially during a time of celebrating friendships.

9. Send a Letter
Around this time last year, you might not have thought about sending letters to your friends. However, this is a very real thing to do now. Sending letters seems to add a bit of intimacy to your relationship, which is what so many people are craving right now. You can sit down and pour your heart out on a piece of paper, or you can make it feel like you’re passing notes as you did in school. Either way, all you really need for this activity is paper, a writing utensil, envelopes, and stamps. You can buy stamps online these days, so you don’t even have to worry about going out for this. Even if you mail a letter a day, you still won’t spend a lot on this activity. Plus, you’ll be supporting the postal service, which is struggling right now.

10. Virtual Window Shopping
If you’re a fan of shopping, then you might be having a hard time right now. This is especially true if you find yourself putting things in the cart when you shouldn’t. Shopping with friends is one of the biggest ways that many people kill time. However, with so many stores closed and so many people not wanting to risk a trip to the mall, many people have given up on window shopping. Luckily, you can easily window shop from the comfort of your own home. For starters, you’ll need to begin a chat or group chat. Then, go on your favorite site and look at items. You can share links with friends to talk about what you’re planning on getting. This should help you cut back on the add to cart button. There are also websites specifically designed for window shopping, so you might start there and have a little fun.

All in all, there are ways for you to enjoy friendship day without leaving the house. These ten tips should help you cut back on the money you spend during this holiday while ensuring you still show some love to those that mean a lot to you. You might find a new way to enjoy your relationships when you explore these fun options, too.

Teething isn’t a great time for the entire family. It is hard seeing your child in pain, especially when you can’t do a lot to help them. Many parents try to pour money into the problem in hopes that they will find a solution to the problem. Although you probably will end up spending some money on teething products, there are a few options that you should try out first. These ten items have been used by many parents that have found great results. So, you might start trying to ease the pain of teething here, so you don’t have to throw away money on products that simply might not be a good fit.

1. Camilia
This is one of the best natural solutions to deal with teething pain. This product can be used on babies as young as one month, so it is the perfect option for early teethers too. This is especially great when you’re afraid to use products like Orajel, or your child simply isn’t old enough for them. Camilia is a natural supplement that will help soothe your child. In most cases, it comes in a perfectly portioned capsule that you open and pour into your child’s mouth. Many parents swear by the product though as it does help with sleep.

2. Amber Necklace
A lot of parents have been purchasing amber necklaces in the last few years. These necklaces are made with amber beads. The beads are the key to the necklace, so you’ll want to make sure you do shop for quality here. The necklace works when it touches your baby’s body heat. The heat releases succinic acid, which helps to dull the pain your baby is experiencing. Many parents say that it even helps prevent the baby from drooling excessively, which can actually prevent rashes and so much more. Of course, putting a necklace on your baby can be hazardous. So, make sure that it is not loose on your child. If it is, consider wrapping it around your baby’s ankle and placing it under a sock.

3. Wooden Teethers
If you’re worried about chemicals in your child’s teether. Then one of the best ways to go is wooden. There are so many convenient wooden teethers on the market right now. These can truly help your child put pressure on the gums to help ease the pain of a tooth pushing through. Plus, they’re the least likely teether to break as they can’t melt in the dishwasher and children cannot bite through them. Wooden teethers are also very easy to clean too, which is great for you too. Best of all, you’ll find wooden teethers are more than affordable in most cases, but make sure to shop around to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.

4. Food Feeder
Food feeders are one of the best things since sliced bread. These amazing products are shaped like pacifiers, but they are a little large. You can fill them with food to help your child eat in the early stages. One of the great things about food feeders is you can fill them up and place them in the freezer. Thus, kids can suck on them like a popsicle which will help ease the pain in the gums while also allowing them to put tension on their gums to ease even more pain. This is a great way to keep kids cool in the summer too, which will make the feeders worth even more to you. Typically, you can purchase these items in a packed of two or more so you can always have a feeder ready to go.

5. Training Toothbrush
Keeping your baby’s gums clean is actually very important, which is why there are so many infant toothbrushes on the market to choose from. Infant toothbrushes are also a great asset for teething though. The special bristles help to ease the pain of the gums when you rub it across them. Baby can also chew on them with ease to help get rid of pain on their own terms. Plus, keeping the gums clean can help prevent infection, especially where the tooth is coming from.

6. Washcloth
If you’re looking for a cheap option to help ease teething pain then a washcloth is the way to go. Most households have a washcloth sitting around the house somewhere, so put it to good use. Some babies are eager just to chew on the washcloth, which works great because it also catches all of the excess drool. However, if you want to take it one step further, you can dampen the washcloth and stick it in the refrigerator or the freezer. When you pull it out, the washcloth will feel amazing on baby’s gums and will help soothe a bit too. Your child can chew on this for quite some time, which will help ease crankiness. Plus, you won’t have to spend any money on the remedy. Simply pop the washcloth in the washer every day and you’re good to go.

7. Freezable Teether
Freezable teethers have been around for decades now, so that has to be saying something! These teethers tend to be made of a silicone shell and have a liquid inside. You can use the teether on its own to help ease pain, but it is usually at its best when you place it in the freezer. This allows the child something hard and cold to chew on. Most of these teethers are designed to be easy to hold, so even young babies can have a little control over their relief. The toys are also bright in color, which makes them easy for baby to see, stimulates the mind, and doubles as something the child can play with.

8. Silicone Toys
Another great option on the market probably already exists in your home. Silicone toys are a great way to help your baby with all of their chewing needs. These toys are designed to be safe to go into your baby’s mouth, so you don’t have to worry about chemicals. Most come in the shapes of cute animals and dinosaurs too, which makes them very appealing to your little one. Many of these toys aren’t even solid, which will make them fun to squeeze and chew on. The design does allow for children to ease the pain in their gums by chewing on them, but also makes them fun for babies just to play with. You do have to look out for mold when it comes to some of the options. However, if you use a hot glue gun to heal up the hole in the bottom of most of these toys, then you should be good to clean it, put it in the bath, and more without worry. You should sanitize these toys often though, as you don’t want germs on anything your little one is chewing on.

9. Massage Gel
When it comes to teething, there are many massage gels on the market that can help out. Orajel is one of the most popular options. However, you should take note that there is a dangerous ingredient in this product that can harm babies of a certain age. So, if you’re worried about putting it on your child’s gums, there are natural alternatives. These will pop up with an easy teething search, so just make sure you look around for the right option for you. A lot of these gels rely heavily on clove, but some will have hidden ingredients that might not suit you.

10. Medication
Sometimes, the only option you have is to give your child a little medication to help ease the pain. This shouldn’t be a common thing, because it can have ill health effects. However, if your child is screaming in pain for hours, then it might be time to offer some relief by using baby ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You should talk to your doctor before you do this though to make sure your child is old enough and healthy enough. You should also rule out other causes for all of the crying if things really are that bad. Once you’re given the all-clear, simply follow the instructions when administering. Of course, you should also follow local news stations or the website for the product of choice, so you will know if there have been any recall or health concerns due to the product.

Teething can be a frustrating time for everyone. These ten products are designed to bring some relief to your baby. Luckily, the products won’t set you back much either, which will help your budget out immensely. Hopefully, you will be able to find the right items to help your little one find a touch of comfort.

August is family fun month, which can be exciting if you’re ready to do some fun things with your loved ones. Generally, this month is filled with trips to the park, family vacations, and other activities that take place outside of the home. This year, you might want to concentrate on things that can be done while you’re safely at home. A project can be a great way to celebrate the month while allowing everyone to bond over some fun. These ten crafts won’t set you back a lot of money and will allow the whole family to truly embrace the fun they can have together.

1. Hands Cast
If you’re connected to social media, then you have most likely seen a hand-cast on your timeline. This awesome project allows you to memorialize your family’s hands as they are right now. This project doesn’t take a whole lot of effort either. In fact, all you need is a casting kit to get it done. These won’t set you back a whole lot, but if you’re hoping to save some money then you’ll find that you can DIY the craft too. Of course, if you’re not feeling crafty then there are professionals that will ensure you get the decorative item you desire. You can cast your hands in many styles too, which will help you show off your family’s personality. You can place the item just about anywhere as well, which will definitely make it fun to have the work of art in your home.

2. Family Tree
Another fun way to help your children learn about your family while enjoying bonding time is to create a family tree. When it comes to family trees, you do have a lot of options to choose from. You can have kids paint pictures of everyone in the family and then hang them up to form a tree. You can also use pictures to do the same thing. Apart from that, you might consider doing a traditional family tree. You can even use twigs and other natural items to help form the tree on a canvas or even a poster board. If you’re not sure where to begin with your family tree adventure then you might look up ideas on social media to add to the fun.

3. Family Portrait
If you’re looking to have the kids show off some artistic skills, then you can easily have them draw a family portrait. This can be done in a number of mediums too. You can even do more than one portrait and have kids pick out their favorite to put on the wall. Of course, you can also have your family portrait taken. If you have a camera with a timer or even a selfie stick then you’re on your way to completing this fun family-oriented project.

4. Handprint Images
Handprints are a great way to work with younger children and can help create wonderful memories for everyone. You can easily make a wide assortment of crafts with handprints too without having to spend a bundle of money. One of the more common crafts right now is a layered handprint picture. The person with the largest print goes first with the color of their choice. Then the next person places their handprint on top once the first dries. This continues until the smallest handprint is added. You can even add paw prints if you want, but make sure you clean all of the paint off of your pet to avoid illness. Once the prints are done, many people add a message then hang up the project. This is only scratching the surface though as there are lots of fun ideas to try out.

5. Blanket
Blankets are a great family-oriented item because they bring comfort and so much more. One fun idea is to make a blanket out of old tees. Then, you have sections that represent the whole family, which is lots of fun. You don’t have to go this route though. You can also add pieces to a blanket that shows off family pictures. Another fun idea is to put hand and/or footprints on fabric. Once you have the pieces you need then add them together. You can sew, but there are lots of no-sew options that you can also try out if you don’t want to use a sewing machine. When the blanket is finished, everyone will have a great memory piece that they can enjoy for years to come.

6. Create a Recipe
Eating together is one of the major parts of being a family. So, it only makes sense that you would come up with an extra special recipe to help bring you all together. This might take a lot of time and some major experimenting, but when you manage to create your family recipe then you’ll have a prize that everyone will cherish and pass down to their own children. Making a new dish can be complicated, so don’t stress it too much if you feel a little lost. Instead, let everyone put in their input to try to figure out where you should be going with it. Then, when you’ve mastered the dish, serve it on special occasions or during a family day once a month. Before you know it, the recipe will become a piece of home that the whole family will cherish.

7. Invent a Game
Games are a great part of the whole family fun night experience. Thus, you might want to consider coming up with your own game to make the whole family happy. You have so many things to work with here, so have a lot of fun with the creation process. If you have younger kids then you might work with a board game like Candyland. However, you can always increase the difficulty level as children grow. Another option is a trivia game to get the mind going. If your family is very active then you can also try out a recreational game like a flashlight tag. Once you work out the finer details, write everything down, and enjoy the game every family fun night.

8. Story Book
Telling stories and making memories are an incredible part of the family experience. Thus, one way to have some fun with this aspect of family life is to create a storybook. This book is a great way for kids to exercise their creativity. Simply ask them to create a story from your family. They might use the time to describe family, share a memory, or even make up their own stories. Once the story is finished, add it to a special book that can be shared with guests or looked over as the years pass. Kids can add to it throughout the year, so by the time they leave for college, there will be a large book of fun memories that show your family’s growth.

9. Rock Garden
When it comes to your garden, nothing says fun to a kid quite like rocks. For the family fun month, you might want to venture out to find some rocks that can be used as works of art. These are typically flat rocks, but you might be able to work with just large rocks. When you have your collection ready to go, let the kids have some fun. You might have them paint pictures of everyone in the family, add handprints, or even just paint names. Your kids will have fun with the craft and figure out an assortment of fun things to be done. When everything is painted and dried, add the masterpieces to your garden. It will liven things up a bit while also allowing everyone to see the creative fun your children are having with their family life.

10. Make New Traditions
Traditions and family go hand in hand, so you might take the month of August to come up with a new tradition for your family. Generally, families tend to have traditions around the holidays. If you really want to, you can come up with a new tradition to try out during your favorite holidays. However, you can also come up with a tradition that can be enjoyed all year long. This might be anything from family story day to cooking a special meal one day a week. No matter what you choose to do, the tradition will certainly make your family feel warmer and closer together.

Family Fun Month is truly a great time to enjoy one another. Since going out and having fun isn’t an option this year, your family might enjoy these ideas instead. Hopefully, everyone will able to enjoy themselves enough to make the memory last for years to come.

With the world in turmoil, you might find yourself a little stressed. However, being trapped at home can also add to this stress, especially if you’re struggling with a tight budget. There are many things you can do to make your time at home actually improve your life though. Best of all, many of these things won’t cost you a thing in most cases. Before you know it, you’ll have improved who you are as a person, which might also help to boost your budget and overall happiness. So, get ready to make big changes and wow everyone when social distancing is a thing of the past because these tips are bound to add value to your life.

1. Start a Business
Multiple streams of income is never a bad thing. That is why you might use your time at home to start a business of your own. One of the most popular ways to do this is to sell crafts. If you’re talented at something, then give crafting a shot. You might bring some happiness to someone struggling to deal with being at home. Another great option is copywriting as many companies are still up and running. There is also transcribing work, which just takes a bit of patience and a good pair of headphones, in most cases. There are so many things you can do with just an internet connection, so have fun making your business a reality.

2. Go Back to School
Right now is the perfect time to go back to school. That doesn’t mean you have to physically go to school though. Instead, register online for a community school or online school that you know you can trust. Then, apply for financial aid and take as many classes as you can handle and your grants or scholarships can pay for. Now is a great time to change degrees so you can take on a job that can be done at home. If you don’t want a degree, but you just want to learn then take some free online classes You can choose from a huge selection, including courses that come from ivy league universities.

3. Learn a Language
In a world where connection seems to be lacking, you might do something to help you reconnect with the world whenever everything blows over. One of the best ways to do this is to learn a new language. You can choose anything from sign language to rare languages that are dying out. There are so many apps and websites that you can choose from to help you with this too. With any luck, you will be speaking a new language in no time without investing a penny in the new skill. This can also help you get more jobs, which will definitely improve your budget in the long run.

4. Meditation
Stress can get to you, especially in today’s world. However, one of the best ways to combat stress is to learn how to meditate. This might take some time, but there are a lot of guides online that can help you figure out how to meditate and do it successfully. Meditation is known to calm the body and help people get rid of the tensions and anxieties that they are holding onto. Meditation can also help you deal with anger, sadness, and other things that might cause you to feel overwhelmed in the changing world. With meditation on your side, you can truly reach an inner peace that will help you through most situations in life.

5. Garden
Another great way to improve your life is to get outside and garden. This will actually help you in many ways. First of all, it will ensure that you get outside for a little while, so you get the vitamin D and fresh air that your body needs. Gardening is also a very peaceful activity though that can help you release tension, stress, and more. Apart from that, it will allow you to grow food that you can consume when there are shortages. You don’t even have to begin gardening by spending money. Instead, just plant a seed from something you’ve already purchased and wait to see if it grows. You might be surprised how many things you can grow from items that you eat on a daily basis.

6. Organize
If there’s one thing we all learned from Marie Kondo it’s clutter can really bring you down. This doesn’t mean you need to go through everything you own right now and throw it all out. It does mean that you should take the time out of your schedule to give your home a little spruce up. For instance, your clutter table, drawer, or whatever item catches the junk in your home can be cleaned up. You might go through your filing cabinet and get rid of very old paperwork and file the new stack that has been collecting dust for the last couple of years. You might also clean out your drawers, so you can finally find all of your favorite items. If you’re really feeling ambitious, then the garage or attic might be a great place to organize too. You don’t have to purchase materials to organize either. Simply use old boxes for now or make your own unique items from things you have around the house.

7. Start a Dream Journal
Now might not seem the right time for dreaming, but it actually is. Being trapped at home allows you to figure out who you are as a person and what you would like to do with your life. This might not come easy at first. However, with a dream journal, you can make realizations that you never thought possible. For instance, you might write down the things you dream of doing the following day, to begin with. This can be as easy as cooking a delicious meal or as hard as finding a new job online. From there, dig a little deeper. Think about your career goals, relationships you’d like to heal, hobbies you’d like to pick up, and places you’d like to go. Feel free to write free verse, make bulletins, or even doodle. Your journal is all about you. You might even consider keeping it up as time passes because it is such a big help.

8. Improve Health
Good health is what we’re all fighting for here. So, use the quarantine period to help improve your health. We’re probably all guilty of hanging around the tv for a couple of weeks when everything started. However, you can only watch bad news for so long and there probably aren’t many good series left to binge anyway. So, now is the time to start fighting back. Make sure you exercise every single day. You might even try new things out like yoga, cross-fit, or just going for a run. You should also consider changing your diet to be a bit healthier. Apart from that, you should work to do things to improve your mental health. This does include getting outside for a little while and trying to communicate with others. These activities should help boost your immune system, so you can feel stronger when you rejoin the population.

9. Improve Relationships
With everyone at home with time on their hands, you might work to reestablish relationships that you once had problems with. May it be reconnecting with an old friend, improving your relationship with your partner, or even healing your relationship with a parent, you will be able to focus your energy during this time. If you have someone willing to work with you then you might just try talking things out to see where you stand and what needs to be done to strengthen the relationship. If you’re both willing to do the work, then you can find lots of great resources online to help you fix things that you might have once thought were broken.

10. Discover Art
Art can bring wholeness to life that many people are missing out on. So, you might want to use this time to actually discover art. You can do this in so many different ways too. For starters, you might begin by visiting virtual art museums. So many famous museums are currently available to be seen online. From there, you might consider learning a new form of art using the supplies you have at home. You can watch art tutorials online to help with the learning process. Listening to music is a great way to improve life too. If you prefer old music, then branch out and learn about current bands and trends. If new is all you listen to then take a history lesson in music. You can also discover new genres and more. While embracing music, you can also dust off an old instrument in the home and check out free lessons online.

Spending time at home doesn’t have to leave you feeling isolated. These ten ideas will add richness to your life that will actually help you when things do go back to normal. This will help bring down stress levels too, as you will suddenly have purpose and enjoyment to keep you engaged day in and day out.

There’s no doubt about it, kids heading to college don’t have it easy. This is typically a hard time for students trying to figure things out. However, with Covid-19 still spiking across the nation, many typical things promising college students to do to prepare for their next adventure have been put on hold. There are still things you can do to make sure you’re ready to head to college when the time comes. These ideas won’t just allow you to embrace college life early, but might also help you to save some money, so you can have even more of a nest egg when it’s time to leave for school.

1. Virtual Tours
The summer before senior year is usually filled with lots of college prep. One of the biggest things for students is attending tours of prospective schools. This year, this isn’t a thing, which has left many high school seniors struggling to not only feel like college is achievable, but uncertain of which school that should choose. Luckily, most colleges realize that touring a school is a big part of the selection process. So, there are lots of virtual tours online. Some of these tours strictly just show the school and allow students to virtually walk the halls. Other tours actually have a guide that will talk about the school, answer questions, and so much more. So, if you’re feeling like you are missing out on the college experience due to lack of touring, you can still get some of the experience on the internet.

2. Connect With Current Students
You can read reviews on prospective schools until you’re blue in the face. However, it isn’t going to give you the same juicy details as chatting with a student will. So, you might surf through your friends’ list on social media and see if there are any upperclassmen that decided to attend a school you’re interested in. Then, simply shoot them a message and ask for help. Most students are more than happy to help, especially since they had to deal with the unknown when they were choosing schools too. If you don’t know anyone, then many schools have groups and chatrooms you can check out. Some universities will even set you up with a student guide if you ask. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to others when it comes to your questions and concerns.

3. Utilize Email
At this point, you’ve probably realized that email is one of the biggest assets that we have right now. Not only does it keep us connected safely, but it can help us connect with people that we don’t know. For instance, you can find the email to college counselors from most college websites. From there, you can ask question upon question. Since things are up in the air right now, most counselors are working extra hard to get back to students, so you should receive an answer. If you’re curious about a major or class, then most professors’ emails are readily available too. Apart from that, you can find the email to get in touch with sororities, fraternities, clubs, and more. This will help you learn more about the school you’re interested in, choose a major or classes, and pick extracurriculars without stepping foot on campus.

4. Work Towards Scholarships/Grants
School is expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable for you. Scholarships and grants are going to be the answer to many of your financial problems. It is important that you keep on top of this though, even if you’re not sure if you will be attending school in the autumn. Scholarships can add up quickly and you can find them in many places that you might not expect. There are even websites dedicated to helping you find scholarships. Grants tend to more time-sensitive, but if you put in a financial aid packet, then you will be ready to receive your grants when you can finally attend school.

5. Consider Community College
Many students might not see it as ideal to attend community college instead of a university. However, this is a very wise move. One of the benefits of attending community college is students can stay close to home or live at home entirely. This is a perfect situation if schools close and students are asked to hurry home. Since many airlines and other modes of transportation will shut down, you won’t have to deal with having to figure out a safe way to travel numerous miles during an outbreak. Community colleges are also so much cheaper. They will allow you to knock out your two years of college without having to get in debt. This will cut back on overall college spending and might even help you find more opportunities to bring in scholarships.

6. Safety Measures
Even though there is a full year to wait for college, you should still be prepared for everything that could come your way. For instance, even if Covid-19 has blown over by the time you attend college, you should still have a safety plan in play just in case a pandemic or other emergency situation arises again. You should go over how you will get home, what you will do with your belongings, who you need to get in contact with. Even if Covid-19 is over, you should also go over a cleaning plan for daily clean-ups and weekly deep cleans. This will help you keep other problems away from your dorm room, so you can worry less. It is important to also keep a safety kit that includes more than one face masks, a few bottles of water, first aid supplies, and so on. This should help you deal with any emergencies that could possibly arise while you’re studying away from your home.

7. Investigate School’s COVID Response
It doesn’t need to be said that Covid-19 took so many by surprise. When the outbreak first began, people scrambled to deal with the situation to keep infection low. Even though our country had a jump start to figure out how to deal with the potential issue, many schools still failed to put a plan into place. Some schools still have no idea how to deal with the current situation. Before you choose a school, you should sit down and review their Covid-19 response. Check out how students were helped through the problem, how fast the school acted, what they plan to do in the future, and what measures they’re taking to ensure safety. Of course, you shouldn’t just take in a document as fact. Check out reviews, message boards, or ask students online about the school’s response. You might be surprised by what details come out.

8. Research Supply Options
Many people faced issues getting supplies when the outbreak began. So, before you choose a school, you might look around to see how the community is dealing with the situation. Are there stores offering delivery options? Are restaurants offering deals affordable for students? Can students easily get around without a vehicle if they do need to shop in person? These are all important questions that can help you feel more secure in your choice while also making sure you will be safe while you attend school.

9. Work Hard
Right now, things seem hopeless. They’re really not though. Instead of letting the bad news get to you, you should pour your free time into your studies. Use the time at home to improve your knowledge, boost your grades, learn about majors, and more. Just because you’re at home, it doesn’t mean you get a break from college prep. Instead, spend the extra time working on your SAT prep. When it comes to applying for admissions, you’ll be glad you spent all of your quarantine with your nose in the books, because it is the perfect time to boost your knowledge.

10. Gap Year
A lot of the time when you hear a student talk about a gap year it is because they want to travel or take the time to find themselves. During this time, you might consider a gap year to actually help keep your body healthy and your family safe. This year can be used for figuring out what you want to do, learn which job markets are flourishing, or just to boost your SAT scores and find scholarships. You might choose to work and take advantage of the essential worker bonuses, or you might stay home to help care of family members that can’t go out. Whatever you do, the school will be one less thing to worry about while scientists figure out how to combat COVID-19.

It might be a big disappointment that your senior year isn’t traditional, that college might be put on hold, and that life is changing so rapidly in a direction you might not like. These ten tips will help you prepare for when things go back to normal, so you can find success and enjoyment in your college experience.

Whether you’re moving your toddler from a crib to a toddler bed, a toddler bed to a big kid bed, or from your bed to their own, things can get a little tricky. A lot of people try to pour money into the problem hoping that kids will eventually use the things they purchased to find comfort in their new surroundings. These ten tips will help you think beyond ways to buy your child into their new bed. Instead, you will find that kids move into their beds with ease. There still might be a little apprehension at first, but with time your child will soon find independence as they sleep by themselves.

1. Create a Routine
One of the best things you can do for children, no matter the situation is to help them out by creating a routine. Bedtime routines are important no matter where your child sleeps though. If you can find a routine that works for you then you should stick with it as best as you can. Many people start out their routine with bath time or a storytime. However, some start the routine even earlier by dimming the lights and moving into soothing music. Of course, your household’s needs will have to be considered when working out your routine. You don’t want complete chaos as you try to get your child ready for bed, nor do you want loud noises in the home when your child is asleep. Thus, you will really need to plan carefully here. Once you get a routine down, children will naturally be drawn to keeping it though. Thus, it will be easier than ever to get them in bed and asleep.

2. Comfort Objects
Comfort items have been a part of childhood for decades. However, they can be used logically to help children want to spend time in their own bed, while also encouraging them to sleep longer. These days, there are many items on the market for this. From toys that light up and play music to white noise makers, you’ll find a little something to suit everyone. When it comes to comfort items, one of your best options is blankets. There are weighted blankets for kids to help soothe anxiety, as well as blankets that glow in the dark to help with a child’s fear of the dark. If a snuggly toy is what you’re going for then you might want to consider one that plays music, can be warmed to mimic body heat, or simply lights up. There are sound machines that will help improve your child’s quality of sleep too. There are even reviews to help you make the right choice if you’re feeling lost.

3. Storytime
Storytime is a timeless way to help children get to sleep. There is something special about using a story to help a child feel secure in their surroundings. Storytime can be done in a number of ways too, so you can mix things up or stick with your child’s favorite way of hearing a story. One way is to simply tell a story you know. Whether its reminiscing or sharing a story from the top of your head, your child will love the bonding time. Another simple way is to actually read a book to your child, or you can use an audiobook to help soothe them. There are also devices now that use stories and songs to help children get to sleep without stress and anxiety. You’ll find a long list of apps to help you out too, which can make your life easier if your nights are a little hectic or you have more than one child to care for.

4. Aroma Therapy
If your child favors sensory ways to relax then you might consider offering aromatherapy in the room. You can find a diffuser for very cheap online or in retail stores, or you can use a humidifier. Simply place a few drops of essential oils in the water and let the smell soothe your child. There are specific scents that you’re supposed to use for this type of aromatherapy though. For instance, lavender is one of the most common options to choose from. With a little simple research, you’ll find everything you need to know about the oils you should use and the combinations that will be most effective for your child.

5. Warm Bath
A warm bath can be one of the most relaxing things you can do for your child. This is especially good when your child is wound up as the warm water can help them feel comforted and tired. If anything, the splashing around might also help them wear off some more energy. Of course, baths aren’t recommended every night as it might dry out your child’s skin. When you do offer a bath, try to add in more soothing elements. For instance, you might use lavender scented bubbles. You might also consider playing soothing music that will help get your kids in the mood for bed.

6. No Screen Time
It might seem like screen time is a great idea to help your child calm down. However, in most cases, it isn’t. Most of the activities your child is going to be doing on their device will stimulate the mind, which will make children want to stay up even longer. Apart from that, the blue light used on devices actually tricks the brain into thinking it is daylight, which can mess with your child’s internal clock. Devices can also cause tantrums when they are taken away, which will also disturb the calmness of bedtime.

7. Make Your Location Known
For some children, it can make them uneasy to not know where their parents are. So, when you put your child in bed, you might mention where you will be if they need you. For instance, if you are planning on cleaning up the kitchen inform them of this. When you move to another area of the home check in so they know you’re still present and where to find you if they are feeling insecure. After some time, your child will understand you’re still in the same home, which will allow them to feel more secure so they can drift off to sleep on their own.

8. Plenty of Exercises
A lot of kids aren’t getting enough exercise, which shows when it is bedtime. Instead of expecting kids to go straight to bed, you should concentrate on the amount of energy they burned during the day. Make sure your child gets outside for a little while, so they can run and play. If outside isn’t an option, then have games that encourage movement inside. You can also start kids out on an exercise routine with sit-ups, jumping jacks, and running in place. A yoga regimen before bed might also help. They have yoga that helps to soothe the body and is specifically designed for bedtime. You might have to play around with routines to see what works best for your child though.

9. Slow Movement
For a lot of parents, hanging out in their child’s bedroom for quite some time is a very real thing. You can remedy this problem by slowly moving out of the room though. When you first introduce your child to their bed, it is easy to sit on the bed and read, while rubbing their back and encouraging sleep. However, after a few days, you might move a chair into the room for reading and bedtime routines. Each day places the chair a little further from the bed. Then, when your child is ready, you might not even need the chair, as you might be able to just walk out of the room after the bedtime routine is complete.

10. Keep Bedtime Early
Trying to get your child to stay in bed can take a really long time. The hours will grow more frustrating the later the night gets, too. One of the best things you can do for your child is to put them down at an early hour. This might seem weird, especially if your child is used to staying up late. However, many studies say that putting children to bed at an early hour can actually help them sleep better. Children with an early bedtime not only sleep longer hours but are said to be smarter and healthier. They are also less likely to be obese. So, use science as your backup and put your child down earlier. You’ll still be able to get some of the nighttime to yourself, even if they do fight you for some time.

Helping children adjust to a new sleep routine can be remarkably tough. These ten ideas will help you stand firmly while you work through the adjustment period for the entire family. With a little patience, you’ll be able to find the perfect way to help your child feel comfortable and happy in their own bed.

Everyone scream, because July is National Ice Cream Month. With the year everyone is having, this ice cream month needs to be one of the best yet! Since going to an ice cream parlor to indulge isn’t exactly the wisest idea, these ten tips will help you make the most out of National Ice Cream Month. Plus, the cold treat will help you cool down as the temperatures sore outside. So, don’t let the month pass you by without something sweet to make life look a little better.

1. Enjoy Ice Cream History
One thing that always seems to be overlooked when we think about ice cream is where it came from. We all know that there is ice cream in just about every culture you can think of, but when did it all begin? When did ice cream become popular? Instead of just wondering about it, learn about it. This is a great task for kids too. You might even have them learn about ice cream through time and in different cultures. If you really want to get into it, you might have them try out old recipes to see what ice cream used to taste like. It’s bound to add some fun to the day while helping everyone enjoy ice cream even more.

2. DIY Ice Cream
Ice cream can be expensive. Plus, you need to go into a store to pick out the ice cream you want, which is a little dangerous at the moment. Instead of purchasing ice cream, you might consider making your own. You can do this a number of ways too, so don’t worry if you don’t have an ice cream maker. If you look online, you’ll find so many simple to follow recipes that you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making your own ice cream years ago. Apart from that, you will be able to control the ingredients you use, which will help suit a number of dietary needs and will make the entire household feel amazing.

3. Invent New Flavors
Once you get the hang of making ice cream, you might have some fun by making new flavors. You can add in all sorts of ingredients to see what works and what doesn’t. Of course, you can also add flavors to ice cream that you purchase from a store if you’re not feeling dedicated enough to make your own. Once everyone has a flavor they’re happy with, you can have a competition to see which one turned out the best. This can be a lot of fun for the whole family to participate in and will give you something to look forward to as the month progresses.

4. Flavor a Day
The best thing about ice cream is there are numerous flavors to try out. So, this July, you might make it a point to try out a new flavor every single day. You don’t have to purchase large containers of the ice cream, nor do you have to have a whole bowl full each day. However, if you purchase or make small containers then everyone can enjoy a bite of something new. If every day is a bit too much for you, then you might consider pushing your flavor exploration to once a week. This will make a nice treat and will help you broaden your horizons a little bit.

5. Get Creative
You know, ice cream doesn’t always have to be eaten as just ice cream. During National Ice Cream Month, you might consider using your creativity to give ice cream new life. For starters, you can easily make an ice cream cake and decorate with your favorite themes. You might also consider ice cream tacos, which already exist, but can be spiced up to suit your own needs. Apart from that, it might be fun to whip up an ice cream pizza or a pie. The options are truly endless and will allow you to exercise a bit of creativity while still enjoying one of your favorite treats. You never know, you might come up with an idea that will put you on the map.

6. Healthy Alternatives
Ice cream is good and all, but it isn’t exactly good for you. So, while you’re exploring your love of ice cream in July, you might take some time to figure out some healthy alternatives to your favorite treat. For instance, if you freeze bananas, you can blend them to create a cold and creamy texture much like your favorite ice cream treat. You can also add flavors to help make the dish even better. You might also try out a sorbet with berries or other fruits that will make you think twice about your sweet tooth. Apart from that, you can use a milk alternative, like coconut milk or almond milk to make your ice cream. Many of these options are available in store too, so enjoy discovering new flavors and brands.

7. Celebrate Individual Holidays
July is National Ice Cream Month, which is a reason to celebrate in itself. However, the month is also filled with individual days that will help you celebrate ice cream all the more. For instance, July 17 is National Peach Ice Cream Day while July 20 is National Ice Cream Sundae Day. That is just scratching the surface of ice cream days though. You will also find that there are days dedicated to desserts, which classically pair well with ice cream. For instance, you might enjoy a scoop of vanilla ice cream as you celebrate National Pecan Pie Day on July 12. There are so many fun days to celebrate, so don’t forget to check your calendar for dates.

8. Decorate an Ice Cream Bowl
Although eating ice cream from a cone is fun, nothing compares to having your own ice cream bowl for treats. This month, you might choose to let the whole family decorate their very own ice cream bowl. You can start out by ordering a bulk set of plain bowls. Then, have the family paint them with fun designs that will inspire them to enjoy their ice cream even more. Everyone will love showing off their creativity too and admiring their hair work whenever they treat themselves to a bowl of delicious ice cream.

9. Learn to Make Add-Ons
It isn’t all about the ice cream all of the time. Sometimes, we really need to have some add-ins to make the dish even tastier. So, this month, you might try your hand at making your add-ons. For instance, you can look up a recipe for hot fudge sauce or fruit inspired sauces that you’d typically find on a sundae. You might also chop up some fruits, nuts, cookies, candy pieces, and so on to build your own ice cream bar. Of course, ice cream wouldn’t be the same without some homemade whipped cream. You can even add in flavors to the cream or makeup Dalgona, which is a coffee-based whipped cream. Making your own cone is another possibility that can have everyone on a mission to find the perfect recipe for each flavor of ice cream.

10. Take Out
Although it is fun to make our own tasty ice cream and stores feature lots of varieties to try out, nothing is quite the same as ice cream from your favorite restaurant. Although going to an ice cream parlor isn’t an option for most, you can still use take out services to get it. For instance, Baskin Robbins is currently offering a family sundae bundle, so you can build your own sundae at home. You can still order your favorite items too. Some take out services will also deliver them to your door. So, if you’re craving something special, you might try ordering it to go. You never know, your splurge might even be helping keep the business afloat.

National Ice Cream Month couldn’t have come at a better time. These tips will help you find the inspiration you need to create wonderful things while allowing you to enjoy yourself. You may even come out of the month with new favorite ice cream.

It is the fear of many parents that school will be back in session before the COVID-19 pandemic is over. For some parents, this fear might come sooner than in the typical school year. Some schools want children to participate in summer school, while other schools are mulling over the idea of having school start much earlier this year. If you’re feeling uneasy about this there are some things you can do to help your child fight back against coronavirus while they’re at school. So, don’t let the stress get to you because these ten items can truly make a big difference.

1. Face Mask
At this point, it is pretty well known that a face mask can make a huge difference when it comes to COVID-19. Some scientists are saying that if 80% of people wore masks when out that we would be able to get rid of COVID-19, while others are saying that wearing a mask can at least help stop the spread of the virus if a person is infected. So, a face mask can be an important thing for your child to have at school. You can make these at home for next to nothing. Plus you can choose fabrics that suit your child’s interests. To help prevent the masks from harming the ears, you might also consider using clasps in the back to relieve this pressure. The mask doesn’t have to be worn all day. Instead, students should wear it when in the hallway or at other times when they are not 6 feet away from others. This especially includes the bus.

2. Water Bottle
It is important for your child to stay hydrated throughout the day. However, the school’s water fountains probably aren’t going to be a wise idea for a while. Thus, you should send your child to school with a water bottle. The portion of the bottle that children drink from should have a covering so that it is not exposed when not in use. Keeping children hydrated with their own water bottle will help keep the body healthy in case of an infection. It will also allow children to feel more comfortable with drinking water as they won’t have to worry about germs. If possible, ask your child to keep the water bottle in their desk or locker to prevent contamination on the exterior when not in use.

3. Hand Sanitizer
Not every teacher has a sink and soap in their classroom, nor will most teachers allow their students to wash hands whenever they ask to. Thus, a container of hand sanitizer is a must for your student. You might consider getting a travel size bottle and decorating it to make it seem more inviting for your child. Then, fill with your favorite brand of hand sanitizer or follow recipes to make your own. Students can use this hand sanitizer after sneezing, coughing, touching something that might be contaminated, and so on.

4. Personal Tissue Container
Sneezing has never been a great thing to do in public. However, now it is even more important for children to cover their sneezes. Although most classrooms tend to ask for tissues that all students can use, this year, you might want to send your child with their own container. Tissue containers might contain germs if a student sneezes on the box or near it. You can make a container in so many fun ways, so browse for ideas online to help get you started. One of the best options is to make an enclosed container though, so the germs from sneezes won’t contaminate the tissue that your child will use on their own face. These tissues can be kept in a student’s backpack or desk for added convenience.

5. Hand Wipes
Although hand sanitizer can go a long way, hand wipes can also be a great asset. Going through a cafeteria line, touching a chair at the table, and so on can actually pass germs. So, even if your child washes their hands before eating, they could still get COVID-19 germs on them before they actually get to their meal. If you pack a hand wipe or two in their bag then they can use these to wipe down the area of the table that they eat on, as well as their hands. These can also be used on the bus, at their desk, and so on. Hand wipes are small so they can be placed in many different places too, so students will always have one on hand. If you’re trying to save money, you can also make them yourself and store them in ziplock bags.

6. Privacy Screen
Some schools are toying with the idea of putting up a privacy screen, but other schools aren’t. So, if you want to give your child a little extra protection then this is a good thing to consider. However, you will probably have to get the go-ahead from your child’s teacher. A privacy screen isn’t anything that is overly complicated though. Rather, you can tape two folders together and add a little base to help them stand up. It might be more efficient if you use a transparent folder though, so you might shop around for that. A privacy screen can be placed around your child while they eat and study.

7. Reliable Thermometer
A reliable thermometer is something that every household needs. However, it is also something that is incredibly important right now. One of the main symptoms of COVID-19 is a high temperature and it could be the only symptom a person gets. However, if your child has a fever they should be quarantined at home so they don’t spread the virus to someone else if they do have it. You should take your child’s temperature before they head to school and when they come home just to play it safe. A thermometer that uses the ear or forehead is one of your best options too. That way you’re not spreading germs between family members. There are lots of reviews for these items online too, so make sure you shop around to see which will work best for your budget and your family.

8. Spare Clothing
It has already been said that coronavirus will live on clothing and other fabrics for a few days. This can pose a risk to children, especially if someone sneezes or coughs on them. Thus, you might consider adding a pair of spare clothing to your child’s school supplies. Simply place these in a bag that can be kept in the locker. Make sure the bag is closed tight though so that germs in the air can’t get on the clothing. If a child feels uncomfortable then they can swap clothing to ease their mind. This can help prevent infection, as well as anxiety. Make sure your child knows to store the potentially contaminated clothes in a closed bag too until they can get them home to be properly sanitized.

9. Closed Lunchbox
Gone are the days of your child grabbing lunch from the cafeteria or taking a brown bag lunch to school. This can be a potential danger to children. Cafeterias could expose children to the virus while the food is being served or the virus could stay on the child’s tray and infest during mealtimes. Brown bags don’t offer complete protection either as droplets can penetrate the bag and contaminate the items students will touch and eat, even if they are wrapped in plastic. So, you’ll want to invest in a lunch box that completely closes. Preferably, you will want to choose a box that can be sanitized daily. This will keep out droplets so kids can open the packaging without touching contaminated items.

10. Knowledge
One of the best things you can arm your child with during the school year is knowledge. A lot of parents are worried that telling their children about the virus will make them feel anxious. However, having your child return to school with new rules and potentially a new set up will freak them out even more if they’re not sure what is going on. So, explain about COVID-19 and the risk it poses to some people. You might talk about symptoms, ways to prevent it, and so on. Most importantly, you will need to talk to your child about the proper way to wash their hands as this will be the biggest asset to them. There are lots of online resources for this, so you can help your child feel confident. You might also go over the six feet rule with older children that can follow the rule, as younger children probably won’t grasp the concept.

School can be a frightening place for children and parents with COVID-19 still spreading. These ten things can help your child protect themselves from the virus so they can learn without feeling as threatened. With any luck, a vaccine will come soon, but until then, these items will help your child get through the day with less of a risk of contracting the virus.

These days, we’re relying on delivery services a lot. Delivery services can help us treat ourselves whenever we don’t want to cook another meal, which seems to have a lot more frequently these days. The contactless service also helps to protect us which is an important thing to keep in mind when you see the fees that are tacked on to your meal purchase. If it is hard for you to keep up with the prices of ordering delivery, you might want to consider a few of these options for saving money on your purchases. These won’t get in the way of the paycheck of the delivery driver, nor will they harm local businesses, so you’ll be doing your share to keep the economy going.

1. Meal Me
Creating an order on several different apps to compare prices on your meal isn’t exactly efficient when it comes to time or patience. This app is designed to help you avoid that problem. Instead, all you have to do is log in to the app and let it works its magic. You’ll be able to figure out which app you should use for your meal, which will make getting the dish so much easier. Best of all, it won’t cost you a dime to figure out which app is going to save you the most money. Since it depends on the day and restaurant, Meal Me will definitely become one of your most valuable apps.

2. Coupons
Coupons aren’t just for in-store shopping anymore. In fact, you can find all sorts of coupons for delivery apps. One way is to sign up for mailing lists as you will receive coupons and special discounts in your email, sometimes on a daily basis. Some delivery apps will actually send out snail mail too, which will allow you to get codes that will help you save big time. This happens frequently when you move to a new residence, but some apps will send out snail mail regularly to all of their customers. There are also many coupon websites to help you out. For instance, the app honey will actually go through your order to find coupons and discounts that suit your personal needs. You don’t have to pay a cent for this service either, but it can save you hundreds in a year if you use it frequently.

3. Rewards Programs
This is one of the greatest aspects of the dining world. You can find a reward program at many of your favorite restaurants, especially if they are a chain or serve a lot of people. These reward programs can help you get discounts on the food you order or free items, which will certainly make ordering out so much better. Apart from that, you will find rewards from some delivery apps. These might be free delivery or a percentage off of your order when you spend so much money on the app. This can come in handy too, especially if you find yourself ordering out often. If you combine the two rewards, you can really save big, which will make ordering out so much more rewarding.

4. Local Options
When you’re shopping for items to have delivered, try to keep local in mind. These are the restaurants that are going to be struggling to stay afloat during the quarantine period. They tend to need business more, so you’re going to find a lot of great deals coming out of most of these places. Since many of these restaurants don’t have websites, your best option is to check on delivery apps to see what is on offer. You can also call them to see if they have any deals going on. You might be surprised by how many deals you can find if you simply call and talk to the owners of a facility. They might even offer their own delivery options, which will truly help you to save even more money. Best of all, your expenditure will help support small businesses which will help the economy in your area.

5. Shop Sales
When you decide to shop around for a delivery order, your best option is to not make plans as to where you want to shop. Instead, hop on an app and look around for sales. Many apps will highlight deals that will help you find better prices faster. However, some restaurants will also allow you to find sales on their website and shop that way. So, make sure to be open and shop around before you commit to ordering a meal. You might have to do some digging though, especially if you want to try something new. Restaurants that are local can be even more challenging, so shop sales by calling the restaurant or checking out their social media pages.

6. Search Free Delivery
Every once in a blue moon you will crave something that will save you some money. On most of the food delivery apps, you will find that there is a free delivery section. This will allow you to shop around for items that won’t cost you extra to get delivered. This can substantially cut down on your bill, especially since many restaurants are having to charge fees just to have their restaurant listed on the app. Free delivery is also a great way to try a new restaurant. Usually, you won’t find the same restaurant in the free delivery section, so next time something intrigues you there you might jump on the chance to try it out.

7. Shop Bulk
Shopping around for food delivery can be tough, especially if you’re trying to save some money. Your best option is to not shop for only one or two items when you are ordering this service. You’re going to wind up spending a bit on delivery, so it doesn’t seem fruitful to do it for a couple of tacos. Instead, try to shop for a family deal or at least order a couple of meals. Even if you’re just feeding yourself, you can eat the other meals later, which will save you on having to pay another delivery cost.

8. Credit Card Rewards
Shopping for food delivery doesn’t have to be all expenditure. In fact, you can actually be rewarded for shopping at restaurants and using delivery apps. Many credit cards have rewarded for visiting restaurants for quite some time now. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic going on, many credit cards have decided to add delivery services on to the rewards program too. If you’re not sure if your credit card company is offering this service, then you can easily look on their website or talk with a customer service representative. If you don’t have a credit card and you’re looking into getting one, then there are lots of helpful websites that will compare the rewards for you. This will help you make an educated decision for your needs.

9. Go Direct
Shopping for delivery services on apps can be very costly. So, one of the best ways to combat this problem is to go through the venue directly. Even chain services will help you save money by offering delivery directly through the service. This doesn’t mean that delivery is going to be free though. You’ll still have to pay a small fee, which is generally under $5. You will also be required to tip the delivery driver, sometimes before they even arrive. Thus, you still will have to pay for the service. However, you will get to avoid all of the hidden fees and other charges that you come across when you’re ordering food for delivery.

10. Consider Distance
Some delivery services will actually charge you based on the distance that the delivery driver has to travel. Thus, if you are ordering delivery then your best option is to shop for items that are a bit closer to your home. This will help cut back on a mileage fee while allowing you to still enjoy the contactless service. If you’re not sure how far a restaurant is from you then you might map it out if you’re working with a service that charges a fee. Another way to get around this fee is to shop from restaurants in your zip code or even in your community. Many restaurants won’t deliver outside of their area, so your best option is to keep it close by if you want to order directly from places.

Ordering delivery has truly become a part of our new normal. That doesn’t mean that we have to get used to spending a small fortune on it. These tips will help you find the best savings possible, so you don’t have to think twice about dining out. Best of all, your purchase, even with the savings, will help to keep delivery drivers and restaurants going strong.

Entertaining the kids, especially the younger kids, this summer is going to be tough. With many parks, playgroups, and water activities canceled, it up to parents to find stimulating ways to learn at home or in environments that promote social distancing. This can be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. Luckily, there is an abundance of great ways to help you and your kids enjoy sensory activities for next to nothing. These ten ideas are just the beginning of fun summer activities that you can enjoy with little ones. So, let the learning begin as you prepare for summer fun without breaking your budget.

1. Sand Play
Nothing says summer quite like toes in the sand, which is why sand play is one of the best sensory activities for this time of the year. Not only does it allow children to feel the texture of the sand and enjoy it, but older children can build and dig in the sand, too. So, if you want to begin with this activity then simply purchase some sand from your local retail store. You can place it in a sandbox, in a plastic bin, or even in a cardboard box, depending on what you have on hand. Sand isn’t great for all ages though. If you’re worried that your baby might take to putting sand in their mouth, especially if it is stored outside, then there is a simple hack for you. Simply blend up an oat-based cereal, like Cheerios. This will create the consistency of sand while ensuring it is safe for your little one to put in their mouth.

2. Water Chalk
Playing with chalk is a timeless activity that most kids enjoy. However, in the summertime, it can be a bit tough to play on the hot pavement. So, you might want to take chalk to a whole new level with water chalk. All you need is a spray bottle and a few ingredients to get you started. Simply gather food coloring, chalk, salt, water, and whatever the recipe of your choice calls for. Then mix it up and get to work. Kids can use the bottles to spray designs or to paint things around the property. Best of all, they won’t have to touch anything that might scorch their skin, which will make the activity even more rewarding.

3. Calm Down Bottle
Being cooped up can make kids go a little crazy, but let’s face it, they can get a little out of hand even when things are normal. One solution to the craziness is a calm down bottle. This is a sensory bottle that kids can hold and admire while they calm down their bodies and their minds. A calm down bottle is simple to make and is a great project for kids to engage in. First of all, you will need a clear bottle. A plastic soda bottle is a great option, but you can use anything you have on hand. Once you have your bottle, fill it halfway with water. Then, fill the other half with baby oil. Your next step is to add food coloring to your child’s choice of color. Then, comes the creative part. Kids can add in glitter, LEGO pieces, small toys, and so on. Once everything is in, glue the cap of the bottle on firmly. Then, give it a shake. The color will mix into the water and then everything will slowly begin to separate. This is very soothing to watch and will help kids calm down as they play with their new sensory toys.

4. Ice Painting
Another great way to calm things down is to do some ice painting. This is perfect for really hot days because it will allow kids to cool down as they work. However, you might not want to enjoy the activity outside unless you’re prepared for the art to melt quickly. To begin with this craft, you need to freeze a big block of ice. You can do this in a bowl, a tray, or anything that you have that might work. Then, grab some trays that you don’t mind tinting. Fill each with water and add a drop or two of food coloring. This will act as the paint for the craft. From there, kids can paint on the ice with their favorite brush. Kids will love watching the colors mesh together as they work with the ice.

5. Giant Bubbles
Most kids are huge fans of bubbles, but tiny little bubble makers can get very boring after a week or so. Thus, it might be a lot of fun to make giant bubbles. You don’t need much for this activity either. You can start by using two straws and two pieces of string. Simply tie the string on the straws to connect them. Then place bubbles in a tray and fill the bubble maker. If you want to get complex, then you can add strings in the center to make designs. Once you master this size then move up to the next level by using sticks. You can even make your own bubble mixture with soap and water if you want to save some money on the activity. If you’re going this route, you can also add food coloring to the mixture to add to the fun.

6. Splash Area
Playing in the water is one of the best ways to cool down during the summer months, but it also a great sensory activity for kids. Luckily, splashing in the water doesn’t take a lot of work on your part. You can easily grab something for your child to play in like a baby pool or plastic bin. However, the bathtub works just as well if you don’t mind cleaning up the mess. Simply fill the item of choice with cool or warm weather and let your child splash away. You can even add a bath bomb, toys, bath colors, and more. If you have other water toys then make sure to incorporate them, too. Kids will love every moment of the fun and will be able to learn as they embrace the playtime.

7. DIY Slime
These days, slime is all the rage. You can find it in almost any store that sells toys. Plus, it is all over TV and kid programs. There’s a reason for this though. Slime is one of the best sensory toys for kids of all ages. Plus, it is incredibly easy to make. All you need is some glue, water, and a couple of other supplies and you’re well on your way. There are recipes all over the place too, which will allow you to try out new things throughout the summer. After you’ve mastered making slime, you can work on making slime with glitter, or adding small toys to the slime for kids to dig out. This can truly make playtime fun and will help with sensory skills.

8. Shaving Cream Play
Another great activity for kids is shaving cream play. This has been used for decades because it is a great way to use sensory play, but it can also be used as an educational toy. For little ones, simply place some on a tray and let kids run their hands through it. You’ll have to pay close attention here though as little ones might be tempted to put the cream in their mouth. Younger kids can have a bit more fun with the activity though. You can add food coloring to make the activity more fun, as well. Once you have the mixture you desire ready to go, have kids draw their shapes, letters, or numbers. Kids can also practice vocabulary spelling or math equations. This will help make learning fun while adding a bit of sensory play to the day.

9. Bug Hunting
Exploring outside is one of the best ways for children to embrace their senses. Thus, bug hunting is a good way to help with sensory play. Gather food jars and other items to capture the bugs in, so children can observe them. One bug that children might get a real kick out of catching is the firefly. Children can watch the bug light up in their jars or even in the world around them. Of course, kids don’t have to catch the bugs in order to observe them. In fact, it might be safer for some bugs to be observed from a distance, like ants and spiders.

10. Garden Play
Working in the garden is one of the best sensory activities around. Not only does this activity help children learn and grow, but it can also help them out in the future. So, this summer, let them get outside in the garden to enjoy digging in the dirt, planting seeds, pulling weeds, and even picking flowers and produce. Kids will learn where food comes from and might even be more willing to eat their fruits and vegetables. This is a great bonding activity for the whole family too, which makes it one of the most valuable sensory play activities around.

Sensory play is a great way to help children engage in the world around them while ensuring they are having fun. These ten ideas will help you save money on the activities you choose for your children this summer while allowing them to learn and grow. With any luck, your child will fall in love with the activities, so your summer can go smoother than ever.

If your child is used to hitting camp during summer break, then there might be a whole lot of disappointment this year. Most summer camps won’t be opening their doors, which means kids are going to be left at home this year. Your kids don’t have to give up their summer camp fun though, as there are lots of great alternatives to embrace during summer break. These are going to be a lot cheaper than having your child go to a sleep-away camp, too, which will definitely help your budget out. So, get ready to set up a schedule for summer fun because these alternatives are bound to make life more enjoyable for the whole family.

1. Virtual Camps
Believe it or not, but virtual camps are totally a thing. Most importantly, there are going to be numerous virtual camps to choose from this summer, which will help your child find something that will appease his or her personality. You will find virtual camps from the Boys ad Girls Club, tech camps, art camps, and so much more. Your best option here is to take a look at the website for a camp your child was considering attending. Most will have resources to help you along your way. You can also do a quick search online to try to find what you’re after. Many colleges and universities are also offering virtual camps, which will help support education and keep kids busier than ever.

2. Get Outside
Without a doubt, one of the biggest aspects of summer camp has always been spending time outdoors. Most traditional camps have kids outside most of the day as they hike, swim, play games, and so much more. With camp not in session, kids are less likely to get out and about. Thus, you need to make sure this isn’t a problem. One of the easiest ways to do this is to plan your own hikes, time in the pool if you have one, gardening sessions, or even a trip to the lake or beach. As long as you aren’t around a lot of other people, the great outdoors will be a safe and rewarding place to spend your summer.

3. Reading Program
Without fail, you can always count on your local library to provide fun for the kids. The summer reading program can be found in almost every library, which makes it a great asset to the community. The best thing about the reading program is it is absolutely free for the kids to join. All you have to do is sign them up and have them read for prizes and other incentives. Some libraries might still offer summer activities to go along with the program too, so make sure to check this out if you’re feeling comfortable with it. Of course, while you’re there, you might see if the library is offering reading programs for adults too, as it might give you something to take your mind off of things.

4. Virtual Travels
No summer camp and no vacation might create a pretty dull summer beak. However, there is still a way to have kids travel without setting foot outside of the house. Virtual traveling is a thing now and it is pretty awesome. Simply pick a destination and you can find a virtual tour that will take you there. You might have kids choose one destination per week. They can take time to explore museums, historical sites, and more. Then have them learn about the culture, including food and music. While listening to music, whip up a recipe or two to try out. You might be surprised how much it will inspire kids to travel as adults.

5. Subscription Services
When it comes to keeping kids busy, there are a lot of subscription services that you can check out. The services even cater to age ranges, so you can find the best option for your child. One of the best things about these services is they deliver an activity monthly, which will give your child a project to work on. You can find things like STEM activities, crafts, historical lessons, literature, and more. You can even base a learning plan around the subscription box to help further the lesson. Education boxes aren’t the only option though. You can also find boxes that feature snacks or foods from other countries. These can help children feel like they’ve traveled, even when they stay at home.

6. Go Camping
If you’re missing the camp vibes then actually going camping can be one of the best ways to satisfy this need. Luckily, most campsites should be open as they allow for plenty of social distancing, but you should still play it safe if you use bathrooms. Simply wash your hands often, don’t touch your face, and wear a mask when around others. If camping isn’t in your budget or if you’re worried about Covid-19, then you can still enjoy a campout. All you have to do is set up camp outside in your own backyard. This can still bring on the camping vibes while allowing you to enjoy some time outdoors.

7. Challenge Them
Summer camp can be a challenge for kids, which is why it is an important aspect of childhood for so many. However, they aren’t going to be as challenged when it comes to staying at home. That is unless you choose to challenge them. So, when summer break begins, simply sit down with your child and talk about their goals and dreams. Then, offer them a challenge. It can be anything from building a fort to play in, embracing a STEM activity like robotics, or even learning a foreign language or a fictitious one! Kids will love the challenge and it will help them set up a schedule so they can actually pull it off.

8. Recreate Camp
Even though there are alternatives to camp, there really isn’t anything that has the ability to replace camp in the hearts of kids. So, instead of letting your child feel bummed out that camp was canceled, you might consider recreating some of the fun elements of camp. One of the easiest things to do is include a craft time every day with classic crafts to help children feel like they’re at one with nature and the camp spirit. Apart from craft sessions, you might also consider setting up some outdoor games or sports. Obstacle courses are a must and are very simple to set up. Apart from that, you can also incorporate cooking and cleaning up during the day.

9. Educational Programs
Educational programs are a great way to help fill your child’s time when they can’t go camping. These programs can also help supplement some of the information your child might learn while at camp. There are many apps and programs to choose from too. If you have younger children in the home, then you might go for apps like ABC Mouse or Noggin. These use fun cartoons to help improve learning and more. Older kids can use apps designed to improve math skills, teach them language, or help them enjoy college courses. There are so many options to choose from too, including photography classes, math lessons, and graduate-level psychology courses. The choices are entirely up to you and your needs.

10. Journaling
Times are challenging right now, which can be tough on the whole family. While kids are cooped up at home, it might be a bit of a relief to get your child into journaling. Journaling can be very therapeutic for all ages, so it might be wise to have your child start journaling. You can set up a time every day for them to write so you can ensure it gets done. They can start their journaling like they’re writing a letter from camp or they can work out their own personal style. At the end of the summer, get the journal laminated so they can remember their time during the quarantine. You never know, your child’s work might become the source material for a book one day, which can really set them up for success.

Summer camp really can’t be replaced in the hearts of kids, but there are many alternatives that can help take away the sting of not attending camp. These ten ideas will allow your kids to have some fun this summer while still getting the camp experience that they desire.

Summer is here, and the summer solstice will arrive in a couple more days. This should give you plenty of time to plan out your celebration. For many, travel is a big part of summer. This year, unfortunately, travel doesn’t seem like a wise option to engage in. There are still ways that you can engage in the summer solstice though, so you don’t have to give up your seasonal celebration. These ten tips will help to keep the summer frugal and fun, so you won’t feel like you missed out on anything as 2020 comes to an end.

1. Watch the celebration at Stonehenge
The summer solstice celebration at Stonehenge is world-famous. However, in year’s past, you actually had to visit Stonehenge to take part in the celebration. So, for most of us, it has been a bit of a mystery as to what goes on during the celebration. That mystery will certainly come to an end this summer as Stonehenge is broadcasting their celebration for the first time in history. So, if you really want to see what all of the buzzes are about, you can check it out online. You might not want to miss out on this broadcast because it could be a once in a lifetime experience for so many as they might not broadcast it again.

2. Plant Summer Foods
Celebrating summer solstice means celebrating the changes the planet goes through. So, one of the best ways to welcome in the summer months is to give back to nature. This is the perfect time to gather some seeds and plant foods that will grow in the summer months. This means you’ll have an abundance of squash, eggplant, corn, and so much more. There are many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers to put in the ground during this time, so make yourself a garden that will help feed your family during the hard times. This will nourish your body while helping to bring tranquility to your life. You can find a list of things you can grow during this time online, which will help you choose what is going to work best for your climate, too.

3. Water Fun
Without a doubt, it’s pretty hot out there already. This summer is assumed to be one of the hottest on the record too. So, you might want to get outside and have some fun with the water. You might consider setting up a water gun battle that will keep the whole family occupied for hours. Another great option is to play in the sprinkler. This can help cool everyone down while watering the lawn. Of course, if you have a pool then this is the perfect time to go for a dip. There are lots of water games you can embrace too, so make sure to use your imagination and keep fun in mind as you plan out your celebration.

4. Create a Sun Wheel
A sun wheel is another traditional aspect of the solstice. It is said to signify the circle of life as well as one’s connectedness to the world. Sun wheels are incredibly easy to make, too, as there is no set way to do it. Traditionally, they are made from flowers, rocks, and other things found in nature. Simply place these items in a circle and you’re all set. However, you can improvise if you’re confined to your home. If you’re feeling creative then you can also make them out of flowers and use them as a headband, as this can help you feel like you’ve joined in the celebration with others.

5. Meditate/Self-Reflect
The summer solstice is a time for new beginnings. As the earth embraces the new life that sprouted in spring, you can also nurture the new you. This is a time to self-reflect, especially with quarantine going on. So, you might want to make out a list of things you need to do to become the person you want to be. You also might work on changing bad habits and embrace better habits for your body and mind. Enjoying meditation is also a wise move as this will allow you to breathe, ease stress and anxiety, and so on. Getting in the routine of meditating can help you lead a healthier life, but it can also help you manifest the future you want to live. There are tips on how to begin meditation if you’re not sure how to start, so you can truly embrace your new lifestyle.

6. Dream Journal
If you’re serious about preparing a new future for yourself, then the summer solstice is a great time to begin your dream journal. This journal is a great way to write down what you truly want in life, so you can begin working towards making those dreams come true. These journals are not only great ways to plan, but they can also teach you a lot about yourself that you may have otherwise not realized. Your dream journal can also encourage you to embrace a bit of creativity each day, which you might otherwise put off. This, in itself, will make your life more enjoyable.

7. Be Creative
Creativity is one of the best aspects of life and the summer solstice is a great time to embrace your creative side. Even if you aren’t a creative person by nature, this is the perfect time to test the waters and see what interests you. Even if you are a fan of art, this might be the right time to try a new medium or explore different avenues for the art you have already worked on. You can start with the supplies you have on hand, but if you don’t have anything to use then you might try out some supplies that are one sale.

8. Make Sun Tea
If you’re looking for a cool treat to help you celebrate the summer solstice then sun tea is the way to go. This is very simple to make, but it will take some patience. All you have to do is add water to a mason jar, then fill it with fruits, herbs, flowers, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Finally, add some tea bags of choice to the water. Add a lid to help keep particles from getting in the tea, then set it in a sunny place. As time progresses, the sun will help the tea seep into the water while the other flavors become infused in the tea too. Everyone can make their own too, which will add to the fun of the celebration.

9. Virtual Celebrations
The summer solstice is celebrated around the world. Luckily, you will be able to spot some of these celebrations online to help ease your desire to travel a slight bit. Apart from Stonehenge, you should be able to check out celebrations from across Europe, as well as those in North America. A quick search online should help you uncover a wide selection of celebrations for you to check out. This should allow you to enjoy the summer solstice as if you were part of a large celebration.

10. Enjoy a Fire
Bonfires are another major part of the summer solstice celebration. However, this isn’t exactly something you can do in your own back yard. You can, however, create a fire in your fire pit, which is pretty close to the bonfire effect. While you’re enjoying the warmth and beauty of the fire, chat with your loved ones, tell stories, talk about the future, and sing to your heart’s content. You will definitely feel the magic of the changing season as you greet summer with welcoming arms. If you don’t have a fire pit then consider firing up the grill and making a meal that will help you feel like summer has truly arrived. It might not be the same effect, but it’ll still make you feel happy.

Although many people aren’t happy about the heat, there is still something amazing about the summer months that make people long for them throughout the year. These ten ideas will help you welcome in the summer solstice, so you can truly feel the changing of the seasons and get more out of your connection with the planet.

June is PRIDE month, which can be a whole lot of fun for the entire family. As we celebrate the lives of the LGBTQ+ community that has changed the world and inspired many, we should also take the time to help children understand and appreciate the community. Since so many of us are trapped indoors during this time, you have the perfect opportunity to frugally allow your kids to celebrate PRIDE month. From crafts to lessons on the subject, you might find that PRIDE month is one of the best times to help your children feel comfortable with themselves and those around them.

1. DIY Flag
The PRIDE flag is one of the best ways to show your support of the community. It also makes an incredibly fun craft to make for children of all ages. There are numerous ways you can make a PRIDE flag too, so you can work the craft into the schedule of any age group. If you’re working with younger kids, then you might consider using construction paper for the craft. Simply cut strips of colors and have kids glue them together. Then make a small pocket on the end by rolling the paper and gluing it. This will allow you to place a stick inside, so your child can carry it. Of course, this flag also works wonders in the window. If you’d like to teach older children how to sew then this is the perfect time to. Grab fabric of different colors and have kids cut them into strips and then sew them together. This type of flag can be hung up on a pole, in the window, on a bedroom wall, and so much more.

2. Melting Crayons
At this rate, you probably have a whole bunch of crayons around the house that you can utilize for this craft. If not, you might order a set of cheap crayons. To begin the craft, you need to figure out what design you would like to use if any. Once you have this picked out, simply print it out in black and white. You can even use the PRIDE letters if you’re just working on an image to support the community. Then, apply the graphic to the canvas and tape off the area. Finally, place the crayons at the top of the canvas and secure them. You can use a large rubber band, tape, or whatever else you choose. After you’re finished with setup the real fun begins. Simply tip the image right side up and hold a blow dryer over the top of the crayons. Using the highest setting will make this easier. Once you have the melting effect you desire, remove the crayons, and admire.

3. Work Sheets
If you really want to get down to business, then there are actually worksheets online that you can use to teach children about the LGBTQ+ community. You will find everything from coloring sheets to word searches. This is great busy work for kids who have nothing else going on, but it can also be a real asset when it comes to opening up conversations and helping children to understand what PRIDE is all about. You might even be able to find some good history worksheets that help children understand why we celebrate PRIDE month.

4. Rainbow Mask
In our new normal, face masks are a thing. So, if you really want to celebrate and boost PRIDE in the community, then making some rainbow-inspired masks will truly help you to show your support. Masks are very easy to make, so you might start by sewing them and then passing them out to kids to decorate. If you use white fabric in the masks, this will also make things much easier. Using fabric paint, kids can paint rainbows, special messages, and so much more. You can also color the straps if you choose to use white elastic. If you want to go a different route, then you might also consider using food coloring to dye the masks in rainbow colors.

5. Watch online Parades
The PRIDE parade is one of the most popular aspects of the month. There are parades all over the world, which makes it an exciting thing to take part in. However, this year, it isn’t exactly safe to go to a parade or participate in one, especially if you have children. Even if you wear a face mask, the lack of social distancing might be a risk to everyone. Luckily, many places will be hosting a parade online. For instance, you can watch the infamous San Francisco parade from the comfort of your home. Simply check around for more parades to view too, as you might be surprised how many pops up.

6. Enjoy PRIDE Media
Media can be one of the best ways to teach people about the world. Luckily for us, there is a ton of LGBTQ+ media for us to enjoy. When you’re teaching children about the LGBTQ+ community then there are so many colorful and age-appropriate books to choose from. This will make storytime fun and educational. You can probably find a book for every night of the week, or at least four to use each week in the month. There are also many forms of movies to check out too. Older children might also be curious about music from the LGBTQ+ community. Feel free to dive deep during this time, as purchasing media will also help to support the community.

7. Dress Like the Rainbow
For many kids, dressing up is one of the easiest ways to have some fun. So, during PRIDE month, you might make a game out of getting dressed. Kids can see how many colors of the rainbow they can incorporate into one outfit. This can be great for kids learning how to get dressed, but it is also a lot of fun to see how creative older kids can get. This is also a cost-efficient way to show off some pride as you won’t have to pay a cent for the fun.

8. Make Inclusive Tees
Making t-shirts can be a whole lot of fun, which is why this craft is a must for PRIDE month. Pick out some old shirts from your wardrobe or purchase a bulk pack of colored tees. From there, use fabric paint, dye, fabric markers, and more to create inclusive designs that everyone will get a kick out of. These designs can range anywhere from rainbows to messages that help support the LGBTQ+ community. These tees make great keepsakes too, which can be worn all year long to help support equal rights and a community that thrives.

9. Show Kids How to Be an Advocate
You can watch all the movies you want, read every book on the market, and attend a PRIDE parade every single year. However, the best thing you can do for the future is to teach your children how to be an advocate. The first step in doing this is to be an advocate yourself. Don’t just talk about it. Instead, donate money to LGBTQ+ charities, there are numerous to choose from. You can also choose to volunteer for organizations that deal with LGBTQ+ issues or those that directly support the community. Finally, teach children how to stand up to bullies and protect those that are being persecuted for being who they are. This will go a long way in their lives and will even help support your child’s self-esteem.

10. Teach Children to Listen
Right now, is the perfect time to teach children how to listen. There is so much going on in the world right now and the first step in healing is listening. However, there are many people that are incapable of listening because the skill wasn’t taught in childhood. So, you might take the time to teach your children to listen to others’ needs with an open heart and an open mind. This will greatly benefit your child in the future and will also help them to work harder to meet the needs of communities that need help. With any luck, this will help make the future a better place for everyone to live.

PRIDE month is a very special time that can help children to grow into stronger people while helping to build a stronger future. It is also a time to have a little fun. These ten ideas will keep the celebrations frugal and enjoyable for all ages, which will help make this PRIDE month memorable despite everyone having to stay in.

The weather is heating up, which means so are the fashion trends. It can be hard to keep up with all of the changing trends because shopping for a new wardrobe every season can really leave your budget hurting. However, there are a few things you can purchase or make in order to leave your budget happy while ensuring you look fashion savvy. These ten ideas will allow you to channel some of the latest trends while working around the high cost of updating your wardrobe. This could leave you feeling like you’re living your best life this summer, despite everything that is going on.

1. Cropped Tees
This summer, fashion is taking a trip back to the ’90s with cropped tees. You’ll find a lot of these cropped tees in stores this summer, but the price will set you back as much as a whole shirt. Since cropped tees are so simple to make, you might want to raid your closet and make some of your own. You can do this as simple as cutting the tee at the desired height and then adding a hemline to it. If you love the edgy look then you don’t even have to sew a hemline as it can simply be left. Adding a drawstring to the top is another major fashion trend this year and is easy to do with some bungee cord. This can add a fun effect too that will make your clothes look like they came from a store.

2. Baggy/Bermuda Shorts
Gone are the days of short-shorts and Daisy Dukes, because this summer is all about the long and baggy shorts. Bermuda shorts are going to be one of the biggest options to choose from this year. This is great because the shorts actually flatter just about everybody’s shape, so everyone can look their best. Other types of baggy shorts will also suit your fashion needs. The best thing about this trend is you’re not only getting to be comfortable, but you can also make the trend at home. Bermuda shorts can be easily cut from your old trousers. This will give you lots of style options too. Of course, you can cut baggy long shorts out of jeans and other pants too. High waisted styles are going to be your best option too if you’re looking to keep up with the catwalk look.

3. Side Cut-Outs
If you’re a fan of showing off some skin, then you’re going to love the side cut out trend that so many people are engaging in this season. Generally, these cut-outs are designed to pair well with dresses, but they can be added to a huge selection of clothing options. For instance, you can even find tees with side cutouts. If you don’t have anything like this in your wardrobe currently, then you can easily make your own styles with side cutouts. All you need is a simple pattern to help you cut out the fabric. Then sew a hem to prevent the cut out from fraying while you’re wearing it. You can really have fun with designs here, which will give you an original look that everyone will be envious of.

4. Sheer Accents
Another great option for clothing style is to add some sheer accents to the clothing you have. This season, sheer accents are going to be found on almost everything, so feel free to go crazy when you recreate the look at home. All you need is some sheer fabric and you’re set to go. You can add a faux skirt to your favorite shorts, add a sleeve to a sleeveless blouse, or simply take a dress to the next level with a sheer overlay. Adding sheer accents is easily done too. Simply sew on the layer into the inside of your clothing and you’re good to go.

5. Wrap Dresses
When it comes to dresses this season, wrap dresses are going to be the way to go. These dresses can offer a classic look or keep you chic and bohemian because they are so versatile. These dresses are also very flattering, which will make you feel like you’re an a-lister every time you put one on. You won’t have trouble finding a wrap dress in stores this year, but if you’re really looking to take things up a notch then you can make our own. You can work with contrasting colors and fabrics here, as this season wild is definitely popular and going to get you noticed. However, don’t be afraid to keep it conservative if that is more your personality, as you will still be right on par with fashion.

6. Vintage Swimwear
If you’re in the market for a new bathing suit, then you might want to keep vintage looks in mind. You should be able to find vintage styles on the market with ease. These styles tend to incorporate high waistlines when you’re looking at bikinis, as well as ruffle detailing, and prints like polka dots. You might also find designs that like to utilize bows, especially around the bustline. If your swimwear costs you a lot of money this year then don’t just wear it as a swimsuit. Instead, throw on a pair of shorts or a skirt and wear it out as a fashionable top. You can even add a hairband to finish off the vintage look.

7. Jumpsuits
Despite the heat, jumpsuits are still going to be a big deal this year. So, if you are already up to date with this trend then you’ll have plenty to wear that will keep you looking chic. However, one of the big trends is going to be blue jean jumpsuits. These tend to be a bit pricey right now, but if you find a good deal then this jumpsuit will probably see you through the autumn months, too. You can also customize these with patches, buttons, and more. If you can’t find a jumpsuit then you can easily piece one together with old denim items. Since you’ll be working with multiple pieces of fabric, you can add fun and quirky details to your jumpsuit like making it appear to be patchwork. You might have so much fun making your jumpsuit that you’ll wind up with a closet filled with them before the season is over.

8. Sandals with Anklet Detailing
It’s pretty much a given that sandals are going to be in fashion during the summer months. This year, you can wear an assortment of sandals and still look great. However, the big trend is going to be adding an anklet detailing to your style. There are many shoes being made with this detail, but you can also work it into your wardrobe by adding an anklet addition to your own sandals. For instance, if you have sandals that wrap around the ankle, then you can easily add simple details to create an anklet inspired style. You can also attach anklets to your favorite pair of fashion sandals or even a pair of flats. This will allow you to truly show off your creativity with ease.

9. Face Masks
This season, you might not be going anywhere without a hot new accessory. That is the face mask. If you’re living in a state that is already opening up, then there is a good chance that you’re going to be required to wear a mask whenever you go to a store. So, you might as well grab a face mask that is going to suit your fashion needs. If you’re aiming for summer trends then you might stick with pinks and oranges, which are both going to be big this year. You can also make one out of denim, which will pair with all of your jumpsuits. However, you don’t have to keep just to trends. Since face masks are a new accessory, you can keep it creative and show off your personality. People are going to respond to this and send compliments your way. You can easily make masks at home too, so you won’t have to spend a fortune on them.

10. Pajamas
Let’s face it, most of us aren’t going to be out a whole lot this summer. So, showing off fashion trends might not be at the top of our budgetary list. This season, you might just be satisfied with ordering yourself a new pair of pajamas. If you’re working from home, on furlough, or you just don’t go out on your day’s off, your pajamas might be one of your favorite things to put on this season. So, try to find a pair that suit your needs. Consider your personality, style, comfort levels. This will help make staying home a lot better than it would be with clothes that aren’t going to make you feel cozy while you’re stressed out.

This summer is a great time to flex your fashion muscles. These simple tips will help you enjoy the season’s fashions while keeping your budget low. Plus, if you decided to DIY some of the items, you’ll find some of your time occupied as you enjoy improving your fashion skills while making wardrobe items you’ll be proud to show off.

Father’s Day will be here before we know it. So, if you still haven’t picked out the perfect gift for dad then there is no better time than now. This is especially true this year because of slow shipping times which might cause any gift you order to be late. If you’re at a loss for ideas, then these ten tips will help you decide what you should do to make Father’s Day unforgettable. With everyone still quarantined, these tips will even help to bring joy to everyday life. This year might be a bit harder than most Father’s Days, but that that doesn’t mean you can’t make it great for your dad without spending a lot of money.

1. Tools
Without a doubt, tools are a pretty classic gift for Father’s Day. Whether your dad likes to get crafty with tools or is the go-to guy when something is broken in the home, tools can really help out with anything dad wants to do. However, this year, tools might help dad find an outlet for his frustration of being cooped up. They might help him find more things to do to ease boredom and to make himself feel useful during the quarantine period. Luckily, many stores will have great deals on tools during this time. The deal will extend to stores’ websites too, as most facilities would prefer if people would just stay home right now. Thus, you might find some great incentives to shop online like extra discounts and free shipping.

2. Order In
Without a doubt, the key to most fathers’ hearts is their stomachs. So, this Father’s Day, you might channel dad’s biggest craving and order something in. If you’re not sure how to decide what to order, try to hint around to see which restaurant dad has been craving the most. Then, simply look to see if it is still open and go through a delivery app to have it brought to your home or pick it up using a contactless curbside pickup. Of course, having the food won’t make up for the lack of atmosphere from the restaurant. Thus, you might want to add some decorations to help put off the same vibe. If dad loves to eat on the patio of a restaurant then you might also consider setting up something there. This might warm dad’s heart enough for him to forget about the restaurant for a little while.

3. Brew Kit
If your dad is a beer guy, then he might already be a little concerned about the rumor of beer shortages that have been going around lately. In order to curb dad’s desire for beer and his anxiety of not being able to purchase what he needs, you might consider getting dad a beer kit. This can be pretty cheap, but it can also be pretty expensive too, so make sure you shop around before you buy it. If you’re not sure if dad would like to pick up brewing beer as a hobby, then go for the cheaper kit. He can test it out then upgrade if he does enjoy brewing. Even if you end up buying him a full kit, you will save dad some big bucks in the future, since he will be fully stocked when it comes to beer.

4. Bold Face Mask
We’re facing a new normal this year, which means wearing a mask whenever we go into public. This isn’t just to protect ourselves, but to protect those who may be vulnerable. So, it might be fun to offer dad a fun face mask instead of a tie this year. You can find face masks that feature lots of cool things too. For instance, if dad is into sports then grab a mask with his favorite team’s logo. You can also find them with comic book characters, movie scenes, with beloved games like chess, and so much more. If you don’t want to spend money on a mask, then they’re surprisingly easy to make. You can actually make a mask for every day of the week if you feel like it, which will definitely help dad show off his personality and have some fun with the new fashion accessory.

5. Coffee Subscription
For most people, a cup of coffee is a must every single morning. Also, for so many people, we seem to be stuck brewing at home rather than grabbing a treat at our local café. This can get really boring, which is why a coffee subscription might be a great option for your dad. You can find all sorts of subscriptions to choose from to. You might start by looking at flavors dad might like. If he’s curious about coffee, then there are subscriptions that send a different kind of coffee from a different place in the world each month. You can also get subscriptions that pair with other things like books or vinyl records. This can truly change the way dad feels about his morning coffee and will help him save some money since he won’t have to worry about buying as much coffee.

6. Funny Shirt
A lot of dads really love to make people laugh, even if their humor is a little corny. So, one of the best things you can grab for your dad is a funny shirt. There are so many to choose from too, so you might look around for one that has your dad’s favorite joke. You can also look for a shirt that seems to suit your dad’s personality if jokes aren’t his thing. If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money you can actually make a t-shirt with ease. There are a lot of great methods that are fun to do and actually cheap to complete. Plus, you can make this totally personal which will make dad even happier.

7. Create a Golf Course
Hitting the golf course isn’t an option for so many right now. If your dad is a golf guy, then you can make his day by coming up with a mini-golf course in the backyard. This might sound intimidating, but it isn’t incredibly hard to do. All you need is a few tools, some faux grass, and a little bit of piping to get started. Of course, you will also need a place in the backyard to pull it off. You may not be able to do this without dad knowing, but when he finds out what you’re up to he will definitely be beaming for the rest of the day. There are numerous tutorials online to get you started. You can even add decorative items to make it feel like you’re at a mini-golf course. Your creativity is the limit, so try to have fun with dad’s gift.

8. Book Gift Card
Reading is one of the most common ways to kill some time during self-isolation. So, if your dad is a bookworm or is looking to discover some great stories while he finally has the time to do so, then a gift card for books might be a great idea. You can choose from a wide variety of options too. For instance, you can order a gift card from his favorite bookstore. This will allow him to get online and pick and choose what he would like to purchase. You might also consider giving him a gift card to a digital service. This is great for e-books and audiobooks, which can keep your dad occupied for hours on end.

9. Beard Kit
If your dad is like most men in the country right now, he probably has a beard growing right now. That means, he probably needs something to take care of it. Even if he already has a beard kit on hand, he will eventually run out of supplies, so having a backup will be a real treat. You can find beard kits all over the place now, so check out your favorite online retailer to find a great option for your dad. You can base it on dad’s personal grooming habits, as well as his skin type. You might also consider adding in some fun beard decorations. If you’re looking for these online, you’ll mostly find Christmas options. However, you can find tutorials that show you how to make them. These tutorials can easily be turned around so you can make a superhero, sports teams, or anything else that might strike your dad’s fancy.

10. Backyard Campsite
It’s hard to be cooped up at home. It’s even harder when the weather starts to warm up, but parks still aren’t exactly the safest place to be. Instead of sending dad on a camping vacation, you can give him a little getaway in his own backyard. Simply set up a tent in the backyard, order some camping snacks, and find some sounds from nature on a playlist if you live in a city. You can spend the day outside enjoying the weather, chatting, making music, or reminiscing. You might even order some fish to grill up so you can still get a small taste of camping fun. Even though it won’t be like the real deal, it will be a brief vacation from being inside the home.

Father’s Day is a great time to honor dad and give him gifts that show him just how much he cares. These ten ideas are perfect options for quarantine life, which will help take his mind off of self-isolating. Best of all, these tips won’t leave you struggling financially, which will definitely make the holiday better for everyone.

School is out for most students and summer is practically here, which might leave you wanting to hit the open road. Of course, with everything going on, you might just need to travel by car to move, visit with family, or simply get out of the house for a while. Road tripping can be incredibly hard with small children though. The mere idea of traveling long distances with a young child might leave you wanting to spend money to make the road trip easier. There are a few things you can do to make the road trip easier though. These ten tips will help you choose the right options for you, so your whole family can enjoy the trip.

1. Small Distractions
One of the most important things you can do is provide small distractions for your kids, especially if they are babies. One of the easiest things to do is add a portable mobile to the car seat. This will keep the baby’s attention while you drive and might even help your child fall asleep. Another great option is a sound machine to help soothe your little one if they are uncomfortable in the car. Of course, you should make sure the machine isn’t going to put you to sleep as well. If you can, manage the noise level of the sound machine or choose something that your radio can blur out. Toddlers and younger children might also like sensory items, so add in textures and colorful items to add to the experience. You might also consider window decals that can cut back on sun glare while showing off their favorite characters. These small distractions can really take away from some of the stress and frustration children feel while confined.

2. Snacks
Food is a pretty good incentive for most children. Plus, it can help prevent frequent stops for meals and more. However, you do want to be careful about what you pack for your children to eat on a road trip. For instance, you really don’t want sugary foods that will keep kids awake and wanting to bounce off of the car’s walls. You should also pack foods that aren’t going to be a choking hazard. Some options you might go for are crackers, chopped fruits, yogurt bites, and other small but healthy foods your child typically eats. You also might bring some anti-spill cups that you can add water too as you go. However, make sure you don’t fill the cups all the way or else you might be stopping frequently for restroom visits or diaper changes.

3. Travel Boxes
Toys are a big part of kid’s lives, but playtime in the car can be very difficult. However, if you’re feeling crafty then you can make some awesome travel-friendly toys that your kids will want to have in the car even when you’re just headed to the grocery store. All you have to do is take an old lunch box and some supplies like hot glue or tape. If your child is into LEGOs then glue a piece of LEGO foundation the inside of the box. You can also place one on the other side but place it at the fold instead of on the bottom of the wall of the box. You’ll want this to only cover half of the space too, as you can place LEGOs on this side to prevent them from spilling out everywhere. Of course, you can also use a lunch box for other options too. If your child loves Polly Pockets or mini-figures, then create a little house for them inside the box. You can also make the boxes into a coloring center, which is great for numerous ages. If your kids have favorite games, then turn them into mini-games and use magnets for the pieces. You’ll find these little boxes can truly change the way you travel.

4. Screen Time
When it comes to road-tripping, don’t feel bad about letting your child have a bit more screen time than you normally would. This can help relax children and entertain them for the long haul. You might consider downloading movies onto devices, adding educational apps, and ensuring there are games children can play when you’re out of a service area. Another thing to keep in mind is power. You might pack portable chargers and other options for kids to use when their devices are almost out of juice. Apart from that, you should turn off the blue light option, especially at night, to ensure kids will go to sleep in a timely manner.

5. Crank up the Tunes
Music is one of the best ways to keep many kids entertained, so make sure you have music they love. If your car has a CD player then you might grab some CDs for the ride. Of course, you can also come up with playlists when you need to use offline mode in your travels. If you have children that love stories then audiobooks are a great thing to add to the collection too. You might feel like you’re going to go crazy after you listen to these things for a couple of hours, but you’ll feel even crazier with constant crying and whining. So, embrace the kid shows and the peace in your vehicle.

6. Keep to Nap Times
It is incredibly easy to break schedules while you’re road tripping. Since the rest of your child’s schedule is going to be a bit off, it might be hard to get kids to go to sleep while in the car. If you can, stop and have lunch, so your child will have a full belly. You might choose a place that kids can run around and play, too. Many parks should be reopening and as long as you sanitize afterward you should be good to go. Make sure you make a bathroom stop too. Then, play soothing music, give your child their favorite blanket and pillow, and keep the car extra cold. This should help kids nod off, so the car ride won’t seem as trying for everyone.

7. Plan Your Pit Stops
Planning pit stops can be one of your biggest strengths when it comes to traveling with children. A lot of people completely wing road trips with just a beginning and ending to work towards. With kids, you’re going to want to be more strategic though. Try to choose places to stop every couple of hours. If you choose a town to stop in, research the best places to stop for a bathroom break and for kids to run around. You might consider stopping and letting the kids go to a trampoline center for an hour in order to burn off some energy or choose a place with a large park to play in. This will help the kids build memories, wear themselves out, and feel a little better about the trip. Of course, you should also have alternative stops too, because you never know when a bathroom emergency might occur. Try to keep the stops a surprise though, as kids might be disappointed if an attraction is closed, which could cause more distress on the road.

8. Talk About Where You Are
It’s really easy to leave kids out of the loop when traveling, which can lead to countless questions that might put you on edge. One of the best ways to combat this problem is to tell kids where you are frequently. You might update them on cities you are passing, landmarks they might see from the road or even natural wonders. Another important update is how far you are from your destination, your next stop, or even how far you are from home. Kids might love learning about their surroundings or at least learning that they will be stopping sooner, rather than later.

9. Road Games
If you’ve ever been on a road trip, then you have probably played a road game. You know, the ever-popular games like spotting different states on license plates, or punching your sibling every time you see a Volkswagen Beetle. These games have always made trips seem a little better, so you might want to incorporate them into the trip for your children. Of course, you might have to alter the games to suit their age group. For instance, instead of spotting states on the license plates you might consider point out colors. You can also count the cars you see or set a number of trees to count and whoever spots them first wins. These car games can truly keep everyone distracted, so you don’t end up feeling totally exhausted by the end of the trip.

10. Have Comfort Items on Hand
When you have small children, the most important thing you can do for them is to make sure you have comfort items on hand. May it be their favorite toys, a blanket they won’t sleep without, or even a TV show they love, traveling with these items can make life so much easier for everyone. While you travel, you should always make sure that at least one comfort item is within arm’s reach, so you always have something to calm your child down. Every time you get out of the vehicle, you should double-check items to make sure you have everything because losing it on the road would be a travesty for your child.

These ten tips should help make your road trip a lot easier for your children and you. It isn’t easy to spend hours in the car, so trying to make the trip as convenient as possible for your children will help make the entire trip better for everyone. These ideas are frugal and easy to follow, so you won’t have to go out of your way to help your kids through the experience.

Right now, going to a restaurant for a break isn’t exactly an option in many states. In states that have reopened, it still isn’t possible for restaurants to fully pack the house as they may have before. Unfortunately, ordering takeout can really hit your bank account hard. Between grabbing something everyone will like and ensuring everyone gets enough, you could end up spending $50 to $100 every time you order food and have it delivered. Luckily, there are some restaurants going the extra mile during these hard times by providing customers with a family pack of food. This provides you with everything you need to feed a family of four for less than it would cost to feed two adults at a restaurant, in most cases. So, if you need a break from cooking, don’t worry. These restaurants are ready to help you out.

1. Denny’s
Diner food can be a real comfort to many people, which is why Denny’s has been one of the country’s most popular restaurants for decades now. With the restaurant open every hour of every day of the year, we’ve come to rely on it when we’re in need. It isn’t hesitating to help out now either. The restaurant has many family deals for you to take on. One of the most popular deals in the family size grand slam which gives you everything the dish offers for the whole family. Since Denny’s portions are pretty big to begin with, your family won’t feel hungry after this. They are also offering hamburger specials and a special that mixes burgers and breakfast items, so you can get a little something for everyone. All of these specials are under $30, with the exception of the Lumber Jack Special which rings in at $32. You will find dessert packs, beverage packs, and packs of side dishes for cheap, too. There are even grocery items on offer. The website is working with companies to offer free delivery too, or you can do curbside pickup.

2. Taco Bell
If you’ve been missing out on Taco Tuesday, or taco any day of the week for that matter, then Taco Bell has you covered. You can purchase their taco pack which provides you with everything you need to build your own tacos. This pack is said to feed six, so there’s plenty for everyone and it will only set you back $25. If you still want more, they do offer bulk deals, like their party nacho box or their party boxes which feature tacos and burritos. Taco Bell is known for low prices, so you won’t spend too much no matter which route you choose to go. Taco Bell offers free delivery and curbside pickup now, but their drive-thrus are still open if you prefer to keep it old fashioned.

3. Panera Bread
When it comes to comfort food on a rainy day, Panera Bread will have you covered. This restaurant offers a family pack for just $30. This pack offers half a sandwich and soup or mac n cheese for four. They even have kids’ options on the pack, so you can customize to make sure everyone is happy. Of course, you can still order the website’s family pack of soup too, which comes with bread. Their bagel packs are an easy breakfast for the whole family, as well. You’ll even be able to purchase grocery items from the restaurant. Currently, you can have Panera Bread delivered in some areas, but you can also pick it up from the restaurant, too.

4. Cracker Barrel
Home cooking can be a great comfort in times like these, which is why Cracker Barrel has some great options for you to choose from. The restaurant has some of its top-selling dishes available, which will make everyone feel like they’re visiting grandma’s even though they can’t. Some of the options you can choose from are chicken and dumplings or meatloaf. You can also find options like chicken tenders and fish. Each of these meals comes with two sides, which will complete the dinner to grandma’s standards. There is also a breakfast option for those hoping to enjoy some of the restaurant’s most popular treats. Cracker Barrel is offering contactless pickup, as well as delivery.

5. Panda Express
If your Chinese food craving is getting the best of you then you might want to check out the deal Panda Express has for you. Right now, when you order from the app, you can get a family meal for just $20. With this deal, you’ll get three large entrees as well as two sides, which will keep everyone happy. However, right now, Panda Express is offering a limited menu. So, there is a good chance that some of your favorite items might not be available. They are still offering their more popular dishes like orange chicken and broccoli beef.

6. Burger King
As soon as self-isolation orders began, Burger King really stepped up its game. The company started to order family deals that only set people back a mere $12.99. This deal includes 6 sandwiches and 3 fries, which is enough to feed quite a few people. As the self-isolation period went on, the restaurant decided to add more options to the mix. Now, there are bundles with chicken sandwiches, burgers, nuggets, and fries that will only set you back $20 or $25, depending on your choice of the bundle. If you’re craving fast food, then this is one of the most frugal options you can go for. Plus, the restaurant offers free delivery or you can pick it up from their drive-thru.

7. KFC
KFC has always been about the bundles when it comes to family meals. Right now, they’re offering a $30 deal that features your choice of either piece of chicken or twelve tenders. With this meal, you’ll also receive four biscuits and three of their large sides. Of course, they do have other family bundles you can enjoy too. If no one can agree then the $5 fill-up boxes won’t set you back too much either. These feature an entrée, side, biscuit, cookie, and drink, which is more than enough for most people. KFC is currently offering delivery too, which will help you stay safe and satisfied during the self-isolation orders.

8. Jack in the Box
Your favorite late-night craving spot is offering some great bundle deals too. This will help you get some of your favorite junk foods without spending a bundle on the option. The restaurant has two different boxes for lunch or dinner which include burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, fries, wedges, and so on. You can also find a breakfast box, which is perfect for mornings that are just a little hectic to even worry about cereal. All of these boxes are reasonably priced and will help cut back on some of the stress of prepping meal after meal.

9. Red Lobster
When it comes to seafood cravings, you might be surprised to learn that Red Lobster is offering some major deals for your family. You can find platters of seafood or chicken options, which will help fill up the family. There are fried options as well as healthier options too, which will help you plan for your family’s needs and wants. Each meal comes with two sides and their infamous cheddar biscuits, which will allow you to easily enjoy the restaurant experience. There are meals that start pretty cheap and those that are pricier. However, you’ll still end up spending less on these meals then you may have spent on two meals at the restaurant. You will also find platters of the restaurant’s most popular appetizers, which makes a great snack for kids. Finally, you can grab a whole cake or another dessert to make the meal stretch even further.

10. Baskin Robbins
If dessert is what you’re really after, then Baskin Robbins is the place to order from. Right now, the ice cream parlor is offering a DIY sundae kit that is great for the whole family. This amazing kit comes with your choice of two different ice cream pints. You will also receive one hot topping, like hot fudge or caramel. Then you can choose two side toppings from their huge selection of treats. Finally, you will receive a whole can of whipped cream, which can be used for other sweet treats, if there is any left.

Restaurants right now are really doing all they can to make your life easier and to keep their restaurants afloat. These amazing deals are certainly a treat for all to enjoy though, especially since the price tag won’t leave you hurting. So, enjoy a meal out every once in a while, because being at home and constantly cooking can really be exhausting.

With summer in sight and many quarantine orders still going strong, you might find that the need to hit the beach is greater than you ever imagined. During this time, a lot of people are taking matters into their own hands by transforming their backyard into a beach oasis. Some of these projects are taking up quite a bit of money, but there are a few things you can do to cheaply bring the ocean to your backyard. These items won’t just leave you with a beautiful place to go when you can’t get to the beach but will also give you a fun project to enjoy while you’re stuck at home.

1. Build a Sandpit
Sand is one of the major draws when it comes to most beaches. So, when you’re planning your ocean oasis in the backyard, you shouldn’t overlook the sand element. This can be one of the best elements of the beach, especially if you have kids to entertain. The best thing about building a sandpit is it is actually very easy. To begin with, find an area of the yard to designate as the pit. Then, clear the area of weeds, rocks, and so on. Once you have everything ready to go, place down some weed block, a thick plastic, or even a tarp to help prevent weeds from overtaking your pit. Then, add your sand. You can purchase this fairly inexpensively from many retail stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes. You might consider misting the sand every now and then to make it pliable for kids to play in. If you love the finer details, then you can also add some seashells.

2. Add a Pool
Swimming is a big part of beach life, so a pool is a must when you’re planning your backyard oasis. If you have a pool already then you’re set, but if not you might want to invest in one. You can easily get a normal pool and decorate the exterior to give it the beach vibes you desire. However, if you want to really get into the oasis look then you might put in an inground pool. This can be costly, so if you don’t actually plan on swimming then you can easily make your own pond that can double as a beachfront. Simply dig a small hole in the yard and add some kind of liner. Then, fill with water. You can place sand around the area to add to the effect. Although you might not be able to swim in this pool, you will be able to put your feet in the water while you soak up some sun. You can also do this with a baby pool if you don’t want to deal with liners. This might last you a bit longer too.

3. Plant Efficiently
If you really want to add to the atmosphere of your beach, then planting is one of the best things you can do. Beach plants can really make the environment shine, so make sure you add this element to your landscaping plans. The best thing about creating a beach is the plants used are exceptionally easy to grow. You might research which plants will grow best in your area before you get started though, so you don’t wind up feeling discouraged if your plants don’t make it. Most of these plants are pretty resilient but learning how to care for them will definitely help out. There are lots of guides online, so make sure to check them out before you order seeds or plants.

4. Beach Games
Of course, activities are a major part of beach days. Although you might not be able to embrace the waves, you can still play some of the more famous beach games. One of the easiest things to do is set up a volleyball area. This can easily be done with a cheap net and any sand that you have leftover. You can even use a cheap blow-up ball instead of a volleyball if you don’t have one lying around the house. Another element to add to your backyard fun is a frisbee. This can create hours of fun for the whole family. If you have enough space then a kite is another fabulous option to try out, especially if you have younger kids. If you do have a pool, then grabbing a boogie board can add to the fun while creating a more beach-inspired atmosphere.

5. Fire Pit
One of the more romantic elements of the beach is a fire under the stars. This might not be plausible in your backyard unless you have a fire pit to help keep the fire under control. You can purchase a wide variety of fire pits online though, so if you’d like a fire to celebrate your beach yard, then it is entirely plausible. However, if you want to save some money, building a fire pit isn’t hard at all. You might even have all of the materials needed at home already. Once you get your fire pit ready, make sure you have plenty of great snacks to cook under the stars as you sing your favorite songs and enjoy the atmosphere you created.

6. Boardwalk
The boardwalk can be one of the most exciting aspects of the beach. Unfortunately, you can’t really recreate some of the more social aspects of the boardwalk, like the restaurants, bars, and live music. However, you can create the appearance and the overall atmosphere of the boardwalk. You might grab some beach wood to create beautiful walkways to help highlight the different areas of your backyard. You can also redo your porch or patio with boardwalk inspired wood. When the hard work is complete, add some charming lights for the atmosphere or some tiki torches to give you the beach vibes you are craving.

7. Relaxing Seating
When it comes to the beach, relaxing is the biggest draw for most people. One of the easiest ways to bring a relaxing atmosphere to your home is to grab some beach-inspired seating. You can start by adding some beach chairs to the area. You can keep it simple with a lounge chair that you can find at most retail stores. However, you can also add some classic Brighton Beach styles if you really want to make a statement. Another cheap option is to just keep beach towels on hand that you can lay out on the land when you want to soak up some sun. Finally, a hammock is one of the more notorious beach seats. You can purchase a hammock quickly, but this relaxing bed is also very easy to make at home. There are many different types of hammocks too, which will definitely help you mix up the style of your beach oasis.

8. Consider Food
Food is another major part of the beach, which you might be longing to enjoy. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get beach vibes here, but you can try your hardest to recreate some of the dishes you might find. If aesthetic is what you’re going for then set up a concession stand or tiki bar to add to the good vibes. You can fill the concession stand with items like chips, sodas, and other snacks you might typically get from the beach. Your tiki bar might be wonderful for mixed drinks, juices, smoothies, and beer. Of course, if you have a grill then you can easily just whip up a few burgers and hot dogs or grill up vegetables and fish for a beach treat everyone will enjoy. If you want to keep things cheap then make yourself a picnic and get a durable cooler for all of your cold drinks.

9. Paint the Fence
The view of your fence might really cut back on the beach atmosphere. So, if you’re really feeling dedicated to your ocean oasis, then you might consider painting a nice scene from the beach on your fence. You don’t have to be a professional to pull this off as there are numerous tutorials to help you out. You can even use a stencil if you’re feeling nervous about your skills. There are a lot of different things you can paint on your fence too. If you love to surf then add some surfboards in the foreground with lots of waves in the background. If you’re a sunset person then add a colorful sunset to the fence. You can also keep it tranquil with seagrass in the foreground and a calm sea in the background. If you love ships, then add them to the mix. You can even create a huge scene with sea monsters if that’s your thing. This can be a great project too that will help you keep your mind off of everything that is going on.

10. Discover Soundtracks
Nothing sets the mood quite like a wonderful soundtrack in the background. One of the best things you can do is find a playlist to play in the background. If you love parties or surf vibes, then toss on some Beach Boys and related music to keep the positive energy going. Of course, if you’re just wanting to kick back and relax then find a playlist that offers the sounds of the ocean. There are so many streaming services that will offer these options for free, which can help you add the finishing touches to your backyard ocean.

Going to the beach might not be plausible this summer but hanging out in your backyard is. These tips will help you make the most of your summer while still helping you to get the beach vibes you desire. It doesn’t matter how far away you live from the ocean; these tips will make you feel like you’re living in a beach house, which will certainly help with this year’s added stress.

With schools pretty much taking place at home and many educational materials MIA, you might be struggling to engage your child in learning. If you’re looking for material that will help engage your child while helping them learn a bit about science, then dinosaurs are the way to go. One of the best things about dinosaurs is you can find something interesting to suit everyone from pre-school to high school. These ten ideas will help your kids keep their minds and imaginations busy while they learn all about dinosaurs and the science of paleontology. Best of all, all of these projects will help our budget out too, which will definitely make the learning process easier and more satisfying.

1. Dinosaur Media
When it comes to inspiration, there are a lot of great things that the media can provide for your child. If you really want to help your child get into dinosaurs then movies are one of the best ways. There are lots of cinematic features you can check out, like the Jurassic Park franchise. After watching the movies, you might talk about what was real and what wasn’t. Of course, there are plenty of other movies to check out too and numerous documentaries to help you get where you need to be as far as learning is concerned. If your child learns via music, then there are lots of kid songs that can help with memorizing dinosaur names and more. Of course, books are going to be one of your best resources. You can find fiction and non-fiction options too, which will allow you to suit every personality and learning style.

2. Toilet Roll Dinos
If you have younger children in the home, then crafts are one of the best ways to teach. One fun craft is to make dinosaurs out of toilet paper rolls. All you need is a variety of roles to choose from. Once the paper has been stripped, you can paint the toilet paper roll to look like the body of a dinosaur. Preschoolers might stick with a solid color while more advanced students might add scales. You can even add feathers to make the dinos look even more realistic. From there, create heads, arms, legs, wings, tails, and more from paper or paper plates. Once they’re finished, glue them on. Kids can play with the final result or you can hang them in their bedroom.

3. Dinosaur Shadows
Drawing a dinosaur is kind of hard and might be frustrating for some kids. Even if your child loves to freehand their favorite dinosaurs, you might want to mix things up a bit with their drawing time. One easy way to do this is to pull out some paper. You can do this on a single sheet of paper, or you can make a long mural with a paper roll. After you lay out the paper, place your child’s dinosaur toys on top of it. This will cast a shadow that kids can trace or paint. When they’re finished, they can add to the background or you can place the artwork on the wall. You can also use it to help them identify the dinosaurs that they play with on a daily basis.

4. Lifesize Footprints
It’s hard to build a dinosaur in the home, especially if you’re shooting for a real-life scale. However, you might consider making up some dinosaur footprints. There are a few ways to go about this. If you’re just looking for fun, then have kids make up a stamp to make prints on paper. If you want the learning experience, then you can look up the average size of prints for your kids’ favorite dinosaurs. Once you have the measurements, take a tape measure and mark them on the ground. Kids cause to use these guidelines to draw out the print based on a photo of the footprint from scientific discoveries. From there, take a photo of their work or fill it in with sand for a sandbox. It can also be used as a unique flower box. You can also have kids create footprints in the dough, which can be baked and shown off in their room.

5. Fossils
One of the biggest connections with the dinosaur world is the fossils that paleontologists find and study. So, in order to get in touch with this scientific marvel, you might have kids make their own fossils. There are actually numerous ways to pull this off, so you might look for tutorials and base your project around the items that you have around the home. You can also have kids make fossils out of things that are living, such as making an impression of a leaf which makes a great keepsake.

6. Dino Costume
Imaginative play is one of the best ways to learn and broaden the mind. However, we don’t all have inflatable dinosaur costumes lying around the house. Making a costume can be a fun way to keep the kids busy while helping them to learn. Ask the kids to pick a dinosaur and a color. From there, use an old cap to create the dinosaur face. You can do this with felt, paper, glue, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Try adding big teeth to the brim of the hat and eyes facing the sides of the hat. You can also add to the look by adding some detailing to a shirt that matches the color of the cap. You can draw on scales, glue on feathers, or whatever else makes your child happy. You can also whip up some fake feet and claws using cardboard. Finally, a tail will finish off the look and is easy to make out of a variety of things.

7. Online Museums
Visiting a museum is one of the best ways to learn about dinosaurs. Not only are there experts there to share knowledge, but you can see dinosaur bones, images, and so much more. Unfortunately, visiting museums isn’t particularly safe right now, so we have to come up with new ways to enjoy museums. Luckily, most museums are offering free online tours of their exhibits. So, you can walk through the halls of many museums around the world. There are so many museums that cater specifically to dinosaurs, but you can also check out some museums that only have a few exhibits.

8. Puppets
Children love to pretend and make up stories, so making puppets tend to be a big win for many kids. You can really allow kids to foster their imaginations when it comes to making puppets too. Puppets can be made from sacks, socks, popsicle sticks, paper plates, or anything else you have. Let kids choose the dinosaurs they’d like to create. Once the puppet is finished, have the kids make up a backstory for the puppet based on the dinosaur’s scientific details. This will help kids put the information they’ve learned into play so they can hold onto it longer. Kids can even put on production if they feel like it, which could help bring some joy to your day too.

9. Fossil Dig Site
Let your little scholar become a paleontologist for the day by allowing them to enjoy a dig site. You can do this in so many ways too, which will allow you to keep the activity fresh as much as you possibly can. One idea is to make dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets. You can place them in mashed potatoes, under biscuits, and so on. Kids can then dig them out and eat their food. You can also do this with dinosaur gummies, which can be placed in crushed cookies, pudding, or ice cream. If food isn’t your thing then make some dinosaur shapes out of clay. Once they’re baked, place them in more clay for kids to chip away at. You can also bury them in a sandbox or just in the dirt. Of course, kids can even just dig in the dirt and let you know what type of fossil they believe they’ve found. Usually, they will only find rocks, but imaginations can run wild with games like this. Your dig site is entirely up to you, so have fun with it.

10. Real-Life Dino Hunt
We all know that we share the planet with some real-life relatives of the dinosaurs. So, you might want to go on a dino hunt when the kids are feeling restless. Kids can walk around and point out potential relatives that they spot. Birds and lizards are some of the more common options. When the hunt is over, look up the things you saw and see if they are actually related. You can also look up animals that are actually related, too. With zoos offering digital tours, you can have the kids explore zoos looking for dino relatives as well.

So many kids love learning about dinosaurs, which makes it a great subject if you’re trying to get your kids into science. These ten ideas will inspire kids to want to know more about dinosaurs while adding to the fun of the day. With these tips to keep everyone busy, you might find your little scientist is occupied all summer long.

Memorial Day is just over a week away, which can be exciting for anyone looking to save money on a little retail therapy. This year, Memorial Day is going to be a little different as most stores will only allow 25% occupancy, if they have their brick and mortar stores open at all. Luckily, most retailers today have online stores that will still allow you to get in the Memorial Day shopping experience without forcing you to get out of your pajamas. So, if you’re looking to purchase any of the ten items below, you’ll have a lot of fun surfing the deals and enjoying your brand-new sales items.

1. Laptops
Laptops are a popular purchase during Memorial Day, especially with so many graduating and preparing to start college. So, you will most likely find some major deals on some of the top brands that you have already come to love. When it comes to laptop deals, you’re going to find a whole lot of offers from HP and Dell. These two leading stores will have huge percentages off new and refurbished computers, so make sure you shop around to find exactly what you need. Other stores like Best Buy and Lenovo will also offer similar deals, but probably nothing quite as exceptional as these deals. Major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart haven’t released their deals yet, but most stores will have competitive deals with potential price matching options.

2. Mattresses
Without a doubt, mattresses are one of the most popular items on sale during the Memorial Day holiday. Every year, mattresses are in full stock during this time, especially with new editions hitting stores. So, you might want to browse around online to see if there are any options that suit your needs. Some of the stores offering great deals on mattresses, accessories, and deliveries are Mattress Firm, Bear, Casper, AmeriSleep, Zoma, Purple, and Dreamcloud. However, this doesn’t mean that you should disregard the local mattress or furniture stores. Of course, shopping for a mattress online can be harder than doing it in person. So, you should do a little research to help you find the perfect option for you.

3. Patio Furniture
This year, patio furniture is going to be a huge draw for so many stores during the Memorial Day sales. Although it is already a big seller year after year, this year more people are interested in the furniture because they are stuck at home during the quarantine. So, if you’re looking to improve the exterior of your home then you’re going to want to check out stores like Overstock and Wayfairer for some of the greatest deals. These stores typically have lots of great options when it comes to patio furniture, so you might shop ahead a few weeks to make sure you’re actually getting the deals you’re promised. Macy’s is one of the more surprising places you can find deals on patio furniture, but with the company shutting down many stores you will definitely see more and more deals coming from their website. If you have an expensive taste in patio furniture, then World Market is going to be the place to go. You will find competitive prices on items that would normally cost you an arm and a leg. Finally, Home Depot and Lowes will have items you can even pick up in your local area, which might save you even more money and won’t leave you waiting on items to arrive as you will be able to do curbside pickup.

4. Appliances
Memorial Day isn’t the hottest time to purchase appliances, but if you’re on the hunt for replacements then it is still a great idea to shop now. After all, we will be facing shortages on appliances in the coming year, which will mean prices will be higher than ordinary. Some of the best places to shop for your appliance needs are going to be Lowes and Home Depot. These stores offer delivery, installation, and the works, as well as competitive prices. Best Buy is another option you shouldn’t overlook though. They will slash prices online, but you might also find an open box special that will get you off on the right track. If you’re not sure about open box items, contact your local store to see what they actually have in stock. Of course, if only small appliances are calling your name then Amazon is going to be one of the best places to get your online shopping done.

5. Gadgets
Electronics, other than laptops, are pretty hot options for Memorial Day sales too. For these items, you have a lot of different options to choose from. For instance, Walmart and Target have had a lot of deals on fitness watches, robotic cleaners, and other such gadgets. You might also find some deals on gaming consoles. Best Buy tends to have some of the best deals on gadgets because they specialize in them. So, you might want to start your search there. Of course, if you’re looking for Amazon specific items, like the Echo, then your best option is to look there. Camera fans will love the $650 in savings that Canon is offering on some of their camera and lens sets. So, make sure to browse around on your favorite gadget websites to find what you’re looking for at the best possible price.

6. Clothes
Whether you’re stocking up for a chic summer wardrobe or preparing for your winter climbing trips, there will be quite a few sales for you. Fashion fans will find lots of sales on this season’s clothes as well as last seasons on websites like Zappos, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Gap, and Levis. These websites are offering discounts on current trends, but many will also take even more off of sales prices from clearance items. If you have kids, then stores like Carters and Children’s Place will provide you with some awesome deals. Outdoor fans and athletes will find an assortment of options from Dick’s Sporting Goods.

7. Tires
If you’re looking forward to road trips when quarantine is over or you just need a fresh set of tires to get to work, then Memorial Day is going to be a great option for you. There are going to be many options to choose from, so make sure you look on websites that you trust to find tires that are great for you. Websites like Goodyear, in particular, will offer huge savings as well as rebates. You can also schedule a time to have your tires installed if this isn’t something you can do yourself. Make sure you order from a store in your area if this is an option you require. You should also look for coupons so you can save on this aspect of the purchase, too.

8. Glasses
With so many people working from home, you might find that your need for glasses is dire. Whether you’re after prescription frames or you just want something to block out the blue light, there are many options to choose from online. Many of these websites already offer big savings on frames, but you’ll find even more during this time. You might also find savings on lenses, which can make your purchase a lot cheaper. GlassesUSA, for instance, has already come forward with their 65% off frames option for the holiday.

9. Jewelry
Although the gift-giving holidays for jewelry have mostly passed, you will find that many stores that offer jewelry will have some pretty great deals on items. Largely, you will find some of the leftovers from Mother’s Day and maybe even Valentine’s Day, but there will be some classic items that you might be able to find discounts on, too. Apart from classic jewelry, you will find that the company most renowned for crystal merchandise will offer an extra 20% off of their prices. Fossil watches and other accessories will also have a whopping 25% off discount. So, don’t skip out on the jewelry just because you think the deals aren’t out there.

10. Furniture
Interior furniture is another super buy during the Memorial Day sales, so make sure you shop around for key items for your home. When you shop around for these items, you might check out stores in your local area first. You might be able to arrange a social distancing meeting to check out the item before you make your purchase. You can even save money by picking up the item yourself. Of course, other retailers will offer great savings too, but be careful when you ship items as the price might be a huge setback for all of the savings you think you’re getting.

Memorial Day is one of the best times for shopping, so don’t let the holiday pass you by because you’re stuck at home. These ten items will be on sale at a number of retailers, so get ready to get the items you want at a price that is desirable. You’ll love getting in your retail therapy when you have these amazing deals to enjoy.

As May rapidly progresses, graduation times quickly approach. 2020 is a special year for graduates, as they are trying to navigate their coming of age in a world that changed very quickly within just a few months. Where most students would be planning out ceremonies and after-parties, today’s graduates are trying to figure out where life will take them in such a changing and seemingly hopeless world. It’s important that we take the time to show these students we haven’t forgotten about them and their big achievement though. So, if you know a graduate, may it be a high school graduate or college, you might want to try out one or more of these frugal ideas to help make their accomplishment shine.

1. Virtual Toast
Many graduates love to receive a toast that helps show them how much support they have for their future, as well as how proud people are of them for their accomplishments. However, with most restaurants closed or only offering reduced occupancy, and people social distancing, a toast isn’t going to be an option for so many. That is why a virtual toast will help give your student the same warm feeling. In order to do this, make a plan with friends and family to meet up on your favorite video chat program. Everyone can gather up a meal and drink in order to make the toast feel normal. Then, invite your student to the chat and have everyone say something special. It might not be the same as having everyone available for hugging and more, but it will still bring hope and pride to those that should be walking across the stage.

2. Online Graduation
Many schools are actually talking about having online graduation, which is one of the best ways to help students feel special about their achievements. These online graduations are largely hosted by the school, but many famous people have stepped in to help create huge graduation ceremonies to ensure everyone gets the graduation experience. If your school isn’t talking about this, then you might want to talk with the parents of fellow students, or if you’re in college talk with your classmates. If you can get a lot of people on board then you might be able to talk the school into hosting a virtual graduation experience.

3. Contact a Billboard
One problem that many graduates are facing is the lack of recognition they are getting. Thus, one way you can truly make a difference is to place your student on a billboard. If you want to go the extra mile then see if you can get the entire graduating class on a digital billboard. Right now, so many companies are trying to help show support for graduates, so you might not have to do a lot of talking in order to get the task done. All you will need is the school’s permission, as well as the pictures and names of the graduating class. If you succeed in getting this accomplished then the school should be able to inform everyone of the news, so they can check out their name and image. This is almost like graduation in a sense, as students will definitely be known for their accomplishments.

4. Photoshoot
A lot of seniors are missing out on getting their senior photos taken, which is a huge part of the graduation process. However, you can remedy this problem by getting the photos taken at home. If you have a good camera or know how to use your cellphone like a professional camera, then you’re well on your way to senior photos you can be proud of. Most students can get a cap and gown with ease if they don’t already have one, so check online or talk to the school about it. Once you have the outfit your student wants to wear then find the perfect place for the photo shoot. It probably won’t take you long to get the pictures you need to remember the special year. You can also turn your photos into cards or a memory book to add to the memories.

5. Special Meal
After graduation, a lot of students like to go out for a special meal in order to celebrate. This is still a possibility, but you might have to skip out on the going out aspect. Instead of eating out, you can most likely order some of your favorite meals from an assortment of restaurants as so many are doing take out and carry out. You might not be able to have a meal with friends and extended family, but it will allow you to still celebrate the special moment. You should also make or purchase a celebratory dessert to make sure the graduate feels extra special.

6. Yard Sign
A lot of parents are trying to make their students feel special through other means. One of the most common examples is a sign located in the yard. This is a great way to show off some pride when you can’t have others around. You can actually make a sign yourself if you’re feeling creative. However, there are many websites available that will allow you to print a sign out that will look amazing in your yard. You might include your child’s achievements to make the sign even more rewarding. This shouldn’t set you back a lot either and will allow you to have a keepsake that will last for years.

7. Decorate
Just because you can’t have a party doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the decorations. Instead of putting the party on the back burner, you should decorate to show your pride. This will allow your graduate to feel like life will go on even when things aren’t going according to plan. Plus, it will help you have a little fun with the situation. If you don’t have decorations already, you can easily make some, so you don’t have to waste money. There are plenty of 2020 print outs to try out, but the real treat is the photos from school year’s in the past. This will truly make the decorations show the importance of your child’s accomplishments.

8. Memory Chain
A lot of students are craving time with their peers, so a memory chain is a great way to celebrate their achievement. You might set up a social media page so that people can share their memories with one another. Of course, you can also do the chain the old-fashioned way. You might get in touch with friends and classmates that your graduate has talked about. Then, ask them to mail in memory or email it to you. Once you get all of the memories together, take all of them and form a chain. This is a great keepsake and will help your graduate feel a greater connection with their classmates especially since no one can sign one another’s yearbooks right now.

9. Drive-by Parade
Drive-by parades have been a huge hit during the self-isolation orders. However, they have largely been used for birthday parties. With graduation here, you might want to use the parade to help celebrate the graduate in your life or the numerous graduates in your community. If you put out a call to action on a local board, then many people are bound to gather to help make sure graduates get the celebration they deserve. You can also have people sign up to have the parade go by their home so you can celebrate even more people. For the parade, people can drive by, shout congratulatory messages, show off signs, and so much more. It will certainly be a great memory for anyone missing out on graduation.

10. Talk About the Future
Although it might feel hopeless right now, it is important to take the time out of your day to celebrate your graduation by talking to them. Although you probably talk to your graduate on a daily basis, there are some major points that you should consider. One of the most important things to consider before you start the talk is to remain positive. It is important that you make sure they know their future does have hope as well as the ability to make dreams come true. You might discuss graduation trips, parties, college, living options, career options, and more. One thing you should discuss is choosing a career that will allow them to work from home if need be. These topics will help make planning more efficient while bringing a little more normality to life.

Graduates definitely aren’t getting the appreciation they deserve this year. However, many people are coming up with innovative ways to make their accomplishments shine. These ten ideas are only scratching the surface, so you can make the class of 2020 feel special during their moment to shine.

Right now, many photographers are stuck at home unable to carry on with their skills. There are also many aspiring photographers out there that can’t work on their skills or even try the hobby on for size. Getting out doesn’t have to be the only way you can embrace your photography skills though. Rather, you can keep your skills finely tuned and improve on them even when you aren’t capable of capturing images of people, places, and other things that you might normally capture. These ten tips will help you embrace photography while having some fun during the quarantine period.

1. Take a Class
Even if you can’t physically sit in a photography class, there are so many digital options available that you might not miss the real thing when it comes down to it. For starters, there are lots of photography videos that you can purchase online to ensure you get the most out of your camera. You can even surf on streaming websites for free videos that can help you on your way. In this day and age, there are many digital classes that you can take advantage of too. Right now, you’ll actually find a lot that is absolutely free to help you get more out of your quarantine time. However, you can also sign up for classes with an actual institution. These will earn you college credit if you do plan on carrying out photography as a career.

2. Learn to Make Props
Props can be a fun part of photography especially if you’re working on portrait photography. However, props can be remarkably expensive, which will leave you wondering if you can even afford to become a photographer or pick up the hobby. Rather than worry about the price tag of props, you might consider learning how to make your own. There are lots of tutorials online that will teach you how to make backdrops, photo props, and even costumes. This can help boost your photography to the next level while ensuring you feel proud of your photography and ability to save quite a bit of money on your skills.

3. Learn to Edit
One aspect of photography that many people overlook is the editing process. Now is the perfect time to learn some editing skills in order to improve your skills. You might start by pulling images you’ve previously captured and would like to improve on or take a few new photos to play with. Then, figure out which editing program you would like to work in. It really does help to have knowledge in a variety of programs as this will help you edit in every way imaginable. However, if you’re just beginning, you should just start with one program at a time. They tend to be easier to learn this way. There are lots of editing lessons online, as well as tutorial videos that you can choose from. When you’re finished with the learning process, you might even come out of the quarantine with a new interest in graphic design.

4. Revisit Old Work
A lot of people are suffering from a creative block during today’s current situation. A number of things can cause this which is why it is important to keep pushing forward. Being creative can help combat depression and anxiety, which are both huge problems during this period of time. If you can’t muster up the creativity to try or learn something new, then take the time out of your day to revisit your old work. You might be able to improve on it by adding new techniques you have learned since you last worked on it. It might even help you feel inspired to work on something new. You never know though, you might be able to create a masterpiece out of some of the things you work on from the past, which can actually boost your love of photography as well as your ability to make money from it.

5. Try Out a New Technique
If you’re an established photographer or you at least have a pretty good grasp of the information, then there are still things you can do to keep your skills going strong. For starters, you might consider learning a new technique. Even photographers that have been at it for years can learn a new technique or two. You might start by browsing around the internet to see if there is anything new and innovative to check out. If not, you might go back to basics and spend some time on a technique that you never really paid much mind too. Either way, your mind will be working on something, which will definitely help you learn and improve on your skills.

6. Photograph Things Around the House
A lot of photographers think they need to go out and embrace the world in order to make their photography entertaining and thought-provoking. This isn’t exactly the case though, especially since everyone is currently experiencing a world of isolation right now. Instead of feeling bummed out that you aren’t capturing your typical content, take some time to capture your current world. You can easily come up with a themed project that will help document how you spent your time in quarantine. This can include self-portraits, images of the people and animals around you, as well as mundane things like your cooking experience or sewing masks. You can take power in your home while photographing, so embrace the opportunity to see your home in a new way.

7. Read
One of the best things about photography is there are so many books on the subject. You can find everything from collections of artwork to the history of the art form. Thus, you might want to grab a few books in order to improve your own photography skills. Today, many libraries are doing a curbside pickup service, so you can still check out the books you need to improve your skills without spending a dime. Many libraries also offer an e-book program, which will also help you read up on your favorite topics. Some websites have even made their literature free for National Photography month, so you can pick up new techniques and more. Apart from that, you can purchase books on the subject from almost any retailer.

8. Explore Your Camera
Another important thing you can do while you’re at home is exploring your camera. So many photographers stick with essential modes that don’t allow them to fully embrace their camera. If you’re still a little curious about your camera, then look up the manual online and explore everything that it has to offer. You might find that there are settings and ways to improve your photography. Knowing your camera better will also help you hone in on your craft, which will improve your skills immensely.

9. Photo Challenge
When inspiration is low, the internet offers a wide assortment for you to draw from. One of the best things to check out is the photo challenge. Of course, you’ll probably run into a lot of these on social media, and many of them involve selfies. However, there are actually photo challenges from actual photographers. There are even quarantine inspired photo challenges, which will definitely help you get more out of the challenge. These challenges last anywhere from a few days to an entire month, which will give you an excuse to pull out your camera and take pictures every single day. You can do more than one challenge at a time too, which will help you stay occupied and working on your skills.

10. Practice Daily
Even if you don’t have resources to work with, one of the best things you can do is practice your craft every single day. You might consider working on framing your photos, master your focus, or even learn how to make your own filter. Practicing will allow you to learn even if you don’t have something to guide you. This will also help you to learn what you enjoy doing so you can get more enjoyment out of your photos. Of course, you can also practice your editing and developing skills, which can truly help you enjoy photography even more.

With National Photography month here, it might be hard to enjoy the craft as much as you normally would. These ten ideas can help you make the most of the situation, so you can still have some fun with photography and learn a few things. You never know, you might come out of quarantine with a new career prospective if you use the time to learn and master your craft.

May is Gifts from the Garden Month, which couldn’t come at a better time. Between everyone being bummed out over the coronavirus quarantine and Mother’s Day coming up, you can probably use a few gift ideas to help spread some joy and love. If you have a garden, then you already have a wealth of things you can gift to those that you love. These ten tips are only scratching the surface as to the numerous things you can make from your garden. After reading this article, you might find a variety of fun ideas to help you truly use the bounty that your garden provides for you.

1. Bouquet
Without a doubt, a bouquet is probably one of the more obvious gifts that you can provide for those that you love. If you have any flowers growing in your yard then you can easily whip up something beautiful for the people that could use a little cheering up. There are many ways to make a bouquet too, so you can easily create one to suit every personality. If you’re not sure how to begin then there are lots of tutorials online to help you get started. You might even consider making a special wrap or a vase to put your bouquet in. Even if you don’t give up the bouquet as a gift to someone else, learning how to make one will become a treat for your own house. This is especially true if you master how to mix colors and scents.

2. Framed Flowers
Another way to utilize the flowers in your garden is to turn them into beautiful works of art. One of the best ways to do this is to press the flowers you bring in. If you don’t want to waste the flowers, then simply place them in a bouquet until they begin to wilt. Then, press the flower between two pieces of paper and put something heavy on top of them. Once the flower is flattened, you can place it in a picture frame. One of the best options for this is to use a frame that uses two pieces of glass, so you can see through the frame. However, if you don’t have a frame like this then you can use a printed image to help bring out the beauty of the flower. Scrapbooking paper is one of the best ways to find a beautiful paper with ease and can even allow you to embrace themes.

3. Potpourri
Drying flowers can add so much to them and will allow you to display flowers without having to feel guilty about the waste. Once the flowers in your home begin to wilt, pull them out of the water and cut them from the stems. Then set them out on something that allows them to dry. It is important that each flower has its own space as it may not dry evenly if they are pressed against other flowers or stacked. When the flowers are all dry you can mix them with other types of flowers to create a great potpourri mix. This mix can be placed in a breathable bag for use in drawers. It can also be used to burn in a wax burner or placed in a bowl to create a beautiful scent in the home. Your potpourri mix can even be used to help bring extra charm to gifts.

4. Produce Basket
Right now, food isn’t the easiest thing to come by. Grocery shopping can be a little scary and a lot of the time items aren’t even in stock due to panic buying. Even if you’re getting groceries delivered or brought to your vehicle in a curbside delivery, you may find the items you order aren’t there. So, if you have produce in your garden then a basket might be a fun gift for many people. Simply place the fruits and veggies in a basket and you have a gift that many people would appreciate. You can even place the items in a bag if you’re low on baskets, crafting supplies, and so on.

5. Jams
If you have excess fruit in your garden, then you might consider getting into the jam game. This can be easily done at home if you have the supplies on hand. However, you can purchase canning supplies without spending a small fortune if you’re careful. Once you have your supplies and a general idea of the process then use your excess fruit to make some jams that everyone is going to love. You can play around with flavors, use beautiful jars, or even jam interesting items like jalapenos. This process might even keep you busy and entertained if you’ve been feeling down during the self-isolation period. Jams can last for quite some time too. Plus, they give a burst of sweetness to the day, which can’t be a bad thing.

6. Flavored Alcohol
When it comes to gifting for adults, especially during a quarantine, nothing says you care quite like some flavored alcohol. Best of all, this project doesn’t even have to take a lot of effort if you’re just looking for something easy to give. All you need for this is alcohol that you can purchase in bulk. Think harder liquor though like vodka, tequila, and gin. Then, work from the produce you have in your garden. For instance, you can make an apple pie drink with apples and vodka. There are lots of recipes online you can try out too. Best of all, you can give the gift as soon as you make the mixture, just make sure to give a date in which the alcohol can be consumed. After trying a few recipes, you might find that this is a fun hobby too, and will allow you to stock your own bar with interesting drinks your guests will love.

7. Infused Oils
If you have a foodie on your list then making some infused oils is a great way to share some of your garden with them. The fun thing about making infused oils is you can really go crazy with it. Of course, you can also keep it simple too. Some of the most popular options are to add some herbs to some olive oil. This makes for a great treat when cooking. You might also consider adding garlic, jalapenos, and other flavorful produce or herbs to the mix. This oil is great for cooking, but you can also use it to make snacking on bread even better. There are recipes online if you really want to get into your creations though.

8. Seeds/Cuttings
Your garden has the capability to make new gardens too, which can be a great gift to anyone hoping to put their free time to work outdoors. One of the easiest ways to provide the gift of gardening to others is to take seeds from your own plants. For instance, you can easily grab sunflower seeds or collect seeds from strawberries, bell peppers, and more. If your plant doesn’t provide a visible seed, or you want to help someone start out with a large plant, then cutting is a great idea. There are plenty of tutorials on how to do this, so you might want to start by looking up the plant you hope to provide a cutting of. Learning this process can also help you improve your own garden, which is a true gift to yourself.

9. Herbs
Most people love to add flavor to their food, so if you really want to provide a helpful gift then herbs are a great option. Getting to the store to purchase fresh herbs isn’t exactly in the cards for so many people, so providing cuttings of your herbs can help supplement for a lack of groceries. However, you don’t have to keep things fresh if you want your herbs to go a bit further. You can also dry them out and place them in a container for people to use. This is probably a better idea for those that you simply can’t provide directly for. The herbs will still taste great though and will have a longer shelf life.

10. Pet Rock
Not everyone has a green thumb. Of course, sometimes the weather, soil, and other elements simply don’t provide for a fruitful setting. In this case, you can still use your garden to create a wonderful gift. If you have rocks in your garden, then you’re already off to a great start. All you have to do is paint the rock to resemble a pet. You can get really creative with this too, which is part of the fun of the gift. If you know someone crafty then you can also create a pet rock kit for them so they can enjoy the fun too. Sending someone a fun pet rock is a great way to lift spirits though, even if the item takes them off guard.

May is a great time to dig in the garden and since so many have extra time on their hands, it might be wise to transform some of your items into gifts for those you care about. These ten ideas will help occupy your time while allowing you to enjoy the things you grow even more. This will truly help you gain a better appreciation for Gifts from the Garden Month.

If your area isn’t already sweltering hot, then you can pretty much bargain that the hot weather will be here faster than you can snap your finger. Unfortunately, this summer is looking like it will largely be spent in quarantine, and even if guidelines do relax a little you will probably find that most swimming pools will be shut down. This might be a problem for many kids who have already spent a considerable amount of time cooped up. Luckily, there are many alternatives that can help you get what you need so your kids can cool down, get some exercise, and have some fun. Best of all, these tips will help even if quarantine is still in place.

1. Purchase a Pool
Obviously, one of the best things you can do is purchase a pool for your home. Shopping around for a pool might not be a good idea right now, but there are so many stores online that can help you out with your pool needs. You can visit leading retail stores in order to find a good option for your family. Since stores will probably be pushing merchandise this season, you might even find that you’ll receive a good deal on anything that you purchase. Some stores will offer to pick up during this time, but you might be better offer having it shipped to the home. Since pools tend to cost a fair about of money, you might even receive free shipping which will save you some money. If you’re feeling really ambitious, then you might make it a summer goal to dig your own pool. It might take some time before you can hire someone to finish it for you, but the initial cost will be less since you did the digging yourself.

2. Create a Water Table
Water tables are a great way for younger children to enjoy some water time. You can easily purchase a water table from a store, but there are also many options that you can build yourself too. If it comes down to it, you can even just use buckets with a variety of toy options to help keep kids busy. Water tables allow children to explore sensory learning, which is important for their development. However, they also allow kids to keep cool during the hot days of summer. A water table doesn’t have to set you back a lot of money either, which will make it an asset if you’re struggling to get by during the shutdown period.

3. Sprinklers
Another fun way to get the pool or water park experience is to hook up your sprinkler. Kids can jump through the sprinkler for a little cooldown and some fun. You can even do fun things with the sprinkler like hang it from a tree or place it beneath a trampoline. You might also come up with some games to play under the sprinkler. Sprinklers will help to keep your lawn looking great too, so you’ll get a bit more out of it than some fun. Of course, if you don’t have a sprinkler there is no need to go out and buy one. You can easily make one out of a plastic bottle, which will help with your recycling too. You can even customize the bottle to add even more fun to your kids’ experience.

4. Sponge Ware
When it comes to getting really soaked while having some fun, nothing will brighten the kids’ day quite like a sponge war. All you need for this activity are some clean sponges and a bucket of water or two. You can even cut the sponges to make them into balls or other objects to improve on the games. From there, kids can have a free for all or you can make organized games. One idea is to make a water version of dodgeball. There are so many fun ways to add to this too and since you won’t have to use a lot of water the activity will cost you next to nothing, which is an added bonus.

5. Wash the Car
Another way to add to the fun while getting things done is to have the kids wash the car. Between the buckets of water and spraying the water hose, you’re going to find that there is a lot of water fun to be had in this activity. Plus, you’ll be getting your car detailed for practically nothing. This activity can also teach kids a valuable lesson, which will help them out when they get older. Apart from that, you will have a beautiful car waiting for you when you can finally get out. Of course, you should make sure that washing a car is legal in your area, as some places do not want soaps and chemicals washing down the drain. If you’re in a drought then you might also get in trouble for this activity.

6. Cold Bath
When a pool isn’t possible then you might put your little ones in a cool bath to help their imagination. A cold bath will act as a pool, which will allow them to splash, have a little fun, and cool down. There are many things you can do to make a cool bath more interesting too. For instance, you can add in some bubbles and colorful water tabs to improve on the bath. This will allow children to truly use their imagination as they make bubble beards or pretend they are swimming in a sea of green, red, yellow, or blue. Another fun idea to add to the tub is bath colors. This will let kids draw as they cool down. A cold bath doesn’t have to be reserved just for the kids though. After a long day in the heat, you too might enjoy a nice cold bath.

7. Visit the Beach/Lake
There has been a lot of controversy about people visiting the beach during our self-isolation period. If you can’t go to the pool this summer, then the beach or the lake is a great alternative. However, if you pull up to the area and find that it is totally crowded then it is in our best interest to stay away from the area. If you live near a watering hole that is always empty, then try this out. You will be able to relax while enjoying the water. Make sure you take precautions in the area though. For instance, you might stay further than six feet away from people as the wind can carry germs. You might also want to stay out of the water if you’ve noticed the area has been busy. This will help you stay safe while also helping you keep cool.

8. DIY Slippery Slide
If you’re looking for fun for the whole family then nothing works quite as well as a slippery slide. There are many options that you can purchase in store but making your own can be a lot more fun. The easiest way to pull this off is to use a tarp if you have one lying around the house. All you need is some water and dish soap and you’re good to slide. You can put the tarp on the ground for everyone to run and slide on, or you can elevate it for even more fun. Making your own slippery slide gives you creative freedom, which will certainly help you have some fun.

9. Water Balloons
Most kids are going to perk up when you say water balloons. This is largely because the balloons are so much fun and can be used in a wide selection of ways. Thus, kids aren’t likely to get bored with them as easily. One of the best things about water balloons is you can purchase them in bulk for next to nothing. This will allow you to enjoy games on a daily basis. If you’re not sure how to keep water balloons fresh throughout the summer, then you might consider looking up some fun games. For instance, you can do a water balloon dartboard, pinata, and so on. This will help add learning experiences and ample fun to the day while helping to keep the kids cool and happy.

10. Use What You Have
You might be surprised by how many potential toys that you have in your home. The first place you might look for a new item is your recycling bin, as there is so much potential there. As mentioned before, you can easily make a sprinkler from an empty water bottle, which can help you water the lawn and entertain the kids. If you have a two-liter bottle then you can even make a rain machine, which is a lot like a sprinkler but hangs up high to drench the kids. If you have an old spray bottle, then this can be utilized as a water gun for the kids. Pool noodles also make a fun water gun, especially if you have a pool. Of course, this only scratches the surface. You can find so many more ideas online, which will help keep the whole family busy.

There’s no doubt about it, summer is going to be hard without pools, splash pads, and water parks. However, while we are all making sacrifices, we can still find joy in water play. These ten ideas will help you make your kids’ summer even more enjoyable as they keep cool and play in the water in the style.

There’s no doubt about it, teachers certainly haven’t had an easy time in their career. In an average year, teachers go the extra mile to make their classroom a great place to learn. Often, they spend their own money on supplies and work longer hours than they should. However, this year, they’ve really had to step it up even more with online learning and so much more. That is why it is important to show your support and appreciation to these unsung heroes. These ten ideas will help you bring some joy to the teachers in your life while still practicing social distancing. This should help you plan for Teacher’s Week, which will definitely bring some smiles during the COVID-19 quarantine.

1. Delivery Gift Card
Delivery services are truly one of the greatest things we have right now. They allow us to stay home while still getting the groceries and supplies we need, as well as the occasional treat. Of course, delivery services aren’t free most of the time. So, one great thing you can do for a teacher is to send a gift card for the delivery service of their choice, or whatever you have in your local area. This will allow them to get the items they need or save money on a takeout meal that will help cheer them up. One of the best things about a gift card is you can simply purchase it online and send it to their email. No one will have to worry about coming in contact with anyone else, which will help keep your social distancing game strong.

2. Group Project
If you have a way of communicating with your class, or the parents from your child’s class, then it could be fun to organize a group project. There are many great projects you might consider doing. For starters, you could have everyone in the class make a quick video of themselves talking about what they’ve learned over the semester or year. A simple thank you message will work great, too. Once you have all of the video clips, piece them together, and email them to your teacher. This will be a nice surprise and will help any teacher feel appreciated. You can also have kids make up a song that they can all sing together during a video lesson. Of course, digital cards are also a great choice and can help everyone say how they feel in a fun message that can be viewed again and again. There are lots of group ideas out there, so let your class show off their creativity as they brainstorm the best course of action.

3. Parade
Nothing says celebration quite like a parade. Recently, birthday parades have become quite popular. So, you might want to take a note from this fun idea and transform it into a way to thank a teacher in your life. You can get the whole class together to make signs and other fun things that will make the parade great. Once everyone can agree on a time and date, then have cars line up in a local parking lot. From there, everyone can drive by and show their appreciation. You can use music, horns, and so much more to get your teacher’s attention too. This can be a great outlet for everyone involved too, which is important in the times we live in.

4. Mail a Card
We don’t often use snail mail to get our word across, but it can be one of the easiest things to do during the pandemic. If you want to show your gratitude, then you might use the mail service to send out a card to your teacher. You can have your children make the card themselves to ensure there is an extra personal touch. Once finished, use an envelope or make one to send it out to your teacher. If you don’t have stamps on hand then don’t worry, as you can actually print them out from the postal service website. The only problem you might run into is not knowing your teacher’s address. If this is the case, then send the card to your child’s school. It will make for a nice surprise when everyone returns to campus to begin the process of planning school in a whole new way.

5. Gift Basket
One of the best things you can do for a teacher in your life is to provide them with a gift basket. Luckily, there are so many options to choose from right now, which might help you make any teacher feel loved. If you look online, you will find an abundance of gift basket website, but you can also find them online from stores like Amazon and Walmart. You might consider purchasing options with fruit or snacks to help make the self-isolation period a bit more bearable as these items can be tough to get when grocery shopping. However, there are other options to choose from. You might consider an entertainment basket that will help a teacher enjoy a movie night, or a school supply bundle to help take the burden off of their work budget. No matter what you choose, it is bound to please!

6. Nominate for an Award
Teachers rarely get the recognition they deserve, which can really make it hard to keep them motivated in their career choice. One way you can help a teacher out is by nominating them for an award. There are so many teaching awards out there that you are bound to find one that will suit your teacher’s amazing talents. It is very easy to nominate a teacher for an award. The hardest part is finding the right awards and even that isn’t very difficult if you have internet access. Once you find the perfect nomination, simply submit your teacher’s name and why you feel they should win the award. You can even get other people in on the nomination to improve your teacher’s chances of winning. Even if your teacher isn’t selected for the award, the nomination itself is bound to bring them some joy.

7. Create Your Own Award
If for whatever reason, you can’t find something that suits your teacher, then you can make up your own award. There are so many ways that you can pull this off. For starters, you can make an award certificate that has your teacher’s name on it and why they deserve an award. You can also have a ribbon or plaque customized to suit the award your teacher deserves. If you’re shy on money and want to purchase something, then see if the rest of the class will pitch in. You might not be available when your teacher opens up the item, but you will certainly know that it will motivate them and show that they are appreciated.

8. Get Creative
There are more than trophies and awards to help make your teacher special. If you’re working with a younger group of kids, then you might consider getting crafty with them. There are so many fun options that everyone can make to ensure their teacher feels the love for Teacher Week. Older students and adults might consider making or ordering something is a constant reminder. For instance, you can order a fun t-shirt that shows off your teacher’s personality. There are also fun yard signs that will let the world know that your teacher rocks. All in all, your creativity stands out here and will truly help you show some love.

9. Send Classroom Supplies
Since the school year was cut short this year, you might find that you have a lot of school supplies left over. Most of the time, these supplies hang around collecting dust, which means they’re also taking up space in your home. Instead of just leaving them somewhere, you might pack them up and send them to your teacher or bring them to their classroom when the school opens back up. This will help take a huge burden off of their needs when physical classes do open up. Apart from that, you can also order items online to have shipped to the teacher. This will give them a variety of new supplies, which will help them make learning a lot easier for future students.

10. Simple Thank You
If you’re low on money, lacking inspiration due to quarantine, or can’t organize a group to help out, then you shouldn’t worry. For some teachers, a simple thank you is the best way to make their day. This can be done in so many different ways too. For instance, you can say thank you for a digital lesson plan. If you don’t want to interrupt the class, then shoot an email. This isn’t just true for students either. Parents can easily get in on the thank you to help show their children the importance of treating teachers with respect and admiration.

Teachers’ Week is a prime time to share your appreciation for those that dedicate their lives to teaching. These ten ideas will allow you to share some love, even while you’re stuck at home. This special week might even help you realize how much teachers have meant to you in the past, so feel free to reach out to these teachers as well in order to show your appreciation.

Mother’s Day is just a few short weeks away, so it might be the perfect time to plan your special gift to mom. This year is a bit of a special case though, as most mothers are going to be stuck indoors due to COVID-19. This virus has left us questioning what the new normal in life is going to be, which might make you want to shop differently. These ten ideas are perfect for any mom that is stuck indoors, may it be now or any future self-isolation periods. With any luck, you will find a way to not only express your love and appreciation but also help her enjoy life when so many of her outlets have been taken away.

1. Spa Set
There are so many moms that are being asked to do it all right now. From maintaining the home and taking care of the little ones to homeschooling children and working from home. Thus, it might be a great time to offer mom a spa set to help her kick back and relax. There are lots of spa sets that you can order online. You should be able to find mom’s favorite scents as well as her favorite ways to relax, like bath bombs and candles. However, if you’re on a tight budget or you find yourself having trouble ordering items, then you can easily make a spa set from home too. This will allow you to create the perfect set for your loved one so there is a nice surprise for her to enjoy.

2. Book Subscription
Since many of us have been stuck indoors for quite some time now, you might find that mom may be a little bored with streaming videos and other forms of digital entertainment. Thus, a book might be a great solution to the boredom mom is feeling. There are many great book subscriptions available to you, which might allow you to find the perfect option for mom. Everything from romance to documentaries is available, but you can also customize a subscription based on your mom’s favorite books. The subscription should be bi-weekly to monthly, which will give her plenty of time to enjoy everything that comes her way. Plus, it will be helping out a small business, which is an added bonus.

3. Plants
Loneliness and a lack of sense of purpose are two of the major problems that people are facing right now. Taking care of a plant is one way to combat this problem. That is why a plant might be the perfect gift for your mom during this time. You can find something that suits her personality as well as her green thumb. Of course, you might also take into consideration the pets she already has in the household, as some plants can be poisonous to animals. There are numerous plants you can have shipped straight to mom too. However, you can also keep things simple by providing her with seeds and a container to keep them in. This will help mom find something to do with her day, which not only helps with depression but keeps the mind active.

4. Art Set
One of the best ways to add some joy to life is to create things. Of course, exercising your sense of creativity is also a good way to keep the days fresh, which can help prevent depression and exercise from coming through. So, if you have a mom that likes to create, then you might consider purchasing her an art set. Art sets come in all shapes and sizes too, so you can actually find one that will suit your mom perfectly. You can find everything from painting sets to a bundle that is perfect for crochet. Even if your mom hasn’t taken to a craft before, you might find that this is the perfect time for her to explore the things she has always wanted to. Art sets are generally affordable too, so you might even be able to afford more than one set.

5. Comfortable Pajamas
Let’s face it, most of us are hanging out in our pajamas these days. So, it might be wise to give mom a comfortable set of pajamas for Mother’s Day. This is a pretty classic gift no matter what is going on in the world, but this year might prove to make them even more valuable. Try to find a pair that is both comfortable while still making mom feel pretty. Of course, if your mom has a fun sense of humor then you might shop for a hilarious pair to lift her spirits instead. A new pair of pajamas can help make the new normal a little easier to deal with and can help bring mom comfort as she tries to relax at home.

6. Movie Gift Card
Theaters currently aren’t an option right now, but there are alternatives if you have a movie-loving mom. Instead of sending mom to the theater, you might consider grabbing a gift card for her favorite movie service. Not only will she be able to purchase and stream movies instantly, but she can also rent some movies that are already out in theaters. This can help make things seem a little less confined while also ensuring that she gets to see the movie she had her heart set on. If you want to add even more to the gift, then send popcorn and classic theater snacks to the home. This will make her movie experience and Mother’s Day unforgettable.

7. Coffee Maker
A lot of moms love to go out for their daily intake of coffee. Although you can still get your coffee from most cafes and restaurants, the dine-in portion of these establishments is most likely closed. Not only does this take away from the experience of getting coffee, but it might also mean that mom will have to sit in a long drive-thru line to get what she desires. Instead of dealing with taking out coffee, you might purchase mom a coffee maker instead. There are so many lines on the market right now, which can help you choose the right match for mom. You might consider a basic model or a k-cup dispenser for moms that are fans of drip coffee, while an espresso maker might be the best option for moms that love a nice latte or cappuccino.

8. Noise Cancelling Earphones
Without a doubt, dealing with the same people day in and day out can get frustrating. This is especially hard for parents that are at the beck and call of their children and spouse. If you want your mom to have a nice break from the world, then you might consider getting her a set of noise-canceling earphones. Of course, even if mom doesn’t mind the people surrounding her, but she loves to watch movies or listen to music without interruption, then this is still going to be a great buy. You can purchase noise-canceling earphones in many ways too. They can be purchased as headphones, earbuds, or even in a wireless option. This will truly help mom separate herself for a little while, which can help make self-isolation bearable.

9. Photo Book
One of the best ways to treat mom is to help showcase all of the amazing memories that you’ve had with her. A photo book is a great way to help her relish over the special moments. You can make a photo book on your own, with supplies you have around the house. If you have a printer then you can easily print out pictures and use your scrapbooking supplies to make each image a prize. However, if you don’t have a printer, then you can use a variety of services to get your images printed and mailed to you. If you don’t want to craft, then there are numerous services that will allow you to digitally compile a photo book. This service will print out the book for you and even mail it to mom if you don’t want to go to the post office yourself.

10. Video Call
If you haven’t seen mom in a while, then one of the best things you can do is set up a video call. There are numerous services that will allow you to do this for no cost, which will make it easier for you to plan for the big day on a budget. If you really want to make a big statement, then organize a group chat with the entire family. If mom has not been able to see everyone for a while, then seeing everyone together will be a real treat. It will also give the family a chance to catch up, which could make everyone feel better.

Mother’s Day might be difficult this year, especially if you find yourself unable to see mom due to quarantine. These ten ideas will help you make the most out of the holiday though, which should leave mom feeling happy. You might find the perfect gift in this quick list, but if not it could help you stumble across an idea that is even better. No matter what though, your mom will certainly appreciate the effort that you put into her gift during these trying times.

If you’ve been on social media lately, and let’s face it most of us have been living on it, then you’ve probably seen a lot of posts about quarantine hairstyles. Since you’re supposed to cut your hair about every six weeks or so, most people are coming up on their due date. Unfortunately, we can’t exactly book an appointment with the stylist or barber, which has left many people taking to their own devices in order to deal with their hair. You don’t have to try to be a stylist during your quarantine period, but there are things you can do to help your hair thrive while you can’t get to the salon. These ten tips will definitely help you leave quarantine with amazing hair.

1. Ditch the Heat
Since you don’t have to be anywhere right now, you might make it a point to take a break from the heat that you expose your hair to on a daily basis. From curling and straightening to just blow drying, you might cut out the hair tools and embrace letting your hair heal. Heat isn’t the best of things for your hair and can lead to damage that can only be cut away. If you take some time to enjoy a break from the heat, then you might find that your hair really perks up in no time at all. There are alternatives you can toy around with though. For instance, if you want to embrace some curls then condition your hair and then wrap it in up in a classic crown style using a large hair tie or ribbon. You will be surprised how great your hair looks after leaving it in the crown for a few hours. Plus, your curls will be bouncy and beautiful.

2. Learn to Trim
One of the main reasons that you need to see a stylist or barber is to get a trim. This helps your hair grow faster and stronger, while also maintaining any style that you might have right now. Although creating a new hairstyle might be a bit out of your skillset, you can trim your hair with ease. There are lots of tutorials online if you’re feeling uncomfortable with this. However, all you really need is a steady hand and a good pair of scissors that are designed for hair. As you work on your hair, you might feel more confident with trimming, which might actually save you some money when it comes to the amount you spend at the salon each year.

3. DIY Hair Masks
Sometimes, our hair just takes on too much damage. During these times, most people like to shop around for a hair mask or ask their stylist to recommend one. Since you can’t pop into the stylist for a chat, you might not be able to get the recommendations that you need. You may also not be able to get the items you need online considering more stores are only sending out priority items. Luckily, there are many hair masks that you can make at home with items that you most likely have on hand. One of the most popular options is mayonnaise. This will give hair a healthy shine while helping to repair the damage. Of course, there are lots of recipes online that can help you love the way your hair looks. You may even find some facial masks to use while you’re enjoying your face mask.

4. Drink Water
You might not believe it, but one of the best things you can do for your hair is to drink plenty of water. While you’re in quarantine, you might not think about this too much because it is easy to fall into drinking soda, wine, and other drinks for comfort. Plus, if you’re not working out and following a routine then it might be tough for you to follow your water drinking habits. If this is the case for you then set a few reminders on your phone. This will help you drink the required amount that you need, which will add more health to your hair and the rest of your body.

5. Conditioning Hair Dye
A lot of people are experimenting with color while they are in quarantine. Since there aren’t a lot of school or work restrictions to deal with, this can add some fun to your time at home. Unfortunately, box hair dyes can leave you with unhealthy hair though, which can be a problem since you can’t exactly go to the salon to get help. There is a great alternative to this though. Recently, color depositing conditioners have become very popular. These special dyes put color into your hair, but they also work to condition and leave the hair healthier than ever. These conditioners don’t require you to bleach, nor do they harm your skin. They are a bit more expensive than your everyday box dye, but they’re worth the extra money. Plus, you can purchase them in almost every color imaginable.

6. Tutorial Cuts
If you’re feeling like you need to jump in on the haircut trend, then don’t stress out over it. However, you might not try anything too extreme if you worry about what others will think. If you’re a bit more of a free spirit and you don’t mind winding up with a buzz cut if it goes wrong, then, by all means, go for it. You shouldn’t try to wing it though, especially if you want the haircut to turn out. There are numerous video tutorials online to help you execute the haircut of your dreams, so make sure you browse around before you pull out the scissors. You should also take the time to watch the video several times before you even begin as this will help you get to know the video before you start the cutting process. These tutorials aren’t a guarantee of success, but they will help guide you a bit more.

7. Talk to a Stylist
Although salons and barbershops are closed down right now, there are some stylists that are trying to make their business work through the shutdowns. You might check out your salon’s social media page to see if their stylists are offering videos and more to help stay in business. Some stylists will host live shows where they give hair care tips. Some may even be available to chat and help you out with your problems. Many stylists might offer this service for free, but if there is a section to tip you should do so. After all, they are in the same position as so many in this country and are struggling to make ends meet when there seems to be no way to do so.

8. Go Natural
Not everyone is feeling ambitious during the self-isolation period. If this is you, then you don’t have to worry about your hair in the slightest bit. In fact, one of the best ways to help your hair out during this period is to go natural. This means you shouldn’t blow dry it, straighten, add product, color it, and so on. Even if you don’t like your hair, now is the best time to try to embrace its natural beauty. Let your hair grow, show off your roots, embrace your natural color. You might be surprised by how much you actually do enjoy your natural hair. Sometimes, we do so much to our hair that we forget what it is supposed to look like. So, use the time away from school, work, and society to see how you actually feel about your natural locks.

9. Explore Looks
If you’re feeling bored and want to experiment with your look without committing to a style, then you might explore different styles online. You can change your look by trying out a variety of different styles. To begin with, you might try your hand at braiding. Now is a great time to practice your braiding skills and may even give you confidence so you can show off some brilliant braids after the self-isolation period is over. Another thing to consider is updos. You might try your hand at formal styles that will make you feel elegant as you walk around the house. There are also much fun looks like fake faux hawks and more. Before long, you’ll forget all about using the scissors as you embrace other hair tools.

10. Give it a Break
Sometimes, it is best just to give your hair a break for a couple of days. You might start by not shampooing it every single day. This will allow the natural oils in your hair to return, which is perfect for your hair’s overall health. Another thing you might consider doing is keeping it down. With summer on its way, you might find that your hair will be up in a ponytail more often. So, give your scalp a break by wearing it down as much as possible. You might find that letting it go natural for a bit will actually help you to relax and stay comfortable.

Hair seems to be a big concern during the self-isolation period. Keeping a hair routine can even help keep you sane during these strange times. So, if you’re struggling with your stay at home orders, you might take these tips into consideration. You never know, you might re-enter society with hair that looks better than ever, which will make the transition to the real world a whole lot better for you.

There’s no doubt about it, it is incredibly hard to find some of our basic needs right now. Although food is touch and go, it seems almost impossible to find paper products like toilet paper and items that we need to clean and keep ourselves safe during the pandemic. This can cause a lot of panic with so many because it does bring a sense of lacking control in one’s life, especially when there is something going on that none of us can control. Luckily, there are a few alternatives to the items you might not be able to find in stores. These ten items can help you feel a little less out of control in the situation until we can get things back to normal.

1. Bidet
For some reason, toilet paper was on the top of the list of things depleted during the early days of the pandemic. Instead of food, people packed toilet paper to the brim of their carts leaving stores without the item for people who actually might have run out of toilet paper. Even though a few weeks have passed, it is still incredibly hard to get toilet paper in stores. If this trend continues, you might want to start thinking about a bidet. This special device is used in many other countries and can actually help you feel cleaner after using the restroom. You can buy bidets for a decent price online, but right now there might be a bit of a wait before yours will arrive. You can make your own bidet out of a squirt bottle though. This will help you out in a pinch and costs next to nothing. When the toilet paper stock returns, you may even want to keep your bidet. Not only is it hygienic, but it is environmentally friendly and could even help your plumbing.

2. T-shirt Rags
Paper towels are another major paper product in short commodity. Many people are using paper towels as toilet paper on top of their everyday cleaning needs. If you don’t want to use your good towels or you find yourself running out of clean items quickly, then you can take to your closet for a solution. If you have a lot of old t-shirts in your closet, then you might consider cutting them up to use them as rags. Donations aren’t really being accepted right now and most charity shops have more than their fill of these items anyway so there is no reason to feel guilty about it. If there is a design on the shirt that you like then cut it out, this can be turned into a face mask, pillow, or used for a blanket. The rest of the material will make a great rag for cleaning up the home, or as a makeshift kerchief, if you find yourself out of tissue.

3. DIY Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is another item that flew off of the shelves as soon as people found out that COVID-19 had entered the country. If you’re not one of the people that had the chance to purchase in bulk, you can make your own hand sanitizer at home with items you probably already have on hand. One of the easiest ways to combat the lack of sanitizer in stores is to mix high content alcohol with some aloe vera. This will kill almost anything on your hands without completely drying them out. You should have your DIY hand sanitizer with you when you leave the house too. You can use it to clean hand baskets, cleanse your hands after shopping, and so on. You can even use it to clean up the vehicle after shopping.

4. DIY Lysol
When it comes to cleaning up the home, Lysol is one of the best options to do so. However, Lysol, especially the spray, hasn’t been available since the beginning of the pandemic in most places. If you’re hoping to make your own, there are lots of recipes available to you online. One of the easiest is to mix essential oils with alcohol in a spray bottle. This will take care of most cleaning without leaving the home smelling like a hospital. This is great in a pinch especially if you are living with someone with a compromised immune system. The oils might even help to keep bugs away, which will help kill two birds with one stone as the warmer weather moves in.

5. Cleaning/Baby Wipes
A lot of people love to have cleaning wipes on hand for the little spills and clean up jobs that need to be done each day. Unfortunately, these wipes tend to be unavailable, which leaves many people in a bind. Another major item that is often sold out in stores is baby wipes, which are pretty much a necessity for any home that has a child in diapers. You can make both of these items at home though. To begin with, you can use one of your old wipe or cleaner containers to store paper towels. It will help to cut the paper towels in halves or thirds. Once cut, place them in a container and add soapy water. If you’re just going for baby wipes this is all you need to add to the mix. However, you can also add essential oils, alcohol and so on to your cleaning wipes. Make sure to label accordingly though, so you don’t mix up the cleaning and baby wipes.

6. Anti-Bacterial Soap
It seems like soap is the key to our health right now, which is why so many might feel anxiety setting in when they can’t purchase this necessity at stores. For many, making soap seems like it might not be as effective as buying it in stores. However, you will be surprised by how many recipes you can find that not only help keep you clean but will also offer you so many more options when it comes to scent and moisturizing your hands. You might start by looking for recipes online and trying them out. It might be trial and error at first, but you’re certain to find what you need once you get the hang of things. You might also find making soap can be a lot of fun, which might help you find a new hobby that you can enjoy after the self-isolation is over.

7. Disposable Masks
People have used masks for quite some time. Whether it be to mow the lawn, clean the bathroom, or protect others while you’re sick, disposable masks used to be commonly used and thrown out. Now, you can’t really find the items in stores and even if you can they should be left there for those that have a compromised immune system or for medical professionals that might not be able to get supplies at work. Instead of buying these masks, you should consider making reusable masks instead. These can be made out of most fabrics, including old shirts, and will still help to protect you. Best of all, you won’t have to throw them out, which will cut back on wastes. There are lots of tutorials online to choose from, so utilize a tutorial that meets your needs as well as the supplies you already have on hand.

8. Reusable Diapers
A lot of people started stocking up on baby diapers as soon as they found out about self-isolation periods. Although this might help keep family’s with young children safer, it also left the shelves pretty depleted for those who were not able to stock up. Instead of continuing on with disposable diapers, you might give reusable diapers a chance. Not only are these diapers easy to use, but they are better for the environment too. They will also help save you a lot of money, which is important when it comes to trying times like these. You also won’t have to worry about leaving the home to try to find these items, since your stock can easily be tossed in the washer.

9. Homemade Laundry Detergent
Keeping your clothes clean during this period of time is crucial. That is probably why everyone is buying up laundry detergent like crazy. If you are out of detergent and you need to do laundry, then there are still a few options to consider. When you look online, you’ll find a lot of alternatives to help you make up your own laundry detergent that won’t leave you cleaning up bubbles. Of course, if you don’t have the ingredients on hand, then you can always resort to baking soda. This will clean to the point your clothes will be safe to wear, but they might not smell nice. You might also consider hand washing as you will have more soap alternatives to use. This should help you get through the pandemic period though or until you can finally get the soap that you need.

10. Vinegar
When it comes to keeping things clean, it is important to have vinegar on hand if you can’t find any other supplies. Vinegar can help you get rid of mold, bacteria, and so much more, which is why it is a must when you go shopping. Vinegar can also be used in cooking, so even if you have a lot on hand after you get the supplies you need it won’t go to waste. You might even be able to use some in the garden.

In these trying times, it is important to know that you have options when it comes to paper and cleaning products that are no longer on the shelves. These tips can help you figure out how to work around the lack of products, so you can still clean and provide your family with a safe environment while the pandemic keeps everyone inside.

Spring has arrived and so has its many allergies, which might make you feel pretty miserable. With everything going on right now, you might not want to have anything making you feel sick or worried about your health. Allergies can really sneak up on you though, which might make you worry that you have something else. So, before your body starts to react to the world’s changes, you might want to take a few precautions to cut back on the issue. There are many things you can do to cut back on allergens, which will help your overall health while making you feel better about the season.

Continue reading “Easy Ways to Ditch Allergens So You Can Stay Sneeze Free All Spring”

Right now, essential employees are putting it all on the line to keep the country going. No one is at a greater risk than doctors and nurses who are basically on the front lines of the pandemic. Many people, whether they have dealt with the disease or not, are looking for ways to help thank the medical staff. For so many, money is tight though, so it is important to keep things frugal as much as possible. These ten options will help the medical staff that deserves so much more while allowing you to express your gratitude for all that they do.

1. Order Donuts
Sending food to medical staff can be expensive, but it is one of the best things you can do for those who are working long hours. Often, meals are forgotten or pushed off until it is time to head home for the day. That is why sending food is probably one of the best ways to show some gratitude. One of the best options for this is donuts though. Not only are donuts affordable in large batches, but you can ensure most people in the hospital will be able to find something they like. On top of that, donuts can be eaten in a few seconds if need be, so everyone can get back to work with a little something in their stomachs. You will also find that sweetness can act as a form of comfort for those facing a challenging day. If you are planning on donating to the medical staff, then ask for the donuts to be delivered as many delivery people will have a special way into the hospital so there is less risk involved. You might also let the business know who the order is for, as they may offer you a discount or donate more donuts to go along with the order you put in.

2. Make Masks
Unfortunately, one of the biggest tribulations of the time is the fact that our medical staff is so understocked. There has been a nationwide call for donations, but if you don’t have medical masks on hand then you might consider making some. All you need is some fabric and the ability to sew in order to pull this off. There are many patterns available online, so you can try out different options to see which is easier for you to make or even which are preferred by the staff. These masks might not be used while disposable masks are present, but the medical staff can take them home to use, or they can use them in a pinch if supplies do run out. If masks aren’t up your alley then you might consider accessories to help make the masks more comfortable. For instance, many people are making items that masks can hang from in order to protect those wearing them from experiencing pain after long periods of wear.

3. Donate Money
Donations are going to be one of the most important ways to show gratitude during this time. If you can, donate some money to your local hospital or any other hospital that you might prefer. You don’t have to donate hundreds if you don’t have the money to give. In fact, even five to ten dollars can help out immensely when it comes to getting protective gear for the staff. If you can do this every time you get paid, then the money will quickly add up. If you don’t have the money to give then you might consider starting a GoFundMe or any other page that will help you collect donations. Usually, people will happily donate to help out, especially during times such as these.

4. Donate Blood
Blood is always needed, but whenever there is a medical emergency such as a pandemic then the blood becomes even more important. Thus, one of the best things you can do to show your appreciation of the medical staff is to donate blood. This will help them to ensure they have what they need if an emergency does arise, which can take a huge burden off of them. If you have had and recovered from the novel coronavirus then you should also consider donating. Currently, many medical teams are using this blood, as well as plasma, in a race towards a cure or a vaccine. Your contribution could save millions of lives.

5. Shop Considerately
A lot of people are going a bit crazy when it comes to shopping. When the coronavirus first began, people were shopping for hand sanitizer, cleaners, facial masks, and gloves which pretty much depleted the stock. Currently, stores are getting in small numbers of these products, but people are still buying them up as soon as they come in. One of the best things you can do is walk away from these items unless you actually need them. This will allow the medical staff that does need to protect themselves to purchase the items. Doctors, nurses, and anyone working in a hospital or medical facility need to be able to clean their clothing, home, and body in order to keep themselves and others safe. So, do them a favor and leave the items on the shelf so they can stay healthy and protect their families too.

6. Offer Assistance
If you’re in a peak area, then you might know some medical staff that is working double shifts without a day off. If this is the case, then you might offer your assistance to the medical personnel and have them extend your generosity to their colleagues. You might consider shopping for them, so they have groceries to come home to when they do get to have a break. If the person has pets then stop by to feed them, walk them, clean up after them, and so on. You can even clean up their house if they need you to. These services can help make their life better while allowing you to show your gratitude.

7. Contact Media
One of the best ways to show off your appreciation for the medical staff in your area is to let your story be known. If you have had a great experience with the medical staff in your area, then you might consider sharing it with the media. Most media sources are more than happy to broadcast positive stories, especially during such a hard time. This can help boost morale in the community as well as with the medical staff that you are with. It can also show everyone just how many heroes are living and working in your area.

8. Think Outside of the Box
If you’re not sure what you would like to do to show your appreciation, then you might try thinking outside of the box. There are many people going the extra mile to say thank you, so you’ll probably find a wide variety of ideas to help inspire you. If you’re religious, then many people are holding prayer circles in front of hospitals. These don’t involve getting out of the vehicle though. Instead, you might turn on your headlights with a group of other people to show you are present and see everything that the hospital is doing. If you join one of these, someone might speak using a megaphone to help get the message across. You can also hold up thank you signs and more. Some artists are leaving messages for the staff using standing letters, chalk, and other options. Of course, if you want to go this route, you need to get permission from the hospital. You can also send a card for the staff to share your gratitude.

9. Rally for Supplies
Right now, there are a lot of hospitals that don’t have the supplies they need to be safe. One of the best things you can do is a rally for supplies for these individuals. You can contact companies and ask for
donations to help your community out. You might be surprised by how many companies are willing to help out those in need if only they had a direction to go in. If you can’t find anyone to donate then you might write letters and make phone calls to your local government to try to get some supplies.

10. Self-Quarantine
At the end of the day, one of the best things you can do to help out the medical staff in your area and around the world is to self-quarantine. Staying at home will mean there is one less person for the hospital to worry about because you will be away from the virus. Plus, you will also help stop the spread of the disease, which can help others out too. Although it might be an inconvenience, this is the best way to say thank you as you will help end the pandemic which will allow them to stop putting their lives at risk.

There is no doubt about it, the medical staff around the world definitely deserves a round of applause and then some. These ten ideas will definitely help you to show your appreciation while bringing them a little relief. Best of all, you will still be able to maintain your budget as you help show your gratitude.

Let’s face it, for so many self-isolation is hard. If you’re an extrovert that loves to go out or even an introvert that likes to spend time with friends, you may be getting a bit tense right now. Luckily, we live in the modern world, so there are a ton of ways for us to connect with the people that we don’t currently live with. This can truly help out with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and anything else that you might be feeling during this time. If you’re having trouble with the self-isolation period, or you know someone else that is then you might want to give some of these tips a chance until we’re all clear to get back to normal.

1. Netflix Party
As soon as cities started asking people to stay inside, Netflix jumped on the scene with a fun way to ease some of the loneliness associated with staying home. Now, when you watch a movie on the streaming platform, you can actually start up a watch party. This will allow you to enjoy a movie or binge-watch your favorite TV show with others. The new party option even provides you with a chatroom, so you can enjoy everyone’s commentary as you share in your favorite comfort shows. Of course, if you don’t have Netflix, or you’ve already binged everything worth watching once, then you can do this with other platforms, too. It will take a bit more work. You might have to start up your own chat or a group video call to begin with. You will also have to synchronize when you begin the show, so everyone is watching at the same exact time. All in all, though, it can bring a sense of normalcy to your life, especially if you watch shows with your friends often.

2. Video Chat
Video chats are one of the most common ways to keep in touch with people now. In fact, if you’re working from home then you’re probably already video chatting quite a bit. You can use the video chat section to keep up with others though, even if it isn’t work-related. For instance, if you see a group of friends or colleagues on a daily basis then you might try to chat with them each day. You can even set up a lunch date to add a sense of normalcy to it all. Apart from that, you might make it a point to spend time with family members, too, especially the elderly. Loneliness can hit home for this group of people more often than others, so make sure their isolation period isn’t too rough. If you don’t have anyone to chat with then there are chatrooms for anyone who wants to meet people. Make sure you exercise caution here but have fun and enjoy the company of others if you are feeling lonely.

3. Teddy Bear Hunt
Just talking to people isn’t quite enough for some, which is where the teddy bear hunt comes in. Many people are placing bears in their windows for kids to spot while they are on walks. If you have a teddy bear in the home, you might consider doing this to add a bit of magic to life. Kids will be able to feel like the world isn’t quite as bad as they seek out a bear on every block. If you don’t have a bear then you can use just about any stuffed animal, as it should bring joy to kids to see something colorful in your window. You can also write a special message like a riddle or joke to add to the fun. This will help you feel like you’re still a part of humanity, which will make the isolation period a bit less challenging.

4. Birthday Party Parade
March, April, and May are some of the busiest months when it comes to birthdays. Due to this, there are many children that are missing out on having a birthday party or a celebration of any sort with friends and family. One of the best ways to still make someone feel special is to have a birthday party parade. Essentially, you can organize this in a group chat to make sure everyone is on board. Then, everyone meets up and drives in front of the birthday child’s home. People can deck out their vehicles, write special messages, play songs, and more. The important thing is to maintain social distancing while you do this though. If there is an elderly person in your life then you can also do this for them, as it is bound to be a pleasant surprise that will lift their spirits.

5. Block Party
Real parties are pretty much off-limits now, but if you’re having trouble going without seeing people then you might consider hosting a block party. This doesn’t mean that you give up on social distancing though. Instead, get on your neighborhood app, or send the people on your block an invitation in snail mail. Then, at your selected time, everyone sits on their front porch or lawn and shares a drink together. You can take turns playing music, use a megaphone to chat, or simply just enjoy spotting everyone on your block. It is crucial that you stay 6 feet away from each other, if not more. You should also wear your masks to help add even more protection.

6. Window Visits
For the immune-compromised, a window visit is one of the best options when it comes to seeing someone in person. If you have a family member or friend in a nursing home for instance, then you might pop by their window for a visit. As long as the window remains closed, you can use the phone to have a conversation with one another while still being able to see one another in person. Of course, you should also exercise caution with a face mask for your own safety. You can even make signs to help get the message across. There have been many stories online of family members celebrating birthdays, meeting new family members, and so on through windows, so embrace the idea and use it for your particular situation.

7. Utilize Social Media
Social media might be a drain on everyone when life is normal, but right now it is one of the best assets that we have. If you’re not on social media right now, then you might temporarily make a page or two to help you communicate with the people in your life. Most social media pages will allow you to chat with friends and family while sharing pictures with ease. You might even be able to make new friends with people that have similar hobbies and so on. Social media can be used to learn new things, as well, which can help you pass the time with ease.

8. Take an Online Course
Luckily, the internet is rich with resources. So, if you don’t have a lot going on during self-isolation and you’d like to use some of your free time to improve your education then you might want to take advantage of some online courses. There are many ways to do this. If you’re already in college or you want to enroll, then many colleges are still offering online classes. So, when next semester rolls around you can easily sign up for classes. Some colleges are offering five-week classes online, which will allow you to take advantage of the classes without interrupting your normal life. These classes will allow you to interact with your fellow students too, which can help ease your loneliness while keeping your mind active. If you have a few extra dollars to spend then you can purchase some online courses that can help with tech skills, art, and more. You might come out of the process with a certificate that can help you land a better job. If you’re on a tight budget, then there are a lot of free classes online to take advantage of. You won’t get credit for the classes, but you will get to gain the knowledge, which will be more than worth it.

9. Volunteer
Another way to stay connected with the community, especially if you’re a non-essential worker, is to volunteer. There are a lot of services that currently need a whole lot of help, so if you’re willing to put yourself at risk then your help will most likely be appreciated. If you have a medical certificate or professional training, then the hospital might take you on as a temporary worker. Another great place to donate your time is food banks and other facilities that hand out food. Since more people will need groceries during this hard time, there is a bigger need for help passing out the items and preparing them. Volunteering will help you connect to your community through while ensuring you do your part to make the world a better place. Of course, it is important to practice safety measures while you’re out.

10. Find a Pen Pal
There are many elderly people stuck at home that aren’t technologically savvy. Thankfully, there are many organizations that help elderly people find a pen pal to help keep their minds active when they can’t spend time with the people they typically would visit in their community. Adopting an elder will help you enjoy getting to know someone while learning something about the older generation. You might even get to a point where you can video chat with the elder that you adopt. You might also enjoy getting to know the person in real life when the self-isolation is over.

Connecting with others is an important part of being a human being. However, it is hard to get the social interaction needed during a self-isolation period, especially if you’re living alone. These ten ideas will help you connect with others while allowing you to learn new ways to communicate that you might even consider using when the self-isolation period is over.

There’s no doubt about it, pretty much every household is having to change the way they shop, budget, and live life. This can be incredibly trying, especially if your work hours have been cut or completely put on hold. It can be hard to plan around the current economy, as well as what the future brings. This can cause a lot of uncertainty that might make many households fear and impulse purchase in order to cut costs in the future. This alone can cost you way too much money and might leave you hurting if things don’t go back to normal any time soon. There are many ways that you can help cut the costs of the times to help suit your budget, so you can try not to stress as much.

1. Freeze Fresh Produce
Lately, there has been a lot of panic shopping. So, finding things on the shelf and in the freezers might not be the easiest option. A lot of stores are reporting that fresh produce is still in abundance though, which is good news for anyone hoping to eat healthy during self-quarantine. However, going to the store often isn’t an option if you’re hoping to stay away from the virus, which makes it hard to keep produce in the home. Instead of trying to bulk shop for items you might not be able to get, instead, consider grabbing fresh. When you bring the items home, separate them into your weekly meals then freeze the rest. You can even meal prep with the produce to make your life even easier. This will help prevent food in stores from going to waste, will save you money, and will ensure you have the nutrients you need to stay healthy.

2. Consider Soups
When it comes to making meals that will last for your family, one of your best options is soup. You can make large batches of soup for very little money, which will help stretch your food budget while ensuring you have plenty of food for everyone. Generally, you can start most scratch-made soups out for just a dollar or so, depending on the type of stock you use. However, if you want to cut this down you can make your own stocks that will help your meal plans go even further. Best of all, soups allow you to work with whatever ingredients you can find, which will definitely make your life easier. With soup, you can live off of leftovers for a few days or you can freeze whatever is left to have for a meal later on down the line.

3. Shop Restaurants
Grocery stores can be frightening places right now. People are still trying to pack themselves into small spaces to pick through whatever is left on the shelf. This can put you at risk for being exposed to the virus, which isn’t good for you or your family. An alternative to grocery shopping is going through local restaurants. Many restaurants are deciding to close down due to the virus because many people aren’t ordering out or do not have enough information about the restaurant’s changes if they are typically a dine-in facility. Due to closures, a lot of places are trying to get rid of their grocery stock to help them earn some extra income before they go out of business. Thus, you might be able to find lots of dried goods like beans, rice, flour, and more. You may even be able to get a lot of fresh produce and meats, which can’t be found in stores currently.

4. Make from Scratch
A lot of people are trying their hardest to stock up on the staples. Items like bread, pasta, and canned goods that are typically found in the home are flying off of the shelves. For many people, these foods are a part of their everyday diet, which makes it hard when they can’t purchase the items. Luckily, you can easily make many of these items from scratch. One of the best things to learn how to make is bread. You can do this with a few simple ingredients that you should be able to find on the shelves. You can also find all sorts of substitutes for the ingredients you might need to make the bread you desire. You can even make bread that doesn’t have yeast or bread with items other than flour. Another item you can make at home is pasta. This is easier than you might think too and will even improve the way your meals taste. If you have lots of fresh produce, you can also can or jar it to last you longer. These scratch-made foods might even be healthier for you and will certainly taste better.

5. Learn to Substitute
When times are rough, you might not be able to find everything you need to make your favorite recipes. Some days milk will be hard to find, while other days you might have no luck with eggs. One of the best things you can do is look for substitutes when it comes to the things you need. If you find yourself in the store and can’t find everything you need for a recipe, simply run a quick search for items that can be substituted for it. This can actually teach you a lot about cooking too and might even allow you to improve on some of your recipes. This will ensure you still get to make some of your favorite items too, so your budget or the lack of supply won’t get in the way of your favorite comfort foods.

6. Get Creative
Figuring out what to make for the family can be tough during normal times. However, when grocery supplies and budgets are low then figuring out a meal can be one of the toughest aspects of the day. You might have to get creative when it comes to your meals. For starters, you might consider cooking foods that can be transformed into other meals later on. For instance, if you make chili then you can turn this into chili dogs, tater tot casserole and so much more. Meals that can be turned into other things, no matter how creative the experimental meal might be are going to be your best bet. This will prevent you from wasting food while also helping you to save a lot of money. There are lots of ideas online that can be found simply by looking up the foods you have available, so if the creativity isn’t flowing the internet has your back.

7. School Lunches
When it comes to the kids, there are many resources available to you. One of the best options is actually the kids’ school. You can head to most schools during a certain period of time to pick up a totally free lunch for them. Many schools are also packing up breakfast for the following day too. This can be a real lifesaver if you’re running low on food and money. If you don’t know whether your school is participating, then you should still be able to contact the school district to find out. This will definitely allow you to have two meals you don’t have to worry about, so make sure to take advantage of this amazing service while your kids are at home with you.

8. Community Garden
A lot of communities have a special garden that others can access. These gardens are typically successful because people volunteer to work in them in order to take home some of the produce that is grown. Some community gardens might require you to purchase a membership though, so make sure to ask around before you fully commit. If you do find a garden that allows you to take home produce, then it should help with your budget. It is also a great opportunity to teach kids how to garden during their homeschool experience.

9. Free Delivery
Getting groceries these days is tough. It is dangerous to go shopping, especially if you have to bring your children along with you. Luckily, we live in an age where everything can pretty much be delivered to us. Many grocery stores are even extending their delivery services, which will make your life a whole lot easier. A lot of grocery stores are even waiving the fee to help keep people out of their stores so they can protect employees and others too. If you do come across a store that does charge, then look around to see if there is a free trial. For instance, Walmart charges $14.99 for their service, but they do offer a free trial that lasts 2 weeks. Some services will even do a contactless delivery to keep you safer. Just remember to wash your hands after you put all of your items away.

10. Seek Assistance
Luckily, there are many ways that you can get the help you need if you’re having trouble getting groceries or affording them. Most food banks will still be open during this time, so if you qualify for these services then make sure you pick up the food you need. Some foodbanks are even just passing out food to those who need it because most people are short on groceries now. There are programs offered by the government that can help you out too. Apart from that, you might find that the Salvation Army and other services that can help you get the food your family needs.

Times are hard for most people, but there are a few ways to ensure no one is going to go hungry. These ten ideas will help you stretch out the food that you already have, while also ensuring you keep your pantry replenished. This can also help ease the mind of those who weren’t able to go out and prep when all of the chaos began.

The Easter Bunny and all of his eggs will be hopping towards you in just a couple of weeks. Although there are many things going on in the world that might leave you wondering how you can salvage the holiday, the Easter egg hunt is one of the best ways to help bring joy to the children in your life. You might have a smaller hunt than in year’s past, but there are lots of fun ways to spice up the hunt to take the holiday to the next level. These ten tips will make Easter feel a little less forced and will have your children hoping to enjoy Easter for quite a bit longer. Best of all, these tips might even save you a bit of money.

1. Light Them Up
If you want to go all out for the holiday, then you might want to give your classic Easter egg hunt a game-changing makeover. Instead of hosting the hunt in the daylight hours, have one in the dark. Simply place little lights or glow sticks in your eggs and have the kids hunt them as they light up. You can also paint the eggs with glow in the dark paint to help make things even cooler. This idea will also help you if you can’t get outdoors for your egg hunt. If you’re stuck in a home without a yard and you don’t want to go out because of self-quarantine, then the glow in the dark eggs can allow you to hunt inside while still adding a fun edge to the hunt. This can truly turn a bad situation around and will have kids talking for years about the fun they had.

2. Coupon Rewards
Going to the grocery store is pretty complicated these days. Between social distancing, long lines, and lack of stock, getting candy might not be on your list of fun things to do. You don’t have to have candy to have an Easter egg hunt though. Instead of filling the eggs with sweets, add in some fun coupons instead. Kids can hunt for eggs that allow them to get out of chores, choose what is for dinner, or a movie night. You can even add in dates with parents, a trip to the movies, and so on. Of course, if you really want to make the prizes wild, you might add in some grand prize eggs for a chocolate bunny or a toy when social distancing is over.

3. Obstacle Course
Since the Easter egg hunt might be one of the only normal aspects to this Easter, you might want to make it a game that kids won’t get bored of throughout the day. One of the best ways to do this is to set up an obstacle course to help make it easier for the kids to have fun. You should set up challenges for kids to overcome in order to find an egg. You can easily do this based on age group too so that everyone has a little something to do that will challenge them. When the kids are finished with the main hunt, you can still set up empty eggs for them to go after during the rest of the day. Kids might even enjoy setting up the obstacle course for each other after the main hunt too. If you’re not sure how to set up an obstacle course then there are lots of ideas online to help you make the perfect option for your family.

4. Game Pieces
Another alternative for your eggs is to add game pieces to them. Instead of unwrapping candy, kids can find pieces to a game in the egg. This can encompass a great many things too. For instance, you can add game pieces to each egg until your children unveil a new game that will keep them busy for hours. You can also add physical game notes, like “skip five times” or “do three push-ups.” These can earn children rewards that don’t necessarily have to do with candy if you don’t want them to. Another idea for these game pieces is to add a puzzle piece in each egg. When the hunt is finished, kids will have a new puzzle to piece together which adds more fun to the day.

5. Treasure Hunt
Another fun idea is to make the egg hunt a treasure hunt. You will have to hide your eggs in strategic ways in order to pull this off. Each egg should have a clue inside that leads to the next. This will allow kids to find a grand prize instead of just candy or cheap filler toys. If you don’t want to use clues, then consider placing pieces of a puzzle map in some of the eggs you hide. When the hunt is over, kids can work together to piece the items together so they can find the treasure. This will help keep kids busy for much longer and will add a little extra suspense to the hunt. It will also make kids use their minds, which might be on shut down with school on break for such an extended period of time.

6. Color Coated
If you’re hiding eggs for multiple children, then you might want to consider color coating the hunt. This will allow you to hide eggs based entirely on the needs of the child. For instance, if you have a younger child then you can keep the older kids’ hands off the eggs that are hidden in plain sight. You can also make the eggs prize specific so children will get the items you want them to. This is especially great if you have kids with allergies or a wide range of age differences to purchase treats for.

7. Golden Ticket Egg
When it comes to a classic Easter egg hunt, kids are usually happy to get the simple treats inside. However, if you want to make the hunt even more of a treat, let the kids know there is a golden egg to find. This will make them more attentive and might even make older children competitive. If you can’t find a golden egg to use, then you can easily just decorate one. You can also have the kids decorate their own golden egg, so they can hunt for a specific egg that the Easter Bunny will fill with a special treat. This craft can even add to the fun of the holiday and will take your kids’ minds off of the self-isolation.

8. Scavenger Hunt
Another fun way to extend the Easter egg hunt is to make it into a scavenger hunt. This will help to prolong the adventure, which will make the kids feel the magic of the holiday. You might consider making a special Easter Bunny list with an official stamp so kids will feel like they’re more on a mission. You can completely customize the list to suit things that are both inside and outside of the home. You can also make the list for more than just egg items. For instance, kids can find bits of spring to earn prizes that the Easter Bunny might not have left in the eggs. A scavenger hunt can be customized to suit children of all ages too, which is a great way to bring even more fun to all of the kids in the household.

9. Picnic Eggs
If you want to take things to a different level, then you might invest in some larger eggs. Then, fill them with bits and pieces that can be eaten. For instance, you can fill them with strawberries, grapes, halved wrapped sandwiches, chips, and more. Once you fill the eggs, tape them shut so that the food isn’t exposed to germs. You will have to hide the eggs quickly and immediately allow the children to hunt. This egg hunt will allow the kids to find their lunch. They can even trade foods with each other to make their meal better than ever.

10. Relay Race
Help the kids burn off some energy by making the egg hunt into a relay race. You can set up different activities like sack racing or egg racing to make the egg hunt even more fun. Another fun way to make the activity fun is to tie the kids’ ankles together and have them work together to get the eggs. You might also consider setting up activity stations, like popping balloons by sitting on them. There are tons of great relay race ideas online, so have some fun with it. When the kids finish aspects of the race, then they earn an egg or are able to hunt in a certain section of the home or yard to find eggs with treats. Your kids will have a lot of fun with this and it can be spread out all day long.

Easter egg hunts might be one of the more normal aspects of April for your kids. These ten ideas will help make the hunt even more fun without forcing you to throw money at the activity. Your kids are bound to get the most out of the holiday despite what is going on in the world, which will help make the holiday feel a little more normal for everyone.

Planting season is finally here, which means its time to bring some beauty to your home’s garden. If you’re just beginning your garden, then you might be surprised to find out that you do have a lot of options available to you. Many people are afraid to spend money on plants because they think they have a black thumb and will just waste the money. You might be surprised by how much you are capable of though if you just giving gardening a try. These ten plants will allow you to get your feet wet as you learn the basics without having to worry about what you’re capable of. Best of all, they will leave your garden looking amazing while adding a sense of efficiency to your home.

1. Roses
Roses sell for a pretty penny on the market, which makes a lot of people feel like they aren’t going to be easy to grow. Roses actually are one of the easiest flowers to grow through. As a matter of fact, in early spring, you can purchase roses that are ready to be planted for just a few dollars. Most roses will take to the soil with ease, so before you know it, you’ll have beautiful flowers brightening up your yard. One of the easiest roses to grow are knockout roses, but if these aren’t for you then you can probably work with just about any type. Make sure you do a little research before buying, but if you can find roses that are drought resistant then you’re going to be good to go. All you’ll need to do is plant and prune them to maintain them, which is easy enough. Best of all, roses are great to place in front of windows for a little extra protection as they have plenty of thorns to keep intruders at bay.

2. Tomatoes
If you’re looking to bring some fresh produce into the home then tomatoes are an excellent option. It is said that cherry tomatoes are the easiest to grow, but most tomatoes will work out if you know how to care for them properly. One of the easiest ways to go about growing tomatoes is to get a hanging pot for them. This will allow you to grow them without forcing you to build cages or invest in stakes. Of course, these items won’t cost you a bundle if your plant does become excessively large and you need to move it. Tomatoes can help you enjoy more products for your home and can even improve your health, which makes them one of the best options, to begin with. Plus, they pretty much do their own thing, so all you really need to worry about is watering them and picking your delicious tomatoes when they’re ready.

3. Herbs
Another great thing to consider planting in your garden is herbs. These can be very easy to grow in a wide variety of settings, which is why so many people love to try them out. You don’t even have to have an outdoor space to give these plants a shot either. In fact, you can grow them in plastic bottles in your kitchen, if you really want to. The thing about herbs is they just require some soil and water. You can cut off pieces as you need them, which will also enhance the way you cook your meals. Apart from that, having herbs around to suit your needs will save you quite a bit of money when a recipe calls for such a thing. Some herbs will even keep away pests too, so growing them is a win-win situation.

4. Squash
One of the easiest vegetables for many people is actually squash. For most people, all you have to do is plant the seeds at the appropriate times and wait for them to grow. Summer squash is one of the best things to plant during early spring. This will give the vegetables plenty of time to grow so you will have delicious and huge vegetables in the summertime. Of course, you can plant just about any form of squash that you want as long as you plant it during the appropriate times. Squash has a lot of different variations too, so you will be able to enjoy zucchini, spaghetti squash, and so much more. This food can really cut down on your grocery bill too, especially if you’re trying to keep things healthy. If you’re not sure what to do with squash, then you might be surprised by how many amazing recipes you can find online.

5. Honeysuckle
When it comes to beauty, honeysuckle is going to provide you with so many amazing benefits. This plant is very easy to grow and can be placed on fences, gates and so much more to add a touch of charm to your home. One of the best things about honeysuckle is it smells amazing. As soon as the flowers begin to bloom, you’re going to want to spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying the delightful scent of the plant. Of course, you’re not the only one that is going to be attracted to the smell. Your yard will attract bees, hummingbirds, and many other birds. Encouraging bees to pollinate is definitely good for the planet and who can resist watching hummingbirds feed? The plant is very easy on the eyes too, which will allow you to enjoy the way your garden looks even if you don’t have a lot of other plants to enjoy.

6. Peppers
Another great thing to add to your garden is an assortment of peppers. This food grows fairly easily in a number of settings, which means you won’t have to try as hard to keep things going. There is a huge variety of peppers too. You can start with bell peppers, which will help stock your refrigerator for summertime barbecues, or go straight for the hot and spicy stuff. There are so many variations to choose for that you might end up growing a little of everything. This will help add some heat to your recipes while cutting down on the amount of money you spend on produce and spices for your meals.

7. Sunflowers
If you love the hands-off approach to gardening, then sunflowers are definitely going to be a great option for you. These amazing flowers will grow quickly simply by spreading some seeds on the ground where you’d like them to grow. Sunflowers will quickly add to their height which will allow you to enjoy them in a matter of weeks. There are so many benefits to having sunflowers. Apart from having a charming appearance, sunflowers produce seeds that make a great snack. Simply bake them with your favorite seasoning and you’ll have a delicious treat that is actually good for you. Sunflowers are great for the soil too as they help get rid of toxins so that you can grow other things with ease.

8. Lavender
Lavender fields look absolutely beautiful. Luckily, you can bring a small piece of this setting to your home by planting your own lavender in your garden. This plant is very easy to handle and will add a soothing aroma to your yard. Apart from its stunning appearance and delightful smell, you’ll find that it can be used in the food and a variety of other things too. You can even make your own potpourri or oils out of the lavender you grow. This can save you a small fortune while also allowing you to enjoy honing your gardening skills without breaking a sweat.

9. Pansies
When it comes to adding a whimsical touch to your garden, you truly can’t go wrong with pansies. These adorable little flowers come in a wide variety of colors, so you can really spice up the look of your garden with little effort. Pansies can be purchased for fairly cheap too, which makes them a great option for those hoping to stay on a budget. Apart from that, you’ll find it takes very little effort to grow them. Simply follow the instructions on the label and you’ll be good to go. Pansies look great in window boxes, in the garden, or even in flowerpots placed around the interior and exterior of the home.

10. Local Mixes
If you’re looking for one of the easiest options, then you might look up a local mixture for your area. These flowers are native to your climate, so they will easily sprout and grow without a lot of effort. The best way to figure out what mix you should purchase is to look up your region on a gardening website. Of course, many of your local stores will actually purchase these seeds so you can easily find them at a low price. In most cases, all you need to do is to spread the seeds and keep them watered. However, if you’re lucky, you might find that some of the natural plants might just begin to grow in your yard, which will help save you time and money.

Beginning your garden can be a whole lot of fun. However, a lot of people feel intimidated by planting and working in the garden. These ten ideas will help you get a start while you build your confidence and your gardening skills. This will help you contribute to the environment while also bringing joy and improved finances to your home.

With many companies closing down for self-isolation, a lot of employees are being forced to stay at home for work. This can be a very trying time for many people, especially if they have never really worked from home before. Since there is really no set period as to when things will be up and operating again, many might take to online shopping to find things to make their home office a little more convenient. This isn’t exactly necessary though. In fact, there are many things that you can do to efficiently work from home without spending any money at all. These ten tricks might make it much easier for you to handle working from home without spending anything.

1. Conduct Business As Usual
One of the most important things that you can do while working from home is to stick to your typical schedule. Most people work best under routine, so conducting business as if you’re still going to work will help you get into work mode without forcing you to spend money on things to inspire you to work harder. If it helps, consider using your commute time to listen to a podcast or music so you get the illusion that you’re going to work. This time can also be used for stretches and more if you walk or ride your bike to work. When the workday begins, you should too. This will help you work efficiently and keep up with your coworkers and superiors, so you don’t fall behind. It is crucial to take breaks when you typically would too because your body will expect them. Try not to work over your scheduled hours either, as this might make you feel burned out.

2. Take Breaks
Breaks are going to be crucial during your work at home period. Since you’re not at the office, it is less likely that you will be getting up and moving around as much. Thus, you might consider adding an app to your browser that will remind you to stop and take an eye break every 20 minutes. This app can also remind you to stand up and move your body too. This will help prevent strain while also helping to keep your body pumping. It is also important to take time to eat. If you have a full hour for lunch at work, then take it. This will help you relax while also allowing you to take time for you. Of course, you might find that it is harder to work for long periods of time. If you hit a wall, stop and take a break. This will prevent you from wasting time and getting stressed out.

3. Find a Place to Work
One of the major keys to success is to find a place to work. At the office, you probably have a designated work area that you’ve been able to make comfortable to suit your needs. However, at home, you probably have a lot of choices when it comes to a workspace. If you have an office, then that is probably your best option. However, you might have to take into consideration other people in the home. If you have a partner or roommates that also have to wok from home, then it is important to have your own private space. So, this might take some trial and error to figure out. Your best option is to avoid places like the couch or bed though unless this particular method actually works for you. Of course, you will need to work with your own needs here. Some people thrive with distractions like family and loud noises, while other people need isolation to work. Thus, it is crucial to find your sweet spot before you struggle to get your work finished.

4. Make Others Aware of Your Needs
You’re not the only one that needs to be aware of your needs. In this trying time, you might have to work from home with roommates or your family surrounding you. If you’re going to make your job work at home, then it is crucial to set boundaries straight away. Make sure you keep noise levels down, set up private times where people can’t bother you within reason, and keep your distance if you need to. You might also make it a point to have a no technology period in the home so loud games and the television or even unnecessary cellphone conversations won’t get in the way of your progress. It might take some adjustments but letting your needs to be known and taking consideration of others’ needs can help everyone working from home have a much easier time.

5. Eat Healthy
Working from home makes it very easy to grab the junk food for instant gratification. However, during this period of time, it is increasingly important to eat as healthily as you possibly can. This will help boost your immune system while making you feel happier in your surroundings. Before you get too into the work from the home process, make sure you look up healthy recipes that seem like fun to try. You can also set out fruits and vegetables to snack on. Keeping the healthy food close by offers you easy snacks, but can help improve your concentration levels, too.

6. Create a Reward System
Sometimes, we need a little something extra to give us an incentive to work. This is especially true when you find yourself at home trying to get work done that you’d normally be doing in a more work efficient area. So, in order to get your mind going, you might consider creating a little reward system. For instance, if you can get in a good solid hour of work, then give yourself a quick game of solitaire or a phone game to help take some of the stress away. You can also offer yourself your favorite snack or promise yourself you will treat yourself to something you’ve had your eye on when you finish the job. Another fun idea is to take a break to hang out with the kids for half an hour or so. You can even take a nap if it suits you. In order to make this system work though, you really do have to put in the hard work to earn the reward, as too many treats might cause you to stray from your path.

7. Exercise
Moving your body is actually very important when it comes to the success of your work. In fact, many companies have found that if they offer workout spaces for their staff that they do perform much better than they would just sit around at their desks. Thus, you might add some exercise to your daily routine to help with your overall health and your quality of work. One of the best things you can do is take an hour break midway through your day for aerobics, yoga, or any other exercises you can do in your own space. You can also stop and do jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups and more every hour to wake up your body and your mind as you continue on with your work. This will not only help you with work but if you are on lockdown it can prevent health issues that might affect you mentally or physically.

8. Sanitize
Sanitizing is still going to be an essential part of your routine. Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can let this part of your lifestyle change. After all, you never know what you might have touched while you were taking out the garbage or even picking up groceries. You should wash your hands frequently during this period of time and avoid touching your face. However, you should also take care to wipe down your work equipment like your laptop, phone, cameras, and anything else you frequently touch. The flat surfaces in your home like the desk, kitchen and bathroom counters, and tables should be wiped off too. Keeping the home and yourself hygienic can help prevent you from getting the virus while also preventing it from spreading.

9. Embrace Video Chat
If you thrive with working with others, then your job isn’t going to be a total loss. Rather, there are so many video chat programs that you can utilize so you can enjoy your daily meetings or even catch up with coworkers while you’re on the job. This can really help you get the most out of your team even when you’re having to separate during the self-isolation period. If you look at social media, there are many people having a lot of fun with this aspect of the quarantine because it allows people to interact in new ways. Suddenly, you’re not just working together in uncomfortable clothes in dull surroundings, but you get to see everyone in casual attire in their preferred setting and often with their pets or kids close by. You never know, your home meetings might even turn up more ideas than you ever thought possible.

10. Get to Know Your Natural Schedule
Some people thrive when they let their body call the shots, so if your boss is lenient when it comes to working times then this might be a great idea for you. You might start out by trying out different work times during the first few days of your work from the home period. For instance, if you’re most alert during the first few hours after work, then try getting up and getting started. If you need a little time, then slow down your routine and aim to begin after you’ve had time to wake up and enjoy a bit more of your chosen routine. Night owls might also start later in the evening and work through the night. Your schedule is based on your needs if freedom is available to you. This might even help you combat the distractions that your family or roommates bring to the table.

Working from home isn’t as easy or as fun as it sounds. However, if you take a few steps to make life easier then you won’t find yourself needing to make purchases to ensure you can work more efficiently. These ten tips should help get you through the self-isolation period while giving you a few pointers as to how to make work-life a bit more enjoyable overall.

Spring is practically here, which might leave you buzzing to give your home a makeover. One of the best things about spring is you can utilize so many aspects of the world to help save you money on your home’s style. This will allow you to cut back on spending, which is an added bonus. However, many people aren’t quite sure what to use to give the home the style it needs to look inspirational and fun. These ten ideas won’t cost you a bundle and will help liven up the home with very little effort. So, get ready for warmer weather, fresh aromas, and a lot more outdoor fun because spring can come even sooner thanks to your home decor.

1. Fresh Flowers
One of the best things about springtime is all of the flowers that are going to be popping up everywhere. Even though spring technically isn’t here yet, you might already find flowers blossoming around you. If you don’t have a garden yet, then it is about the right time to start planting one, so you should have flowers coming up in no time at all. One of the best things to do with your flowers is to bring them inside to help add a burst of life to the home. Usually, cutting the flowers only helps the plant grow stronger anyway, which is definitely important if you plan on keeping the plant for quite some time. The best thing about flowers is you can place them in just about anything too. They will look wonderful in a traditional vase, a mason jar, or just a tall glass. Flowers can help reduce stress in the home, too, which will make spending time at home feel a lot better.

2. Splashes of White
Although you might be sick of the sight of snow, adding splashes of white to the home will add the touch of spring that might transform your home for the better. You can add splashes of white to almost anything too, which makes this decorative idea easier than ever to follow. For instance, you can take cheap fabric and create a bulletin board that adds a splash of crisp whiteness to the home. You can pin flowers, ribbons, decorative items, and messages to the board to help add to the look. Another idea is to cover your accent pillows in white linens. You can add special messages to the fabric that will help make the spring inspiration even more apparent. Apart from that, consider adding a white ribbon to flower vases and so much more.

3. Flower Images
Fresh flowers aren’t the only key to the heart when you’re working with spring decor. You might also consider adding floral images to the home. This can be a very cheap craft for you that the whole family can get into. For starters, you might begin by having everyone paint pictures of their favorite flowers. You can use just about any paint and style for this too. Then, hang them in a frame for the world to admire. Another option is to simply take some photos of your favorite flowers in your garden and add them to the wall. You can frame the images, put them on a bulletin board, or incorporate them in other ways. You might also consider bringing in flowers from the garden and pressing them into a frame. This can create a charming look that you might want to keep out all year long.

4. Bunny Decor
Sure, bunnies are kind of an Easter thing, that doesn’t mean they’re not adorable and can’t be utilized throughout the spring months. You can do a lot with bunny decor too, and you don’t have to spend a fortune on it. For starters, you might pull out the items you already have and set them up. There are also numerous crafts that can be enjoyed by the entire family. If you’re not sure where to begin then you might look up Easter websites and or simple animal crafts to help you find inspiration. The things you make can be placed around the home to add a touch of spring and beauty to the house.

5. Egg Wreath
Your leftover Easter eggs, or even those that are broken or you don’t plan to use again, can be utilized to help make your home look incredible. An egg wreath is a great way to show off your love of spring festivities while still keeping things under budget. The best thing about an egg wreath is you can totally customize it to suit your needs. For instance, you can spray paint the eggs if you’re not crazy about their colors. You can also add glitter for a touch of sparkle. Another option is to check out ribbons to help bring your wreath to life. There are even appliques that will suit the occasion and make your wreath stand out. When you’re finished with the wreath or if you have extra supplies for another, you can sell the final product for a pretty good profit.

6. DIY Flower Box
Flower boxes are a cute way to show off your flowers, but they don’t have to just be for the outdoors. You can make a flower box out of just about anything, which makes it one of the cheapest decorative items available. Whether you go the classic box route, or you make something a little more intricate, the box will help bring out the beauty of spring. Once you have your flower box built and painted, choose some flowers to go in it. Of course, you should check out your options when it comes to these plants. If you’re keeping them outside you might have more of a variety to work with. However, indoor plants should be carefully chosen, especially if you have pets. Your flower box will truly add the quaint spring feeling that you desire.

7. Butterfly Accents
Without a doubt, butterflies are one of the most beautiful elements of spring. It makes it even better that they come in all shapes and sizes. So, it is no wonder that butterflies are going to be a huge trend during this season. This season, you might have a lot of fun making butterfly accents to add to the home. These adorable butterflies can be made out of just about anything, which makes them a fun craft to do with the kids. You can use pipe cleaners, paper, paper plates, and more. You can also purchase already made accents for very cheap at craft shops. When your butterflies are finished, try placing them on the wall, adding them to flowers, and placing them in the window. You won’t be disappointed by the outcome.

8. Utilize Rain Gear
Rain and spring go hand in hand, so why not utilize some of your old rain gear to add charm to your home. If you have a broken umbrella on your hands don’t throw it out. You can actually transform it into fun things like a flower holder, a container for other umbrellas, and so much more. You can even add it to your front door for a unique wreath that will make everyone coming in from the rain feel welcome. Old rain boots are another great option for decor. You can fill them with soil and add some of your favorite flowers, which makes a great entryway piece. You can also store items in them like seed packets, umbrellas, and so much more. Of course, your creativity is the limit and there are lots of fun ideas online to further your home’s lovely rain gear inspired decor.

9. DIY Pillow Covers
Pillow covers are a fun way to transform a living room with very little effort. Although it might be pricey to purchase pillow covers in stores, it is actually very easy to make them at home. Pillow covers can be made out of so many different things, too. You can pick up cheap fabric from the store to help you find the spring information for your home. You can also purchase large reusable napkins, towels, or shirts with a spring theme to sew together. If you’re really crafty then you might also consider making a fun design with needlepoint. Some people will even use the cricut or heat press to create unique prints to place on simple pillow covers. No matter how you go about it, you’re bound to fall in love with your new and cheap decor.

10. Fairy Houses
Fairy houses are probably one of the most charming things you can bring into the home or leave outdoors. These little houses offer lots of magic to the kids that see them, which is definitely a good reason to keep them close by. If you want to create a story for the kids, then you might spend time making fairy houses on your own. These can be made out of all sorts of recyclables, but you can also purchase them for fairly cheap. If you’re not feeling creative, then you might settle for a fairy house instead. If you do want to include the kids, then it is a great way to see their imagination come to life. You can even create stories about the fairies that live in the homes.

Decorating for spring can be one of the best aspects of the seasonal change. These ten ideas will help you give your home a spring makeover without forcing you to spend a lot of money on your redecorating experience. Without a doubt, you will find that decorating on the cheap might become one of your favorite ways to give your home a seasonal makeover.

A lot of parents in the country have received some unexpected news over the last couple of weeks. Schools across the nation are being shut down for around two to eight weeks, if not longer, which might make some parents a little nervous about what they’re going to do with their kids for such a long break. These breaks are designed to help with social distancing in an effort to combat the recent strain of coronavirus that can be deadly for those with compromised immune systems and the elderly. Some parents might want to throw money at the break in order to keep kids entertained, but there are many cheap ways to keep kids engaged and entertained while they are away from school for the next few weeks.

1. Ask About Telecommuting
Depending on your school district, you might find that your school already has telecommuting measures in place for students. However, they might not be up and running yet, so you might call your school to see if there is any way you can join the program if it is voluntary. This allows students to attend class from home, so they won’t miss a beat with the school. If this isn’t an option for your school, there are lots of telecommuting websites available You can easily enroll in these programs and many local based programs are actually free. This might be one of the best ways to help your students finish out the school year. There are programs you have to pay for too, so be careful when planning for your child. This might help prevent your child from getting behind or getting stuck in summer school. If not, then at least your child won’t forget what they have learned while they are on break and might even find themselves ahead of the curve.

2. Homeschool
If you’re worried about the closures in your area lasting, then there are so many homeschool options available to work with. You can unenroll your child and do this for the rest of the school year to prevent delay or you can simply use homeschool tools to help keep your child’s mind active during the closures. There are so many curriculums online to choose from and many websites offer information to help you create your own for next to nothing in price. You can also find worksheets, lesson plans, and more for free online. You can even pick up right where your student left off, especially if you have the teacher’s syllabi in hand. This can help your child finish out the year, improve their grades, and maybe even allow them to test into higher-level classes in the upcoming year. No matter why you choose to do it, homeschool takes dedication but can be a great learning experience for all.

3. Online Games
One of the hardest elements of the school closures for kids is going to be the lack of socialization with their peers. It is important to help kids connect with their friends even though playdates aren’t really advised. One of the best things to help with this is online games. Don’t be afraid to let your kids hop on their favorite game console to interact with friends. Video games aren’t bad for children in moderation and they will help keep relationships going strong. You can even help kids keep in touch with their friends via chats that will allow them to play games together. This should help ease some of the separation issues while helping to keep social skills going strong. Playing online games can even help kids learn teamwork, which is always a good skill to have.

4. Make a Schedule
Children thrive on schedules, so if you want to keep chaos to a minimum then you might want to consider making up a schedule for the time spent away from school. It might help to stick with the routine your kids have to follow with the school. Most teachers give out their schedules, so try to base yours on that if you want to keep things simple. If not, you might plan around the household’s natural flow. The schedules should include playtimes, socialization times, meals, homework or education periods, and so on. It is important to stick with the schedule during this time with only a few splurges to keep life a little spontaneous, so life doesn’t get stale under quarantine.

5. Go Outside
Self-isolating does not mean that you have to stay cooped up inside the house for the next couple of weeks. Instead, make it a point to get some outside time every day if the weather allows. Your best option is to spend some time in your own backyard where you won’t bump into other people. However, if you don’t have a backyard then you might consider going to an area that you know won’t have a lot of people, like a trail, a large park, or even the lake or beach. If there are people, keep your distance. The sunshine and fresh air will do you a lot of good and might even help to keep you healthy during the quarantine. Of course, if you do have symptoms of any illness, you should stay in just in case.

6. Utilize the Internet
These days, kids can get a lot from the internet, but it is important to make sure you point them in the right direction. The internet is a wonderful place for learning though, so setting up online activities can be crucial during this time. For older kids, you might look at free university courses. Try to choose subjects that the students are interested in. This will help them engage their mind without feeling pressure to perform at a higher level, while also giving them an idea of what university life might be like. There are also online classes for just about every grade level too. You might utilize educational programs like Scholastics or ABCMouse. In fact, many of these programs are offering free use during this time. Apart from educational activities, you can add culture to your child’s life with virtual tours of museums and the world’s greatest wonders. There are many crafts and games to utilize as well, which should help appease everyone.

7. Go Over Hygiene Lessons
While you’re home, it is the perfect time to talk with your kids about hygiene. We live in a changing world, so there are new ways that kids will need to learn to cope with these problems. Most of us know how to wash our hands, but going over the procedure frequently, especially with younger children, is important. Make sure kids realize just how important hand washing is. One of the major problems we need to work on is facial touching. It’s a habit that can be broken with training, but the training needs to start now. Apart from that, you should go over things like tapping elbows instead of high fives, fist bumps, and shaking hands. Opening doors with one’s feet instead of hands is also great. Another thing to consider is proper cleaning routines. You should go over surfaces used often and use proper products. You might even have a toy cleaning party to help kids understand how important it is to keep things clean, even if germs can’t be seen.

8. Indoor Exercises
When stuck at home, it is very easy to fall into the routine of sitting on the couch. However, you should concentrate on your health during this crucial period of time. There are many fun activities you can do at home to help you keep fit and boost your immune system while the self-isolation period is happening. One such activity is yoga, which is great for people of all ages. You can even find free yoga classes online to suit all ages, which will help make the experience fun for you. Apart from yoga, there are more cardio-based activities. Simply check out workout websites or your favorite streaming services to find information on martial arts, aerobics, and exercises like cross-fit. There are many great relay race ideas to check out, which will ensure kids have a lot of fun while burning off some energy when trapped indoors.

9. Explore Recipes
Let’s face it, food shortages have become a huge worry in the country because so many people are panic buying. So, you might have to get pretty crafty with your meals at certain points in time. This can be a great lesson for kids though, as learning to maintain a budget and make food stretch is a great life lesson. You might start by sharing some of your family’s recipes if you have the right ingredients to do so. If not, then there are a lot of websites that can give you recipes based on the items you have in the home. You might also give kids the chance to explore with their recipes. It helps to work with kids to help them learn how to pair food together, but if they are older and have some cooking knowledge then allowing them to experiment might be good for them. They may even make a masterpiece that the family will want to eat even when you’re not trying to make your groceries last.

10. Follow the Science
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the novel coronavirus, but that makes it a great lesson for students. Following the progress that scientists are making will help children truly understand how much work goes into fighting off hazards. There is a lot to learn about the virus itself including how viruses mutate, what causes them, and so on. You can also talk about the process of making vaccination and what has to be studied before it is given to the general public. This can help children gain a better understand of the reason everyone is being asked to self-isolate, which can help ease some of the uncertainty they feel.

School closures might seem exciting for kids at first, but as time passes you’ll find that there are many hurdles that you’ll have to work through. These ten ideas will help keep your child’s mind active while also helping to keep life as normal as possible when life isn’t exactly normal. With any luck, some of these tips will help you find your groove, which will make everyone feel more at home during this period of self-isolation.

March is National Craft Month, which makes it the perfect time to channel your inner creativity. This month will present you with many opportunities to attend classes, try out new mediums of art, and learn more about the crafting world as a whole. You might even be able to attend some craft shows. However, one of the best things you can do during March is to figure out a new craft that might be fun for you to get into. You might consider looking for a craft that is also good for your budget though. These ten crafts will cost you next to nothing to start working on and might even help you earn some profits as you perfect your skills.

1. Cross-Stitch
One of the cheapest crafts to get into is cross-stitch. All you really need to get started on cross-stitch is a hoop, needle, thread, and scissors. These items are all inexpensive on their own and can be purchased in bulk to help you save even more money. You can find an assortment of patterns online for free to help you get started too. Of course, you can also make your own patterns. One of the easiest things, to begin with, is just making letters. This can help you practice your skills before you start working on other projects. If you fall in love with cross-stitching and choose to make your own patterns, then you might even be able to sell them for some extra cash on websites like Etsy. Many people love to take custom orders for names and dates, while others will create fun fandom art that tends to sell like hotcakes.

2. Bows
Bows are one of the hottest trends on the market these days. Many parents love to purchase an assortment of bows for their little ones. So, if you’re looking for a craft that will pay for itself then you’re in the right place. Making bows isn’t exactly hard either, once you get the hang of it. There are actually numerous different ways you can make a bow too, so you can keep your stock up with ease. The best thing you can do is find unique materials to make your bows out of. However, working with a cheap ribbon, in the beginning, is probably one of your best options. There are lots of tutorials online, but once you learn the ropes you can really add to the creativity of your unique bows so that they stand out in the market.

3. Duct Tape Crafts
Another simple way to have some fun with craft month is to try your luck at making things out of duct tape. This craft is pretty popular now, but if you have a cool edge then you might actually be able to sell some of the items that you make. One of the best things to start with is a wallet. You can exercise a lot of freedom with this as there are many wallet designs you can follow. Apart from that, you might consider making a belt. This is one of the easier options to consider too and can be paired with any belt buckle that you have around the house. Of course, your imagination is the limit here. You can actually work to make duct tape flowers, dresses, bags, and so much more. Simply have fun with it and don’t be afraid to play around with designs.

4. Origami
Another cheap craft that you can take on is origami. This can be done with any paper that you have lying around the house, which makes it one of the best crafts to do in a pinch. There are many tutorials to help you out with your origami skills as you learn. You can start with some of the basics and then move up to exciting crafts like floral bouquets. If you want to step up your craft, you can even use specialized paper to make it stand out. You can also use heavier papers if you want to preserve your craft for longer. This is especially great if you want to sell or gift your crafts. Origami can be one of the best ways to relax your mind too, so you can get even more out of the craft than you ever could have hoped for.

5. Melted Bowls
If you have a lot of plastic things around the home that aren’t in use, then melted bowls are going to be a great way to create some awesome crafts that will make the home look amazing. These bowls can be made out of an assortment of things which will make it even easier for you to customize. Some of the more common items on the list to use are old toys and buttons. However, you can use almost anything that will melt in the oven. All you need to do for this craft is place some parchment paper on two different sized glass bowls. Place the item you’re melting in the bigger bowl and then add the smaller bowl on top of it. You might have to add some pieces to the side of the bowl to ensure all spaces are covered. Once they’re ready, simply place them in the oven and bake them for a while. Then, pull it out and let it cool. Finally, paint the bowl for a cooler effect or use resin to lock it into place.

6. Refurbish Frames
One easy way to add some character to your home is to spice up the picture frames that you have. You can easily paint them, wrap them in fabric, or add stickers, buttons, and more. This will help to breathe new life into each image and might even allow you to create a theme that will make it fun to show off each picture. You can also do this with a mirror if you’re looking to make a statement piece in your home. If you have an abundance of items in your collection, then you can even sell some of the items. Consignment shops, as well as online craft stores, are great places to show off your hard work. You can even shop at thrift stores to find cute new items to refurbish for your home or for others.

7. T-shirts
Custom shirts are a huge trend right now, so latching on to this craft can be lucrative and fun. There are so many great ways to embrace t-shirt designs, so make sure you find something that is going to suit your personal tastes. One of the easiest things, to begin with, is tie-dye. This allows you a whole lot of freedom that will truly let you show off your creativity. You can look up patterns online or just experiment with different looks. If you’re looking to take the tie-dye thing to the next level, then you might try galactic shirts. This will allow you to make a shirt that looks like it belongs to the stars. There are lots of tutorials for this online too, so it easy to experiment with. Of course, if you are willing to put some money into the craft then you can utilize a Cricut, heat press, and so on to help you with designs.

8. Custom Mugs
Coffee and tea drinkers know the power of a mug, which is why creating your own can be so much fun. If you want to keep things on the cheap side, then you might consider crafting your own mug out of clay. This is easy to do with a little practice, but you might have to get it fired at a pottery store. Another option is to purchase plain mugs in bulk. Once you figure out the mug situation, you can let your creativity take over. The options include everything from painting graphics, writing special messages, or even attaching pictures to the mug. You can have so much fun with your ideas and then sell them off for a profit later on.

9. Drawing
Drawing is a timeless hobby that won’t cost you a lot of money in the beginning. You can start out with this craft with some paper and a pencil, which makes it very easy to get started. If you’re not sure where to start, then try drawing something that you like. After you get an idea of where you are with the craft, you can find tutorials to help you draw specific things. This can truly allow you to find your creativity. It might take years to master your craft, but if you stick with it then it will definitely be rewarding. You might even be able to sell some of your drawings, which will help you pay for more drawing paper and special pencils as you progress in the craft.

10. Wreaths
If you’re looking to get into a craft that will earn you some major money, then making wreaths is the way to go. These crafts take very little money to make, especially if you shop for items in bulk. However, people will spend hundreds on them. There are lots of tutorials to help you make a wreath, but once you get the hang of it then it will take you no time at all. There are many people making wreaths these days, so it is important to have edgy ideas to set you apart. You might consider making seasonal wreaths, as well as those that cater to fandoms. Of course, your imagination is the limit here. You never know, you might come up with some fabulous ideas that will make your home look remarkable.

National Craft Month is the perfect time to allow yourself to learn something new and fun. These ten ideas will help keep things frugal as you put a piece of yourself into your artwork. You never know, you might find a craft that will truly speak to you and keep you happy for years to come.

For many students, Spring Break is about to begin. However, there are many factors that might cause you to have changed your plans during this Spring Break vacation. From budgeting problems to fear over the coronavirus, there are a few things you can still do to enjoy Spring Break while combatting these problems. These ten ideas will allow you to have a frugal Spring Break while still finding the time to enjoy yourself and relax before returning to your everyday routine.

1. Shop For Summer Vacation
Since Spring Break might be a bust for you and your family, you might consider taking the time that you have off to plan and shop around for your summer vacation. Now is actually a great time to start booking flights for the summer, especially since so many people are cancelling their flights. Prices have gone down substantially, which will allow you to save a whole lot of money. You might even be able to book a hotel at a much cheaper rate than you might think. You should, however, get cancellation insurance on your flight and make sure you can cancel your hotel without a cost, just in case you can’t follow through on your plans. This will also give you a chance to have fun imagining all of the cool things you will do as the summer months give you time to unwind from all of the chaos.

2. Book Vacation
One of the best ways to be alone is to find yourself a few good books to keep you occupied while you’re on Spring Break. You might consider picking up a series of books or finding a few that you’ve just been meaning to get to. Your choices can help take you on adventures, or at least give you some escapism while you’re stuck inside and away from others. One of the best ways to get your books is to go through an online vendor or simply download them though. This will help keep you away from possible contagions. All in all, you might find your book vacation offered you more relaxation time than you would have otherwise thought possible.

3. Home Project
Spring Break is usually a great time to get outside and enjoying a project or two. You might even have a large project indoors that you’ve been meaning to get to. No matter what is going on, you might choose to spend your break working on this instead of dealing with other people while on vacation. If you have an activity that isn’t going to cost you a small fortune then you might add it to the list of things to do. For instance, you can clean up the yard and get it ready for all of the spring plantings that you hope to do. You might also give the house or a room inside a new coat of paint to add value to it. Of course, there is always the classic treehouse project or other things that might keep your hands busy while giving you a break from your average day.

4. Camp Out Back
You can still get some time with Mother Nature without risking the change of getting sick at a campsite or dealing with camping prices. If you want to camp, then simply set everything up in your backyard. You won’t even need to have an expensive tent if this is the case since you will be in your own private space. You can sleep on the trampoline if you have one instead of going all out, too, which is usually fun for the kids. You’ll also be able to have better ways to cook outdoors, like your grill or smoker. This will help make the vacation a little easier while allowing you to embrace the great outdoors and avoid people. You might even consider doing a cellphone ban while camping.

5. Virtual Tour
Exploring the world might not be an option right now. At least, you probably shouldn’t do this in person. Thanks to modern technology, you actually can tour the world without stepping foot on a plane. There are so many virtual tours online to check out, that you can probably keep yourself occupied for hours each day. You might start by choosing one destination. Then, look at all of the attractions it has to offer via a virtual tour. You can even walk the streets of some areas with Google Maps, which can open up a whole new world for you. With this ability, you can truly check out a new destination every day and learn a bit more about the places that might be quarantined or too far away right now.

6. Learn Something Fun
Just because you’re on Spring Break doesn’t mean you have to put your mind to rest. There are a lot of fun things that you can learn before you have to head back to work or school. If you have kids, then the same thing is true. The internet is rich with tutorials, which can help you find something fun to learn. You can easily find lessons for crafts, instruments, languages, and so on. There are also free online classes that can be enjoyed, so grab a lecture that appeals to you and keep your mind going strong. You will quickly find that there are lots of amazing things online, so it might be hard to choose exactly what you want to study.

7. Get Outside
Sometimes, getting outside while school is in session is kind of hard. This is especially true since winter might have kept you in a lot more than you like. However, it might be a challenge to get outside while still avoiding people. One option is to go fishing at a nearby lake, as most people prefer to keep to themselves anyway. Another fun option is to go hiking on a trail. This should help keep you active while also allowing you to avoid others. You might love a nice trip to the beach, especially if you can find a solitary spot to soak up sun, swim, or enjoy the sand. The fresh air and sunshine will do you a world of good, which will certainly help lift your spirits before you step foot back in your real life.

8. Reconnect with Family
If your staying home due to your budget, then it is a great time to reconnect with your family. You might start out with the family that you live with as it can often be very easy to lose touch with everyone having busy schedules. You can also get together to catch up with parents, siblings, grandparents, and so on. If you’re feeling really ambitious, then you might throw together a quick reunion to help everyone reconnect. Of course, if you are worried about illness, then you can easily reconnect using technology. This is a great way to connect with everyone without putting anyone at risk for catching something that could be hazardous for the elderly or those in ill health.

9. Learn to Cook Healthy Foods
While you’re home, you might want to stop and think about your immune system. One of the best ways to do this is to learn more about the healthy foods that you should be eating. Thus, your little vacation is the perfect time to try out some new recipes that will help your immune system power through many of the problems you might face. If you look online, you can find just about anything about healthy foods and meal ideas, so look around to see what appeals to you. You might also want to look up ingredients, so you can figure out which fruits, vegetables, and proteins will help make your body feel incredible while also addressing individual health concerns.

10. Be Lazy
Without a doubt, one of the best things you can do for yourself is lazy. You don’t have to do a whole bunch of different things just to keep yourself busy during your break. After all, it’s a break for a reason. Try starting your days off with sleeping in. Then, move on to binging some TV and movies that you’ve had your eyes on. You can even just surf the net. Whatever makes you happy should be on your agenda for the break. This will help you finally rest so you can feel refreshed before returning to the daily grind.

Spring Break is a great time for so many. If you’re dealing with budget problems or you don’t want to have to be around people due to illnesses, then there are still options to make the experience wonderful. These tips will certainly help you find the perfect way to get more out of your break-even when there is less for you to do.

This year, Purim is on March 9th and 10th, which means its time to start planning out your celebration. This is a great time to let loose and have some fun as you celebrate the iconic holiday; however, it is also a time when many people splurge way too much. There are many ways that you can cut back on money during this period of time though, which will help make your Purim celebration even more remarkable. These ten ideas will help you honor the story behind the celebration, have some fun, and embrace your budget without allowing it to stress you out.

1. Fast Responsibly
Part of the holiday does require some fasting, but this doesn’t have to be a burden if you don’t let it. A lot of people will overload their systems with expensive food or go after expensive foods when the fasting is over, which can really blow some of your budget. Instead of going overboard the day before, try to eat healthy foods that might sustain you longer. You should avoid foods that are considered junk, as well as alcohol and other sugary drinks. You might feel sick the next time if you load these into your symptom, which might force you to want to eat something just to soothe your stomach. In order to combat hunger on the day of fasting, you should try to drink as much water as you can. This will keep your stomach fulfilled while also preventing you from getting dehydrated.

2. Be Generous
Generosity is a key factor in the holiday, so try to exercise kindness as much as you possibly can. One of the best ways to do this is to offer items to the homeless and needy. You can create care packages with baked goods, hygiene products, and more. If you like to bake then it will be cheap to make large batches of cookies, small cakes, breads, and so on to fill the baskets with. You can also purchase bulk toiletries to add to each basket. This can help spread joy while helping you make a difference in the world. You can also be generous with your time by volunteering at hospitals and nursing homes.

3. Dress Up
Costumes are a great part of the celebration. However, they can be really pricey too. One of the best things you can do is reuse a costume that you already own. May it be something from Halloween or a production you were in, reusing an item will definitely save you some major money. Of course, you can also make your own costume. You should start by using items that you already have at home, so you don’t have to worry about spending too much. There are manycostume ideas online, including those that actually go along with the story surrounding the holiday.

4. Homemade Baskets
Creating baskets to hand out to loved ones is another fun aspect of the holiday. Many people choose to give out baskets from stores though, which can truly add to the cost of your holiday fun. Instead of giving your friends and family store bought baskets, you might try your hand at making your own baskets. There are a lot of great options to choose from when planning to make your own, so you might play around to see which method works best for you or make serval different kinds to suit others’ personalities. If you want your kids to join in on the fun, then you might help them make paper baskets. These are simple and cheap to make. They can also be filled with lighter items that kids can give to their friends.

5. Bake
Baking can be a great part of the holiday. This hobby will allow you to create traditional recipes that will help everyone celebrate the holiday for a lot less. You might consider going through your family’s recipes before you make plans. However, there are also a lot of recipes that you can check out online if you’re feeling like you want to try something new. You can bake everything from desserts to breads that will make your meal taste extraordinary. You can also use your baked goods to fill up your gift baskets for a low-price treat that will certainly satisfy your loved ones.

6. Shop Bulk
One of the best things that you can do for your holiday needs is shop in bulk. One of the first things you should consider is the food you plan to serve. You might want to buy larger packs of drinks and wine if they are available in your area. You can also purchase fruits, vegetables, baking supplies, and snacks in bulk to help curb the costs of your spending. Apart from that, there are many party supplies that can be purchased in bulk, which will definitely allow you to make a great impression on your guests. These can even be reused again and again, so you won’t have to worry about spending money in upcoming years.

7. Embrace Traditional Recipes
One of the best things about the holiday is there are so many traditional recipes to make. Many of these recipes are simple and incredibly cheap to make on your own. If you have family recipes to try out, then this is probably the best place to start. You can even have the elders in your family show you how to make the items if you’re not sure how to do so. Of course, there is always room to add more dishes to your table. You can check out some recipes online to see if there is anything that will appeal to your guests. It is often surprising how many fun dishes you can make in a pinch, so browsing around is crucial when planning. If you’re feeling ambitious, then you might also want to look into meals that may have been eaten hundreds of years ago. This can be an enlightening experience that will make the holiday memorable.

8. Reuse Mardi Gras Supplies
Many people look at Purim as a form of Mardi Gras. Since the holiday comes right after Mardi Gras, it is very easy to take all of your Mardi Gras décor and reuse it for your Purim celebration too. You can keep all of your themed items up to save you time and money during the celebration. Since Mardi Gras often uses masks and costumes, you can recycle what you use then and use it again for Purim. This can add a whole lot of fun to your celebration too, which will certainly make things memorable. If you don’t have Mardi Gras items to reuse, then you can always shop clearance. This will allow you to stock up on items that you can use year after year.

9. Join an Event
Instead of spending a fortune on having your own party, you might consider going to a community event instead. You should look at your local synagogue to see if there is anything planned for the holiday. Of course, many events will be word of mouth so ask around to see if anyone is hosting anything special that you might be interested in attending. You can also ask your friends and family about their plans for the holiday, as many people might be excited to host a party if they know people will attend. There are also community boards you can check out. With any luck, you’ll have lots of different options to choose from.

10. Stream Purim Music
When it comes to parties, a lot of people like to hire a band or spend too much money on music. You don’t have to do this for Purim though, as there are many free streaming playlists that offer Purim music. Even if you do want to enjoy live music during the event, you can have amateur musicians play along to the music you find. This will certainly allow you to have lots of fun without forcing you to spend a penny. You can even listen to the music before the party and make your own playlists if you’re not happy with the streaming options.

Purim doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday for it to be fun. With Passover rapidly approaching, you might find that you want to save more on Purim. These tips should help you have lots of fun, embrace tradition, and keep your budget under control.

There is a lot of buzz going around about the newest coronavirus right now. It has been spreading through China since late last years and now there are many cases around the globe. With a disease such as this, there is a lot of panic going around, especially since little is known about the disease. This panic can cause people to shop and spend a fortune while trying to combat the disease before it is even a concern. These ten tips will help you save money while taking the preventive measures you need to maintain your health, as well as your loved ones. So, don’t panic and read over this checklist so you will feel better prepared.

1. Maintain Calm
One of the biggest issues people face is the panic surrounding the illness. Not knowing much about it makes it hard to feel comfortable with fighting it off if you end up catching it. However, there is a lot of hype surrounding the illness, so it is important to stop, breathe, and filter the information that you’re hearing. There is a lot of false information out there, so it is important to fact check everything before you react. You also don’t need to go out and spend a fortune on emergency food, water, medicine and cleaning products. If you need something for the house that you would normally need then shop for it, but don’t follow everyone else’s lead in cleaning the shelves out of fear.

2. Know the Symptoms
Another key factor in dealing with coronavirus is to know the symptoms. Coronavirus actually encompasses a wide assortment of ailments, including the common cold. So, if you do get the current strain of the virus then you might not know if you have anything at all. Rather, you might just feel a little sick. That is because the symptoms largely include a running nose, coughing, and shortness of breath. Some people do report feeling nauseous or having diarrhea a few days prior to the cold symptoms arriving too. The problem is that this strain of the virus has the capability to cause more dangerous symptoms. Some people might develop fever, pneumonia, or even a respiratory infection. This is what makes it so dangerous for people with underlining health problems. The coronavirus can even evolve to cause kidney failure. Knowing the symptoms can help you make an educated decision about your health and might prevent you from spending too much on unnecessary medications and more.

3. Wash Your Hands
It has been said time and time again, the best way to combat things like coronavirus is to wash your hands. You should wash your hands after sneezing, coughing, touching things in public places, going to the bathroom, and so on. You should also wash your hands prior to cooking and so on. Many people don’t know the proper way to wash hands though. In order to kill the germs, it is imperative to wash with warm water and soap for a good twenty seconds. If you need help measuring time, just sing the happy birthday song to yourself as you wash. If you can’t wash your hands, especially after touching things that might have been contaminated, then hand sanitizer can work temporarily. However, you should always wash your hands over this method whenever possible.

4. Limit Travel
One of the biggest factors of the coronavirus spreading has been traveling. So, if you can, you might avoid traveling on public forms of transit as much as you possibly can. Instead of flying to your destination, make it a road trip if traveling is necessary. The best thing you can do is to avoid confined spaces with lots of people, such as airplanes. However, this doesn’t mean you should just road trip your way to vacation and spend days at a theme park. Places that draw in large amounts of people are not wise places to visit if you’re worried about catching it. Plus, if there is an outbreak, you might find that these destinations may close down anyway. This could cost you to lose out on money so make travel purchases wisely and avoid travel when you can.

5. Use Tissues
Since sneezing is a major part of coronavirus and how it spreads, you might want to have a lot of tissues on hand. It is important that you use a tissue when coughing and sneezing and then throw it away. Reusing tissues and leaving them somewhere is one of the worst things you can do as it helps to spread coronavirus to whatever your hands and tissues touch. A lot of people try to keep things frugal by using a handkerchief, but this isn’t a wise idea either. These hold the germs until you wash them, which makes it must easier for spread. If you’re in a pinch then sneeze or cough into your elbow. This is especially important in public areas as it will help cover more of your cough or sneeze and will allow you to still use your hands. You will also need to sanitize and wash the items you sneeze into. This, of course, is important for coronavirus and other diseases.

6. Use Sick Days
In order to avoid spreading coronavirus to the community, you should stay at home if you come down with it. One of the key ways to beat the strain is to stop it from spreading, so make sure you let your boss know what is going on and keep yourself at home. In most cases, your boss will be grateful that you aren’t at work to pass it on. Remember, you never know who around you might have a weakened immune system, so it is important to keep to yourself until you are healthy and not contagious. Of course, staying home will help you to get better faster too. This can help you get back to work, so you don’t miss out on too many hours if you don’t have sick leave.

7. Disinfect Your Home
Hygiene is an important factor when it comes to keeping coronavirus at bay. You’re going to want to be a bit more diligent about this if there is an outbreak in your area. First of all, you should concentrate on areas where there are going to be lots of germs. For instance, the bathroom might want to be your first stop. With sneezing and coughing going on, you’re bound to have people in and out, throwing away tissues and washing their hands. Thus, it is important to sanitize the sink, door handles, and toilet often. You should also keep the bathroom stocked in soap. The kitchen is another area that should be on your cleaning list. Make sure you have plenty of soap there too and the garbage removed frequently. You will also need to sanitize pantries to ensure no germs enter your food. You will need to wash the linens and clothes often too. Before you apply new bedding, Lysol the mattress and pillows as well as the area around the bed. This should help keep all of the germs at bay, which will make for a healthier household.

8. Avoid Other’s Space
If you’re worried about getting coronavirus, one of the best things you can do is stay out of other’s space. Try to keep your distance from other shoppers that appear to be sick or from coworkers that might have symptoms. One of the most important things to remember is to keep six feet away from others if you possibly can. This will allow the germs from their sneezes or coughs to stay away from you. If you do feel you’ve been around someone that might have the illness, then it is imperative that you keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes. Wash your hands as soon as you can and if you really feel the need to you can wash your face, too.

9. Facial Masks
A lot of people are already running to the store to purchase face masks and more. There is absolutely no need to do this. In fact, officials have asked people to not do this. The germs from coronavirus are actually small enough to penetrate the masks. Instead of purchasing these items, you should leave them on the shelf as people who are actually sick need them. Medical officials also need them. If you feel the need for a mask, then get a reusable one. These are generally thicker and can be sanitized on a daily basis, which means less waste. On top of that, the masks can be saved and used to fight other ailments or even just allergies.

10. Talk to Your Doctor
One of the most important things that you can do if you think you have coronavirus is talk to your doctor. If you’ve been exposed to someone with the illness and have developed symptoms, then call up your physician and let them know what is going on. Don’t go straight into the doctor’s office, hospital, or urgent care facility though. These health facilities might have a policy restricting people from coming to the facility in order to stop the spread. It is important to know what you need to do before you just runoff. Some doctors would prefer to see you in your home to help stop the spread. You should also put on a mask if you believe you have it to help stop the spread. Your doctor will also have plenty of pointers to give you, so you can get back on the mend fast, especially if you don’t have a compromised immune system.

Chances of getting the current strain of coronavirus are still low in the United States. However, the hype is really amping up which is causing people to panic and purchase things they don’t need. These ten ideas will help you save money and your health, so you can feel less afraid of this unpredictable illness.

National Women’s History Month is a special time to learn all about the women who have made the world an incredible place. There are so many stories about women that often get overlooked, which is why so many are thrilled to have this month dedicated to the history of women. During this time, you will find stories about incredible women that might have been overlooked in your textbooks. However, you shouldn’t overlook stories about women who might not have made history in the traditional sense. These ten ideas will not only help you embrace women’s history but help keep the legacy going. If you embrace the month with an open mind, you might find an empowering message that will help you make history, too.

1. Vote
One of the most important things you can do to celebrate National Women’s History Month is to go out and vote. Decades ago, women fought a hard battle to earn the right to vote, so make sure their hard work doesn’t go to waste. If you’re not registered to vote, this is your chance to do so. You might miss the primary elections, but you’ll be set to vote in the big election this November. You will also be able to vote for many local things throughout the year, which can help make a huge difference in your own community. If you’re too young to vote that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and let elections pass you by. Instead, familiarize yourself with leaders that are running, join in on the campaign process, voice your opinion, and prepare to vote in the future. You can also vote in school elections, so you can change the way your school operates for the better.

2. Talk to Your Female Relatives
There are many famous women that deserve our recognition and then some. However, if you really want to embrace this holiday, you might consider having a chat with some of your female relatives. There are many stories out there that don’t make it to history books, nor are they passed down from generation to generation. So, take some time to speak to the women in your family. You might be surprised by how many amazing stories they have to share with you. You may even get a few stories about relatives that you never even knew. These stories help to make up your existence, so it is important to cherish them and share them with others in the family. You might even consider writing them down, so you can keep track of them as the year’s pass. A simple book with these stories can be passed down from generation to generation, which is a great way to ensure the story of your family lives on.

3. Attend a Ceremony
Many people really get a kick out celebrating National Women’s History Month, so you’re bound to find a ceremony or two to enjoy during the month. If you’re not sure where to look for such ceremonies, then you might try social media first. There is usually a section with events offered in your area. If you don’t have any luck there, then don’t worry. Chances are, you’ll find a few events at a local community college or even a university. Many libraries will also offer guest speakers, book readings, and so much more. This will help you find something extraordinary that you will be able to enjoy while learning something new and exciting.

4. Check Out Women’s Speeches
We’re often asked to study speeches from men of the past and present. However, there are numerous remarkable speeches that were delivered by women. In fact, some of the iconic speeches that great men of history have delivered may have actually been written by a woman. So, this March, you might want to take the time out to check out speeches that have changed the nation and the world. Currently, there are lots of women breaking waves, too. So, you might check out what they have to say as well. You can even check out a lot of speeches on TED Talks. These talks will help you understand more about the changing world while introducing you to innovative ideas. Without a doubt, you are bound to find something empowering every day of the month if you just take the time to look at some speeches.

5. Write a Thank You Note
There are numerous inspiring women in the world today. From world-renowned authors to women standing up for their everyday rights. One great way to celebrate this month is to take some time to write a thank you note to these women. You might start with a woman that you personally find inspiring. You can pick someone in your career field or someone that you just look up to. Put down into words how they have changed your world, so they know they are doing a good job. Sometimes, a little reassurance can go a long way in life, so make sure your voice is heard. You can even get your children started out with this. Consider looking at women in the career choice your child hopes to follow. May it be a paleontologist, cosmetologist, astronaut, or nurse. The sky is the limit and there are women in each of these fields changing the world. You can find resources to get in touch with these women on their websites or programs they work through, so have fun with the letters. You never know, you might receive a return letter.

6. Visit a Museum
Of course, one of the more common ways to embrace this month is to visit a museum. This can be a lot of fun no matter what celebration is happening. You might visit the museum just to see how many exhibitions they have available for women. Generally, they will have more during this time, but it is always exciting to see permanent exhibitions that showcase some of the great things that women have done over the years. If you have more than one museum around you, make sure to take a little time to explore each. You can even plan visits on free museum days, which will allow you to save some money while embracing the special month.

7. Support Women
Believe it or not, but many of the actions you take during the day are helping to make history right now. So, you might want to take the time out of your day to support the women in your life. You can start by shopping from stores that women have created. There are many craft shops, as well as other products that women offer. Purchasing from a woman’s small business can help the business flourish while helping to make someone’s dream come true. You can also take the time to support a women’s rights group. This might mean helping organize events, going to rallies, donating, and more. However, you only have to do as much as you can handle so don’t let it stress you out. Another great way to support women is to offer help to a woman in need. This might mean offering food, sanitary products, and more to those in need or you can work in a support group to help those fighting to get life back on track.

8. Read Women’s Literature
One of the best ways to embrace women in history is to read books they have written. There are numerous classics that helped to change literature into what it is today. Many of these titles, like Frankenstein from Mary Shelley, helped to shape and even create some of today’s best genres. There is a long list of books like this so you might do a little research to find out where you should begin. In most cases, you won’t just find an interesting story, but you will also learn about the history surrounding the period in which the book was written. There are also many modern-day books that will inspire you too. So, do a little exploring and find a book that speaks to you. You might find that women truly have shaped the literature we read today while providing the world with innovative ideas.

9. Learn Something New
There are lots of amazing things to learn no matter the period of time. However, this month is a great time to embrace something new. You might use this time to read up on history so you can embrace new lessons that you’ve never before learned. You can even choose a specific person to look up, which can help make your month more focused. There are lots of historical apps that specialize in women, but you can also take a free online course if you’re feeling like broadening your horizons even more. The more you learn about women’s history, the more you will be able to share with others though. So, make sure you have fun with your academic journey.

10. Write Your Story
One of the best things you can do during this month is to honor your own story. If you’ve always wanted to write a book, then you might consider starting out with your own life story. You can write down your story by piecing together pivotal moments or starting from the very beginning. It doesn’t matter how you share your story either. You can write it as if it is a work of fiction or you can journal to create a more day to day experience. Of course, as you go, you might even add more stories based on the women in your family. This will truly change the way you feel about your life and the part you have to play in history.

National Women’s History Month isn’t just a great time to learn about women that have shaped the world. It is the perfect time to embrace your own story. It doesn’t matter what gender you are, you can take a lot out of this month-long celebration. So, embrace the world that woman has helped create and pass on knowledge for future generations to treasure.

With channels recently banning the new Frida Mom commercial, many people have opened their eyes to the importance of post-partum care. This period of time is often overlooked, as many people are overly excited to meet the new baby. However, moms going through the long recovery of having a baby often go without the products they need to fully heal and find comfort during this sensitive time. Luckily, today, many moms are very open about the healing process and are excited to help new moms get through the period too. After a little browsing, you’ll find that most moms recommend a few items to help make recovery better for everyone. These ideas will help you find more comfort and satisfaction as you move through a trying time for your health.

1. A Good Bra
It doesn’t matter if you plan on breastfeeding or using bottles, as you are going to need a good bra to help make the next few days to months more comfortable. Breastfeeding moms will need to seek out a good nursing bra to help them out. This type of bra not only offers support, but it can help with milk production, too. This is largely because the bra is designed to not fit as securely, so your milk can flow naturally. Apart from that, the bra can help bring privacy to your nursing experience. This is especially true when it comes to the hospital, as you are going to be more exposed as people come in and out of your room. You might consider getting measured for a nursing bra a couple of weeks before the baby arrives, so you will be all set. If you don’t want to breastfeed then you’re still going to have to take bras into consideration. One of your best options is to purchase a tight-fitting sports bra. This will help to stop the flow of your milk faster, so you don’t have to deal with discomfort as your body heals.

2. Numbing Spray
There’s no doubt about it, you’re going to have some pain after you give birth. There are many ways to help combat some of the pain though. If you are having a vaginal birth, there are sprays that will help numb the area slightly and prevent itching if you were given stitches. Many hospitals will actually provide you with the spray which can be a big helper. However, there are also many other options to choose from on the market. You can even find more natural products to help you out. If you’re having a c-section then you still have some options for numbing the incision, but you won’t have nearly as many and the effects won’t be as helpful.

3. Comfortable Clothes
No matter how you give birth, you’re going to want some comfortable clothes to make life easier, especially during the first week or so. One of the first things you need to consider is good underwear. You’re going to want to avoid the sexy stuff for a while. Instead, consider high waisted panties that will help keep your pad in place while also pushing in your tummy. You don’t want to pair that might rest at the incision area either, so be very careful when you choose. Another thing to consider is clothing like tank tops which can help make breastfeeding a bit easier while still keeping you comfortable. Of course, you should disregard your favorite pajamas, sweatpants, and more. You can even hang around in your maternity jeans for a while longer if it keeps you comfortable. It is imperative that you’re the judge of what you wear, because you’re the one going through the healing process.

4. Hemorrhoid Products
No one wants to talk about hemorrhoids, but they can be a pretty bad problem both before and after pregnancy. Unfortunately, hemorrhoids can be a lot worse during post-partum healing since everything else is also in a lot of pain. Thus, it is important to tackle the problem before it gets too hard to handle. There are lots of products on the market to help you out though. You can find everything from wipes to creams, which will help make dealing with the nuisance even easier.

5. Stool Softeners
Speaking of hemorrhoids, constipation can be a major problem for many. This is especially true in the first few days after birth. So, don’t let the constipation cause you even more stress or cause you to get hemorrhoids during such a sensitive time in your life. There are many stool softeners that you can purchase over the counter. However, if you’re worried it about then you might ask your doctor for assistance in choosing a brand, or simply ask for a prescription. Many prenatal vitamins even come with stool softeners now, which can help you get through this healing period without all of the excess pain.

6. Belly Wrap
When it comes to helping you heal, a belly wrap can actually work wonders for your body. This interesting wrap has been known to help your belly go back to normal, or its new normal, faster which can boost your confidence and make you feel like you’re going back to track. Of course, if it is helping out the exterior of your body then you can pretty much bank on it helping the interior too. This wrap is great for c-section moms as well, especially since it will help protect the incision when you’re finally on your feet. There are many baby wraps on the market, so make sure you do your research so you can find the perfect option for you.

7. Nipple Cream
If you are a first-time parent and you want to breastfeed, then you might have nipple cream on hand just in case. When everything is new it is hard to figure out what you need to care for your baby. Many women find that breastfeeding is very hard on their skin though, so having cream on hand can really help out with the transition process. There are many brands on the market now, so you might want to look around at reviews to see which will help you out the most. You can also shop based on your needs, as there are natural products and those that are hypoallergenic. You might find that the cream is one of the few reasons why you can carry on with pumping and more, so make sure to consider it when planning your care.

8. Pads
Pads are going to be essential for your recovery process. So, you’re going to want to stock up on the super absorbent stuff before the baby arrives. During the first few days of recovery, the hospital should provide you with large pads and mesh underwear to help with the first days of bleeding. However, after that you’ll be on your own. You’re going to want the super absorbent pads for a little while, but you might be able to switch as time passes. Typically, women will bleed for a couple of weeks to a month after giving birth, so you might want to make buddies with your pads. You won’t be able to use tampons, menstruation cups, or other products like that, as this won’t be safe for the healing process. You can purchase or make special pads that will help cool down the area as if you were using an ice pack. This can truly help change the way you feel about recovery.

9. Water Bottle
One thing that you might not think to bring with you to the hospital is water. However, once you hit that recovery room it is going to be a pain to get water to you. Generally, they will bring you a small pitcher of water if you ask for it. However, it is hard to tell if you’re getting tap water or filtered water. The small pitchers also aren’t enough to get you through the day and nurses might seem irritated if you ask for more frequently. This can really do a number on your recovery. You need a lot of water to produce breast milk and for your body to heal. So, bring a reusable bottle with you so you can get it filled up and keep track of your water consumption. This bottle will also come in handy when you just want to stay in bed after the first couple of days home. This will allow you to get up less as you hydrate and begin the healing process.

10. Snacks
There’s no doubt about it, snacks can make life so much better especially when you’re trying to heal your body. So, before you head to the hospital, make sure you have some snacks to help you get through the rough times. You will want to pack some snacks for your time at the hospital as you only get so many meals from the hospital, and they probably aren’t the tastiest option. Plus, if you’re breastfeeding, you do need to add even more calories to the mix. When you get home, you’re going to need snacks around to give you energy when your sleep schedule is lacking. Some of the best things to have on hand are protein bars, fruit, nuts, health shakes, and so on. These items will give you the calories you need while providing you with the nutrients you need to improve your body’s health.

Taking care of yourself after having a baby is crucial, even if you feel like you need to put your own needs on the backburner. These ten products will help make your life so much each easier as you adjust to your new life and the healing process. So, don’t let post-partum care leave you in the dark, as there are many resources and products that can bring you confidence in your time of need.

Although you might not want to think about it, daylight savings time is about to return. Not only does this mean losing out on an hour of sleep, but it also means that warmer weather and more fun is on the way. However, if you’re trying to maintain a home, then you might want to add a few chores to your to-do list that will help you make the most out of daylight savings time. These ten ideas can help you prepare for the upcoming months while also saving you quite a bit of money. So, embrace the longer days by filling the hours with some useful things.

1. Switch the Direction of Your Fans
Around the time daylight savings begins, most people are able to turn off their heaters and open up the windows. In order to keep the air fresh in your home and the air cooler, turning on your fan can do a world of good. However, you might consider switching the direction of your fan before you do this. In the winter, fans should turn clockwise in order to spread the warmer air from the heater throughout the room. However, when the weather changes, the fan should move counterclockwise in order to help cool the room and keep the air fresher. This is done with a simple switch that can typically be found on the base of the fan. If you can’t find it, then you might want to look at a manual for the fan. While you’re switching the fan around, you might also consider dusting the fan, as this chore is often overlooked.

2. Change Your Air Filter
There’s no doubt about it, Spring brings a whole lot of allergies to the table. So, before all of the pollen hits your nose, you might want to swap out your air filter. It is usually good to do this every couple of months or so, but using daylight savings time will give you a chance to track when you last changed the filter, so you can easily remind yourself to do it again. You can even purchase air filters in bulk and place dates on them to help you remember when you should replace your air filter again. Of course, you’re not just fighting allergens when you clean your air filter. You’re also getting rid of dust and bacteria in the home, so make sure to remember especially since the home was closed up for so long during the winter months.

3. Maintain Your Vehicle
It’s hard to keep up with vehicles when dealing with the hustle and bustle that life brings. However, this is a very important step if you’re hoping to maintain your safety and not run into a lot of financial problems in the future. In order to keep up with your vehicle, you’ll need to consider some basic maintenance, which can easily be done when daylight savings time arrives. For starters, you’ll want to check your oil. Even if it says you don’t need an oil change, you might consider checking for yourself just to be safe. You should also check to see how much tread is left on your tires, as balding tires can be dangerous. Apart from that, you should take a look at your brake pads to ensure they’re also not wearing thin. These tasks are very easy to do on your own, but if you’re feeling uncomfortable about it, most oil changes or basic mechanic shops can help you at a decent price. Apart from that, you should use this time to swap out your windshield wipers. Your wipers can often not work properly after all of the freezing cold temperatures during the winter months. You will definitely want them operational as all the spring showers arrive.

4. Change Smoke Detector Batteries
Even if you set off your smoke detectors every day and you’re certain they’re working fine, you should still take the time out to change the batteries when daylight savings time begins and ends. Sure, most detectors now offer annoying beeps and flashing lights when they’re low on battery but keeping them from getting low is imperative. If you’re worried about wasting batteries, then you might consider using rechargeable batteries. This will allow you to use the batteries you place in the detector again and again, so there is no money wasted. This will also ensure that the batteries are fresh and ready to go in case there is a carbon dioxide leak or a fire in your home.

5. Clean Appliances
Daylight savings time arrives just in time for spring cleaning, too. This will give you a chance to make some time to clean out your appliances. These aspects of the home are often overlooked, so you might be in for a little work. It will be worth it in the long run though as it will help keep your appliances going for longer. One of the first few things you should consider doing is cleaning out the oven, refrigerator, and coffee maker. There are many helpful tricks for making cleaning items a breeze though. You should also consider cleaning out the filter in your vacuum. Dusting, sweeping, and mopping behind appliances can also be helpful and will allow you to feel safer in your home.

6. Flush Your Water Heater
The water heater is usually out of sight and out of mind. That is, until something goes wrong with it. Although you really don’t have to pay too much attention to your water heater, you should take some time out to remove the sediment from the bottom of the tank once a year. This doesn’t take long and is as easy as opening the spicket and letting the water drain out. This chore is especially important if you live in an area that features lots of hard water. This sediment can ruin the lifespan of your water heater, which can put you in a financial bind if you’re not ready to purchase another one. A few minutes out of your day at day light savings time can truly save you a bundle.

7. Clean the Yard
With warmer weather practically on your doorstep, you might consider what you’d like to do about your yard for the season. Daylight savings time is the perfect time to get started on all of this. You might want to start with removing debris from the yard. This might be old plants that didn’t make it through the winter, leaves that piled up, or even weeds that got an early start. You should also clear branches and other items that might get in your way. From there, you might consider working on fertilizing your soil, getting starter plants out, and so on. Before you know it, you’ll be able to organize your yard and have plenty of amazing things blooming.

8. Flip Your Mattress
Did you know you’re supposed to flip your mattress every six months? Even if you did know, it might be hard to keep track of when you last flipped the mattress, especially if you’re constantly busy. That is why you might consider doing it at daylight savings time. This will allow you to know exactly when you last flipped your mattress. Then, when daylight savings time ends, you can flip it again. This can make balancing the time as easy as can be, so you can get more life out of your mattress.

9. Wardrobe Cleanse
With daylight savings time bringing warmer weather, you might find that your sweaters aren’t as comfortable as they were. So, doing a quick closet cleanse might be a great idea. You should go through your clothes and put away your heavy coats, sweaters, and other items that you probably won’t wear again until the weather gets cold. Of course, you might also pull out your spring and summer clothes so you can try them on and see what you want to keep. This will allow you to feel confident about your wardrobe, while also making plans to update your clothes to suit today’s biggest fashion trends.

10. Make Spring and Summer Plans
With daylight savings beginning, you’ll find that the free time spring and summer brings will be well on its way. Thus, its time to start planning for your outings. You might begin with working out your spring break plans, as this vacation period will be here before you know it. It might already be too late to book tickets for this period, but if you plan on staying home you can easily make out plans and purchase tickets for things nearby. Apart from that, you might want to start booking your flights, hotels, and more for summertime. This will help you lock in your travel plans while also saving you some money. Plus, planning ahead will give you something to look forward to while you’re recovering from missing out on sleep.

Daylight savings time doesn’t have to be a time to worry or feel stressed about change. Rather it is a time to prepare to save money and embrace the work that needs to be done around the house and in your personal life. These ten ideas will help get you started on many of the things you should do to keep things in order.

March is renowned for St. Patrick’s Day, but what many people don’t realize is the entire month is dedicated to Irish American Heritage. This makes for a great time for you to connect to your own roots or learn about some of the immigrants that helped to make this country what it is today. A lot of people aren’t exactly sure how to go about this though. In fact, many feel that they need to pour money into ancestry tests and research. This isn’t the case though. No matter how Irish you feel you and your family are, you can easily celebrate National Irish American Heritage Month without breaking the bank. These ten ideas will help you get started on the fun.

1. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
One of the more obvious ways to embrace this month is to take part in St Patrick’s Day. You can do this in so many ways, so don’t let money get in the way of your celebrations. One of the more common ways to embrace the holiday is to go out and grab a pint of Guinness with friends. You can always bring drinks home to save money though, which will still make your celebration fun. You can also dress in all green as is the common tradition for the holiday. Another fun idea is to go clover hunting or look for rainbows. There are many celebrations to take part in on this day, too. You might even decide to brush up on your knowledge of St. Patrick.

2. Embrace Irish Cuisine
One of the best ways to embrace a culture is to bring its food into your home. It might be hard to find a traditional Irish restaurant in your area, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace Irish cuisine. There are numerous recipes online to check out, so look around to see if you can find something you like. You can even find recipes that cater to dietary restrictions now, so don’t let your lifestyle choices get in the way of having fun with some old-fashioned Irish food. Some of the more common dishes to try are Irish Stew, Corned Beef, and a wide variety of options for dessert. You never know, you might find a dish that truly makes you fall in love.

3. Learn an Irish Dance
Dancing is a common form of entertainment for most cultures, and Irish culture is no exception. There are many dances that the culture is known for. River dancing is one of the most common dances, but you may find lots of other dances that are more modern and to your liking. No matter which dance you choose to learn, you will probably be able to find a free lesson on YouTube or other streaming devices. These dances tend to be great exercise too, which will allow you to become healthier as you celebrate a month of all things Irish and learn a fun, new dance.

4. Plant Something Native to Ireland
Ireland is known for its natural beauty, so if you’d like to celebrate this piece of the country then you might consider planting something that is native to Ireland. This might not be as hard as it sounds, as you will find lots of clovers, roses, ivy, and other plants in many garden centers around the country. However, before you plant anything, you might wait until you have had the time to do some research on the plant. It is important to figure out which plants can grow in your climate and which will work with your skill levels. If your climate isn’t doing you any favors, then you might see if any of the plants you admire can be grown inside, so you enjoy them on a daily basis.

5. Check out a Community Event
You will find a lot of community activities around St. Patrick’s Day, which will allow you to enjoy several celebrations and learn more about the holiday itself. However, there are other community events that take place in March. Generally, you will find Celtic fairs, festivals, and conventions that can help you learn a lot about Irish heritage and history. Many of these events will have games, music, food, and merchandise to help you connect with the culture all the more. Of course, you will probably find that you have to pay an entrance fee for these events, so make sure to budget before you get too excited about all of the fun.

6. Embrace Irish Media
Another great aspect of Irish culture, which often gets overlooked is its media. There are so many amazing books, movies, music, and more to check out. Thus, you might make March a time to dedicate your free time to learn more about Irish media, or even media created by Irish-Americans. There are numerous lists you can check out if you’re not sure where to begin your journey. Some streaming services will even have special categories to help you find the material you’re looking for. If you’re not sure where to look for items, or you want recommendations, then your local library can be of assistance too. Some libraries will even have items set aside for March, so all you have to do is walk in the door to find recommendations.

7. Research Heritage
If you’re not sure where your family comes from, then now might be a great time to research your family’s heritage. Even if you aren’t Irish, it will help you learn more about yourself and where you come from. There are many free ways to begin your journey, so you don’t have to invest money in anything right now. You can actually start by connecting yourself to free additions of ancestry websites. You might start by looking up the eldest relative you can think of. From there, you should be able to unlock a list of ancestors based on census reports and more. This will allow you to learn more about where you came from. You might even be able to figure out where you came from in Ireland, which could help you get more in touch with your Irish roots and hone in on customs from that specific area. Of course, you can invest money into research if you want to, as this might help you find more accurate answers.

8. Learn About Irish Immigration
Irish immigration played a major role in the foundation of the country. There have been a few waves of Irish immigration too, which will give you plenty of interesting things to research as you learn about when the main elements of Irish immigration occurred. There are many aspects of Irish immigration that don’t paint a pretty picture though, so you might be in store for some heartache as you read. However, you will also find many stories of strength and endurance that helped shape the nation into what it is today. There are many resources to check out if you’re interested in this topic, so take to the internet or your local library to discover a few.

9. Catch Up On Irish Culture
Culture, no matter what country you’re interested in, is always changing. There will always be a traditional foundation, but many things will help base the way a country operates. So, you might take some time in March to learn more about Irish culture. There are lots of big things happening in both Northern and Southern Ireland right now, so you might do a little research into the major headlines. Generally, the things going on in the countries will also affect their entertainment, so you can also catch up on new music, literature, TV, and more. There is public access to many of these things, so have a little fun diving into an unknown world and learning about the changes that are being made there.

10. Art Projects
If you want to get the whole family together to celebrate, then you might want to consider some art projects to add to the fun. You can make Irish flags, create clover art, or even make stories based around Irish folklore. If you’re looking for easy crafts, then there are plenty of color pages you can print to make it fun for kids to learn. You might even recreate some of the beautiful things Ireland has to offer like the stunning greenery or architecture that has watched history pass it by. Your creativity is the limit here, so don’t be shy.

Learning about and celebrating Irish heritage can be a lot of fun, even if you aren’t Irish. These ten ideas will allow you to fully embrace the fun of National Irish American Heritage month. With any luck, you will learn quite a bit, find yourself entertained for days, and embrace what it means to be Irish in America.

With the groundhog predicting an early spring, you might want to start planning your spring fashion options. This season, it’s going to be incredibly easy to spend a small fortune on clothing. However, many of the fashion trends are actually easily created with items you already have. These ten trends can help you make the most of your fashion sense without forcing you to alter your budget. With any luck, you’ll be able to grab a few items that will help you create the perfect spring look to suit your personality. You may even be able to help your fashion choices move into the summertime months, so you can get even more out of your wardrobe.

1. Neon Colors
Believe it or not, but neon colors are back in style this season. It has been some time since these colors have played a major role on the market, so it isn’t likely that you’ll have any in your closet right now. However, this doesn’t mean you should go out and purchase all neon clothes. Instead, show a signature piece or two that will help show off your vibrant side. You might also consider checking out a few accessories that are neon in color, so you can add the fashionable vibe with a lot less work. You will also find that many thrift stores will have neon items for sale from the 1980s and 1990s. This can help boost your collection, or at least provide you with items you can upgrade to create your own unique look with.

2. Short/Skirt Suits
If you work in an office, then you probably already have a few work-friendly suits that you incorporate into your weekly attire. However, this season, for women anyway, pants are going to be out. Instead, you might consider shopping for suits with skirts instead. One of the trends is to choose a men’s style and alter it to suit your body shape. If you choose a suit with pants, then you can easily alter the trousers to feature a pair of shorts. This requires basic sewing skills but can also be done by a tailor for very cheap. You can even add a men’s coat to your look while wearing the women’s blouse and skirt. If you have older suits you don’t like any more then you can always alter them to add some fun to your look while allowing you to get more out of your wardrobe.

3. White Dresses
Get ready to embrace the color white again, as this spring is going to bring you lots of beautiful white dresses to try on. White dresses can be very simplistic while still allowing you to feel like a goddess. Best of all, white dresses can be worn to special occasions, parties, or as a way to keep cool in the summertime. There really is no rule to the type of white dress that is going to be in style this year. So, you can use what you already have or shop for a look that suits you. You can even find old dresses at the thrift store or make your own from your favorite fabrics. White dresses also make accessorizing easy and will help you show off some of your favorite jackets and shoe options.

4. Vests
Another item making a comeback this spring is vests. Vests are a wonderful way to spice up almost any outfit. In most cases, they won’t cost you a lot of money either. If you like to keep things retro, then you can find vests in thrift stores or old boutiques. Many of the styles from the 1960s are certain to help make your fashion sense stand out. Apart from that, you can easily make your own vest. There are free or low-cost patterns all over the place, which can allow you to exercise your creativity. You can also find professional styles for work which can improve your fashion ability even when you don’t have complete control over your style.

5. Cut Out Accents
One huge trend this year is accent cuts. These have been seen on many fashion lines already, which might make you want them all the more. If you’re not sure where to start with this trend, then you might work with a simple tee. You can cut shapes into the shirt to help suit your favorite accents. One of the best ways to begin with this is having an alternative fabric. Sheer is a great option and will allow you to show off some skin without being exposed. Simply cut the shape you want and sew the fabric in front or behind it. As you grow into the trend, you might find yourself making details into the neckline of your favorite dresses, spicing up hemlines, or even offering torso detailing that will turn heads.

6. Denim
Denim never seems to go out of style. However, this typically refers to jeans. This year, you will find that denim in all shapes and sizes will be making a comeback. For instance, you’re going to find a wide assortment of jean styles on the market this year. Gone are the days of skinny jeans dominating the market. The jeans feature so many fun styles that you will have a new look for every day of the week. Apart from jeans, you’re going to find a lot of denim jackets, vests, and even overalls on the market. This will help to keep your look fresh and exciting as it is so easy to dress up denim and make it your own. You might want to invest in pins, patches and more to add to the fun of your denim look. You can even go through your closet and bring out some of the vintage looks that you have collecting dust.

7. Boyfriend Shirts
This season, you’re going to want to embrace the comfort of boyfriend shirts as often as you can. These shirts are designed to look like a men’s shirt, but they are tailored to suit a woman’s needs. However, you can easily get away with just wearing a men’s shirt if that is the look you prepare. This opens up a lot of money-saving options too. For instance, you can easily shop old shirts at a thrift store. Once you have your boyfriend’s shirt, pair it with a skirt, your favorite jeans, or even a pair of overalls. You can style it as you wish, which will give you even more freedom to enjoy your personal fashion sense. Plus, these shirts are great for a variety of temperatures too, so you can dress to suit the weather.

8. Crafted Accents
Accent pieces are a great way to top off your clothes. However, you don’t have to go with the looks you find in the store. In fact, crafted accent pieces are going to be a huge trend this year. This is perfect for anyone that likes to be creative. One of the biggest trends will be accents that are crocheted. You can make bags, shawls, or even add them to the top of the dress. You don’t have to stop here though as fraying clothes, adding tassels, or evening bringing in some feathers will truly change your look for the better. So, make sure to take advantage of the creativity this year, as it’s a good time to let your skills shine.

9. Sheer Outer Layers
Sheer layers are another fun option that is bursting onto the scene this spring. Luckily, sheer layers are incredibly easy to make too. You can place them over most of your clothing or create sheer jackets that will make a dress pop as it belongs on the red carpet. You can find simple patterns to pull off the sheer layer look, too. If you don’t want to fuss with layers, then you can easily sew them onto your clothing. For instance, you can drape a sheer layer over the skirt of a dress. This also works great with distressed clothing or other items that need a little extra life to them. Best of all, adding a sheer layer definitely allows you to bring some extra color to your look.

10. Wrapped Ankles
Finally, if you’re looking for a great style to bring out your favorite shoes then you might consider the wrapped ankle look. This look actually requires very little effort on your end, too. All you have to do is find a material you like to wrap from your shoe to your ankle. This can be very slimming too, which will make you feel even more confident about your appearance. You can purchase shoes that already have wraps, but if you can’t find any that suit your budget then there is no reason to fret as it is easy to add a wrap to almost any shoe you own. This look works especially well with sandals.

Creating the perfect look for spring doesn’t have to make you feel like your grasping at straws. There are tons of cool looks that will suit your own fashion sense as well as your budget. These ten options will give you a quick guide to help make shopping a bit easier while also ensuring you have the chance to make your own DIY fashion items before the season officially begins. So, have a little fun with your look and be the trendsetter of your dreams this season.

Leap year only comes once every four years, so you won’t want to skip out on this awesome day! However, it isn’t always clear how one should even celebrate this unusual holiday, because it isn’t typically a part of our annual holidays. There are lots of great things that you can do for Leap Year though. Best of all, none of them really require you to spend a lot of money, which will help make the occasion even better. So, get ready to add another day to year with these fun ways to make the most out of celebrating Leap Year this February 29.

1. Write a Letter to Yourself
Since Leap Day only rolls around every four years, you might consider writing a letter to yourself that can be opened during the next Leap Year. The letter can include just about anything, which makes it a lot of fun for a wide variety of people. For instance, you might start by talking about what is currently going on in your life. This will allow you to look back on the memories when you open the letter. You might also put down some of your goals or hopes for the next four years, which will give you something to work towards. Apart from that, you can just share some of your interests or write down the most popular songs, movies, and other media sources. This will all make the next Leap Year even more exciting. If a letter isn’t your style, then consider a small time capsule that can be opened up every Leap Year.

2. Set Leap Year Goals
Most people tend to set goals for the New Year, but not many people think about setting goals for the Leap Year. This is a great time to think about larger picture goals which might take a bit more time for you to complete. For instance, if you’re graduating from school this year, you might make a goal regarding your bachelor’s degree or doctoral degree, depending on where you already are with your education. This can make the process a lot more exciting for you. Of course, you can also make personal or financial goals. For example, you might take four years to save up for a down payment for a home, or you can make a goal to lose a certain amount of weight in a four year period. No matter what the goal, make sure you’re ready to work hard to make it before the end of four years is up.

3. Learn Science Behind Leap Year
We all know there is an extra day added to the year every four years. However, not many people know exactly why this happens. It is all down to maintaining our calendars and syncing them with the rotations the sun makes around the sun. Although we have 365 days to rotate around the sun, it doesn’t always add up in the correct hours, minutes, and seconds. All of this begins to add up, which means we have one extra day to rotate every four years. It is a lot more complex than that, so you might spend part of your Leap Day trying to figure out why exactly we get an extra day to enjoy every few years.

4. Propose
In countries like Ireland, it is actually a tradition for the women to propose on February 29. Before modern times, this was the only day available for women to propose, so many took advantage of it. So, if you’ve had someone on your mind for a while then you might take this time to propose. Of course, you can still propose even if you’re not a woman as this would still be an awesome story to share years down the line. You don’t have to go all out to propose on this day either. Instead, concentrate on what you want to say to the love of your life. This will allow you to make the proposal the best moment possible. It will also give you the chance to celebrate an extra special anniversary every four years, which can make things even more exciting for you.

5. Celebrate Leap Year Birthdays
A lot of people don’t get the joy of celebrating their birthday on their actual birthday. So, this year, you might host a little party to help everyone celebrate properly. You can bake cupcakes, serve ice cream, or simply make a point just to send out a special card to help people celebrate. Even if you don’t know anyone with a February 29th birthday, you can always just host a ceremonial party where you wish everyone happy thoughts for their official birthday. This can be a lot of fun for the whole household and will give you an excuse to pull out the birthday supplies even if there is no one in the household to celebrate.

6. Learn Leap Year Superstitions and Traditions
There is more to Leap Year than just having an exciting extra day to enjoy. In fact, there are many superstitions that go along with the Leap Day. As mentioned before, it is a tradition for women to propose to men on Leap day. However, if the man denies the woman, he is said to have to give her twelve pairs of gloves. This tradition varies though, as some countries name fabric as the payment for refusing a proposal. Many other places believe that it is bad for the marriage to get married on Leap Day. Some countries even feel that babies born on this day will have bad luck. Apart from that, many countries also believe that Leap Years bring more death and thus people are very superstitious during this time. There are many more to choose from, so make sure to have fun with your research.

7. Be Someone Else for the Day
With an extra day added to the calendar, you might find the need to step away from the person you are 365 days out of the year. This can be a lot of fun and can even help you reduce pressure in your life. You might start by dressing differently than you typically would. This already will give you a breath of fresh air that will help you have more fun. You can even act differently if you want. You might consider taking on the persona of a favored character or come up with your own character. You can even dress in period costumes and walk around speaking old English. Your creativity is definitely the limit for you, so make sure you become someone incredible. Of course, keep in mind that there will still be repercussions for your actions, so don’t go too wild with your new self.

8. Play Leaping Games
A lot of people associate the Leap Year with frogs, so you might want to channel your inner frog and play some leaping games. This is an incredible family activity that will definitely allow you to have a blast and get some exercise as you play. There are many leaping games to choose from though, so make sure you have some fun with it. For instance, you can have the kids leap around like frogs to play certain games or enjoy certain activities. You can also try games like jump the brook. There are many games online you can check out too, which will allow you to plan more efficiently.

9. Try Something New
Since you have an extra day this year, why not use it to try out something new. You can look through your list of things that you’d like to try and add one of them to your schedule for the day. After all, not having enough time won’t be an excuse for an extra day to give you the time. You might try out something like rock climbing, as this can easily be done at a facility and can be done spur of the moment. You can also try something like a new craft or cooking a new meal. There are so many exciting things to try out on this special day, so make sure you get something in so you can make the most out of your Leap Day.

10. Throw a Party
An extra day added to the year is a good reason to celebrate. So, why not host a party to enjoy the special occasion. You can theme the party around the Leap year, or you can simply have a party for the sake of having one. In order to keep your party frugal, you might consider asking friends to participate in a potluck. This can be a great way to share food and fun without throwing in a lot of money. You might also consider media options like the movie Leap Year, as entertainment. There are tons of games you can choose too, which will allow you to have themed fun with little effort.

Leap Years aren’t common, so make sure to take advantage of the special year while you still can. These tips will allow you to have lots of fun throughout Leap Year. With any luck, your Leap Day will be extraordinary, too. So, make sure not make the most out of your extra day, because it isn’t often you get an extra day to play around with.

February is known as the month of love, especially since it hosts Valentine’s Day. However, if you’re not in a relationship, this can make the month a bit tougher for you. It doesn’t have to be that way though. In fact, February can be the perfect time to step away from a relationship and work on loving yourself. This can be tricky for anyone, but there are so many innovative ways that you can make yourself fall in love with you. Best of all, many of these techniques won’t force you to spend a fortune, which will make the month more frugal than it would be if you were pouring money into Valentine’s Day. So, get ready to retake February as you stand strong and begin the process of loving yourself all the more.

1. Celebrate Your Strengths
A lot of the time, society has everyone focusing on their weaknesses instead of the things that make them strong. So, instead of sitting around wondering how you can make yourself better in every aspect, you might take February to celebrate the things you are good at. In order to do this, you should sit down and think about the things that make you happy and those that you excel in. If you’re having trouble, then talk with a friend or family member that you are close to. Often, people can share strengths with you that you never knew you had. Once you have a list of strengths, take pride in them. Find ways to utilize them in your everyday life. This will allow you to feel confident about the person you are while also improving the way you approach everyday life.

2. Pamper Yourself
There is definitely no harm in pampering yourself, especially if it makes you feel good about the person you are. So, this February, take the time to focus on you by doing pampering activities that bring you joy. For instance, if you find a great deal on a spa then splurge a little on yourself and enjoy all of the pamperings you receive. If a spa visit isn’t in the budget, then make your own home spa. There are so many things you can do at home that will leave you feeling like you can take on the world. Another simplistic action is to go out and get a haircut. A change in your appearance might be the ticket to helping you feel great about you. A pedicure or manicure at home will also allow you to look and feel like a million bucks. Of course, don’t do these things if they don’t make you happy. You might find pampering yourself to be sitting in a hot bath with a book. Choose activities that suit you and not others, as this will make you feel your best.

3. Try Something New
It is very easy to fall into a rut, which makes many people feel down. That is why it is important to try new things in order to practice self-love. Part of life is learning about yourself, embracing new experiences, and exploring things that you might love. So, get out there and try something new this month. It can be as easy as going to a new restaurant alone or trying a new dish at an old restaurant you love. You can also try a new activity, like a craft, sport, or club. You might find yourself feeling rejuvenated in no time. Of course, you can also make travel plans that you’ve always dreamed of. It is important to make a savings plan to help you get to these plans though. Before you know it, you will feel impressed with the person you are becoming, which will improve your self-love immensely.

4. Make an effort to be Healthier
One of the most important things that you can do for yourself is to work on leading a healthier lifestyle. This will help you love yourself while ensuring you have a better quality of life day in and day out. One of the first things you should start doing is work on having a healthier diet. Try incorporating at least one balanced meal into your diet per day, as this can help you adjust to a new way of eating. Then, as you get used to it, make sure you eat healthier for every meal. You might even change up your eating schedule to suit your body’s needs. Apart from eating right, you should also consider exercising more. The goal is to hit 30 minutes a day, so try out new things. You can also start walking to improve your health while allowing yourself to get fresh air. Apart from that, you should consider taking mental health breaks.

5. Ditch Social Media
Social media tends to dominate our lives, even if we don’t realize it. This form of expression can be one of the worst things for your ability to love you though. Although it is a great platform for expressing yourself, keeping in touch with loved ones, and so much more, it is also known to have many negative elements. This can really play on self-esteem even if we don’t realize it. From people writing negative things about others online to the responses we receive on personal development, you will certainly find that giving up social media might help you to feel better overall. Not only does social media take up a lot of our time, but it is also is a drain on our mood. So, shut your personal pages down for the month and see how it affects your self-love. You might be surprised.

6. Practice Mindfulness
There is a lot of talk about mindfulness now. Although you can view mindfulness in many ways, there are some important ways to be mindful when it comes to accepting and loving yourself. One of the best things you can do to promote mindfulness each day is to take a few minutes to reflect on your life. You should look at your plans, your motivation, your goals, your thoughts, and your emotions. By taking in all of the elements of your needs, you will be able to navigate the day efficiently. You can do this by meditating, making lists, or just talking to yourself in a positive way. You should also be mindful of the things you do. How are your actions affecting others and the world around you? How are your decisions changing your path? After considering all elements of your life, you should feel more mindful and prepared to love yourself more.

7. Take a “You” Day
There is nothing wrong with taking a break for yourself, especially if you’re not feeling up to the day. Mental health is often overlooked in today’s society, which causes even more depression, anxiety, and even greater mental illnesses. So, if you’re not feeling great, take a day for yourself. You can play hooky from work, college, housework, or whatever plans you had for the day. Instead of going about your routine, do something you love instead. May it be spending the entire day in bed watching TV or getting out of the house and exploring the world around you. The time for you will help you feel rejuvenated and will allow more acceptance for yourself. Of course, you should be willing to make up the work you missed out on and you shouldn’t do it frequently, as it will cut back on progress and will make your “you” days less significant.

8. Treat Yourself
There is no rule saying you have to wait to be gifted something for Valentine’s Day or any other time for that matter. So, instead of doing without, celebrate your independence by purchasing the item you want for yourself. You can easily grab yourself a bouquet of flowers and chocolates if this is what is going to make you happy. Plus, purchasing a gift for yourself means you get exactly what you want. You don’t have to stop at Valentine’s Day items though. Instead, you can simply purchase something you’ve wanted for some time. Don’t go overboard with treating yourself though, as this can land you in financial trouble and won’t make the treats as special.

9. Work on You
Although it is great to focus on our strengths and fall in love with ourselves, it is also important to work on the aspects we would like to change. This doesn’t mean you should be hard on yourself though. Instead, work on habits or responses that you have which you feel should change. As you grow as a person and learn to love who you are, you will find it much easier to be in a relationship. However, growing as a person doesn’t mean you have to enter a relationship either, as you should do what makes you happy.

10. Ignore the Hype
There is no law saying you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day. So, just ignore it if the holiday bothers you. It is primarily a day to get people to shop more anyway, so there really isn’t a whole lot of affection that goes into it. Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day, take some time to do something that doesn’t involve finding romance, going on dates, or the colors pink and red. This might mean avoiding retail stores and spending time in places that people aren’t likely to congregate. However, this action in itself might be totally freeing and will allow you to get to know yourself a lot better.

February is the perfect time to celebrate the love you have for yourself, instead of just the love shared in a relationship. With these ten tips, you should find a few different ways to embrace who you are and improve the way you feel about yourself. This will not only improve your confidence but might even help you find the love you’ve been looking for.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, but it is also a great time to practice dental health for the whole family. Most people are familiar with healthy dental habits, but in this day and age, there are many things you can buy to take your dental health to a whole new level. These ten products will allow you to keep your teeth and gums healthier than ever. This will not only improve your teeth and gums but your overall health. Between these products and your regular trips to the dentist, you should be good to go when it comes to oral hygiene.

1. Electric Toothbrush
One of the best things you can purchase for yourself is an electric toothbrush. This amazing product can help you do so much more than you would expect. First of all, most electric toothbrushes are designed to do three to four times the work as your manual toothbrush, which means you’re going to get rid of more plaque than you could possibly expect to. There are many brands of electric toothbrushes on the market too. Thus, you can find one that targets your specific needs. Some toothbrushes even offer app support which allows you to redeem points for rewards, like extra toothbrush heads. It is important to do a bit of research to find the best possible toothbrush for you though. This will allow you to save money on your device as it will make you want to use it more often.

2. Dental Kit
You can actually purchase some of the tools that dentists use in their office, which can be a big help when practicing good dental hygiene. These kits usually come with a variety of scrapers and a mirror so you can check out the state of your teeth. The mirror alone will allow you to get a good look at the back of your teeth and hard to reach places, so you can make sure you’re cleaning properly. This is also a great tool to use if you think you might have a cavity. Apart from that, the scrapers are great tools to have on hand if you have issues with plaque. They will allow you to clean up the plaque in-between visits, so you can look and feel healthier.

3. Handheld Water Flosser
Water flossers can be a great way to clean in between teeth. They’re also a great asset if you have braces or you need to clean other dental gear. However, water flossers can be pretty expensive and are very bulky in most cases. Thus, having one in a smaller bathroom might not be convenient. Some of these flossers are also prone to leaking and have other problems too, which might leave you dealing with frustrating messes day in and day out. Handheld flossers offer a little more wiggle room though. These can be tossed in a drawer when not in use and typically only hold enough water for one cleaning, so you don’t have to worry about frustrating spills. They tend to be less expensive too, which is great for anyone on a budget.

4. Charcoal Products
Whitening products have been incredibly popular for quite some time now. However, charcoal is just making its way onto the market. This product allows you to clean and whiten your teeth without having to use harsh chemicals that might interact with your body oddly. Apart from that, charcoal products come in all shapes and sizes. You can find products that are designed to clean and whiten, as well as those that are designed just to whiten your teeth. So, make sure you look around and find a product that seems right for you. You should always check ingredients for items like this too, as you never know when allergens might be a part of the ingredient list.

5. UV cleaner
A lot of people believe that swapping their toothbrush every six months is enough to keep germs at bay. This isn’t quite the case though. Every time you brush your teeth, you’re actually inserting germs back into your mouth. This can be pretty frustrating especially if you’re trying to stay healthy. A UV Cleaner is one of the best ways to combat this problem. The UV cleaner actually uses UV lights to kill germs, so you can feel clean after every brush. You can clean your brush daily, weekly, or monthly depending on your needs, which should help combat most germs. On top of that, you’ll find that it can keep illness at bay, especially during cold and flu season since you’re not reinserting the germs into your mouth. These devices don’t cost an arm and a leg either, which is definitely an added bonus.

6. Brush Topper
It’s hard to get rid of the germs from your mouth when you brush, but there is something you can do about the germs that the bathroom brings to the table. There are innovative little products called brush toppers that will allow you to cover up the top of your brush, so you don’t have to worry about everything that floats around in your bathroom. This can be exceptionally important considering every time that you flush a toilet you risk the chance of getting harmful bacteria all over your bathroom. These covers come in an assortment of shapes and sizes too and tend to be easy to clean.

7. Electric Calculus and Tartar Remover
Plaque tends to be a problem for many people especially if we don’t make it to the dentist every six months. So, one of the best things you can do for your teeth is investing in an electric calculus and tartar remover. This will actually help you remove the same plaque as a dental scraper would but with less effort. This can be very important for your overall health and will give you the power to enjoy cleaning your teeth more efficiently as time passes.

8. Tongue Cleaner
Chances are, if you are struggling with bad breath, then the problem might be bacteria build up on your tongue. It is easy to overlook the tongue while cleaning which is why so many people have problems in this area. A tongue cleaner is a great option when it comes to combating the problem though. These cleaners help to gently scrape away the bacteria that builds upon the tongue. Generally, you can find one of these items on the back of a manual toothbrush, but they aren’t as helpful as those specifically designed to target bacteria on the tongue. With the bacteria off of your tongue, you will probably find yourself feeling confident, even when you have to speak in front of large groups.

9. Mouthwash
Ensuring you have mouth wash on hand is another great way to treat your mouth with care. Where brushing isn’t enough, mouthwash can do the job to help your breath maintain freshness every day of the week. There are a lot of mouthwashes available today too, so you might have to work on trial and error when it comes to finding a great option for you. If you aren’t a fan of the burning sensation that alcohol brings to the table then you might look for a more natural option. There are mouthwash options. for just about every kind of dental problem too, so you can truly cater the mouthwash to your needs.

10. Subscription Box
If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to improving your dental hygiene, then a subscription box might be the answer for you. There are so many subscription boxes on the market today that you will definitely be able to choose the pick of the litter when it comes to your needs. However, before you choose, you should do a little research on each option. There are actually many that are dentist recommended, which should help you get exactly what you need to be healthy and happy. Of course, there are also options that will just help you keep up with your favorite toothbrush and toothpaste brands, so you won’t forget to restock when it is time for a new one.

Practicing good hygiene is a great way to make you feel healthier and happier. These ten products can improve your dental health substantially, which can make life even more convenient for you. With the health boost you get from these items, you might even save money in the long run.