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  • Six Perfect Gifts for Work-from-Home Moms

    Six Perfect Gifts for Work-from-Home Moms

    You have a friend or loved one who is a work-from-home mom. You want to give her a gift, but you are not sure what will suit her fancy. The good news is that there is a large assortment of gifts that a work-from-home mom will greatly appreciate. Here are six good ideas to get you started.

    Lap Desk

    The best part about working from home is that you can work anywhere your heart desires. If the weather is right, you can take the computer out on the deck or do your work from the park. Work-from-home moms often find themselves having to get creative about where they work. Sometimes, they must hide themselves away from the kids or must work next to a sleeping baby who has separation anxiety. Lap desks make the perfect gift for work-from-home moms because they can accommodate a laptop and be used in any location.

    Essential Oils

    Working at home is outstanding because it promotes a better work and life balance. Moms can also enjoy more time with the family. Work-from-home moms also must contend with stress. These moms not only have to get their work tasks completed, but they also must juggle caring for the children. According to CNBC, 53% of parents say that the mother is the primary caregiver in the home, and what this means is that she has a significant number of responsibilities on her shoulders. Essential oils are excellent for helping work-from-home moms relax. These hard-working mothers can add a few drops of essential oils to their baths to help them unwind at the end of a hard workday: or, they can rub the oils on their wrist and temples to facilitate relaxation while they work. Additionally, these mothers can put essential oils into a diffuser and enjoy relaxing aromas to aid in calmness.

    Instant Pot

    For a work-from-home mom, an Instant Pot is a must. Work-from-home moms are always on the go as they work full-time and must care for the needs of the family. The Instant Pot is a lifesaver for work-from-home moms because they can make dinner using the slow cooker feature while they work. This way, dinner is ready as soon as the workday is done. With the Instant Pot, dinner will be one less task on their plates.

    A Cute Mug

    If the work-from-home mom in your life is a coffee or tea drinker, then a cute mug is an absolute must. Get this work-from-home-mom a mug that fits her interests or describes what is most important or dear to her. If she is all about animals, you can get her a mug that has a cute saying about animals on it. If her children are the center of her world, get her a mug that has a catchy saying about the kids. Surely, you will win her heart if you get her a cute mug that she can use to sip her coffee or tea while she works. If you know for sure that the work-from-home mom in your life happens to be a coffee drinker, you can gift her some coffee along with her mug for a nice touch. Colombian coffee brands are among some of the tastiest coffees out there, and she will appreciate some Colombian coffee to go along with her mug.

    Pretty Pens

    You may not think that pretty pens will make a difference to work-from-home moms; however, the contrary is true. Because work-from-home moms have so much on their plates, they are always having to write things down to keep track of the action items they need to complete. Writing agenda items will not feel like such a chore if these hard-working mamas have pretty and colorful pens they can use.

    A Cute and Efficient Laptop Bag

    Sometimes working from home can become monotonous, making a change of scenery necessary. When work-from-home moms need a change of scenery, they will leave the house to work at a location of their choosing, such as a tranquil park or a local cafe. In situations like this, work-from-home moms need a laptop bag that will double as both a laptop bag and a purse because the less they must carry along with them, the better.

  • 5 Important Steps in the Homebuying Process

    5 Important Steps in the Homebuying Process

    There’s a lot of myths that surround the homebuying process.  People like to think that they know what to expect, but without properly researching it, you may skip steps or try to do this out of order.  Each of the following actions is necessary to buy a home, except for one, and they all can improve the process and make it go as smoothly as possible.

    Here’s what to do when buying a home!

    Secure A Loan First

    Before you look at any properties or try to window shop Banff homes for sale, you have to secure a loan.  Don’t go with the first lender who approaches you, instead try to find someone whose interest rates are appealing to you, who’s been doing this for long enough that you can trust them, and who is thorough in what you should expect from each other.

     

    Without securing the loan first, you may not be taken as seriously, and you could lose your chance at fantastic properties. So take care of this first, and then move to the fun parts.

    Find an Agent or Realtor

    This is the one step that isn’t necessary for everyone but is still highly advised.  When buying a home, try to find an agent or realtor who seems to recognize your wants and needs and knows what they’re doing.  These professionals can work with you on what your budget looks like, can help you understand why you shouldn’t spend at the top of it, and can help check out the difference between your wants and needs when it comes to houses. In addition, they’ll guide you through the process and protect you along the way.

    Look at A Selection of Properties

    Don’t stop at the first home you see!  Instead, shop around like you’re looking at used cars.  Listen to what flaws they may have, consider the distance they are from the locations you go to most and put in the effort to see what living there would look like for you. So many people don’t find their perfect home, but they can make a great home they find and turn it into their ideal home over time.

    Put in a Competitive Offer

    Accepting the listing price is a mistake that you have to be better than.  Instead of taking this high price, try to put in an offer tens of thousands of dollars less and see if they’ll play.  Of course, whatever you offer should reflect what type of market you’re in.  If you’re in a buyers’ market, you can ask for far more, but in a seller’s market, you should be more cautious, or the home may be snatched out from beneath you.

    Be Flexible With the Seller

    If the seller seems stuck on a price ten thousand above what you want to spend on the home, consider requesting perks to make that price something you like. For example, ask if they’ll throw in the furnishings or if they would cover your closing costs.  These are both fantastic middle grounds that can help you get a great deal on a home while also moving forward with the seller.

  • 5 Fun Father-Son Activities to Try before School Starts

    5 Fun Father-Son Activities to Try before School Starts

    There are different opinions and views of what a father-son relationship should look like. But one thing that is common and agreed upon by everyone is that they need to bond and spend time with each other. It’s often said that the kind of man the son will grow up to depends on what the dad taught him as a kid. One way to teach your kid and have fun is finding activities you can both enjoy. Here are five of them you need to try before school starts.

    1. Go Camping

    Nothing is more adventurous than time outdoors with your son. A camping trip is the best way to reset away from the busy city life and bond with your child before they go back to school. There are minimal distractions in the wild, especially if you are not bringing your tablets and phones. You will be able to have a non on one time with your son for the whole trip. It builds cooperation; you will have to set up your tent together, start a fire, and do other camp activities. The partnership will result in a mutual sense of pride after the work is done. Camping is the ultimate father-son activity; you should give it a shot if you haven’t tried it before. It will be more fun if you have a shared love and appreciation for nature.

    2. Try Grilling

    Grilling has become more like a rite of passage. Teach your son how to cook over a fire; it will be fun and educational. Grilling is done outside so you can play around as you watch over the food. He will learn how to flip and get burgers off the heat before they burn, which is a skill he will stay with for life. You can also try other foods and make it a tradition if he is into it. It can be your father-son time every time he is home for the holidays. It doesn’t hurt that you will both be getting a delicious treat at the end. But just like any other form of cooking, grilling is dangerous, so only try it if your son is of age.

    3. Go Fishing

    Fishing is one of the best activities a man and his son can engage in. it gives you a serene and sacred escape where you can talk about anything and everything. You will also have a chance to teach your child essential survival skills. It’s an invaluable skill set to pass down to your son. Many people have fishing as their go-to bonding activity, especially dads. Aside from strengthening your bond, your son will finally get to understand where food comes from. If you are lucky to have a fishing spot close to where you stay, you can do it regularly. If not, try at least once every year or twice; your son will keep those memories for a lifetime.

    4. Try Biking

    Whether it’s road or mountain biking, it will be an excellent exercise for you both and a nice way to bond. Use the opportunity to teach your son how to ride a bike if he doesn’t know. It opens up more possibilities for adventures and a new friendship. Find a place away from traffic and enjoy conversations with your son as you take in the scenery. If the child develops an interest in biking, he can carry it to adulthood. Biking is a healthy activity, and you will be very proud to have had a hand in it. There are endless possibilities with biking; you can create a race with friends in the neighborhood. Take the chance to teach him road responsibility and all the rules.

    5. Go To A Sporting Event

    It’s time to introduce your son to a sports team he will probably support for life. Take a break from TV sports and find a live match at the nearest stadium. A team jersey and a ballgame hot dog can leave a lasting impression on your son. He will not forget his first live match anytime soon. You can watch so many games but try something that interests both of you, not just you. If a sporting event is tricky, there are other ways you can get sporty. Find a football play designer and create your own plays. Find out how creative your son is with his game plans and strategies. You can keep it simple and play catch; as cliché, as it sounds, it may surprise you how much fun you will have.

    Conclusion

    These are simple and fun activities you should try before your son goes back to school. Remember to be patient with him and take things slow. Have fun with every activity, and don’t take it too seriously. It may be a great motivation for the son to develop hobbies and uncover talents.

  • Why a Home Out West is for You

    Why a Home Out West is for You

    People have been moving out west ever since… well… ever since the Westward Expansion. There’s a good reason for that, too, and it’s not just because of the 1800s gold rush. Wondering if a home out west might be right for you? Here are five reasons why the West Coast really is the Best Coast.

    The Arts & Entertainment Scene Kicks Butt

    One thing you can be sure of wherever you are on the West Coast, whether you’re looking at Los Angeles, Portland, or Las Vegas houses for sale, a good time is never far away. From the star-studded nightlife of Hollywood to the punk-style DIY art ideology of Washington state to the neon-lit playground of Sin City, there’s always something awesome to see or do. Even better, if you’ve got a touch of creative spirit yourself, living out west gives you plenty of opportunities to show it off.

    The Entrepreneurial Spirit is Alive & Well

    Google. Tesla. Apples. Amazon. YouTube. Facebook. Twitter. Microsoft. What do all of these companies have in common? Well, for starters they’re all entrepreneurial success stories that have gone on to become indispensable parts of American life. But also, they all have their headquarters on the West Coast. That makes the western US the undisputed leader in technological and commercial innovation.

    The Weather is Good Even When It’s Bad

    Despite what you may have seen portrayed on TV, it’s not sunny, warm, and beautiful 100% of the time here in the west. More like… 99.9999% of the time. Sure, we get rain. We get storms. Especially in areas like Seattle and Washington, just because you’re living out west doesn’t mean you’re living in a constant tropical paradise. But snow is a rarity and even the coldest winters are pretty mild compared to those on the East Coast. In other words, if you hate shoveling, you’ll love the west.

    The People Are All About “Live & Let Live”

    The western half of the United States may just be a road trip or plane ride away, but it might as well be a whole other world when compared to life in other parts of the country. The stereotype of the carefree beach bum surfer dude is a cliché, but there’s a kernel of truth at the bottom of it. West Coasters really are more relaxed and laid back. We pride ourselves on embracing others as they are and, in the process, fostering a diverse, tightly knit community.

    The Natural Landscapes Are Second to None

    From the shimmering blue shorelines of California to the rustic, rolling forests of Washington to the iconic red-stone buttes of Utah, the west is full of eye-popping natural landscapes that you’ll be hard-pressed to resist filling your phone with snapshots of. If the outdoors is your thing, there’s simply no replacing the gorgeous sights of Vasquez Rocks, Monument Valley, and the frost-kissed Rocky Mountains.

  • Tips For Choosing Best Commercial Doors

    Doors act as a great barrier to your business; therefore, it makes it important for you to choose the best commercial doors for your business. At first, this can be a very daunting task and might even confuse you with the numerous choices available in the market. Hence, in this article, we will look at some of the important things that we need to consider when choosing commercial doors. It ranges from selecting the appropriate supplier to choosing the perfect colour. There are a lot of factors that may affect your decision making regarding choosing the doors. Here is a list of some of these factors that you should consider for making the choice of the best commercial door available.

    Usage

    One of the main things that you should consider when looking for commercial doors is what kind of usage are they being subjected to. If they are going to be used indoors, you need to refer to a particular kind of door. If they are going to be used outdoors, you need a specific material for that door. In addition, if the doors are being used for security purposes or just as a gateway to another room, you need to look at materials for different purposes. Therefore, it is very important that you analyse the usage of your door before you start choosing from the wide range of commercial doors.

    Materials

    As said previously, it is imperative that you choose the materials of your door also correctly to make sure that you can make the best use of the doors. Choosing an appropriate material is necessary so that you can fulfil the purpose of using commercial doors. For example, if you are using the door for security purposes, you need to choose highly durable doors that do not give away easily. Suppose you are choosing doors for a commercial kitchen. In that case, you need to choose insulated doors that will not allow any heat from the kitchen to penetrate through the door or not allow any of the cold air from the refrigerator to penetrate into the kitchen. Hence, these are important factors that you have to consider to make sure you can choose the perfect commercial doors for your property.

    Maintenance

    One of the significant drawbacks of installing such doors in a commercial property is that you often do not have enough time to maintain the doors properly. You have to continuously clean the doors for them to be absolutely perfect. Hence, if you do not have the human resources for proper cleaning of your commercial doors, you should reconsider certain types of materials. You should choose only materials that have low maintenance to make it easier for you to care for your commercial doors. As maintenance costs have to be included in your budget, you should consider only those doors that you are confident you will be able to maintain properly. Another reason to take maintenance into consideration is that it will help in determining the life span of your commercial doors. You are also required to choose personnel in that manner.

    Budget

    Whenever you look for chasing anything new, the first thing that you should do is set a budget for the product that you need to purchase. Especially when you are going to buy commercial doors, you should make sure that you have a budget in mind to ensure that you don’t end up spending exorbitantly.

    Hence, as you can see, these are some tips and tricks that will help you in choosing the best commercial doors for your business property. By keeping in mind these factors, you will get not only the most cost-beneficial option but also the best quality door.

  • Everything You Need to Know About Fly Screens and Much More Besides

    Allowing fresh air into your home is a welcome relief, but without fly screens, you’re attracting unwanted insects as well. Fortunately, there are varieties of fly screens to choose from, as well as a variety of materials. Try to go for fly screens that are of premium variety and that are manufactured as per the highest quality standard.

    The word “fly screen” refers to any material that is intended to cover the opening of a window or door. When a window or door is open, the primary function of a fly screen is to keep insects, dirt, leaves, debris, small birds, and pests out.

    Forms of Materials

    On first glance, some customers can believe that all fly screens are made of the same materials and have the same construction. Nothing could be further from the facts, however. There are several different types, each with its own set of advantages that can be tailored to any situation.

    Materials for Fly Screens Include:

    #1. Fiberglass with a PVC Coating: Fiberglass is the most common material for fly screens, and it’s also known as nylon mesh. It’s popular in Australia’s coastal towns because it doesn’t corrode, rust, or stain.

    #2. Aluminum Is A Metal That Is Used To: Aluminum, which is also a popular option for fly screen materials, can withstand extreme weather. While aluminum is more durable than fiberglass, it is prone to denting and creases over time.

    #3. Stainless steel is A Durable Material: Stainless steel is a sturdy and durable material that is ideal for homes in bushfire-prone areas.

    #4. Screen for Pets: Pet screens are durable, vinyl-coated polyester screens with small mesh holes to protect the screen from scratching and damage from pets. Your pets can remain safe in the home zone when you the right meshes installed.

    #5. Fly Screens that Retract: Retractable windows, also known as roller screen doors, are a roll of mesh that is enclosed within housing (cassette). The mesh unrolls and stretches as you pull the screen along the top and bottom tracks, providing full insect defense. They can be installed horizontally or vertically to match the style of your house.

    #6. Fly Screens with Pleats: Pleated fly screens behave like an accordion or concertina instead of mesh that rolls into a cassette like a retractable fly screen. This means that when the pleats are retracted, they easily fold and stack back on top of each other. Pleated fly screens have less stress than retractable fly screens because they do not need a spring-loaded cable. Aluminum fly screens are quite common, and you can also buy screens that are made up of galvanized iron.

    #7. Fly Screens with Hinges: Hinged fly screens use a hinged structure to fit on the side of a door. The word “hinged” refers to the side hinges that allow the door to swing open. The mechanism that allows hinged screens to open is similar to that of shutters, and they are usually a cost-effective alternative. Hinged fly screens are for doors and can be installed over any UPVC, timber, or metal casement, acting as a fly screen mesh for the door frame.

    Conclusion

    Fly screens are a popular feature in Australian homes, but that doesn’t mean they’re an easy design option. Consider your personal preferences as well as factors such as location, environment, view, and the insects you’re dealing with when choosing fly screens. You should also think about pets, children, privacy, and how much you use it.

    Select retailers and providers offer fly screens in a variety of fabrics, mesh sizes, colors, and styles for purchase and installation. There are different designs and styles for fly screens that are available. Buy sturdy ones that provide you the right warranty on the product.

  • 3 Signs Wealth Management Is a Good Career Path for You

    3 Signs Wealth Management Is a Good Career Path for You

    Are you thinking about taking a wealth management job in Singapore after watching Leonardo de Carpio’s The Wolf of Wall Street movie? Come on. Why not! You could be the next Jordan Belfort—just minus all the fraud and illegal stuff.

    So, how do you know the wealth management career path is a good fit for you? Simple. You should possess the innate characteristics of a good wealth manager—ambitious, fearless, outgoing, and risk-taker.

    Read on, and learn for yourself if you have what it takes to be a wealth management advisor.

    1. You Like Challenges

    Money is serious business, and so is cash handling or finance management. This hard truth is the reason why most people seek help from financial consultants to ensure their hard-earned money are secured and invested in the right place.

    The truth is, managing wealth can be challenging. Wealth managers must have a clear idea not only of the client’s lifestyle but also of what goals he/she wants to accomplish. Example of such goals could be saving for retirement, giving more to charity, supporting the family, exploring investment opportunities, and more.

    Not only that, but a financial consultant should study the complicated and confusing financial markets to further his/her financial literacy. This one’s critical in providing clients with the best services possible aligned with their financial goals.

    If you’re the type of person who accepts things as a challenge rather than a problem, then that’s good news. You indeed belong in the financial planning and management industry. Cultivate your financial skills to help individuals reach their life and wealth goals and enjoy financial independence in the future.

    2. You Possess Strong People Skills

    Aside from finance and analytical skills, wealth management advisors should also have strong people skills. The ability to read data, recognize trends and predict stock movement are useless without effective communication and interpersonal skills.

    So, before you imagine yourself landing on a wealth management job in Singapore, assess whether you possess these crucial skills. What skills are we talking about here? These are skills that will establish a solid relationship with your prospective clients.

    You should be able to relate to people regardless of their gender, background, personality, and the like. The basic skills for networking, such as cold calling and email marketing, should come naturally to you.

    Above all, you should have the ability to make complicated terms or instances easier to comprehend. The financial industry is filled with jargons, and one of your responsibilities is to translate them into something that your clients will understand better.

    3. You Hate Having a Sedentary Lifestyle

    Did you know that there’s flexibility in finance? Financial advisors can arrange a flexible work schedule while at the same time enjoying unlimited earning and learning potential.

    Yes, wealth management professionals make a great living and have a life outside the office. They aren’t like those typical office workers who spend 8 hours or more on their desks and rarely get up to walk.

    People in the finance field may meet with clients at a time that is convenient to them. This gives them the privilege to step out of the office for about an hour or so.

    Does this thing excite you? If you hate jobs that require prolonged sitting in the workplace, then financial advisory might be a good career choice for you. You may establish the schedule you want and have the opportunity to work less than a 40-hour week.

    Make Your Choice

    Are you looking for more signs that will tell you whether to take wealth management as a career path or not? Here’s a piece of advice: forget about asking a thousand or millions of signs. If you imagine yourself growing and succeeding in the wealth management field, that’s enough sign you need.

  • Guide on the Garage Safety Tips for Children

    Guide on the Garage Safety Tips for Children

    Hopefully, if you have small children in the family, you also think about garage safety. Many families use the alley as a playground for children to cycle, paint the pavement or push dolls or toy lawnmowers. During this playtime, the garage door is usually open, and the children can enter the garage on their own.

    Garage Safety Tips for Children

    It’s no secret that the metal garages is not the safest place for young children. You may have protected children from drawers or cabinets in your garage to keep your children safe from access to sharp tools or cleaning products. They also know that you shouldn’t leave power tools on. But how can you protect the garage door from the door?

    Child safety at the garage door starts with you as a parent, just like any other type of safety you teach your children.

    Moving Vehicles

    Many children are injured and even killed from running from behind or crawling under cars. Due to their small stature, they are invisible to drivers, especially in high-end vehicles such as vans, trucks, and SUVs. Parents need to make a “replica” when they are ready to move the car. A simple phrase like “look at the kids” warns other adults to keep an eye on children until the vehicle moves safely out.

    Test Reversing Mechanism

    It is an important safety feature for garage doors. So if you don’t have it, then you should consider it. Using this critical feature can make the garage door will automatically turn when something gets in the way.

    Try something like a piece of wood at least once a month, and make sure the door turns as soon as it comes into contact with the object. If the mechanism fails, contact your garage door service provider immediately.

    Take Care of Tools

    My garage stores things like fence trimmers, camping axes, and knives. All tools, large or small, should be kept out of the reach of children. Large items can be stored in storage cabinets or securely attached to garage walls. Store the small things in boxes and baskets out of reach of children.

    Don’t just clean your garage but also make it a very safe place for your children.

    Inspect Garage Doors Often

    Automatic garage doors should have sensors that re-open the door if there is something underneath. Test regularly by placing a cardboard box underneath and trying to close the garage door. If the door does not open again when attached to the chest, contact your garage door repairman immediately. Do not allow children to work or play with the garage door open or under the door when opening or closing. Make sure children are visible when you available or close the door. A child can jump out of nowhere and get hit by a door or get stuck under a door.

    Don’t Let Children Play With Cars

    Do not allow children to play in a car parked in the garage or driveway. It can lead to accidental locking and hyperthermia due to high temperatures in the vehicle. Never give children access to luggage for the same reason. Children playing in the car can also injure themselves when closing doors and windows. Keep car keys out of reach of children. Young children are great imitators and are known for driving cars and moving them.

    Never leave children in a working car in the garage or driveway, even with the garage door open. Hazardous exhaust gases. There is also the risk of a child wearing equipment.

    Keep Chemical Substances out of Reach Of Children

    Do not put toxic substances in anything other than the original container. I know people who have a little more motor oil, paint thinner, or gasoline on hand in a pop bottle or food cup for a quick cleaning job. A child will never understand the difference and be able to drink the substance. Store the gasoline should remain in UL-approved metal containers, out of reach of children.

    Conclusion

    Ignoring the dangers that lurk in your garage can have dire consequences. This week’s blog explains why we have some tips to make your garage safer and more comfortable for kids.

    Garage safety protects you and your family from serious injuries such as amputation and death. Performing safety and maintenance tasks at the repair shop regularly will ensure that you don’t have to go to the emergency room regularly. If you and your family are careful, your garage can be a very safe place.

  • 6 Time Saving Birthday Party Ideas For The Busy Mum

    6 Time Saving Birthday Party Ideas For The Busy Mum

    There are few things as daunting as the prospect of throwing a birthday party for a raucous, boisterous group of little ones. Below the age of ten, kids need constant supervision and monitoring.

    They need to be entertained, amused, and delighted by their adult captors (sorry, parents). Yet, birthday parties are a fact of life for most mums. They’re hard work, but they’re worth it to see those big, sticky grins at the end of the afternoon.

    The problem is that party planning takes time and this is something that lots of mums already struggle to find. What they need is creative, fun ideas that don’t cost the earth or take hours to set up and prepare.

    If you are currently in the midst of planning a birthday party for your child, it is important to acknowledge the practicalities of the situation. You, of course, want to be mum of the year, but the reality is that most kids are pretty easy to amaze.

    So, keep things simple and don’t try to turn yourself into superwoman. Check out these cool birthday party ideas for some inspiration.

    HIRE A PHOTO BOOTH

    Any parent who has ever had to drag their child away from a photo booth will know that kids love taking pictures.

    The vendor actually delivers the booth, sets it up, and takes it away when you’re done, so there’s no work involved.

    FILL A PADDLING POOL

    The spring weather is set to be rather lovely and mums always have an easier time if parties can be held outdoors.

    It costs little to buy a paddling pool (or two, for large parties) and invite under tens to splish splash their way around the garden. As long as you have soft grass and keep a close eye on proceedings, you can kick back with a cold drink while they play.

    HOLD A SPORTS DAY

    With nothing more than a few bean bags, cones, a football, a Frisbee, and some cricket bats, you can hold an exciting garden sports day. Turn it into a tournament with prizes and lots of silly competitions – one legged races, who can spin around the fastest, etc. – and get kids expending energy and blowing off some steam.

    HAVE A PICNIC

    For smaller groups, tea parties and picnics always go down well.

    Again, they can be held in the garden if the weather is nice or indoors if it’s cloudy. You can even make a big show of the event by knocking up a fake menu and presenting to guests. Keep it simple; sandwiches, cupcakes, sweeties, juice boxes, and finger foods.

    MAKE YOUR OWN DECORATIONS

    A lot parents go out and buy expensive party decorations for their kids, but they’re missing a trick by not getting the guest of honour involved.

    It will save you money and build up anticipation for the event if you work on streamers, pictures, posters, banners, and more together. Not just that, but it is a really nice way to spend time with your children, particularly at a time when they are growing awfully fast.

    CHEAT THE BIRTHDAY CAKE

    Small children are much easier to delight than you might think.

    Just look at how fond toddlers are of cardboard boxes on Christmas Day. The point is that your little one won’t know the difference between a cake that took twelve hours to make and one that was bought at the store.

    For a super cool themed cake, buy a plain product from the supermarket and find something great to nestle on top (look in the toy box for inspiration).

    WHY SMALL AND SIMPLE CAN BE SPECTACULAR

    It can’t be stressed enough that children under ten aren’t concerned with the little things.

    They want a Hulk on top of their cake. They don’t care if you didn’t make it yourself. They want to run around in superhero and princess costumes.

    They won’t notice if the sandwiches aren’t perfect or the streamers are a bit DIY. So, party plan to the best of your abilities and opportunities. Keep the activities simple, the guest list small, and the love and cuddles in abundance.

    Hope you enjoy reading above birth party ideas for mom! Visit Mummy Matters – Family, Lifestyle and Travel Blog for more information.

  • Want To Know About Adopting

    Want To Know About Adopting

    If you know you would make a wonderful mom to some child who desperately needs one, but you can’t have a baby of your own, adoption could make a great deal of sense. But what are the choices, processes and potential frustrations you may encounter along the way? Let’s take a look at what women want to know about this important but complex topic:

    What is closed adoption?

    Closed or “secret” adoption is the traditional form in which the birthmother remains anonymous both to the adoptive mother and to the baby — the agency does all the matching. This type of adoption has the advantage of reducing the perceived ambiguity of the child’s (and parent’s) status, and it can also protect the child in cases where the previous environment was dangerous or unstable.

    What is open adoption?

    Open adoption allows for interaction between the birthmother and the adoptive family. The degree of openness is up to both parties and may include regular correspondence, phone calls, visits, or it may be limited to the birthmother choosing the adoptive family. This can open the door to ambiguous emotions and possible drama down the line, but it also helps everyone involved feel more at ease with the process. In addition, open adoption makes it easier for adopted children to grasp what has happened and why they may look different from the rest of the family.

    How do I apply to become an adoptive mother?

    Once you know which type of adoption you want to pursue, shop around for an agency that makes you feel confident, meets your financial needs and offers a philosophy toward the process that agrees with you. As you go through these initial consultations, collect application forms from each. Fill out the form for the agency you’ve finally decided on and return it along with any required fees to start the process.

    My application for adoption was accepted. What comes next?

    Next comes the home study. This is a series of steps, varying somewhat from agency to agency, that help to satisfy the agency (and the state) that you and your home environment are up to the task of welcoming a new family member. You may receive visits from a social worker and/or take classes or orientation sessions alongside other hopefuls. You’ll also undergo background checks, fingerprinting and a physical evaluation. As involved as it may seem, the home study helps ensure that your family life will be healthy and happy — and who doesn’t want that for their little ones?

    How long is the waiting period?

    Adoption agency waiting periods can easily be three years or longer, especially when you are using a larger agency processing scores of adoptions at a time. However, this process can be shortened significantly by choosing a smaller “boutique” firm that works closely with a small number of adoptive parents and birthmothers. You may also be able to shorten the waiting period, even at a larger agency, if you are open-minded about the child’s race and nationality, since it gives you that many more prospective matches. All the interviewing, checking, testing and waiting can cause frustration and stress, but when you finally welcome that new face to your home, you’ll doubtless find that it was all more than worthwhile. So have patience with the process — and congratulations in advance