Top 5 Celebrities Who Look Great Over Age 45 Expert Plastic Surgeon Weighs In on Their Instagram Photos

There are celebrities who seem to get better with age and maintain their looks while others seem to be at war with aging. From lip injections and fillers that make faces look oddly distorted; to full face lifts that lead to slanted eyes and an expression-less appearance, we can’t help to notice when celebrities get it so wrong. In a sea of over-the-top plastic surgery, there are many celebrities who may have had a procedure or four, but managed to preserve the integrity of their faces. Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of the Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery in Philadelphia; who has appeared on national programs such as Good Morning America and 20/20, shared his list of the top 5 celebrities who look great over age 45 and explains why.

The best part, these images are from the Instagram accounts of these gorgeous ladies so the photos are current and in many cases, unretouched. Let’s begin.

1. Salma Hayek, age 50. Latin women with olive complexions age very well and Salma certainly fits into this category. She was gorgeous at 30 and she’s stunning still. “She looks incredible. She doesn’t appear to have had anything done. Amazing!” says Dr. Brandow. “For women looking to achieve this look there are simple things such as Botox to the forehead to prevent eyes from falling and to keep eyebrows in their natural position,” he adds. “You want to maintain your natural features and knowing the right moisturizer, make-up, plus sticking to a healthy diet, helps to maintain a youthful glow from the inside out. To achieve a look like Salma’s, most women would have to go the route of a mini face lift in their 40’s which offers a more natural look for 6-10 years without the distortion of excessive fillers,” he adds. 

2. Kris Jenner, age 61. 

While the Power “Momager” admits to having cosmetic procedures, she’s transformed herself into an elegant, age appropriate grandmother. Kris Jenner is on record saying she’s had a facelift, uses fillers yet, her look is sophisticated and not at all scary. “She looks great at 61. Her skin is radiant, her face has expression, there’s great symmetry and her features are soft.  She is an excellent example of someone who has embraced surgery to improve her eyelids with blephorplasty, her face with a facelift, and fillers in a very conservative fashion to get a nice, natural, ageless look.” explains Dr. Brandow. 

3. Cindy Crawford, age 51. Cindy Crawford’s look is iconic. She knows this and makes sure she keeps things as authentic as possible. “With Cindy, it’s all about those classic eyebrows and lips. Both have been beautifully maintained. Her eyebrows aren’t freakishly high. They look the same as they did in the 90’s. Her lips aren’t any different either. A lot of women over inject their lips distorting their shape and lose their uniqueness. The idea is to preserve, not change,” suggests Dr. Brandow. “Again, women often go too far with fillers leading to a puffy look when they can achieve a more natural look with a mini facelift which lessens the need for the fillers making the mini facelift a more cost-effective option over time,” he adds.

4. Jennifer Lopez, age 47. Jennifer Lopez is another Latina who looks at father time and gives him a wink. Her body is amazing and you can tell she has a healthy lifestyle. “I have patients in their 30’s saying they hope they look like J-Lo when they reach their late 40’s which is why they are getting procedures now. Jennifer Lopez is truly the hardest working woman in show biz who looks like she sleeps full 8 hours every night a very important part of the anti-aging regimen,” Dr. Brandow advises. It is possible that she does minimal things such as Botox or fillers, but in a very conservative way.”

5. Jennifer Anniston, age 48. When you see re-runs of the hit 90’s TV show Friend’s, you can easily compare a 26-year-old Anniston in her role as Rachel Greene, to how she looks two decades later.  You immediately can see how Jennifer Anniston has aged with grace. “She is another laid-back celebrity who ages with elegance. Her body is toned and strong and her face looks fresh and natural. As women age they lose volume in their lips. So, it is important to keep lip injections subtle and factor the overall shape of the mouth,” advises Dr. Brandow. 

About Dr. Kirk Brandow

Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of the Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery is a plastic surgeon with 2 locations in the Philadelphia metro area and a 3rd one at the jersey shore. Named a “Top Doc” in Plastic Surgery by Philadelphia Magazine as well as nationally recognized for one of America’s “Best Plastic Surgeons” of this decade, Dr. Brandow is a trusted expert who has developed many innovative, minimally invasive procedures for the face, body and skin. He has been featured on local, national and international television programs including 20/20, CNN’s Headline News, Good Morning America.

The Best Things to Wear With Leggings, Jeggings and those Skinny Jeans

They’re a classic part of our wardrobes at this point: leggings, jeggings, and skinny jeans. Basically, anything that doesn’t put a lot of fabric around our ankles and show off just how long our legs are. These are comfortable, fun, and tend to be easier to wear than anything else. However, it can get a little difficult to find something that you really want to wear with them.

Add Some Scrunched Up Hobo Socks
Looking for a little more warmth over your leggings or jeggings? Adding a great pair of socks at any length can make the look feel warmer and cozier. Go for the classic legwarmers look or just add a chunky pair of socks. There are so many options out there with great detailing, from buttons to lace.

Just make sure that you have some breathing room and that your socks are at the same height.

Dare to Go High with High Shafted Boots
How high are you willing to go? Since leggings, jeggings, and skinny jeans are all tight all the way up, it is easy to pair them with high shafted boots – go to the knee or to the thigh for a put together look. No matter what else you have on, these boots help you to look just a little more put together.

Have smaller legs? Add the socks mentioned above under the boots for a better fit and extra warm protection.

Don’t Be Afraid of Sky High Heels
Part of the reason we wear skinny jeans and leggings is because they make our legs look amazing – but so do high heels. When you pair a great pair of pumps with this type of legwear, you get a really amazing final look that will make you look leaner, taller, and more confident with every step that you take.

Make sure that if you are wearing leggings you use closed toe shoes – especially if you have a little bit that has to stick near the toe!

Classic, Cool, Country Cowboy Boots for Casual Days
One of the classic ways to wear your skinny jeans is with a great pair of cowboy boots. Whether you are going to a country concert, a music festival, Target, or even working outside, cowboy boots are always a lot of fun.

Just make sure that your belt and your boots match – no fashion faux pas.

Modern, Patterned Tunics Make a Perfect Pairing
Tunics have returned in a big way, and they have no sign of going away anytime soon. Whether you pick a simple tunic that skirts around your curves or you belt your tunics, they look great with a pair of leggings sticking out from under them. Mix and match styles for a fashion forward look or pair them with similar styles for a cohesive feel.

Even better, take one small element from the tunic and match it to your leggings or jeggings.

Under Your Boyfriend’s (or Husband’s Shirt)
Have to dressed in a hurry? Want to be comfortable? Take an oversized shirt from your husband or boyfriend (or buy one for yourself, this is 2017!) and throw it over skinny jeans, jeggings, or leggings. The different between the tightness on your legs and the bagginess of the shirt will make for great visual appeal. This is a great look for just hanging out around the house or spending lazy weekends running errands.

Just make sure he hasn’t left any stains on it!

Cute and Comfy Oversized Sweaters
Just like an oversized shirt, oversized sweaters are a great way stay comfortable and still look cute. For days when it is just a little chilly outside, adding an oversized sweater or even a hoodie can be a comfortable look.

Add sneakers to make the look more casual or high shafted boots to look a little bit like that famous pop singer…

Chic Belted Trench Coat For Rainy Days
Raining outside? Most of us reach for the skinny jeans or leggings on those days because they fit easily into our rain boots and they don’t get as wet if we step into a puddle. Throw a cute trench coat over for some more protection and a cute look. Add a belt to give your body more shape, especially if you have a longer trench coat.

Match your wellies and your trench coat and then go for a pop of color with your leggings if you are feeling fun.

Professionally Tailored Blazer At the Office
Want to be comfortable and casual but still look like a tough business woman? Add a nicely tailored blazer and a crisp shirt overtop your leggings or skinny jeans. This look is still approachable and comfortable but still professional enough. It is also a look that easily transitions from work to picking up the kids, going to coffee, or even going out.

With a Kicky Mini Dress
Have patterned leggings? Put them under a great solid mini dress and add a blazer for a look you can wear into the office. If you have solid leggings, you can put them under just about any dress to really set off the pattern and rich colors of the dress.

No matter what you do, make sure that you have a great selection of skinny jeans, leggings, and jeggings in your wardrobe. They come in many different colors, washes, styles, and levels of distressing, so you’ll have a great option for every event.

Can A Person Die From Too Much Caffeine?

Too much caffeine caused the death of a 16-year-old high school student from South Carolina who collapsed during class last month, according to the county coroner. Davis Allen Cripe died from a caffeine-induced cardiac event causing a probable arrhythmia. During an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, and lack of blood flow affects the brain, heart and other organs. The teen consumed three caffeine-laced drinks -- a cafe latte, large Diet Mountain Dew and an energy drink -- in a two-hour period before collapsing in his classroom at Spring Hill High School on April 26, Watts said. (Source: CNN) So where does this tragic news leave adult java lovers?

How much caffeine can I drink a day?

"Most people can safely take in about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily or about 4 cups of coffee," says Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine. He adds that, “the limit varies from person to person.” It’s difficult to assign an exact amount for everyone because people can have different sensitivities or reactions to caffeine based on age, medical history, and tolerance. However, there is enough research available to make a recommendation based on an individual’s weight.

To keep it safe, health experts recommend a maximum daily dose of 400 mg. To see what this means for you, check out the caffeine in some of these common drinks:

Starbucks Coffee (16 fl oz): 320 mg caffeine
5-hour energy (1.93 fl oz): 207 mg caffeine
Dunkin Donuts regular (16 fl oz): 203 mg caffeine
Starbucks Latte (16 fl oz): 150 mg caffeine
Coffee, brewed (8 fl oz): 133 mg caffeine
Red Bull Energy Shot (2 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine
Red Bull (8 fl oz): 80 mg caffeine
Tea (8 fl oz): 53 mg caffeine

But how, exactly, can the world's most popular drug kill?

Like other stimulants, caffeine raises blood pressure, boosts heart rate and temporarily shrinks blood vessels. Dr. Calapai explains that, “In excess, the effects can be deadly by causing a heart attack, stroke or other cardio-vascular-related problem. Researchers think daily caffeine intake can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, but the results so far have been inconclusive.”

It’s also important to realize that medical conditions can affect sensitivity to caffeine. “If you have anxiety, panic disorder, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure, diabetes, take medication or have any sort of medical condition, then you may tolerate less caffeine and should speak to a doctor,” says Dr. Calapai.

There are “caffeine overdose symptoms” that are important to watch for. These include:

Jitters, Restlessness, and Nervousness
Increased heartbeat
Nausea
Anxiety
Heart palpitations (cardiac arrhythmia)
Insomnia
Sweating
Dizziness
Vomiting
Cardiac arrest

This guest article is from: Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the "The Stem Cell Guru" by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer's, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson's. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham's, Donal Logue; he was a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

Natural stimulants: How to Feel Alert and Fabulous sans Coffee

The mere mention of the word “coffee” is enough to jolt me awake. Just kidding! How I wish that’s for real, but here I am sipping my third cup. I must admit that there were nights when I lose sleep thinking over how I can ditch my caffeine habit. I drink more coffee as I haven’t slept much the night before. Then the next day I’ll be too sleepy, so I’ll bring crank up my coffee just a bit. The cycle goes on and it’s so pathetic! Sounds like you?

Caffeine Junkie Anonymous

Coffee is life. You are not your usual self until you gulped your morning cup. But what if you are taking in too much? How will you know that you are suffering from caffeine addiction? Your coffee habit is ruining your life if you were having bouts of insomnia, irritability, anxiety, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, headaches and occasional migraines.

You have already built-up caffeine tolerance, so there is days when you’ll reach for your third, fourth or fifth cup. You are rushing the day, but there are just moments when you are feeling so tired. You might have already tried other caffeine-containing beverages such as energy drinks and cocktails. You even tried to cut back your coffee intake, only to get attacked by a headache the next hour. Sounds like an addict in coffee withdrawal? Since this is also my dilemma, let me share how I worked around my caffeine habit.

Natural Ways to Feel Awake without Coffee

Addiction treatment experts might say that the first step to healing is admitting that you have a problem. OK, you are hooked on caffeine, so it’s not that big of a problem, you are right. Our “addiction” is not as severe as say, drugs or alcohol or sex but hey, it’s still addiction! Our chronic caffeine habit will put us at a greater risk of having brittle bones and heart disease later in life. We must cut back on coffee before it’s too late. How?

1. Plan and sleep
It’s possible to plan your day so you can have more sleep hours. There are days when I just go bum all day only to hurry up and finish my to-do at night. It’s not healthy. It’s super stressful. Don’t cram your activities; instead, plan it. Coffee might make you work fast, but it won’t help if you are inefficient. Plan your day, maximize your hours and get some sleep.

2. Drink water
Before you go about and reach for another cup, drink first at least two large glasses of water. Why water you might ask? Well, you are feeling sleepy but it might also because you are dehydrated. Clogged body equals to fuzzy brain. Drink water to flush out all those toxins. Don’t drink soda as caffeine is usually included on most sodas. Your brain is made of 73-77% water so just a glass of water every two hours during working hours is enough to keep you on your toes and awake.

3. Eat green
Meat can weigh you down. Meat can make you sleepy and less attentive. If you are particular about your brain health, I suggest that you go vegan. If that is not possible, set aside a few days as no-meat days. Eat light, don’t stuff yourself too much. Eat in such a way that you are neither feeling full or hungry. Minimize sugar intake as it can only make you crash and burn in a few hours. Eat a light lunch and munch on small snacks such as apples, nuts, carrots, celery, sweet potato and salad.

4. Drink tea
If you can’t take coffee, go for green tea instead. Green tea has natural caffeine that can make you calm and awake. Tea is effective in keeping you focused without tiring you out.

5. Buy a small cup
The best way to cut back on caffeine intake is to buy a small mug. Water down your coffee gradually and use sugar sparingly. This is also the reason why fitness experts may sometimes advise us to eat meals on a smaller plate.

6. Keep calm
Maintaining ideal temperature can significantly affect an individual’s performance. The summer heat can make us feel sleepy so better invest in a good air conditioner. Turn on the lights and crank up your AC for the sake of productivity.

7. Take small breaks
Stretch your muscles throughout the day. Walk around the office after every hour of intense computer activity. Chew gum during your most sleepy time of the day. Do some jumping jack and jog in place. If you are barely holding up your eyelids, walk a bit around the office. You can also do some eye exercises to keep your eyes awake and alert.

8. Listen to music
An excellent way to keep your blood pumping is the listen to some upbeat music. Avoid sweet songs as they can just lull you to sleep.

Conclusion
If you find yourself reaching for coffee throughout your working day and if you use coffee to feel motivated, then you have a problem. If the challenges of your work are not enough to keep you awake daily, then you don’t need a cup but rather a new job!

Thanks to Sarah M. for this guest article

7 Ways to Maintain a Young-Looking Face

We all want to look as youthful as possible for as long as possible. We spend money on creams, facials, fillers, and even sometimes plastic surgery. To get some tips for how we can maintain a young-looking face, we went to several great beauty professionals including Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of the Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery in Philadelphia, who has appeared on national programs such as Good Morning America and 20/20. Here’s what they all have to say.

1. Get rest.
There absolutely is such a thing as beauty sleep. “Women come to my practice thinking they need an eye-job or a facelift when all they need is sleep. Sleep is a time when we rejuvenate ourselves and cellular turnover is at its height. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep nightly will make a huge difference in how youthful a woman appears especially as she approaches age 30 and collagen production decreases,” says Dr. Brandow. “A woman can speed up aging if they are constantly sleep deprived.”

2. Use an overnight treatment.
If you suffer from breakouts or skin dryness leading to wrinkles or blotches, treating your skin concerns at night, is a way to maintain a youthful glow. “Work closely with your dermatologist or aesthetician who can recommend non-irritating skin treatments specifically addressing your concern,” advises Dr. Brandow. You want to take advantage of overnight options available to boost collagen and heal skin while sleeping. You may also want to consider using Gundry MD Dark Spot Diminisher. 

3. Hydrate
When it comes to anti-aging and putting your most youthful face forward, water is key. Water flushes your system of toxins which helps skin to glow. “Women spend a lot of money on topical creams formulated to boost moisture and hydrate the skin yet, if they integrated more water, even 4, 8 ounce glasses per day, they would see fewer wrinkles and an overall smoother younger skin texture within a month,” says Dr. Adriane Pompa, Miami based board certified dermatologist who specializes in aging skin.

4. Be smart about fillers
Fillers are used to add volume that diminishes as we age but people have taken it to extremes. There have been many advancements with fillers over the past 5 years offering more options and more sophisticated ways to administer them to achieve a youthful look.

According to Dr. Brandow, many patients believe that filling their cheeks will soften their laugh lines, so they push doctors to administer two to four syringes in their cheek bones and cheek area at once. This can result in swelling and doesn’t necessarily lift their face. Fillers are often done as an alternative to a face lift but, if not spread out over several weeks, it just gives the patient an unnatural look that distorts their face and makes them look odd.

“My personal preference is to perform the fillers sequentially. For example, I will use one syringe of filler in multiple locations. Then I’ll have patients return in 4-6 weeks and perhaps do another syringe to the same places, or different places, giving them an overall natural look. This leads to a softer, more natural result. The key to doing fillers well are going with small amounts every 4-6 weeks,” explains Dr. Brandow.

5. Get facials.
According to Dr. Adriane Pompa, one facial per month does wonders for skin’s clarity, texture, and ability to produce collagen. “There are many at-home facials available one can do weekly. The key is knowing your skin type and ingredients that address your specific skin concern. Also, you can treat different parts of the face differently depending on skin issue. Let’s say you are prone to breakouts on your jawline, have wrinkles on your forehead and dryness on the cheeks, your dermatologist or aesthetician can recommend a facial plan customized for you.”

6. Consider lasers and light!
Lasers are another tool that blasts away acne scars, evidence of past sun damage and evens out skin giving that flawless, youthful glow. There have been so many advancements with lasers resulting in more immediate results without downtime. Lasers typically cost between $600 - $1200 per treatment depending on the city and type of laser. The advantage with lasers is accuracy. You can treat a specific area without affecting the rest of the surrounding skin.

7. Tone down your make-up.
One way to immediately take 10 years off your look is to revamp your make-up. Consider hiring a professional make-up artist who can teach you how to enhance and even modernize your look. New York make-up artist, Carlo Geraci, who was protégé to Trish McEvoy and Kevin Aucion, explains that a lot of women are doing their make-up the same way they did 20 years ago. That bronzer that you loved in the 90’s when you were 24 may appear harsh and outdated at 44. “Heavy eye liner and strong lip colors may only accentuate wrinkles and fine lines. As women age, less is more when it comes to make-up. Opt for a great hydrating foundation or a touch of concealer, a pinch of blush, a swipe of mascara or a gray or brown eyeliner and a natural looking lip liner topped with a tinted hydrating balm,” he suggests.

About the Experts:
Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery is a plastic surgeon with 2 locations in the Philadelphia metro area and a 3rd one at the jersey shore. Named a “Top Doc” in Plastic Surgery by Philadelphia Magazine as well as nationally recognized for one of America’s “Best Plastic Surgeons” of this decade, Dr. Brandow is a trusted expert who has developed many innovative, minimally invasive procedures for the face, body and skin. He has been featured on local, national and international television programs including 20/20, CNN’s Headline News, Good Morning America.

Dr. Adriane Pompa is a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital who is highly trained in medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology. In addition to her general practice, she specializes in anti-aging skin care, skin cancer prevention and treatment, and laser use in dermatology.

Carlo Geraci, New York make-up artist has worked alongside Kevin Aucoin, helped launch the Trish McEvoy brand, and was invited by Barneys New York to became the first Beauty Guru, a position created specifically for him. His work has appeared in print and commercial campaigns, New York Fashion Week runways, red carpets, Broadway stages, television, film, and fashion editorials. He has also appeared on the Style Network, CBS News, and Today on NBC. 

Important Things To Keep In Mind Before Going To The Gym

Going to the gym in itself is an important step to take when entering into a healthier lifestyle. If you decide to take time out of your day to go to the gym it means that you care about your health and desire to get into shape. You become willing to sacrifice a couple of hours every day in which you would usually be doing something else, to dedicate to getting fit. However, as great and exciting as starting a gym membership can be, there are many things that newcomers don’t take into consideration and end up hindering them greatly in the long run. Let’s take a look at some of the things that you should keep in mind as you start going to the gym. These can be taken as some simple tips that will help you get more out of your gym sessions and also as a sort of introduction to the gym life.

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Don’t leave your weights lying around

The first time you go to the gym, as well as the next time, and the next after that, you might be inclined to try out different weights for your workout. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, as most workouts impliment using multiple weights for the same exercise. The problem is that newcomers aren’t familiar with gym rules, which clearly state that you need to put the weights back on the rack. Don’t be that guy that leaves them all around the gym for others to search for. Keeping this in mind will spare you the frowns of your fellow gym goers.

Don’t neglect the warm-up

A lot of people, even some that aren’t exactly beginners, are caught getting straight into lifting weights. That couldn’t be more dangerous as not warming up beforehand can lead to accidents in the gym. You can pull a muscle or strain a tendon, and create some unnecessary complications for yourself. The consequences of neglecting your warm-up can be even worse, but these are just some examples. Make sure you properly stretch before the workout and wear knee straps for squats.

Stay hydrated and make sure you have fuel in the tank

There’s nothing worse that going to the gym on an empty stomach. To someone that isn’t familiar to the life in the gym this might seem like an acceptable idea, but the truth is that you need plenty of nutrients and enough fuel to take you through a successful workout. Don’t eat right before hitting the gym. Make sure you have a consistent meal about two hours before your gym session. You can also drink a protein shake for the extra protein boost which can do wonders if consumed before a workout, as well as after the session.

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Also make sure to stay hydrated throughout your workout, because lacking water in your system will slow you down. You will start to hit the brakes on your ability to keep pumping out max performance. Keep a hefty bottle of water close to you at all times and take small sips now and again to stay hydrated. Don’t gulp half a bottle in one go either because your stomach will hate you and you won’t be able to continue for much longer after.

How to Choose the Best Slipcover for Parsons Chairs - Guest Post

A slipcover may not seem important, but it can make the difference between a professional look for your sitting room and a design that is made just for the sake of it, without too much effort. Most times, the attention to details is the one that pays off, and this is true especially for interior design. Even if you don’t work in this domain, it’s not hard to get the right slipcovers for your room. But if you need help with this, read on.

Where to Get Slipcovers for Parson Dining Chairs?
There are lots of places to get slipcovers, but as usual, the most interesting things are found in hard to reach stores and in garage sales where people don’t need their stuff anymore. You should start by going to the local shops found near you, since there are high chances to find what you need. However, the easiest thing to do is to search online for some great items. Try Amazon and Ebay, and you can even find some serious sales there.

Read Reviews
If you are buying online or if you know the brand and the material of the slipcover, then you should totally read the reviews. These are important from several points of view. On the one hand, it’s great to know what type of material you have there, how resistant it is etc. On the other hand, it is particularly useful to see how other people incorporated the respective slipcover into their own design. For example, you might think a yellow slipcover is awesome (and maybe it really is!), but does it match your red parsons chairs in the room?

Check the Size
Not all slipcovers may fit your particular type and size of chair, so you should make sure you are buying the right size for you. If needed, then you can write down the size your chairs have and then check before buying anything. It is quite easy to get tricked about the space and size, especially if the colors are somewhat odd.

Test the Possibilities
If you’re not sure how the slipcovers will look, there’s nothing wrong with testing them before. Regarding the size, you can test it with any slipcover you have around (or you can borrow one): pay attention to the corners, the size, length and so on. About the color, you can test the way in which the slipcover will be integrated within the design with any material in that color. Place the material on the chair and step back in order to see the final effect. If the blanket, shirt or dress you are using to replace the slipcover don’t really match the rest of the room, you should probably reconsider it.

Get Set for Spring with These 5 Beauty Hacks

Just as spring is the perfect time for a full house clean and de-cluttering, it’s also great for a beauty update. There’s nothing better than getting your hair and skin ready for the summer season with a few new treats and luxuries. Since busy moms won’t have a lot of time and money to waste on beauty, We've rounded up the best beauty hacks to get set for spring. With these tips, tricks and trends you can look and feel gorgeous as the sun-rays start treating your skin.

Treat the dry hair

After winter, most of us suffer from dry hair. It’s not even our fault or a lack of TLC that causes it. Winter can just be rather rough on the hair with the temperature changes (indoors it’s hot, outdoors it’s cold) and weather such as constant rain and the wind. We all feel a bit worn out after winter so it isn’t really a big thing to find your hair calling for help as well.

If you’re suffering from parched, dry hair, hair masks are the way to go. There are tons of good treatments out there – give the FekkaiPrXReparatives Intensive Fortifying Masque a go. If you want to find a clever tip for keeping your hair looking smooth at all times, then make your own de-tangler. You just need to add about two tablespoons of your chosen conditioner into a travel-sized spray bottle. Add water, shake well, and you've got a handy product to spray on your hair for quick dehydration!

Wave it up with no heat

Since you want to give your hair a bit more breathing room after the tough winter, you want to leave those hair straighteners and tongs untouched. If you want a no-hassle look, then wave the ends overnight with this simple beauty hack.

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You can add a hold and shine product such as TRESemmé Make Waves to washed and damp hair. Twist your hair into long spirals and create a cute bun with the spirals by tying it up into a knot. Make sure the ends of the hair are tucked underneath. Hold in place with a hair elastic. Open up in the morning and voilá!

Become a primer fanatic

Primers are the unsung heroes of our makeup bags. If you’re not using one, then you need to add one to your storage box immediately. Primer is the perfect spring hack because it evens out your tone and hydrates the dry winter skin at the same time.

Finding the perfect primer on your skin will require a bit of testing. For this reason, it can be a good idea to enter makeup stores and ask for samples – they are more than happy to demonstrate their products and it will save your pennies! If you want a few ideas, we would recommend Benefit The Professional and MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Primer.

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Now, don’t be afraid to go primer crazy. You shouldn’t just use it on your face. Primers can help you achieve a glowing look on the legs, décolletage and arms. So, before you head out on the tank top, add just a bit of primer for a healthier tone.

Makeup brush for the best complexion

Sometimes we pay too much attention to the actual beauty products and not the tools we use with them. But the blame, for example, might not be on the kind of foundation you use, but the way you apply it. When it comes to spring beauty hacks, do yourself a favor and ditch the old makeup brushes and invest in a great brush. A good brush can help you achieve that perfect dewy complexion for the season.

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Charlotte Tilbury’s Foundation Brush is perfect for adding a liquid foundation on your skin. The tapered tool is easy to use and clean, making it super easy to add a soft layer of makeup on your skin. If you want something more matte, then pick a larger brush – the KevynAucoin’s the Foundation Brush is a great pick. You can find both brushes from Cult Beauty – with the added benefit of saving money with your purchase!

Get a head start for the glow

Now spring sun isn’t yet enough to get that beautiful tan. However, you can add instant glamour and freshness to your look with a bronze glow. The solution then is to opt for the faux tanning lotions. Now, we admit, these are not always a girl’s best friends. The tanning lotions can cause more mess than beauty –it’s on the sheets, your clothes, your children and the furniture!

You should try some of the new additions to the tanning lotion regime. Whish Coconut Milk and Bareminerals Faux Tan Body are quite good and less messy than some previous products. Furthermore, if you do get a bit too much tanning lotion on you or you notice patches, pick a bit of baking soda to clean it up. Sprinkle the baking soda on a washcloth and scrub it onto your damp skin. Rinse with warm water and you are good to go!

With these 5 beauty hacks, you are set for spring in no time!

Choose the Best Rice Cooker in the Modern Technology Era

Thanks to modern technology, cooking has become easier and easier, even for people who don’t actually love to cook, but want to eat healthy. One great appliance for cooking nutritious meals is the rice cooker, appreciated by many for the fact that it’s easy to use. There are a couple of requirements every buyer wants to have in its cooking appliance: simplicity, efficiency, quality materials, safety and keeping the nutritional value of their food. You can always find useful recipes on several websites, such as http://ottawamommyclub.ca/, for example. However, is rice in a Rice Cooker is the best for you?

Zojirushi NS-LAC05XT Micom 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer

Among the advantages you can find on this Zojirushi appliance you can count the reasonable price, the trendy and stylish design, the multiple functions and the sturdy construction. All together make up an excellent appliance which is particularly useful if you want to cook in a modern and healthy way. You can cook enough rice for one meal, which is 3 cups full of rice.

The machine only weighs 7 pounds, so it’s quite lightweight, but it compensates through a sturdy stainless steel body. Besides the preset menu programs, you can also customize your own program depending on what you want. For example, you can use the quick cooking option if you need to cook something urgently, such as brown rice, porridge, white sushi etc.

All in all, it’s a great rice cooker, durable and portable, suitable for all kinds of needs.

Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer

This model is more suitable for whoever has a large family and needs to cook a lot of rice at once. In this case, a 3-cup rice cooker would prove insufficient, so you should step up the game and head over to a 5 and a half cup one. This is the case with the Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 model. Even though it looks round and quite delicate, it is in fact a very powerful machine that works as a computerized device.

There are multiple menu settings available, for example quick cooking, porridge, mixed or white sushi or browning. Moreover, you enjoy an easy to use interface that comes together with an LCD display, digital controls and a panel you can program. There is even a delay timer setting, all for your convenience. The pot holds 1 liter of water, and it measures 14x8x10 inches in size. It weighs 8.5 pounds, so it’s quite manageable.

Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Cooked 8-Cup Digital Rice Cooker

Perhaps the most attractive thing about this Aroma appliance is the fact that it has a competitive price. It’s a lot cheaper than many other rivals on the market, plus it offers an amazing, versatile and durable experience. Many people are also delighted by the fact that it has a one-year warranty. It is quite a massive monster, holding 8 cups of cooked rice at once. The dimensions are 8.5x9.3x8.7 inches.

It weighs 4.2 pounds, so you can say it’s portable and easily manageable. You can cook for the entire family, or approximately 4 persons in one go, so it’s a time saver. Naturally, you have digital control and you can program it for browning, steaming or other basic options for white rice. It has an automatic keep-warm function and a delay timer that works for maximum 15 hours. This is helpful if you want to cook the rice in the morning, but serve it in the evening.

Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel 6-Cup Cooked Rice Cooker

We have to admit that Aroma is one of the best competitors on the market, and it’s hard to beat with the price and capacity it offers. The best thing about the Aroma Housewares Stainless Steel 6-Cup Cooked Rice Cooker is the fact that it has a surgical-grade cooking pot. It’s not just an ordinary pot, but it’s made of surgical-grade stainless steel 304.
It’s kind of lightweight, with only 4 pounds, which is awesome for its capacity. Though it has a traditional design, it compensates for the one-touch features that simplifies everything. It also brings the automatic keep-warm function that preserves the nutritional value of rice for hours in a row. All in all, this is a must have in every kitchen!

Zojirushi NS-TSC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer

The NS-TSC10 model includes Fuzzy Logic technology. It is quite versatile, having a LCD display and digital controls. The best part about it is that it’s customizable, so you can program it as you wish. Of course, it has a stainless steel exterior and a 2 delay time settings, together with the automatic keep warm feature.

Keep Track of Your Platelets To Fend off Disease (Guest Post)

Platelets are regarded as the most crucial cells which are found in our blood. They have the function of binding together whenever our body encounters vessels which have been damaged in order to prevent blood loss. There are a lot of benefits our human body receives from having such cells. They have the main role of forming blood clots in order to stop bleeding which would otherwise prove out to be harmful. There are a lot of factors which come into play when dealing with thrombocytes and more info can be found at Thrombocyte.com

These amazing cells are the smallest one in our blood and are able to be seen only from a microscope. They have the shape of small plates, thus their name. When one cuts a blood vessel due to various causes, they quickly receive an alarm signal which puts them in formation to stop the bleeding. Under a microscope, they form just like small tentacles to bond together in order to repair the damaged vessel.

Healthy Platelets are Extremely Important

One of the many problems our blood vessels can encounter is a sudden drop in platelets, which might lead to some serious bleeding if the problem is not addressed immediately to a medic. One should take into account the fact that blood diseases are extremely dangerous and are potentially life-threatening if not taken care of appropriately.

Such diseases are extremely dangerous and usually signal the fact that something is terribly wrong with our blood and have a worrying potential to significantly damage our bodies. On the other hand, having too many platelets will lead to the formation of unwanted blood clots which have a serious threat regarding our lives when taking into account that such clots can reach our brain and slowly damage it.

Few Platelets Disease

When one person has too few platelets the disease is called thrombocytopenia and there are a lot of symptoms to take into account as individuals are extremely prone to bruising and encounter frequent bleeding from their gums as well as nose. Such drops in platelets are encountered when a few factors such as inherited conditions as well as medication and too much alcohol happen.

Such conditions can easily be inherited and if one of the members has it, one is advised to immediately alert a doctor if such events occur. The most common blood-thinning medication is aspirin but recent studies have shown that it is too ineffective to completely cure such problems.

Diseases related to platelets are extremely dangerous as they have the potential to put your life at risk and should be immediately addressed if one presents the aforementioned symptoms. We strongly recommend getting regular checks at your doctor in order to make sure that one stays safe from such conditions which may put your life at risk.

Enroll in a Teaching Position for Amazing Benefits (Guest Post)

There are one too many reasons one enrolls into a teaching job. We’ve all had those teachers who were an inspiration and contributed towards the people we are today. Not only do people not forget about their influence upon us, but they will surely remain remembered for as long as we live. Many people who wish to enter the education system want just that and tuition jobs (click here to sign up as a tutor) are the place to start.

The benefits of becoming a tutor are endless as there are a lot of subjects to be taught and not only will people have the opportunity to help other people to become more self-aware individuals, but also people who enroll in the teaching position will never get bored as classes are extremely interactive and simply amazing taking into consideration that you will work with a whole lot of different people from different backgrounds. A tutor positions has a lot of advantages and they should be highly regarded if one desires to make the big step in becoming a teacher.

Chance to Earn Amazing Money

Teachers do not usually earn a whole lot of money in one single go but salaries are extremely competitive to other professions. Teaching careers will give those who opt for such professions to get promoted over time and will have the option to give private tutoring classes in order to supplement their earnings.

Important Benefits

There are a lot of extra benefits of becoming a teacher and these include health insurance as well as some amazing pension plans which are becoming rarer among other professions but one can count them as an added perk in a career which involves teaching. Other benefits which come from being a teacher involve sick days as well as tuition reimbursement and one could easily find that a teaching job offers a lot more than one would initially think.

Amazing Education Career

One has to take into account the happiness factor when enrolling in a profession but teachers usually have it all when it comes this factor as their job is generally stress-free and motivating to do. Teachers will feel extremely motivated and confident when they are practicing their job and a lot of people will benefit from these factors starting from students and going up to friends and family as you will always be energetic and invigorated. A career in education will always yield some amazing opportunities to develop as an individual and feel great about the job.

Mastering a Subject by Teaching It

There’s an old saying stating that it takes some years of teaching before one could state that he or she can master a subject. One of the best ways to learn a favorite subject is teaching it as students might ask you questions which require some research in order to clearly explain it. Being a teacher will always come with opportunities for improvement and research.

How Hard Water Can Affect Your Child’s Skin?

People often don’t realize the impact of water on their skin. The experience you have after bathing depends a lot upon the kind of water your tank consists of. Your tank could either consist of hard water or soft water. If you feel like when you come out of the shower, your skin feels itchy and irritated than it could be a sign that your water maybe hard. Now the skin of adults is more hardy and resistant to different kinds of water, however, you should carefully consider the kind of water you bathe your adolescent with.

What hard water does to your skin is that it leaves it scummy since hard water doesn’t easily form leather with soap. This could also lead to clogged pores which in turn cause pimples and acne. But that’s not all, people who use hard water find that their skin is usually itchy and dry and they use lotions and creams to moisturize their skin. This also leads to eczema.

While, studies have shown that water which consists of minerals that makes it hard isn’t necessarily bad for your health, there are a few evidences which show that hard water could lead to eczema in little children.

The study was conducted by researchers who made a connection between hard water and eczema. They determined that children who were exposed to hard water had an 87% higher chance of developing this condition.

How to deal with hard water

Places where ground water is used are usually more likely to get hard water because the water passes through stones and rocks and it picks up minerals like calcium. There are regions where there is high tendency of hard water as opposed to other regions.

There are a few tips and tricks through which you can combat this problem. So for example if you are bathing your infant then you can use a soap which produces leather and is made specifically for hard water in order to prevent eczema. For laundry and doing the dishes you can use detergents and liquids which are formulated to be used with hard water.

You can also install a water softener system in your home if you are really concerned about your child’s health. The initial years of a child’s development are always crucial so feel free to look for water softener options and install the one which seems to work for you. We found some great choices online at Ukh2o.

One of the best reasons why it is important to have clean water apart from saving your infant from eczema is that it is generally better to clean with soft water. You will be able to clean up your dishes and clothes with way less detergent and soap. And soft water is better for your skin as well. With hard water you end up using a lot of soap which actually isn’t good for your skin and ends up making the problem bigger than it is.

Making your water soft is not a solution for any kind of skin disease or chronic condition. But, it is definitely a wise step in order to avoid irritation and dryness of skin and getting rid of certain health problems.

There have been a large number of researches determining the effect of hard water on skin and how it causes conditions like eczema. Hard water is something that researchers claim affects 20% of kids 11 and under, as well as 8% of teenagers and adults.

How to figure out whether your tap consists of hard water

Water residue around the sink and soap scum is one of the signs of hard water. If you wash your dishes and you seem to think that they can never get clean enough than that may be a sign of hard water. Apart from that if you always seem to need more soap whether you are bathing, doing the dishes or washing clothes then that is also one of the signs.

If you can’t figure out for yourself whether your tap consists of hard water or not then you can take this inquiry to your water utility company and they should be able to tell you whether that’s the truth or not.

Are Aquarium Fish Good Pets For Kids?

Plenty of studies have shown the positive impacts of having pets for your children. Not only does having pets provide health related benefits but they also provide them with a great learning experience. Children with pets are said to be more kind, loving and tend to become more responsible. These are some of the reasons in getting a pet for your kids.

But often times due to several reasons (like allergies) parents don’t get a feline or a canine creature for their kids. So what other options are available for these parents? If your kid hasn’t owned a pet before, then fish would be a good option to consider.

Fish can prove to be amazing pets if taken care of properly. However, without careful consideration, you could end up with the wrong fish for your kids.

Albeit, keeping fish as a pet will instill responsibility and ownership in your kids, not every species of fish is meant to be kept as a pet by kids.

Quite a lot of breeds require way more attention and commitment than others. Knowing which fish would be ideal for your kid is the building block in the process of being able to provide your kid with the perfect pet fish.

Once you have decided on letting your children keep fish as pets, you need to prepare your aquarium for them so that the fish have a safe and secure enclosure.
Initially, regardless of what tank you think of purchasing, you’ll need to be patient. Prior to adding fish to your aquarium, you’ll ideally need to wait for around two weeks. This is because the filter needs to produce the healthy bacteria that will aid in removing the fish waste. If the fish tank’s not ready, the fish can die from ammonia poisoning.

You should discuss the importance of keeping the water tank clean with your kids. To make them responsible you can also ask them to clean the water tank themselves. However, if the aquarium is situated in a location which is not easily accessible for your children then its probably best you do it yourself. However, if it is easy to get to and your floor won’t be ruined by a few splashes then let your children take care of it.

Also make sure that you keep your kids well informed on the dangers of overfeeding the fish. This could also cause the ammonia levels to rise which could cause your fish to perish. You can also come up with a chart which has details of what every person in the family is responsible for and put it on the fridge.

The kind of fish you should get for your children can vary, as discussed before, it’d be best if you get a low maintenance fish for your children. But you should also make sure to get a strong and healthy breed of fish which can survive harsher conditions in its enclosure, because if it dies your children could get really upset.

Think about getting a few fish instead of just one. It is always fun to have a tank with plenty of fish to look at and your children will also have a good time watching them swim around. However, make sure that the aquarium is big enough to provide enough room for a few fish in lieu of just one. You should also consider getting colorful fish to keep your children attention. Unlike adults, kids don’t understand logic quite as well; they get attracted to whatever is aesthetically pleasing. Therefore you should get them the kind of fish they would appreciate the presence of instead of just giving them something they wouldn’t know the importance of.

Platys are a good option to look at because in addition to being hardy they are also compatible with other fish which makes them a suitable option for your aquarium.
Apart from Platys, Swordtails are also a good option to consider. They are colorful, hardy and also very playful which makes them a lot of fun to watch.

It is probably best to get your children involved right from the start, from when you get the aquarium so that they feel the ownership of it and become responsible. Tell them about how everything works and what the benefits of doing some things are.

4 Ways Your Cellphone Might Be Making You Ugly

Our cellphones have become so vital to our daily lives. Research has shown that the average person checks their phone 85 times a day and that we spend a total of five hours using our cellphones to browse the web or use apps. For many, our smartphone is the first thing we look at in the morning and the last thing we check at bedtime. Although quick glances at our phone may seem harmless, it can in fact be affecting us physically, mentally and emotionally. We caught up with some experts who help explain the ugly side of excessive cellphones use.

1. Ugly posture
When we look down at our cellphones we are straining our necks and slouching our shoulders. Doing this can cause some serious damage to our overall posture even leading us to lose up to an inch to an inch and a half of height. “I see up to 10 patients a week complaining of severe neck and shoulder pain. When asked how often they use their phones the typical response is all the time. When pain becomes chronic and severe, surgery has to be considered,” explains Dr. Richard Samperisi, CoFounder of Campus Chiropractic Center at Florida International University & Functional Medicine Practitioner.

2. Ugly eye strain, bags and wrinkles
Not only can staring at your phone all day cause serious neck and shoulder pain, the extreme use of our phones is leading to various eye conditions such as blurred vision, eye strain, headaches and dry eyes as well as to a condition they like to call “tech neck.” For those concerned with cosmetics and eye appearance constant squinting leads to wrinkles and under eye bags. New Bern, North Carolina plastic surgeon Dr. John Zannis explains that a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures that address under eye bags, drooping and sagging usually range from 5 - $10,000 with a recovery time of up to 2 weeks. He’s also seen a rise in complaints about neck lines and wrinkling skin attributed to excessive cell phone use.

3. Ugly skin
Are you constantly struggling with breakouts around your cheeks or chin? Instead of blaming hormones, junk food or a bad skincare routine consider looking at the device in your hand. “Our cellphones are filled with bacteria. We are continuously touching them with dirty hands, throwing them in our bags, stuffing them in our pockets or putting them on counter tops. Then without even thinking twice we put our phones right up to our ears where all of that bacterium from those dirty areas wreak havoc on our face,” offers Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Kaly Papantoniou.  She suggests frequently wiping the phone screen and using a face wash with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to rid bacteria from building up.

4. Ugly Manners
We see people at restaurants who are more focused on snapping a pic of their meal than enjoying each other’s company. Our persistent use of our cellphones can be affecting our relationships with the people and world around us. “When we focus more on our digital lives rather than the individuals we are with; we are not only giving off the impression that we do not care about what they have to say, we are also letting valuable and meaningful moments pass us by,” explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez a New York City based neuropsychologist and teaching faculty at Columbia University. She suggests putting the phone down and even going cell free twice a week.

Give it a try and see how cutting down on your phone use can also cut down on the ugly.

This article is courtesy of Dr. John Zannis. Follow him on Twitter and check out his website at http://www.zannisplasticsurgery.com/

Kid's Room Interior Design Guidelines

There are quite a few ways you can help work on room design if you have kids, but you will need to keep quite a few things in mind when you work on said designs. Kids will need a special place where they can sleep, play, study and generally have fun while being connected to their room. To make that work you will need to have a creative and practical solution that will serve a purpose for your kids and yourself when the time arrives:

• One of the more important parts and choices of what you need to do will be the colors of the walls you can choose as well as those of your ceilings and other smaller colors. You can make use of the softer hues and colors out there to make studying and sleeping far easier and free of distractions.

• You can keep your kids art around or some family oriented photos as well to fill the empty space on your walls, as well as possibly the ceilings too if you have what you think will work. You can work on this by yourself or you can combine your cleaning efforts by asking your kids about what they would like as well.

• You could get some chalkboard paint to make an art corner where the kids can draw and paint without worrying about making a mess. It will take some painting and thorough house cleaning, but in the end it will be a job well done and your kids will have a chance to enjoy a creative outcome you can rely upon.

• There is a great way to make your very own reading corner or even a gaming area, but you will still need to work hard on it if you want to make it last a long time. Make sure you have a nice set of seating spaces to work with and it will pay off quite nicely.

• You may need to consider using a set of organizers for potential school supplies, textbooks and so much more. Kids will often figure out the details themselves, but you can help them out to make cleaning after them easier to handle as well. Boxes for toys, as well as other organizing items will make it fun instead of some unbearable chore.

• Improving the storage capacity of your home and using a mirror to create the illusion of space will make things easier to handle. This will also serve to allow the kids to be able to see themselves and to have fun while you work on things together.

• You will need to also work on rooms that allow kids to move unimpeded as they go about their day. Ask some questions about potential design solutions so they can enjoy it. Kids will are shorter than grownups so that means you will have a great chance to use smaller and shorter pieces of furniture that would fit their size and needs more accurately.

Read more helpful tips and advice on: barnetcarpetcleaners.com

Home Cleaning as a Life Lesson for Kids

Home cleaning can be both a blessing and a trial, especially if children are involved. But what you have never thought of is making your kids a part of the home cleaning process and making it both productive and fun for all parties involved. Kids can despise cleaning, yes, especially since it goes against everything they are investing every single waking moment in: making messes and not cleaning up after themselves. But when it comes to the greater good, you should try and make them compromise for the one cleaning and help you with it – and the results can be uncanny.

Roleplay
One way to get children really invested in helping you get the home clean is giving them roles. Make it a game for them, have them do assignments and give them rewards – this is how they spend their video game time, so they should be accustomed to doing it, but only this time their own imagination will be in charge of keeping them entertained. Give your son “missions” and your daughter “responsibilities” and see how they change and act their parts to fulfil the given assignment.

Dress-up
You can combine the roleplay with actual costumes! Kids will love to really pretend to be in other people’s shoes. One of kids’ best pastime is pretending they are adults, so give them adult roles and adult clothes and see how they will do their best to play out the role of their lives. Don’t underestimate the power of their imagination and how it can stimulate them to do real chores with actual desire.

Teaching Responsibility
The house cleaning can be a very good way to introduce the children to adult life and show them why doing what they are doing is important. Don’t treat them as kids, treat them as learning adults and explain how if the floor is not vacuumed, the house will be consumed in dust mites that carry diseases and spoil the quality of life in the house. Give them reasons to resent dirt and reasons to actually want the place to be clean. When a kid wants something, you know that the kid will get it, even if it has to do it itself. Also, the earlier the child starts getting used to chores, the less complaining there will be once it starts growing up, and not to mention that much more work will be actually done – imagine all the responsibilities that will be taken off your own hands!

Cleaning the house can show your kids what to expect one day when they are away from home, away from mommy’s cleaning services, and it will be up to them to keep their surroundings dirt-free. It is a life lesson like any other, but if you get them invested successfully, then you will soon have not children, but small adults running around, helping you around the house, full of desire to learn. Teach them enough and one day you will be able to sleep peacefully at night, certain that they will be able to take care of themselves.

Read more helpful cleaning related tips on: Notting Hill Cleaner Ltd.

Simple Ways to Let a Friend Know You Care

Whether your loved one is going through a hard time or you’ve just been feeling a rush of gratitude for their presence in your life, letting them know you care takes just a pinch of thoughtfulness and a moment of effort. You never know the difference it might make, so peruse these options and let your friend know how much they are appreciated.

A Surprise Delivery
Order a bouquet of flowers for delivery to their home or office and write a sweet note to accompany it. You can make it as general as “Hope this brightens your day” or personalize it for a particular situation. A vibrant surprise such as this is sure to bring a smile to their face and remind them of your love every time they see it.

A Kind Letter
With social media saturating our daily lives, it’s easy to “like” our friends’ photos and status updates and call it a day. But if you’re truly feeling like reaching out to a friend and making sure they know you care, consider putting your feelings into writing. That’s right, writing a good old-fashion, pen to paper letter. Just a few paragraphs outlining how grateful you are for their friendship might be the pick me up they need if they’re having a rough go of things.

Take Them Out for Lunch
The work week can drag for all of us, so if you want to let your friend know you care, stop by in the middle of the week at their office and take them out to lunch at a local place. Breaking up the monotony of a long day and the added bonus of surprise will make your friend feel appreciated and give you two a chance to hang out even in the midst of a hectic week.

Actively Listen
If your friend needs to express something, make sure you do your due diligence and listen actively. Too often we hear, but we don’t really take in the message. Your friend might be hiding feelings between the lines and hoping that you’ll pick up on it, so do your best to repeat the words that are spoken to you and analyze the information given to better respond. It may sound like common sense, but many of us fall out of the habit of active listening. Being conscious of this will heighten your communication skills with everyone in your life.

Put the Phone Down
You might feel connected with the outside world while missing out on the person sitting right in front of you. Nothing beats in-person interaction, and constantly looking at the blue light of your iPhone screen just tells the person you’re with that they’re not interesting enough to capture your attention. Put your phone away and give them your full attention; you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much better your communication is.

Show Up With a Meal
If you notice a friend is struggling to get everything done and could really use a break, doing something as simple as bringing dinner over could change their entire outlook for the week. If you’re not a chef extraordinaire there’s no harm in picking up something from their favorite restaurant or having it delivered—it’s the thought that counts, not the food. This is an especially good idea for moms and dads who might be running themselves ragged with responsibility.

Send an Inspirational Book
We don’t always have the right words for someone going through a difficult time, so don’t be hesitant to reach out with the wise words of someone else. If you find an applicable book of inspiration that fits the situation, pass it along. You don’t have to let them know it was a gift specifically bought for them, and you can work under the pretense that it’s been in your library all along. Sometimes it’s hard for people to accept gifts, so if this fits your situation, definitely take it into consideration.

Wine and Chat
Another easy option? A wine night. Grab a personalized wine bottle from a company like Etching Expressions with a picture of the two of you or a cheery message guaranteed to make them smile. Even after you finish its contents, they’ll keep the bottle as a memento of your fun night together and it may bring light to their life on a rainy day in the future. Nothing sparks conversation like a little liquid courage, so give them the chance to express themselves without pressuring them. Simply letting them know you are willing to listen can speak volumes.

Celebrating Your Girlfriends on Gal-entine’s Day

Haven’t heard of Gal-entine’s Day, yet? It’s high time you started observing this wonderful celebration of female friendship. Originally coined by Amy Poehler’s character Leslie Knope on the hit NBC show “Parks and Recreation”, this occasion is celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day. It’s meant to commemorate the beautiful bond and love between best friends, and if you’ve got a great crew of gals you adore, you need to celebrate your friendships and give a nod to the many different but just as wonderful types of love in your life.

Gifting isn’t Just for Lovers
Give your best gal pals a token of your appreciation for their friendship with some sweet and sentimental presents this Gal-entine’s Day. Skip the stale presents and make your besties feel like queens with some heartfelt presents you know they’ll adore. Whether it’s friendship bracelets (those aren’t just for preteens you know!) or tickets to a show you know all of you will enjoy, sweet little presents will definitely have your besties feeling the love.

A Fun Project
Want to keep busy while you’re hanging out? Provide all the supplies for a fun DIY project. Whether it’s making a dream board of all the hopes and wishes you all have for the future using pictures and terms cut out of a magazine, or a wonderfully scented homemade shower scrub, you’ll laugh over your arts and crafts project and leave the evening with a fun memento of the fun times you had that evening.

Paint ’N Wine Night
If you haven’t done a paint and wine night yet, you’re missing out. There are tons of companies in every big city that offer evenings where you and your girlfriends can get firsthand instruction from an artist and create a copycat painting masterpiece, all while sipping on alcoholic beverages and eating yummy appetizers. You’ll all go home at the end of the night with a new painting to hang on your wall, and every time you see it hanging on your wall in the future you’ll smile and think of the amazing women in your life.

Karaoke Night
What better way to spend an evening celebrating love than singing your heart out to some ballads with your besties? Head to a local karaoke bar and pick your favorite jams, sing some duets, and rock out to girl groups for a celebration that will have you losing your voice (all in good fun, of course!)

Television Binging
What is a night in front of the television without some delicious snacks? Order in food and have it delivered from a company like DoorDash, or do it smorgasbord style with a yummy charcuterie and cheese board, mini sliders, and chocolate berries from a company like Shari’s Berries. Celebrate women by picking movies with female leads: think Katniss from “Hunger Games” or the funny, singing gals from “Pitch Perfect”.

For Far Away Besties
If your best friend lives far away but you still want to let her know you’re thinking of her, send a fun card that will provide a happy surprise come February 13th  when she checks her mailbox. Plan a Skype date to catch up and get all the details on any Valentine’s plans you two might be celebrating with the lucky fellas in your lives.

A Girl’s Trip
If you and your friends are all single for the Valentine’s holiday, then you’ve got the entire weekend to work with for your Gal-entine’s celebrations (no wallowing about not being a relationship necessary, ladies). Go out on a sweet getaway weekend that will have you all feeling rejuvenated come the following Monday. What about a wine tasting weekend with a side of luxury spa treatments? Or perhaps you’ll head out on a ski weekend to make the most of the snow still clinging to the ground as winter winds its way down. Whatever it is that you like to do, plan a last-minute trip and celebrate with the girls who know you best.

Romantic relationships can come and go, but your best friends are always there for you, so make sure you celebrate all the types of love in your life this February.