5 Skills to Teach Your Teen or Young Adult Before They Move Out

It’s hard to believe time really does move so quickly. When your teen or young adult is ready to move out of your home, they must be prepared. Here are five skills that you need to teach them before they leave the nest. 

1. Manage Their Healthcare

For most of your child’s life, you have been the one to bring them to the doctor and take care of them when they were ill. This is now their responsibility, and it can be overwhelming.  Educate them about what medications are available over the counter for headaches, allergies, colds and other common ailments. It’s also necessary to help them establish a new doctor and dentist if they move away from the local area. Issues such as proper nutrition, avoiding drugs and preventing unplanned pregnancy Des Plaines, IL are essential lessons to teach. 

2. Know Basic Home Maintenance Tasks

It’s common for teens to have the responsibility of keeping their room clean or contributing to chores, but do they have the knowledge to keep a home functioning? Such tasks as plunging a toilet, changing the HVAC filter, running the dishwasher and unclog a drain are vital skills to have. Most of these skills are very basic, but it sets them up to be more independent from the start. 

3. Maintain a Budget

Now that your young adult has their own bills to pay make sure they know how to spend and save wisely. It’s very easy to overspend when there isn’t a budget to follow. Show them how to plan ahead for their bills, so they know how much spending money they have for extra activities. It’s a good idea to demonstrate how to create a spreadsheet, use a ledger or banking apps to establish a long-term routine. Learning early on in life about proper spending habits sets them up for better financial security. 

4. Cook a Meal

At some point, your teen will realize they want to eat more than cereal and sandwiches. Teaching them basic cooking skills gives them a wider variety of meals and allows them access to healthier food choices. This is also a good time to teach kitchen safety and how to use essential tools and appliances. 

5. Take Care of Their Car

Knowing how to check the oil, fill the gas tank, and check tire pressure are basic maintenance tasks a young adult should know how to do. But what happens if there is a larger problem, or they’ve had an accident? There are scenarios you teen probably hasn’t experienced before, so knowing what to do before it happens makes sure they know how to respond properly if it does Make sure they know how to contact the police, exchange insurance information, take pictures of the damage and follow up with insurance after an accident. If their car needs repair talk to them about how to find a repair shop and get an accurate price quote. 

Having your child move out is an adventure for everyone. Knowing these skills helps your teen or young adult be more prepared to live on their own.

5 Tips For Exercising While Pregnant

Undoubtedly, routine exercise performed during pregnancy may lessen the chances of weight gain, make childbirth more manageable, and enhance the baby and mother's overall health. Working out may do good for a woman's physical and mental well-being and provide the baby an excellent start as well.  

In addition to this, women may experience various changes in their bodies. Hence, it's vital to be extra careful when exercising. To know more about the topic, this article will cover helpful tips for exercising while pregnant. 

What are the Advantages of Exercising While Pregnant?

Before discussing exercising tips, it’s best to know the benefits of exercising while pregnant. Medical experts explain that physical activities or exercise may result in a lower occurrence of the following cases during pregnancy:

• Poor birth weight
• Caesarean birth
• Constipation
• Preterm childbirth
• Gestational diabetes
• Hypertensive conditions like preeclampsia
• Unnecessary weight gain

Also, exercise is an ideal means to: 

• Lessen back pain
• Minimize distress
• Retain physical fitness
• Handle signs of anxiety and depression
• Help drop off the extra weight gained during pregnancy

Furthermore, physicians suggest some exercises may be good to execute for every trimester of the pregnancy to sustain the body throughout its changes. Having said that, here are exercise tips you may consider while pregnant.

1, Remember to Warm-Up & Cool Down

To ensure your blood circulation and heart is ready for exercise, plus lessen the risk of injury, it's optimal you perform warming-up activities. Also, cooling down, like relaxing for a few minutes or taking a walk to complete your exercise set, will help reduce instances of blood trapped in the muscle area.

Please note as well that some ligaments assisting your joints may soften during pregnancy. Hence, be careful when stretching. You may perform stretching; however, avoid exceeding your usual scope of motion. 

2. Refrain from Overheating When Exercising

Are you living in an area with warm weather? If working out outside is impossible because of the heat, consider exercising indoors. Look for gyms near your place so that you can work out comfortably with air conditioning. 

You can likewise opt for prenatal yoga classes or discover here exercise programs you can perform at home. Refrain from using steam rooms, hot tubs, saunas, or any amenities that can elevate your temperature. If you prefer long exercise sessions, it's best to do it in a room with air conditioning.

3. Don’t Forget to Hydrate

As you’ll be sweating during exercise, every half hour of your workout, drink, at least, a full cup of water to avoid dehydration. You can begin drinking water 30 to 45 minutes before you exercise and keep hydrating during and after your activity. 

4. Wear Comfortable Clothes

When exercising, remember to wear your most stretchable and breathable outfit. As much as possible, use a sports bra to support your breasts without any pressure from the garment. If your sneakers are uncomfortable to wear, replace them to avoid injuries. Some also prefer to wear compression leggings during a workout to mitigate conditions such as pain and swelling in some parts of the body.

5. Eat a Snack

Workout activities that last for 45 minutes or longer may result in low blood sugar. Thus, to avoid this condition, remember to eat a light snack before and after your exercise session. 

When Should You Stop Exercising?

In case you experience the following symptoms, immediately stop your workout and see your physician:

• Intensified shortness of breath
• Vaginal bleeding
• Abrupt swelling in body parts such as face, ankles, or hands
• Exhaustion or weakness
• Nausea or light-headedness
• Sudden pain in the pelvic, abdomen, or chest
• Persistent contractions even after rest
• Muscle cramps
• Decrease in baby’s activity
• Problem with walking
• Amniotic fluid leak

Which Workouts Should You Avoid While Pregnant?

Finally, the following types of activities or exercises aren’t appropriate for pregnant women:

• Sports activity that’s above approximately 8,000 feet altitude
• Contact sports like judo or kickboxing
• Scuba diving
• Hot Pilates or hot yoga that may prompt overheating
• Exercises that involve straining, such as heavy weightlifting

The above activities may induce extra risks like altitude sickness and accidents. Additionally, sports activities that may have higher chances of falling, such as cycling, skiing, and hockey, may not be fitting too.

Takeaway

Women and their babies significantly benefit when they remain physically engaged while pregnant. Adding exercise activities regularly in most of your days will be good for your muscles, core, and cardiovascular system. Not only that, exercise will be rewarding for your mental health.  

For this reason, you must be attentive to what your body is telling you and discontinue exercising if you experience pain or any uneasiness. Consult your healthcare provider if you have issues or questions about how you react to your exercise activity.  

Lastly, don't forget to request clearance from your physician if you haven't done regular exercise for a long time or may have medical conditions that may impact your exercise regimen.  

Documenting Your Pregnancy

Becoming pregnant is normally a cause for celebration, regardless of if this is your first or more. While you may not initially enjoy some aspects of pregnancy, such as the lack of drinking, morning sickness, and changes to your body, you might want to keep track of what happened for you to be able to look back on one day, especially if your child wants to know about their time inside their mom’s tummy. There are many ways that you can document this journey, depending on how creative you are, and how much time you want to put into crafting a physical representation of these memories. 

Photo Canvas

When you see your doctor for check-ups relating to your health and how your baby is developing, you may be given ultrasound images to take home. You may have a number of these, depending on the number of scans you have for the duration of your pregnancy. While these pictures could be framed and hung as they are, you might also want to consider the use of a canvas print from Custtom to give the images more of a modern feel. This also means that you could put the original images into a keepsake box, safe away from any dust or damage, and have a high quality copy decorating the walls in your home. 

Journal

Many expectant mothers like to write in a journal, either on a daily or weekly basis, to document how their pregnancy is progressing, as well as any emotions they might be feeling. You could even use this as a means of jotting down any potential names that you and your partner come up with, as well as to make a list of everything you need for both your hospital bag and to have when your baby comes home. This can be something that is interesting for you to look back on as your child grows, as well as for them to read to see what the first starts to their creation was like.

Home Videos

If you have access to a high quality camcorder you could take videos showing daily living as your pregnancy progresses - or you could even record update videos via your smartphone. This will allow you to see how your body changes, and let your child have something to view when they get a little bit older, to see how their parents used to look. Depending on the hospital you use, as well as the circumstances of your labor, you may also be able to get your partner, or another family member, to take a video of the birth itself. This might be something that you only keep for your own viewing, but your child may also express an interest once they reach adulthood.

Keeping notes and pictures in relation to your pregnancy can help you to look back on the time fondly. Creating another life is something that is incredible, and should be celebrated as much as possible. In addition to this, it can be easy to forget a lot of the pregnancy details once your baby arrives, so this way you can keep those memories alive.

What to Look for in a Home Bar Furniture

Home entertainment means getting a bar where refreshments and delicious food will be served. You don't need to go to a local pub to entertain guests. You can instead give them an aged wine and fruits while catching up with each other.

If you're planning to make a bar that's cozy and inviting, you need to look for a design that will complement the overall décor of your home. It should be comfortable where guests can wander into the kitchen when the food that they are looking for is not available in the bar. Make sure your design is still eye-catching and elegant, possibly with a pop of color from a neon sign or light from a website like Neon Mama to really bring the bar to life. The seats should be high enough, and there should be plenty of shelves for the drinks. 

What to Look For when Designing

1. Cozy and Dark

Dark colors and palettes are ideal for a home bar. You can mimic the ambiance and character of the bar where you frequent. The clubs usually have lights and several comfortable seats from a legitimate home bar furniture website that will give them a great time. Choose recessed lights and install them accordingly. Add some ceiling pendants if you feel like it for a more natural, cozy, and romantic ambiance.

Some of the darker colors may manifest when the room is receiving natural light. This is perfect when the other colors of the surrounding areas are blue, black, or neutral tones. The cozy atmosphere is where you can get into conversations that are meaningful and enjoyable. 

2. Know the Right Appliances to Add

When you're in the process of designing your home bar, it's essential to choose the right furniture and appliance. Decide whether it's ideal for you to get a dry or wet bar. You may want to install a fridge or sink nearby for easier preparation of delicacies. Some add microwaves so they can eat their morning toasts at the bar before they go to work.

Include the costs of electricity, plumbing, and other utilities into the budgeting. Many homeowners may add asymmetrical patterns on the shelves and geometric designs to emphasize their decors. Others may prefer higher stools. The wooden varieties can offer aesthetics and a more chic environment, especially when the bar is near the living area. Know more on how you can throw club parties at home in this link. 

With endless designs available for the ceiling pendants, you can create unique lightings that are more to your tastes. Some showcase their bars with silver and gold hardware, luxury materials, and many textures with pops of colors for accents. The velvet bar stools will never go out of style, and they are easy to clean as well. Two-tiered islands are also more common so that guests can socialize, drink, and eat simultaneously.

3. Eclectic Designs

With the popularity of these areas nowadays, it's not surprising that other people begin to convert their older carriage house into a modern and chic room. The interiors of an old carriage behind a Victorian mansion have undergone a complete transformation that it's unrecognizable from its old appearance.

Some owners decide that recycled bottles are still in, but this doesn't mean that they have to sacrifice style. They were able to turn the bottles into light fixtures and combined them with ceramic tiles for added patterns. The sleek and casual fixture was warmed up by natural wood seats and walnut walls that the creativity resulted in an excellent organic and glamorous space.

While many think that a home's interior should be formal and more serious than the outside, the impact of laid-back and casual spaces shouldn't be totally discounted. In many homes, the bar's aesthetic gets the guest into a playful mood, and these are usually the beginning of fun conversations in eclectic homes.

The wallpaper should complete the look, but you can also add some light fixtures like sun-shaped lamps if you feel like it. Personalized bars often have blackboards as well where guests can write their notes and quotes, and you'll never go wrong with these.

4. Luxury is Always Welcome

Grand and extravagant bars often feel welcoming if this is within your budget. In many homes, the luxurious setting made these areas a centerpiece of the house where the guests go first to have a drink and relax. 

Ceiling pendants and recessed lights can dim the environment, but you can also get an interior designer's help for other ideas. Read more about the pros and cons of recessed lights here: https://www.thespruce.com/recessed-lighting-pros-and-cons-1821552. You can upgrade to the glasses and silverware so that they can match the room's aesthetic ambiance.

When you're still deciding on the room's layout, you need to position the bar in a way that it's not going to be an obstacle. It should follow the rooms' natural flow, and it should be integrated between the dining and living areas so they can be versatile spaces. This way, both rooms' luxurious ambiance can be incorporated into the bar, and everything will look more seamless.

What Are the Different Types of Tequila Available?

Anyone who has tasted tequila can testify to its unique and exciting taste. It is a distilled drink that is produced from fermented blue agave plants. It originates from Mexico and has become a worldwide phenomenon. It is popularly consumed more in Mexico and the United States.

It is a unique liquor and can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico. These cities include Tequila, Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Tamaulipas. Those produced elsewhere do not qualify to be regarded as such.

Tequila can be consumed in a variety of ways. This can be straight or neat without adding anything but taken as a shot. Some shots are taken with lime and salt. This is because the salt lessens its burn in the mouth and throat while the lime enhances its flavor.

Some people prefer to enjoy theirs by swirling it around a glass, taking in its aroma and then sipping it. A final way it can be consumed is by adding it as an ingredient in other drinks such as margaritas. You can check out this and more in this article.

Types of Tequila Drinks

Although tequila may be made from the same plant and the same region, they do not all taste the same. They are of different types and each one tastes differently from the others. Here are the five main types available.

Blanco

Blanco has several aliases. It can be referred to as Silver, White, Platinum, or Plata. It is the youngest tequila type and it is made from 100% pure blue Weber agave. Typically, it is freshly distilled and aged for only a few weeks which makes it sweet.

Because Blanco does not spend time in aging, it remains clear and silverish. Some distillers may age it for up to two months for a smoother taste. Blanco is also one of the best for making margaritas.

Joven

Joven is a Spanish word that means “young”. This drink is most times a mixto. A mixto means it is a blend of other drinks often Reposado, Anejo and Silver and other additives. It is golden in color and known by different monikers like Gold, Oro, or Dorado.

Joven gets its color from additives and flavoring agents such as caramel coloring and grain alcohol. If you find a Blanco bottle named Joven, it means is a mixto of some aged tequila with an unaged one.

Reposado

Have you like many asked what is a Reposado? Just so you know, it is a Spanish word that means “rested”. This name is in reference to this drink being aged in wood casks from between two months to one year. A lot of distilleries often age their Reposado in bourbon barrels. This adds bourbon flavors to the final product.

The process of aging Reposado adds some natural golden color and subtle hints of flavors like nuts, coffee and vanilla. This tequila can be enjoyed straight or used in cocktails. It makes margaritas more dynamic and full of flavors. 

Anejo

Anejo means aged. It is a drink that is aged for at least a year or more in oak barrels. What this does is that it loses its agave characteristics, turns amber and takes on the flavor of the barrel. It also results in a rich and smooth drink with hints of caramel and butterscotch.

Anejo can be likened to when tequila has been made to grow and lose its innocence. It is delicious and can be used as a whiskey substitute. The best way to enjoy it is neat or neat with water.

Extra Anejo

These are ultra-aged tequilas. They have been aged for a minimum of three years and are darker. It is mahogany in color with a complex and smooth flavor. They are usually best sipped alone instead of using it as a mix for other drinks.

Which Tequila Type is The Best?

This is based solely on what you prefer and whatever you intend to use it for. It is best to use either a Blanco or a Reposado for making margaritas. Anejo and Extra Anejo may also be used only that they would give your drink a caramel and oaky flavor.

Also, bear in mind that the more it is aged, the more expensive it becomes. This means Anejo and Extra Anejo are generally more expensive than the rest. You can checkout the guide to buying tequila here https://www.simplyrecipes.com/what_tequila_should_you_buy to learn more.

Conclusion

Tequila is one of the best liquors that you can drink. Like most drinks, it is available in different variants based on the age of the drink. The best type to choose is dependent on the drinker but the aged ones seem to taste better.

9 Tips for Kids to Ace Their End-of-Year Exams

Year-end exams are right around the corner, and many students aren’t sure where to start when it comes to studying. 

Whether students are suffering from pandemic fatigue, procrastination, or are simply lost after several months of remote learning, it’s imperative they take their final tests and year-end exams seriously and study for them. Preparing for an exam is just as important as taking the exam itself. Finishing school with a strong transcript will also give students a leg up in scholarship applications, which use academic merit as a qualification.

Brainly, the world’s largest online learning community, recently conducted a survey of its U.S. user base about their year-end exams. Consider this: Approximately 56% of students said they were anxious about their year-end exams. 

Patrick Quinn, parenting expert at Brainly who’s also a former teacher and father of three school-age kids, has some tips to help students prepare for standardized tests, combat year-end exam anxiety, and ace their next big test.

Read and Review—Early and Often. First and foremost, students should start preparing for their year-end exams as early as possible instead of waiting until the week before. We forget 70% of what we have learned within 24 hours, according to the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve principle. Going over new ideas a day after class will help increase retention and comprehension—so make time each evening for a quick review. Break chapters into sections and review the material at the end of each before moving on. Make notes by summarizing the critical aspects of the reading so you can easily review them without having to reread entire chapters. Bookmark difficult sections to revisit later. Pro Tip: If it is written on the board, add it to your notes. It just might be on the test.

 

Set Study Goals. For each study session, set a goal to keep track of what you’re studying or revising. You can list out your goals as soon as you start with your study session or you can set them at the end of the session for the next one. Here are some examples of study goals you can set:\

I will work through at least five equations.

I will go through and summarize chapters 5 and 6. 

I will understand and learn the key concepts that were taught in class during weeks 1-3.

 

Study to Suit your Learning Style. Your learning style will help you to know what are the best ways to prepare for an examination. For instance, if you are an auditory learner, you may benefit from recording your notes and then listening to them later, or you can even listen to classroom lesson recordings. On the other hand, if you are a visual learner, pictures and diagrams can help you remember. 

 

Limit Distractions With Online Tech Tools. If you’re lacking discipline and can’t help but check your social media during lectures, there’s a great Google Chrome extension called Self Control that can add certain websites to a blacklist for a designated amount of time in which those sites will be blocked, allowing for no school work distractions. 

 

Have Fun with Words. Breaking down the material into small pieces and creating acronyms, phrases, rhymes, or metaphors can be a valuable—and fun—way to memorize concepts. For example, students learning the steps in the scientific method will easily remember an acronym like HOMER, in which each letter stands for one of the five steps: Hypothesize, Operationalize, Measure, Evaluate, and Replicate/Revise/Report. No matter how silly, this method can help students remember important concepts for their year-end exams.

 

Establish Rules of Study Time. Unless students are explicitly using online tools to study, it’s a smart idea to remove phones and laptops from the study area to prevent distractions. Every ding from a text message takes away from valuable study time. When your brain is constantly switching back and forth between social and academic spheres, students are also losing a chance to work on their focus and stamina during a test. Some other rules might include things like: 

If you are studying for a lengthier amount of time, pre-schedule breaks with set time limits. 

Snacks and drinks are okay during study time so long as they are not a distraction.

 

Focus on Understanding. For complex math problems and abstract concepts like the events that led up to a war, for example, the best way to ensure you truly know the information is to focus on understanding instead of merely memorizing. When you’re stuck on a tough problem or challenging concept while you’re at home studying by yourself, there are plenty of amazing free platforms you can utilize to get online tutoring help or step-by-step explanations on the material.  Brainly provides step-by-step guidance and explanations to all questions on its platform, helping students go from questioning to understanding and beyond. Another way to ensure you understand the exam materials ahead of time is to reinforce what you’ve learned by helping explain answers to other students’ questions in subjects you’ve already mastered, which is a core component of Brainly’s peer-to-peer learning community.

 

Review Best Practices for Test-Taking. Studying for a test is only half the battle! Taking the test and doing well is also very important, but for some, can be much harder. For this reason, test-taking is a skill that students need to learn for academic success. There are different strategies and best practices for each type of test question (multiple-choice, true or false, essay questions, fill-in-the-blank, matching, and so on). If students are unfamiliar with these, they can turn to this checklist of test-taking strategies for middle and high school students.

 

Finally, Take Care of Yourself. In the days leading up to an exam, students should remember to take care of themselves. This means getting a full eight hours of sleep every night, drinking plenty of water, getting adequate amounts of exercise, and packing everything needed for school the night before. Remember that students can think better when they have a full stomach, so don’t skip breakfast the morning of the test. Get to school early and do a ten-minute power study right before the test, so your brain is turned on and tuned up. Pro Tip: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can give you more energy and better comprehension. Yoga or a stretching session can help with concentration and focus.

“Not every studying technique works for every student, so experiment with a few of these important study tips to find out which ones work best for you. Test-taking can be a real struggle for many high school students. Even after studying for hours the night before, many students will have anxiety during test time,” says Quinn. 

5 Tips for Planning a Service with a Funeral Home

It's unfortunate, but death is a part of life, and all life has to end. Some people say it's hardest when you experience the death of a loved one for the first time in your life. They say it gets easier after you have been to a couple of funerals. But no matter what people say or how prepared you were, losing a loved one is never easy. For help getting through this tough time, check out the following tips on planning a service with a funeral home. 

Learn What Happens At a Funeral

Before you arrange a funeral, you must know everything that happens at one. 

Generally, three things happen at each funeral. First is preparing the body of the deceased. The second is holding the service. The final one is handling the internment. 

With all three of those, you have a variety of choices, and you need to pick the right one. Therefore, you should start educating yourself on the things that are involved in each part of the process. You can even find some helpful checklists on the internet for planning funerals, as they can help you make decisions. 

Pick the Right Funeral Home

When you know the kind of funeral you want for your loved one, you can start looking into funeral homes that can help you set it up. 

There are many funeral homes out there, which is why you should pick the closest option that caters to your needs adequately. Alternatively, a place where all the relatives, family members, friends, and acquaintances can gather. 

You can ask your close friends and family members to accompany you everywhere. It can be tough to do everything by yourself. 

Choose the Kind of a Service

Familiarize yourself with the types of funeral services that funeral homes generally offer. For instance, you can get anything from direct cremation to a full funeral with a proper burial.

When you're at funeral homes, they will most likely offer plenty of packages. At this stage, you're more than likely not to be thinking clearly because of the death. That is entirely understandable. But, you should still try to keep an eye out for these packages. 

Often, people don't look too deep into the details of a package and agree to it because it offers the basic things they need for the service. But you should only get what you want and not pay for anything more. You can even go out of the package. 

Keep the Service Personal

Not every funeral needs to be precisely the same as the other. For instance, everyone shows up at a cemetery. They sit on the chairs, listen to some eulogies, and finally bury the dead. That's what happens in most movies and TV shows as well. 

However, you don't have to stick with the basics. These days, many people are going with the option to personalize the funerals of their loved ones. It makes the funerals more unique and personal. 

Take Care of Yourself

Regardless of how ready you were for the news of their passing away, the death of a loved one can be incredibly heavy.

Therefore, you need to seriously take care of yourself during these challenging times. For starters, you should try to be closer to members of your family and close friends. While you can be alone, it's better not to be by yourself. 

If you're having a challenging time processing the death, you can also look into support groups or counseling. They can really help you process the death and move on with your life. 

Getting Ready For Graduation Season With Basic Invite

It is so hard to believe that we will soon enter the month of April. I mean really, where did the time go? We just celebrated our son's 13th birthday and are still working through our feelings on that one! In just another couple months, our younger daughter will hit another big milestone in her life. She will be walking across the stage to accept her diploma for her grad school program. And guess what? Later this year in December, my older daughter will be doing the very same thing herself! It's unreal thinking about having two of your children completing grad school and moving into the next stages of their adult lives. 

Today's conversation is sponsored by Basic Invite

We have such big milestones to start planning for and celebrating. Like us, many families are getting ready to have new graduates in their household whether it's high school or college. While graduations might be a little different this time around, the celebrations will still go on. Both of my daughters have been trying to find the right photographer to capture images so they can make graduation invitations and announcements.  We have spoken to other families who are planning to opt out of a large party, and are choosing a small dinner at a local restaurant. This is definitely the route that we are taking given the current climate around the world. 

I have been browsing Basic Invite to check out their selection of personalized graduation invites. One great feature that they offer is almost unlimited colors with instant previews online. Once you select a design, you can change the color of each element on the card. With over 180 colors to choose from, the invite is sure to be exactly how you want it! This is what sets Basic Invite apart from almost any other online stationery company. You can also request custom samples to make sure you are happy with the paper quality and colors before you are ready to have your final order printed. 

Basic Invite has over 40 different envelope colors to choose from. That's a lot compared to most places that tend to only offer white. All of the envelopes are peel and seal so they can be closed quickly and securely. They also offer an address capturing service that allows customers to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media to request their friends and family’s addresses. The addresses are stored in the customer’s account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders. A great place to start is with their open house invitation templates. 

Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51 

If you are planning graduation festivities, a baby shower, birthday party or wedding, be sure to keep Basic Invite in mind for your custom invitations and announcements. I better get on the ball right now since there is still time! Thank you for stopping by today. 

The Best Roofing for Residential Homes

When choosing a roof, you need something that will protect you and your family from nature's elements and lasts for a long time.  You also need a roof that will fit your budget and improve your home’s aesthetics. Check several options for residential homes on IKO Roofing and choose what works for you. Some best roofs for your home include:

Asphalt Shingles

This is one of the best roofs we have in the market today.  People prefer them because they are affordable, and they look good for most home styles.  It has a broad selection of colors, meaning you can easily find something that matches your home. If you enjoy DIY projects, you can easily install asphalt shingles on your home with the right skills, experience, and equipment. You can also reach out to a company like the IKO roofing team to do the roofing for you. 

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has a life span of 50-100 years, making it one of the most durable roofs. You will be given a warranty of 30-50 years in most areas, which shows you how long-lasting it is. Also, it helps in keeping your home cool by reflecting solar radiant heat in hot weather. In recent years manufacturers have been producing metal roofing that resembles wood shake and natural slate, which can give your home the appeal you are looking for. 

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles are machine-cut, which gives them a clean edge and a smooth surface. In return, it gives your home a uniform appearance enhancing its appeal. Wood shakes are hand-split with a rugged appearance because each piece has a different look than the rest. When you want to install this roof, keep in mind that this material requires someone with technical skills and knowledge with this kind of roof. Therefore, ensure that you thoroughly research a contractor and find someone who can deliver

Clay Tile Roof

This kind of roof is suitable for hot climates and coastal areas. It is also durable, withstanding fire, hail, and high winds. It comes in different tile shapes like flat, curved, or fluted, enhancing the curb appeal of your home.

Slate Roofing

Slate has a long lifespan due to its ability to withstand any weather conditions. It also requires minimum maintenance once you have already installed it. The cost of installation is slightly higher than other roofs, but it is worth it because of its quality.

A roof is a big part of home construction. It is recommended to research what kind of roof you can go for depending on your budget and the local weather conditions. Also, talk to different roofing companies, see what they offer, and then compare prices and choose the best alternative.

Five Signs That You’re in Need of an Eye Test

Your vision is one of the most important senses that you have, so when it’s impaired, it can cause great stress and discomfort. It’s always best to visit your optician on a regular basis, as many eyesight issues will only deteriorate if they are not treated in time. There are several tell-tale signs that can indicate whether you are in need of a new eye test, here are just a few. 

You Have Blurred Vision 

If you are experiencing blurred vision it may be time for you to go and get another comprehensive eye exam. Eyesight tends to worsen with age, so your blurred vision may be a sign that you need a new prescription or that you should try out a different glasses side view. 

Your Eyes Feel Itchy 

Itchy, red, or dry eyes are tell-tale signs that you need to go see your optician. Although these symptoms could be related to an array of other conditions, like allergies, they could also be related to glaucoma, conjunctivitis, or dry eye syndrome. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to book an appointment if you exhibit these symptoms.

You Have Frequent Headaches 

If you suffer from frequent headaches, this may be a result of poorly functioning eyesight. This is probably the most common symptom cited by individuals who are in need of glasses. 

By overworking your vision, you are causing the muscles in your eyes to contract and ultimately strain themselves which causes a terrible headache.

You’re at a High Risk for Eye Diseases 

Unfortunately, having poor eyesight can run in the family and be passed down by generations. Although environmental factors also play a part in determining your eyesight, if you have a family history of eye disease, you should regularly see your optician. More specifically, if you have diabetes, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma in your family history, it’s better to stay on top of your eye exams.  

You Find Yourself Squinting Often 

We’ve all been there; you can’t quite work out what the small print says, and you need to hold the book further or closer from your face. If you are constantly squinting when you are reading, we recommend that you go see your local optician. You will definitely need a new set of glasses, and if you avoid getting an eye exam, you could seriously strain your vision in the long run.

If you haven’t experienced any of these symptoms, you should still consider visiting your nearest opticians on a yearly basis. It is highly advisable that you go take an eye test at least every two years. A comprehensive eye exam can let you know whether you are farsighted, nearsighted, have astigmatism, or maybe even presbyopia.

Depending on your age you may have to visit the opticians more frequently. Nevertheless, if you have felt any of the symptoms we have mentioned in this article, it’s best that you book an appointment with your opticians as soon as possible. 

Take Advantage of Online Tools for Your Home Projects

Since COVID hit a year ago, so many things have changed tremendously. The days of walking into a store or showroom look a lot different now. You see everyone wearing a mask and following distancing guidelines. Some businesses have moved to an online model to supply their customers with products and services. I have seen many of my realtor friends offer virtual house tours. It's actually pretty neat if you are crunched for time and can't get to a property on time. I have even seen some people do them as a Facebook or Instagram Live. This gives a lot of flexibility to potential buyers, since you can view a video on your time. 

If you are looking into purchasing or refinancing a home, now is the time. The interest rates have been super low since COVID hit. We definitely took advantage of it, and did a refinance recently. Our entire refi was done completely online with the exception of the closing where signatures were required. This is especially a good time for first-time home buyers to take advantage of the lower interest rates. There are even special incentives like no money down, or reduced interest rates for part of the term of the loan. I read an article that mentioned despite living in this pandemic, credit scores are rising. Whether you are looking to purchase your first house, a second home, or upgrading what you already have, try applying online for a mortgage and see how much you can qualify for, and what programs might be out there to suit your specific needs. Knowing what you can afford is key. 

One great thing about if you do refinance and are eligible to get some cash out, you can finally do those long awaited upgrades that have been sitting on your to-do list. This is my current situation that I am working on with my family. We are now trying to pick out items for an upcoming kitchen remodel. So far we know that we want white cabinets and lighter counter tops, since our flooring will be a deep brown wood color. I am one of those weirdos who prefers white appliances because I find them easier to keep clean. Stainless steel is the popular finish, but I can't get past the look of fingerprints and smudges. I won't completely rule it out if we can get a good deal on appliances. Unfortunately that is as far as we have gotten in the planning stages of the kitchen project. We still have to agree on a sink, faucet, hardware finishes, paint color and about a bajillion other details. 

It feels like a huge chore, but I am so thankful that we can view everything online, and only go into the store if it's necessary. So while a lot of things have changed since COVID, there are lots of good things that have come out of it. For those who don't like leaving home if you don't have to, all you need to do is click, pay and wait for your delivery. Hey, it works for me! Are you planning any spring home projects? 

How To Find a Rental Property With Zumper

Are you currently in a situation where you need to move quickly and find a rental property that suits your needs? I was just reading a post on Facebook the other day where a friend was put in a bad situation with the property management company who was renting her the house she is living in. They gave her minimal notice that her rent was about to go by hundreds of dollars depending on if she chose to renew her rental agreement for another year or go month-to-month. Needless to say, this really put her in a bind being a single mom of three. It’s a hard thing to go through when you add kids into the mix. You don’t want to disrupt what is normal to them, especially during the times we are living in. 

Unfortunately, these situations happen all the time. Sometimes you are faced with life changes, job relocation, family growth, or financial change. It’s never easy to figure out where to move and if you will find the right rental that checks off all the boxes. Most people, especially parents would first look at the school districts, as well as if a location is family-friendly. Thankfully we all live in the age of technology so there are tools that can help you find the perfect rental property with minimal effort on your part. 

According to Zumper, the average rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Charlotte, NC is $1,650.00. Of course, this price can change according to specific neighborhoods, amenities, and other specifications. Having a set budget is the best start. Once you know what you can afford, you can then start your search. Zumper is used by millions of renters to find houses, rooms, condos, or apartments for rent. You can check out their quality listings in real-time, and even submit a digital rental application and credit reports with Zumper's screening service, powered by TransUnion™. 

You are able to filter your search by location, price range, bedroom count, pet-friendly, or amenity and set an alert to get notifications when a new listing is posted! This definitely is helpful if you are a busy person. I really wish these services were available to me years ago when we were relocating to the Carolinas. Zumper’s inventory is updated in real-time, so you'll always see new rentals there first. Anything that helps you worry less is a huge plus! No matter your challenges, there is a rental property out there for you! 

How to Foster Creativity in Kids: a Mom’s Guide

Creativity is not just about art. It’s about thinking outside the box, problem-solving, being curious about the world, and being able to turn imagined things into realities. Sounds like your kid? Sure it does! Kids have a natural penchant for creativity, but to foster it, rather than suppress it, we may have to make a few little compromises. I’m not talking about letting them get away with sheer naughtiness, but I do mean giving them an opportunity to be kids, and sure, they’ll make mistakes and that’s OK too. 

The best thing about fostering creativity is that you don’t have to do an awful lot to get it right. The worst part is that you may have to hold yourself back at times and resist the urge to interfere or show them how to do stuff. 

Honor Their Creativity, Sense of Wonder, and Intellectual Curiosity

OK, I admit it. I didn’t coin that phrase. It’s almost word-for-word the slogan of a great private school in Connecticut. But you have to admit it, it’s food for thought. It can also be hard work: especially since creativity can lead to some interesting situations like Junior deciding that golden syrup would give the floor a nice sheen. So, it was funny. But he had to clean it up himself. Actions have consequences.

As for intellectual curiosity, any parent who has been through the “Why” phase of kiddie development will know that “Why” can be a tiring question when it’s asked over and over, and at some point, it’s tempting to just say “Because!”

As for wonder, it’s around every corner, and sometimes it just takes a little nudge on your part to prompt that “Wow” moment. Now, a few more thoughts on creativity.

Give Them Space

Unsupervised, unstructured play is a great way for kids to learn. It means prying them away from the gadgets and getting them to go outside, or to the playroom, and keeping themselves entertained. While there will be the occasional “Mommy I’m bored” gripe, the merest hint that they’d be less bored tidying their rooms is usually enough to send them dashing off to find something else to do. Maybe the jungle gym becomes a pirate ship or the doll house becomes a target for a dragon - but don’t ask too closely what’s going on or you’ll get the inevitable “Nothing” in response. The main thing here is space - both in terms of supervision and a place to play where they can make a mess if they like. 

Let Them Have Fun With Arts and Crafts

There’s been a huge debate based on the premise that arts help kids to do better in other subjects. A controversial study showed that it wasn’t so, but further studies have gone on to prove the benefits of the kind of creative thinking that arts stimulate. Some academics say that artistic activities promote focus and concentration, while others point out that envisioning something when confronted with a set of materials and then going on to make it encourages imagination and the ability to conceptualize. All I can say is that it’s awesome to see children totally absorbed in their art - and of course, I love the results. I’m no scientist, but I will say that I can almost see those little brains working away - which is more than they seem to be doing in front of the tv! 

Chill Out and Let Kids be Kids

I’ve read a lot of material on creativity and how to encourage it in kids - and I’m not convinced that everything I’ve read is good advice -  or even whether the people who wrote it have kids of their own. In fact, I’m betting they don’t! 

So, I’m just a mom, but in my opinion, creativity is there already, and our job is to resist the urge to suppress it. That means refraining from showing or telling them how to do absolutely everything, being less achievement-focused than we might be, allowing unstructured and largely unsupervised play, and letting kids get on with the business of being kids within the basic parameters of safe and decent behavior. 

4 Dishes that the Whole Family is Sure to Love

Making meals for a family is hard, let’s be honest. Not everyone likes the same things, and you may be craving something fancier, while the kids want chicken nuggets. If your family is made up of fussy eaters, then good luck trying to find a meal that will please everyone. Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ll be giving you a few staple dishes that even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy, and that your whole family – young and old – can have together. These are also incredibly easy to adjust according to dietary preferences, and certain elements can be left out if someone in your family doesn’t want to try something new.

Steak

Steaks are a classic dish in most families. Very few people who eat meat don’t like steak. It’s also great for adjusting to each person’s preference, as you can alter the cooking time of each steak to change how the steak is done. There are various ways of making steak, so you can make it several times a month without repeating a meal. While any steak will be a hit, what will really impress your family is if you make them a steak to outdo all other steaks: the Wagyu steak. Wagyu steak is one of the most beloved steaks, and you can even decide on whether you want American Wagyu vs. Japanese Wagyu.

Pasta

Pasta dishes are great. If you add in enough ingredients, you don’t even need to make sides, which means less dishes! Plus, there are so many different kinds of pasta to be found – from the types of pasta, to the sauce, to the key ingredients . . . You can make a different pasta dishes each week and never run out of ideas. We’d recommend sticking to the classic mac ‘n cheese if you want to make everyone happy, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try this baked feta pasta that has been making the rounds on TikTok.

Fish and Chips

If you’re looking for a simple meal that will please young and old, fish and chips is the way to go. Even children who claim that they don’t like fish are unable to resist the crispy golden batter of fried fish. Of course, you can buy frozen fish already in a batter, but if you want to make an impression you can always try one of these basic batters.

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken parmesan is a dish that is so easy to make, but tastes so good that people will think you’ve spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. Chicken parmesan consists of a breaded chicken breast covered with tomato sauce and a cheese of your choice. To make it more individual, you can be modify it by adding different sauces to each family member’s dish, according to what they like best. Chicken parmesan makes a great dinner that will leave the family satisfied and full. To really make it a dinner they’ll ask for again and again, add one of these simple side dishes.

7 Reasons to Use a Service for Fresh and Ready Meals

Fresh and ready meals can transform your health objectives by bringing nutrition to the front of the priority list, without the hassle and extra time required for cooking and meal preparation. As a result of this excellent nutritional opportunity, it is important to invest time into selecting the best-prepared meal service to meet your needs. Like with other services, not all prepared meal companies are created equally. Therefore, if you seek meals you will eat and enjoy then you must know all considerations and avoidances.

The following will teach you seven reasons why you might want to try a meal service that offers fresh, healthy meals. 

One: Consumer-Friendly Packaging

Packaging that is excessive and not environmentally-friendly should be avoided. Also, BPA plastics are on the “do not use” list for the environment and your body, so you want to avoid them. That means you want to find meals prepared in modern, eco-friendly packaging that is BPA-free. These containers must be well-sealed and recyclable to minimize your environmental footprint. 

Two: Convenience

Some meal kits ship individually portioned ingredients, so you can cook your food easily at home without trips to the grocery store. If you desire convenience, then choose the prepared meal option. These are meals you can have delivered, refrigerate for future use, microwave, and eat out of the dish.

Three: Customer Service

Like with any product or service, customer service can make or break a company and a prepared meal business is no different. If any company does not value its customers and satisfaction over all else, then you must keep looking. 

Four: Easy-to-Read Information

If a fresh and ready meal service doesn’t provide accessible, easy-to-read nutritional information about all meals, it’s time to move. Having access to the nutritional information about what you consume delivers the insights required to meet nutrition and health goals. This is critical if you are following a specific diet, like Keto. 

Five: Flexibility

Many fresh and ready meal provides will not budget on your plan after signing up. However, part of eating healthier is finding what works and doesn’t so you are going to want to make changes. Therefore, if you need to change meal plans or put your plan on hold for a vacation, don’t opt for a service that does not allow changes. Instead, find a prepared meal service that offers flexibility in their plans and meal options. Request customer reviews and testimonials to set the expectation. 

Six: Healthy Ingredients

If you are utilizing a prepared meal service, then never pay for subpar ingredients. First and foremost, a prepared meal company is a business, many of which will compromise the final product for the consumer to save on their bottom line. Therefore, find companies that utilize local and organic produce and other ingredients. Search for services offering whole ingredients to maximize health benefits. 

Seven: Variety of Options

How boring would dinner be if you are eating the same meal three or four times per week? It’s certainly a good deterrent from reaching your nutritional goals. A fresh and ready meal service should allow you to choose the meals and not have them decided for you. That means, the best services provide a variety of choices ahead of time, not just one or two, so you can meet your goals and maintain a healthy biome.

In summary, healthy meal services can be a life-changing endeavor. With their nutritional deliciousness, you can free up time to focus on other healthy activities without ending up in the drive-thru line at 9 PM. To get the most out of a fresh and ready meal service, you must know when to pursue and when to run, while knowing exactly what to expect from the provider.

TikTok Feta Pasta Recipe

Many of you who use the TikTok app or even Instagram might have seen the viral recipe that originated in Finland for Feta Pasta. Apparently this recipe became so popular that grocery stores were completely sold out of feta. The basic idea behind the recipe is to start with cherry or grape tomatoes, a block of feta cheese, and seasonings that gets baked, and then pasta is added.  If you search the #fetapasta hashtag you will see thousands of videos showing so many variations. I admit I don't normally hop on the bandwagon with what's popular on TikTok, but I knew I had to try this dish. 

I was a tad nervous about the idea of using an entire block of feta and wondered if it would be overpowering. Good thing I didn't let that stop me, because the flavor was absolutely wonderful. It was tangy, but in the best way! I did check out several recipes so that I could get a better idea of what I wanted to do to make this dish my own. I shared my results on Instagram and received a lot of positive comments. It turned out that not too many people had heard about it, so I thought I was share a step-by-step recipe with pictures to show you how to make it. 

Here are the ingredients you'll need: 

Cherry or grape tomatoes (one pint per block of feta)

A block of  Feta cheese (can use vegan feta)

Fresh garlic (if cloves are huge, cut in half)

Fresh basil

Olive oil

Seasonings I recommend: Sea salt, cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and dried herbs like Oregano, Basil, parsley or Italian seasoning

Pasta of your choice (I used mini Farfalle)

Optional: 

fresh spinach

Grilled chicken or shrimp

How to make it

1. Heat your oven to 400°. Start by adding your tomatoes and garlic cloves to a baking dish, then drizzle with olive oil and seasonings. Make sure the tomatoes are well coated. Make a space in the middle of the baking dish to place your block of feta cheese. Drizzle more olive oil and add more seasoning. 

2. Once the oven has come to temperature, place your tomatoes and feta in oven and bake for 30 minutes. If want the tomatoes and cheese to get a little brown, you can broil on high in the last few minutes or turn on the convection feature if you have that option. Cook your pasta in well-salted water while this step in being done, and set aside one cup of the cooked pasta water. 

3. Take a large fork or spoon to lightly smash the tomatoes and mix it with the feta. Make sure to smash up your garlic cloves first so you don't forget, otherwise you'll have huge chunks.  

4. Now add your fresh basil and spinach. 

5. It's time to add your pasta and gradually add the pasta water depending on how saucy you want it to be. The pasta will absorb the liquid so I added the whole cup. I promise it won't be watery. 

6. Top with grilled chicken or shrimp and enjoy! 

Tips and recommendations: 

• Do not skip the fresh basil or red pepper flakes. Both of them add so much flavor! 
• If you can't get a block of feta cheese, crumbles will work just as well. Add it in the middle of the baking dish the best you can. You might need a larger size container, so keep that in mind. 
• If you don't like feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or Boursin 
• If you are making a larger batch, you can double the ingredients. Be sure to use a large enough baking dish to give enough space to add your pasta. 
• I highly recommend reserving some of the pasta water to keep your pasta from being too dry. Do this by using a glass measuring cup or any heat-proof cup and scoop out some of the water from the cooked pasta before draining. You can add as much or as little as you like. 

Check out these other popular recipes: 

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Side Dish

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Greek Pasta Salad

Getting Engaged with Moissanite Gems

It is no news that sparkling jewelry has been the choice adornment of most women for many years. But changing times result in changes in taste as well as changes in trends. Diamonds over time have become increasingly expensive to where most people cannot afford to buy them. The changing times has caused customers, who would consider nothing short of a diamond some years back, to purchase moissanites. Moissanites are unique in themselves and are not fake diamonds or diamond replicas. Moissanites are increasingly being considered due to its characteristic brilliance and reduced overall cost.

Unlike diamonds, moissanites do not raise ethical concerns largely because they are synthetic. In order to resolve the ethical concerns about diamonds, synthetic diamonds are reasonable alternatives to original mined diamonds. Moissanites are more astonishing to behold due to its bright array of colors. What's more? They come at affordable prices as moissanite engagement rings have eased their way onto ring fingers when diamonds simply have not been affordable.

Does That Make Them Fake Diamonds?

While it is easy to say false things about a competitive product, there is no theoretical evidence to back the suggestion posed by some diamond purists that moissanite is a diamond replica. In fact, moissanite is made up of laboratory produced silicon carbide which differs from diamond, which is composed of densely packed carbon atoms. The obvious different in their composition suggests differences in their properties.

Although moissanites 'diamond' engagement rings can be obtained at a reduced cost in comparison to diamond, it would be inappropriate to consider them an inferior class of jewelry. Moissanites have a hardness of 9.5 while diamonds have a hardness of 10 on a scale that measures the hardness of different gemstones. The refractive properties of moissanite gives off a light spectrum which is twice that produced by diamond. 

Understand Moissanite Discovery

Silicon carbides were discovered in 1906 by Henri Moissan. This carbide was erroneously said to come from space due to its closeness to a meteorite crash site around the time of its discovery. But the silicon carbide has been noted to exist naturally on Earth. Silicon carbide cannot be used as jewelry in its raw form. Subjecting the compound to laboratory procedures yields the jewel known as moissanites. Unfortunately, fraud is prevalent in the jewelry industry. In order to make sure the moissanite purchased is not a fake or stolen product, there is a form of hallmark or paperwork which is linked back to the only company permitted by law to produce moissanites; a company owned by Charles and Calvard.

Should I Spend My Money on Moissanite?

Moissanites is worth the cost. Making a choice between diamond and moissanite seems to be an already made choice. Based on your budget and your concerns with ethical processes, you can choose which gemstone works for you. The violence and environmental hazards involved with diamond mining have long been in existence. Moissanite poses no such threat. Not to mention the excellent brightness, sparkle, and rainbow glow. Undoubtedly, moissanite is a gemstone worth your money.