How BI-LO Delivery By Shipt Saves Busy Families Time

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Shipt + BI-LO. All opinions are my own. 

Do you ever find yourself at home browsing recipes on Pinterest, and you find the perfect dinner or dessert recipe that you actually have all of the ingredients for? Yeah, me either. I always seem to be off by one or two ingredients. It's hard for me since I do not have access to a vehicle during the day, so this means waiting until after 5:30 before any of the working adults get home. By that time, it's too late to try to put dinner together after getting to and from the store.

I am so grateful to live in the age of technology where you can get just about anything you need, sometimes as quickly as you need it. Thankfully Shipt grocery delivery service is available for the days I can't get to the store right away. Shipt is a membership-based service that you can join with an annual or monthly subscription, and you can cancel at any time. I'm thrilled that they now deliver from BI-LO stores.

Right now if you become a new Shipt member, you can get 2-weeks of same-day delivery free, and receive a $20 credit on your first order from BI-LO! Who doesn't want FREE groceries? Now all of those recipes that I want to make can actually happen. Shipt grocery delivery is not only convenient since you don't have to leave your home, but it helps prevent all of those unnecessary purchases. I can't ever seem to not have that urge to buy things that are not on my list for a variety of reasons. Also, not having to make a trip to the grocery store is a huge time saver, especially for busy families.

I was super excited to make my first order from BI-LO using Shipt. This just happened to be one of those times where I seemed to have run out of so many of my kitchen and household staples at the same time. Also, since it is the baking season, I stocked up on a few baking supplies so I won't run into the issue of not having all of the ingredients for a recipe. But you know what? If I do run out it's no problem! I can just log into my Shipt account and make a quick delivery order, and receive my items in as soon as one hour. As long as I keep my order $35 or more, my delivery is free.

I feel like once you get Shipt delivery, there is no turning back. I enjoyed receiving my groceries from BI-LO, and I look forward to placing my next order. My Shipt shopper alerted me via text when she made it to BI-LO and asked if I needed any additional items. She shopped my order, and as soon as she was done, she texted me to let me know she was on the way to my home. You can start your Shipt account online or through their free app available through your phone's app store. Don't forget to take advantage of their special promotion to get your $20 credit to shop at BI-LO.

So now the question is which dessert or entree do I make first? I guess the next thing I need to work on is my meal planning. That's definitely not my favorite thing to do, but at least I can grocery shop in my pajamas! If you have any questions about BI-LO delivery by Shipt, leave me a comment or send an email. Thank you for stopping by today!

Little Bites® Visit Myrtle Beach Happy Halloween Goodies Galore Sweepstakes + Giveaway

Today's post is sponsored by Entenmann’s® Little Bites®. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s® Little Bites®

Can you believe that it's almost Halloween? It seems like the last couple of months flew on by. If you haven't already prepared for those little ghouls and goblins to come knocking on your door, you better get to it. Of course, Halloween is known for tons of candies, chocolates, and treats, but this year, why not hand out something different? Entenmann’s Little Bites Fudge Brownies are a delicious alternative that are sure to please your trick-or-treaters.

They are also a fun snack for classroom parties since they are available in perfectly pre-portioned pouches, contains no high fructose corn syrup, and zero grams of trans fat per serving. Little Bites Fudge Brownies are a snack “momsters” can feel good about! If you are having a Halloween party at home, you should check out this fun DIY dessert for these Wicked Fudge Brownie Bites:



Find out about Little Bites® Visit Myrtle Beach Happy Halloween Goodies Galore Sweepstakes:

• Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks is giving fans a spook-tastic opportunity to win a family trip to Myrtle Beach! Consumers can enter the Little Bites Visit Myrtle Beach Happy Halloween Goodies Galore Sweepstakes from October 1 - October 31 by visiting https://www.littlebites.com/Halloween-goodies.
• Fans will be prompted to complete and submit the registration form to receive one (1) entry in the Grand Prize drawing.
• In addition to the grand prize, fans can enter for a chance to receive a one (1) week supply of Little Bites product awarded in the form of five coupons, each redeemable for one (1) Little Bites product up to $5.00 in value.
• For more information and official rules, please visit https://www.littlebites.com/Halloween-goodies.

Information about Visit Myrtle Beach:

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is where cherished memories are made along 60 miles of beautiful coastline.
• Discover stunning sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean, fun days at the beach, lush natural wonders, and grand new adventures.
• Savor our warm Southern hospitality, fresh coastal cuisine, and our unique flavor of fun.
• Cherish these moments together.
• Visit Myrtle Beach — where happiness comes in waves.

Special Reader Giveaway: 

Mom Files is thrilled to offer our readers a sweet prize pack giveaway including a $25 Visa digital gift card and (3) coupons for $5.00 off the purchase of any Entenmann’s® Little Bites® courtesy of Entenmann's. Enter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and ends on October 28, 2019. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

The coupons for product redemption, information, and gift card have been provided by Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Entenmann’s Little Bites snacks.

Choosing Children’s Shoes: Mechanical Considerations

If you let a child choose their own shoes you’ll probably be surprised by their choice, it will certainly look good, but it may not be the most practical option.

Of course, you may want to get your child shoes that look like yours, but this is also not necessarily the best option.

In fact, despite many children’s shoes looking very similar to adults, children do not have the same movements as adults. As children grow they need different shoes to ensure that their feet are properly supported; giving them the right footwear can help to avoid them having issues later in life.

It’s a lot of responsibility for any parent and the reason specialist shops like Garvalin, Australia exist.

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash

The first thing to understand is that a shoe serves several roles:

       Protection

A long time ago humans didn’t wear shoes, but shoes are seen as an essential means of protecting feet from scrapes and other abrasions.

It’s worth noting that adult footwear is trending towards a more minimalistic look which has helped shoe manufacturers to re-evaluate what is important in a shoe.

       Support

The secondary role of any shoe is to provide support. This is especially important in children. A shoe should support the arch of the foot, but, this is only actually necessary in older children. Children under 4 aren’t active enough for the arch support to matter. Select shoes with arch support at this age can actually hinder the proper development of the foot.

However, plantar support is important from a very young age.  The loading pattern of a foot is relevant from when a child is as young as 2 ½ years old, which means a shoe should have cushioning under the heel.

It is also important for shoes to offer forefoot flexibility, the range of movement can be significantly different in children to adults, it’s essential to choose shoes that allow the forefront of their feet to move in all directions.

Once children hit 14-15 years old their feet will stop growing and their needs are effectively very similar to adults, allowing you to comfortably purchase adult shoes for them. At this stage, the important factors are motion control and support at the rear of the foot.

Photo by Markus Spiske temporausch.com from Pexels

       Style

Although it can be argued that style is not very important in the correct development of feet. Style is an important consideration when you choose shoes and when your children are old enough to appreciate what they are wearing.

This is actually the reason that so many children’s shoes look similar to adult ones.

Additional Factors

By understanding the role of the shoe and how it supports your child’s foot and ongoing development, you can choose the right shoe for your child. But, you should also consider
these additional factors:

       Minimalistic Shoes

The current movement towards minimalistic shoes is actually a good one and worth considering for your child. Minimalistic shoes allow your child’s foot to develop more naturally, they are worth considering.

       Know Your Child

Your child may have a weak front foot, back foot, or a weak arch. You need to have a good look at their foot and even consult a pediatrician to ensure you identify weak areas and choose the shoes that give the right support.

We hope these tips will help you with your shoe buying process for your child.

A Quick Guide to Finding Endless Blog Post Ideas for Your Mom Blog

As a rule, starting your first blog is so exciting that you literally can't get away from hundreds of ideas that swarm in your head. Most people are feeling super inspired and passionate, making their first steps in the field. The flow of ideas doesn’t seem to stop. But what happens next?

After several months of writing, most people burn out and lose inspiration. It is not like they don’t want to do it anymore or don’t enjoy writing; it is just that they no longer have a clue what to post about.

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

Running a mom blog is especially hard. At any time, your children may require most of your attention as they get involved in afterschool activities or just want more time with you.

To complicate matters, over time, blogging transforms into a full-scale chore rather than being just a hobby. That’s when you may face the real challenge. Overcoming this period of burnout is possible but not always simple. Some people decide to take a break, while others prefer to get professional help from https://essaypro.com/ while they recover and come up with new ideas.

Are there any other options? If you don’t want to stop and want to go all the way yourself, but it feels like you have no creative juices left, there still is a solution! In this article, we are going to give you clues on how to find endless ideas at any time. Let’s get to it!

Regardless of the chosen niche, most bloggers face the same issues, such as loss of creativity and inability to come up with fresh ideas.

However, don’t give up on the job you love just because you don’t feel those creative juices rushing through you anymore. This happens to many people, and in most cases, it is only a tough period that you need to overcome.

If you are currently facing such a problem, use the guide below to open an endless source of ideas for your mom blog:

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Follow the Influencers

Probably all of us have at least a couple of great blogs from our niche in mind. Do you read them? If no, this is just the right time to give them a quick look and, hopefully, get inspired! 

Even if you can’t recap any blogs you read, you can look up the most popular mom blogs on the Internet and find some inspiration there.

Looking at how the niche’s influencers work can give you enough ideas to get back to actively posting.

They have a vast audience, so every post they make is polished and unique, which makes them a perfect source of ideas. No copy pasting, though. We all need to respect the readers not to lose them because of similar posts.

Use Topic Generators

Can’t come up with a perfect headline for your next post? 

On the Internet, there is plenty of topic generating tools that can come in handy! Such tools help writers compose catchy and neat headlines related to their keywords in a matter of seconds. 

Social Media Platforms

Of course, writing an actual blog is much different from being an influencer in social media. However, don’t neglect using platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter for finding inspiration.

Here is the thing, millions of people around the globe use popular social media platforms. Every active user makes regular publications or reposts from others. 

This generates a broad base of content, including pictures, videos, written materials, memes, and much more. Why not use all of it to your benefit?

Have you found a hilarious story about motherhood or a helpful video guide? You can turn this into fresh ideas for a new post!

Pay Attention to Readers’ Comments

Even if you didn’t realize this before, readers’ comments could be a great source of inspiration at all times! Often, readers share their thoughts and stories under the posts they liked, and these stories could turn into some nice post ideas.

Therefore, be sure to pay attention to what your readers have to say. Also, you can check out comments on other websites on related topics.

Ask Your Audience for Advice

If it feels like you still can’t decide what you should write next, why not ask the audience who reads you? Do you have an email subscriber list? Great! Then drop them a short newsletter or create a survey to find out what your audience craves.

Google Analytics

Products created by Google always make our lives easier, and lack of inspiration for your mom blog isn’t an exception. 

Google Analytics allows one to look at the platform from an analytical perspective and find out which of previous pieces were the most popular and which don’t seem to come to the audience’s liking.

Having such stats should help you choose the right direction and maybe even refresh some of your old popular publications' ideas with a series of related materials.

Services That Gather Content Across the Web

Have you ever heard of platforms like Alltop or Buzzsumo? If not, you are missing out on a great deal of inspiration. Such websites gather stories on various topics from the most trending sites. 

Using such services, you can conduct quick research based on some relevant keywords (for example, early education, parenthood, children, etc.) and find out what content specialists like the most in your niche. This could be another source of ideas for you.

Photo by J. Kelly Brito on Unsplash

Final Words

For many moms, who are forced to stay at home, blogging becomes a real-life savior. It is an excellent way of expressing themselves, sharing experiences, socializing with like-minded people, and keeping themselves busy. 

Besides, running a mom blog can give you a stable and potentially high income. Doesn’t that sound like a dream job? It does, but it is still not that easy!

Being a blogger, you may experience various issues such as writer’s block, lack of inspiration, new ideas, etc. 

Therefore, it is crucial to have a backup plan that would let you generate excellent ideas even when you are at your least creative period.

Hopefully, this list will help you find the source of endless blog post ideas. Follow this simple guide, and your blog will prosper!

5 Most Popular Water Filtration Technologies For Homes

It doesn’t matter whether your water comes from a well or the main treatment works, you need to be confident that it is clean and safe to drink.

There are many ways in which bacteria can get into the water supply, this is why every home should invest in a water filtration system.  Of course, there are several different types of water filtration device, you’ll need to choose the one that best suits your home and your budget.

Before you invest in any water filter system you should be aware of the different types available and speak to a reputable supplier of water filters Sydney

Photo by Kaboompics .com from Pexels

1. Activated Carbon
This is arguably the most popular type of water filter. It is the one you’ll find in jug style filters and the slim containers that bolt into your mains supply line.

Water passes through the activated carbon and sediment, chlorine and VOC’s attach themselves to the carbon. The water that leaves the filter is cleaner and tastes better.
It’s important to note that this type of filter needs to be changed every 2 months.

2. Reverse Osmosis
This type of filter needs to be changed every year but, it is remarkably effective at eliminating nitrates, heavy metals, dissolved salts, and an array of organic and inorganic compounds.

Again, you’ll notice the taste difference and even the color of your water should appear clearer.

Reverse osmosis is also effective if you need to soften your water, which makes it essential in hard water areas.

3. UV Water Filters
A UV filter mimics the sun. UV rays are concentrated on the water, effectively killing any bacteria present. This type of filter can destroy most living organisms but it can’t remove any debris or sediment from your water.

You may prefer to use it in conjunction with a second water filter. You will need to change the filter annually.

4. Chlorine Filter
Chlorine is used by most treatment centers to eradicate bacteria in the water. However, it has also been linked with undesirable effects on your health. For this reason, you may want to use a chlorine filter to cleanse your water. The best one to do this is the carbon filter mentioned earlier.

However, if you source your own water, perhaps through a well on your land, you may want to use a chlorine filter to add chlorine to your water and effectively kill any microorganisms in the water, making it safer to drink.

Of course, you may then want to use a carbon filter to remove the chlorine…
You will need to refill the chlorine when it runs low.

5. Multi-Media Filters
This type of filter is designed to remove contaminants and sediment from your water. Again, it is considered essential if you have your own water supply. It can also be useful if you feel there is too much debris coming down the pipes to your home from the treatment center.

There are different choices of media depending on which types of contaminants you want to focus on.

New Uses for Old Curtains

Redecorating your home can be expensive. But you don’t always have to go out and buy the newest décor on the market. You can repurpose items you already have - like curtains! Your curtains may be old, but that doesn’t mean they’ve lost their use. There are many ways to recycle the fabric that once covered your windows. Here are several ideas on how you can come up with new uses for old curtains.

Table accessories: The fabric from old curtains can be repurposed into a tablecloth or runner for any table in your home. The material can also be converted into placemats or decorative napkins that will add flair to any dining room table. Think about the different types of events you’re hosting, whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a small cocktail party, and use old curtains that match those vibes.

Photo by Jopofa Bolt on Unsplash

Blankets and pillows: Old curtain fabric can also be used to create throw pillow covers, blankets, or pieces to a quilt. With blankets and pillows, you do want to consider the texture of the curtain. Burlap may not be the best choice for something you want to curl up with, but silk would make for an excellent pillowcase. Make use of these old curtain fabrics to create unique pieces that add comfort to any room in your home.

Headboard: Another option for repurposing your old drapes is to convert them into a headboard. This option is less expensive than purchasing an actual headboard, and it will create a new focal point in your space. Headboards pull a room together, and it’s so simple to DIY one. You can hang one behind your bed as is or upholster a piece of wood.

Photo by Volha Flaxeco on Unsplash

Room dividers: Use old curtains to divide a large living area into two separate spaces. For example, you can split an office space from a living space or create a secluded play area for children apart from your main living room. It’s also a good idea for children who share a bedroom and want extra privacy.

Shower curtain: Old drapes can also be converted into shower curtains. Simply add a plastic lining to protect your repurposed drapes. Shower curtains are an item in the house that can really show off your style and personality, so the more eclectic the pattern, the better. Plus, you’ll have a shower curtain that can’t be found anywhere else and at a much lower price.

Doors: This option provides your home with the privacy of a door, but with a more open and decorative feel. Utilize old curtains to cover a closet space in a hallway, bedroom, bathroom, or any area in your home that you want to be hidden from view.

It doesn’t matter whether your curtains are solid or patterned. Any type of curtain can be repurposed in several ways. When you’re recycling old curtains, think about the color scheme and style of your home so that you’re creating a cohesive vibe throughout the house. Get creative and reinvent your old curtains into new décor for your home!

Many thanks to Piper Classics for this guest post.

10 Hacks To Choose The Best Destination For Your Next Holiday

If you are a travel buff, you will probably know that exciting feeling about planning your next trip. You may have seen a lot but the bucket list keeps getting longer. It is easy to create a bucket list but hard to order it according to your priorities. Of course, there would be some places that you would want to check out sooner than later.

Photo by STIL on Unsplash

So how do you decide what your next destination is going to be? What are the factors that you should consider while making up your mind about the places to visit first? Though there is no tried and tested way to have the list ordered priority-wise, you can still follow some tips to decide the destination for your next holiday. Here are some hacks that can help you with the decision.

Start by considering your budget

First things first, you should have enough money to finance your vacation. After all, you cannot imagine traveling abroad only with a limited amount in your vacation fund. Have a complete overview of your travel budget and decide whether it can take you to a distant destination or somewhere close by. You need not splurge a fortune on a holiday and end up broke. Rather, choose an economical destination that gives you good time without toppling your budget. And if you are not willing to compromise, wait and save till you have enough for your dream destination.

Be open-minded when you decide

An alternative destination is better than no holiday at all. Rather than being rigid about your choice, be open-minded and explore places that are not as popular as the ones your friends talk about. Haven’t you heard about a place? Don’t you know that it even exists? Google is the best place to explore the most amazing destinations across the globe, all within your budget. Who knows, you may have the best holiday of your life if you are willing to just try and explore. So go ahead!

Get smart with travel bookings

When you are not really sure about fitting your favorite holiday destination in the budget, you can be extra smart with your travel bookings. Choose cheaper flights that take you through a different route. Rather than taking a direct flight, you can catch a connecting flight and save your money. Or why not fly in one that drops you to a city near your destination and take a train or shuttle to reach there? Just find the alternatives, calculate and plan a holiday to your dream destination without breaking the bank.

Find more about the shortlisted destinations

When you are not sure about where you want to go, make a list of the destinations that you would want to consider. Check online to find things to do in your area when you are actually there. Google is the best place to know more about any holiday destination, from the places to visit the ones to eat and shop. Once you have things listed out for each of the chosen destinations, pick the one you like the most.

Safety first

Of course, you need to find about all that the destination has to offer. But ensure that you check the places from the safety perspective as well. Whether you are planning a solo trip or a family holiday, keep safety on the top of your checklist. Search online and you will easily find out statistics about crimes involving tourists in specific parts of the world. Choose a place that is totally safe for travelers.

Understand your objective

Another factor that influences the choice of a holiday destination is the objective of the vacation. Ask yourself why you would want to travel to a specific place, whether it is going to be a short getaway or a long break to relax and unwind. The reason will probably make a difference in the choice of your destination. Similarly, you may want to explore a place with the idea of moving there or starting a business in the future. Another consideration that you may want to bear in mind is whether you would prefer a beach holiday or one to a ski resort.

Solo or with family

Are you planning to travel solo? Do you want an extended vacation with your loved ones? Obviously, the choice of destination will depend on this factor as well. Wellness resorts and adventure trips make the ideal choices for solo trips. On the other hand, you can choose a beach or ski resort if looking for a perfect family vacation. Whatever destination you choose, make sure that it offers all that you want and is safe as well.

Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash

Avoid stereotypes

The biggest blunder that travelers make is to stick to the stereotypes while deciding the vacation destinations. Who says that you should visit only New York or Los Angeles when you travel to the US? Why just book for Paris when in France? Every country has some hidden jewels that are less popular but offer much more. Be willing to explore places that you have not heard your friends and colleagues talking about.

Trust your instincts

If a destination seems to beckon you, just trust your instincts and go ahead. When it comes to having a dream holiday, the best advice is to be selfish and choose a destination that you want to explore. If none of your friends or family members like the idea, plan a solo trip because you would not want to miss on a dream destination just because others are not keen to be there.

Don’t be indecisive

Once you have chosen a destination, go ahead and book it right away. Be decisive because indecision will just make you more stressed out and you may miss out on the opportunity to visit a cool destination. Don’t ask for too many suggestions because you may end up being confused and even drop the idea of going for a vacation. Rather go ahead and make your bookings as soon as you lock a destination that you would want to explore for your next vacation.

When you decide the destination for your next trip, do consider these hacks. After all, choosing the right place is surely going to make all the difference!

Common Symptoms and Causes of Migraine Headache

Migraine is a common problem that is faced by many adults (sometimes even kids) in our country. Migraine is an extreme headache problem that causes nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. This headache can last from a couple of hours to 2 days and sometimes even much longer. Although the reason behind these migraine attacks is not confirmed by the doctors, they say that these headaches occur due to change in the flow of blood to your brain and the genes from your parents.

Photo by Matteo Vistocco on Unsplash

People sometimes tend to get confused between normal headaches and migraine headaches. Not knowing the difference between headaches and migraines, one does not get proper medication from the doctor and thus, suffers a lot. While in headaches, one experiences a dull and overall pressure throughout the forehead or scalp. Whereas, while in migraine, one experiences a sharp and intense pain on one side of their head along with nausea, blind spots, and vomiting.

Here are some of the common symptoms that tell us we have a problem with migraine:

1. You may experience the symptoms a day or two before the actual migraine pain. Symptoms like irritability, stiffness in the neck, fatigue, and depression can sometimes indicate that you are going to get migraine headaches soon. You can start the medication at the earlier stage to avoid extreme conditions.
2. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to smell which causes nausea and vomiting.
3. You also start getting irritated from bright lights and your vision may also get blurred.
4. You may even feel the tingling sensation in your arms, legs or face. 
5. There might be a loss of appetite as well.
6. You may experience this headache once in a month or two but if not treated properly, the number may increase to you getting migraine headaches 3-4 times a month.

Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash

Although it may seem like the migraine headaches are not in your hands and may occur whenever they want. But if you notice, there is a pattern and signs that lead to the headaches. You can contact your headache doctor and tell them about your symptoms so that he can start with the proper medication. Here are certain things that trigger something from within and cause migraine:

1. Sometimes a change in weather can disrupt the flow of blood and cause severe headaches. Change in temperature does not suit everyone and can cause many health problems, migraine being one of them
2. Stress is one of the major reasons that cause migraines. All of these things; stress, anxiety, and migraines are interlinked with each other. When you are stressed or too depressed, your brain releases the chemicals that lead to migraines.
3. Some food products may also be responsible for triggering a migraine. Sometimes food containing nitrates may also be responsible for your migraine. Getting too addicted or even withdrawing from caffeine may change the flow of your blood vessels and cause headaches. 
4. Certain habits like excess of smoking or drinking alcohol can cause regular migraine headaches.
5. Sudden changes in your diet or lifestyle can also be the reason for your problem.
6. Some medications can also disturb your blood vessels and cause this problem of migraine headaches.

Tips for Decorating This Christmas Season

As the year comes to a close, many people start focusing on the holidays. While it can be a beautiful season, you may also find yourself stressing to get everything done on a limited schedule. One area that tends to frustrate people is decorating. Though it can be fun to invest in decor and display it around your residence, you also need to come up with a plan so you don’t feel like you’re annoyed as you attempt to deck the halls with boughs of holly.

If you need advice on how to improve your decorating process, now is the perfect time to look for help. Explore these tips and see what you can do to get more out of your attempts at decorating.

Start Small

Decorating in some neighborhoods can become something of a healthy competition. One home will put up an elaborate display and other homeowners will try to outdo their neighbors each year. While this can be a fun way to go about creating a beautiful wonderland on your lawn, it can also be a huge point of frustration for you and your family. Instead of opting for a big, complicated display, try to scale back and see what you can accomplish on a smaller scale.

Minimalist decorations are quite popular nowadays. A few strategically placed decorations can create more of a cozy sense of winter magic than a garish display of bright lights and singing Santa Claus inflatables. Sit down before you start putting up and decorations and formulate a plan on how to go about making your home more festive for the holidays. The simpler the plan, the easier it will be for you to get through these tasks without feeling overwhelmed by how much you need to finish.

Artificial Options

Another area where it can be easy to feel stress while decorating is with your Christmas tree. Though you may feel like a natural tree is the best way to go, it can also be a lot of work. Putting up a real tree in your home means you need to go buy one, haul it to your house, put it up, decorate it, and then tend to it in the weeks before and after the holiday. If you want an easier option, then it can be helpful to consider buying an artificial tree from a seller like Balsam Hill.

Balsam Hill trees may be artificial, but they perfectly capture the real deal. Selecting an artificial tree gives you more control over the size and style of your tree, allowing you to maximize the space in your home and find an option that fits perfectly. Decorating an artificial tree is also a lot easier, as you do not need to worry about damaging the branches while hanging your ornaments. Best of all, you don’t need to worry about watering the tree or any of the mess that comes along with caring for a larger living plant.

Make Memories

You may also want to think about making your decorations at home this year. This can be especially fun if you have little ones in the house. Set a night of the week aside for your family to make some decorations together. You’ll be able to create some beautiful wreaths, garlands, and ornaments for the season and make lasting memories all the while. Your little ones will be able to look back on these years with fondness when they remember how much fun it was to make decorations with their parents.

Stressing out about the holidays is an easy way to ruin your season. Find a better way to decorate by opting for simpler solutions and see how much of a difference it can make to your experience.

Three Reasons to Invest in the Designer Bag You've Always Wanted

There is definitely something about a designer bag that makes it such a covetable item for most women who love fashion. Bags can add a touch of high fashion class to even the most everyday outfit and can easily become one of your absolute favorite possessions. Of course, they are not an insignificant purchase when it comes to the price tag. While they definitely are worth it in terms of how long they can stay in style and be a useful part of your wardrobe, it can sometimes be hard to persuade yourself to part with the money for the bag of your dreams.

If you've been putting off allowing yourself a designer bag because it seems like too luxurious a purchase, here are three reasons why you should let yourself have that special bag you've always wanted!

It Can be a Literal Investment

No, not just in terms of the joy you'll get from owning it. A high-end designer bag not only retains a lot of its value if you decide to sell it at a later date to buy a new one, but some classic bags can actually gain value as they become valuable vintage pieces and a part of fashion history or a collection.

Of course, your main priority is to get a bag that you will enjoy while you own it, but thinking about getting a bag in an iconic style that will still be worth something if you take good care of it can be a good way to justify the price. Something chic and classic like some of the latest Saint Laurent bags from SSENSE could be just the thing. Saint Laurent bags are one of the many beautiful brands you can find to buy at SSENSE, so it is well worth browsing their collection.

It Can Redefine Your Look Like No Other Item

Your bag is something you take everywhere, and so if you want to make just one single purchase that can completely upgrade how you look whatever else you are wearing, then a bag is the thing to choose. It is more eye-catching and useful than jewelry, more versatile than designer shoes, and if you pick a classic design it will look good for all seasons.

It's Useful!

While some accessories we buy just because we love how they look, most don't really serve a purpose that one couldn't do without. You don't really need a necklace or even a watch, or a scarf or belt. You do need a bag, however, and so while you may be able to get by just fine with a cheaper one from a fast fashion brand, a designer bag is still a less frivolous fashion purchase than a lot of other accessories.

As you can see, there are some great points here that can really help to justify splurging on that stunning bag you have always wished was your own!

Benefits of Homeschooling at Night and Other Odd Times

As parents embark on the homeschooling journey with their children, often creating a schedule becomes the most complicated part of the entire homeschooling process. Usually, when the idea of schoolwork comes up, people think about the schedules that kids in school systems are put on. Days usually start by 8 a.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m. or so.

However, one of the benefits of homeschooling is that you don’t have to abide by someone else’s schedule. Not all kids are their most productive at 8 a.m. Maybe your child is a night owl who performs better after 6 p.m. There are quite a few benefits to starting homeschooling at night or other “odd” times throughout the day.

1. Allows You to Do Schooling Around Work Schedules

When parents in a homeschooling household work odd hours, it might be challenging to complete coursework during the normal school day hours. If someone works overnights, starting schoolwork at 8 a.m. isn’t going to be conducive for their lifestyle. Instead, you might decide that 3 p.m. is a better time to do schoolwork. For those who work 12-hour shifts, your homeschooling schedules might look completely different than those who work a normal 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job or stay at home with their children.

2. Makes It Easier to Schedule Appointments

We’ve all had to try to schedule doctor’s appointments around the many other commitments we have. By leaving more time open during the day, you can schedule all of your doctor’s appointments as well as other things like tax appointments during regular business hours without much hassle. Plus, doctors often have patients competing for the evening appointment times, so it might take a while to get in to see your doctors.

3. Gives You Time for Field Trips and Other Activities

It is not fun to sit around doing regular schoolwork all of the time. From time to time, it is important to schedule additional activities and field trips. You might be using these outings as learning experiences as well. Maybe once a month you have an afternoon outing to a place with some educational value like the zoo, botanical garden, or museum.
Taking time out of the morning or afternoon allows you to go to those places when they aren’t going to be crowded and busy like they would be in the evenings and on weekends.

4. Allows Others to Help with Teaching

In some households, a spouse might be a better teacher in one subject than the main teacher. If one parent is a whiz at math but works all day, it might be best to hold off on math lessons until that parent is back from work.

Additionally, some parents like to wait until they have some helping hands to do science experiments and art projects because they can get messy really fast. There is no shame in pushing some lessons to later in the day if that is what works best for your family.

5. Allows Students to Work When They Are Most Productive

Like we mentioned before, not everyone is a morning person. In some cases, children do their best work in the evening. It is important for many parents to allow their children to work on schooling when they are at their most focused and productive. This means that some children will need to have night homeschooling as an option.

Doing class work at night allows these kids to sleep in until they are well-rested without compromising on the amount of time they have to get their work done.

6. Allows a Tutor to Teach Students

Not every homeschooler is taught by a parent. Some children are homeschooled by a tutor who has other students or works full-time, which means that lessons need to work around a different schedule. If you’re interested in homeschooling, but don’t want to teach your children yourself, you will need to have a little flexibility when it comes down to the timing of your children’s education. You might be able to find tutors that can even teach your child when it best suits the student.

There are so many reasons that a parent may need or choose to homeschool at a time that isn’t considered normal schooling hours. However you need to work homeschooling into your routine is fine, as long as it works for you and your family. Find a homeschooling curriculum that works wells for your family and work it in however you need to support your child’s education.

5 Tips For Navigating the Nightlife in New York City

The Big Apple is known for many things, and because of the sights and sounds of places like Broadway, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Chinatown. There is never a shortage of things to do. Choosing New York City as a travel destination will bring you a wealth of choices on what to eat, where to stay, where to shop, what to see, and how to get there. Just when you think you can’t fit any more into your day, you have a whole new set of options for eating and entertainment after dark. Here are five tips for navigating the nightlife in New York City.

1. Choose Your Lodging

If you plan on staying in New York overnight, the best thing to do is find a fabulous place to lay your head once you have exhausted your energy. A word of warning- don’t wait until the last minute to book a room. For places like the Westgate New York Grand Central, the accommodations are both luxurious and in high demand. If you want to end your night in style, be sure to book your accommodations at westgatenyc.com as early as possible. You don’t have to visit to know that a stay here is a true New York attraction. With the ability to look at rooms and accommodations online, you can find enough on their Hotel Info page to book your room with confidence.

2. Choose Your Travel

Navigating around NYC is easy even for a tourist. If you really want the full experience, ride the subway or buses operated by the MTA New York City Transit. With easy to follow colored lines for the different sections of towns, as well as an app that can be downloaded to your smartphone, it is an inexpensive and efficient way to travel around the city. Parking comes at a premium in the bustling big city, so if you choose to skip the MTA, perhaps a brisk walk or a bike ride would be the best way to move between activities.

3. Choose Your Dinner

Going out after dark is one of the highlights of a New York City vacation experience. How else will you get the full and dazzling effect of the lights and signs hanging over Times Square? There is a reason it is called The City That Never Sleeps. If you want to catch an early dinner in order to save some room for some late-night eats and a well-deserved drink, there are plenty of options. If you choose to skip dinner and go straight into endless entertainment, you will always be able to find an authentic pizza joint or sandwich shop ready to fill your belly.

4. Choose Your Experience

There are hundreds of entertainment options out there in the Big City, and your tastes and preferences won’t be too eclectic to be met. Comedy shows, burlesque clubs, Broadway musicals, street performers, jazz clubs, and whatever else you can think of come alive after dusk. You are guaranteed to get your money’s worth when you choose to explore the stage, theatre, or performances that brighten the nightlife of New York City. Depending on the season you choose to visit, Coney Island offers amazing firework displays or you can catch a free movie in the Brooklyn Bridge Park. If your preferences desire something more sophisticated, you can head over to a trivia night at Professors Thom’s down in Manhattan or The Wolfhounds over in Queens. There is no shortage of places to both feed your belly and mind while in NYC.

5. Choose Your Keepsake

No trip or vacation is complete without some sort of memento that tells your friends and family where you had the time of your life. Most notable, Chinatown is a New York City staple when looking for the perfect, although maybe cheesy, gift or souvenir from the city. Part of the thrill is haggling over the price, but for some, the attraction is more with the dozens of shops that carry anything imaginable with a giant New York City logo on it. You can’t go back home empty-handed.

If you are wanting to get the most out of your trip to New York City, don’t just leave the excursion to daytime travel. Get out your dancing shoes, put on a party face, and check out the nightlife the Big Apple has to offer.

Easy Small Batch Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

For ages, macaroni and cheese has been one of those quintessential comfort foods that most anyone enjoys. Of course, it is not considered a diet-friendly dish, but we don't really eat it for that reason, to begin with. Nothing beats a nice creamy, cheesy scoop of homemade baked macaroni and cheese. There is something irresistible about the corner edges that crisp up just a little while baking that is the perfect texture and bite.

Growing up Guyanese, our macaroni and cheese wasn't like the classic American style. Ours had extra things in it like onion, scallions, and hot pepper. It was also baked firm so it could be cut into thick slices. While it was still delicious, I always preferred the more classic version. One of the things that can sometimes be a turn off when making mac and cheese is having such a huge amount left over. While that might not be a bad problem to have, some of us do not want to have too much of a good thing.

I have been working on a small-batch mac and cheese recipe that is perfect for smaller families. This recipe is so good since it doesn't require a lot of ingredients, and doesn't take a whole lot of time to prepare. Of course, you can always make a double batch for larger families, potluck meals, or if you simply can't get enough. Check out the recipe below.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning (optional) OR 1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups milk

How to make it:

1. Heat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions in well-salted water, then drain. 

2. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large saucepan and add flour. Whisk until butter and flour are well combined. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. 

3. Whisk in milk and bring to a low boil, until slightly thickened. 

4. Add shredded cheese, reserving a little to sprinkle on top for baking. 

5. Add in drained pasta to cheese sauce mixture, then pour into a 9x9 baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes.  

Tips: 

• Sprinkle either cayenne pepper or paprika on top before baking for extra color and flavor. 
• Crush buttery crackers and top before baking if you like extra texture and crunch. 
• Add ham or crumbled bacon or turkey bacon, and sweet green peas or green onions to make it an entree. 
• You can experiment with other types of cheese like Swiss, colby-jack, or gouda. 
• Make this dish vegan by using plant-based butter, cheese and milk. I have made it before and t comes out great! 

This small batch mac and cheese is sure to please anyone who wants an ooey-gooey comfort classic. As a matter of fact, it's so easy to make that it can be whipped up in no time, even on a school night. You can Pin this recipe for later.

Be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:
Shelly's Easy and Moist Meatloaf
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Perfect Greek Pasta Salad

Build-A-Bear Workshop Opens New Store in Walmart on Centre Pointe Dr in North Charleston, SC

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP® IS OPENING A NEW STORE AT WALMART SUPERCENTER ON CENTRE POINT DRIVE IN NORTH CHARLESTON, SC

Full-line Workshop to Feature the Build-A-Bear Make-Your Own Experience, Furry Friends and More

Beginning September 19, shoppers at Walmart on Centre Point Drive in North Charleston, SC will be able to make a new Build-A-Bear® furry friend when they are shopping at Walmart. The full-line experiential retail Workshops will be available in a leased space in the Walmart store and offer the signature Build-A-Bear Make-Your-Own experience, as well as an assortment of furry friends and accessories that appeal to kids and adults alike, including Condo Cubs, a brand-new collection of furry friends starting at $10 each.

The Store hours: 10am – 8pm and the address is: Build-A-Bear Workshop at Walmart Supercenter #3367, 4920 Centre Point Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418

About Build-A-Bear®

Build-A-Bear® is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has over 450 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including corporately-managed stores in the United States, Canada, China, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. Buildabear.com is the online destination for unique furry-friend gifts, featuring The-Bear-Builder™, a shopping configurator that helps create customized gift options. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted total revenue of $336.6 million in fiscal 2018.