Archives for 2019

With an abundance of technology in most homes, children often spend their days indoors playing videos games, watching television or playing on their computers, laptops or tablets. Past generations spent most of their summertime outdoors running around, playing, and releasing bottled up energy. The good news is that there are many activities that you can still do to encourage your kids to spend more time outdoors. 

Local Parks 

Regardless of the ages of your children, local parks provide an outlet that lets kids run, play and have fun. There are swings and playground equipment for babies and older children, and lots of grassy areas where you can fly kites, toss footballs or even play a game like volleyball. You can also use the cleared paths to have a wonderful family nature walk where your kids can collect specimens and then view them under a microscope at home. Riding bikes together or showing off your skateboarding skills is another way to bond as a family and let the children burn off energy while getting in fun physical fitness activities. Afterward, you can set up a picnic and enjoy a wholesome meal outdoors, together. 

Off Road Fun 

If you live near an empty piece of real estate that has a dirt road and a grassy area you can take children out for some supervised and safe off-road fun. An Electric kart, dirt bike, dune buggy or ATV provides a world of racing fun. They also teach children how to navigate on uneven terrain and the basics of operating a vehicle.   

The Beach or Lake 

Going to the beach or a local lake gives kids a chance to enjoy the sun and water. They can swim, surf, canoe or even take a boat ride.  There are also fishing piers for fishing and crabbing. There are shells along the beach to collect, as well as sandcastles to create. Just make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen before and throughout the day to prevent burns. 

Camping/ Hiking Trips   

If you want to become one with nature, going on a weekend camping or hiking trip gives children a way to connect with nature. They can learn survival techniques and how to pitch their very own tent to sleep in. And, both provide lots of fun even after the sun sets. During the day you can swim in the lake, fish or go on a nature trail and at night you can roast marshmallows over an open fire and then star gaze. 

Backyard 

Of course, having fun outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean you have to leave the comforts of your home. Your backyard has endless possibilities for outdoor activities. Rent a bouncy house or buy a water slide designed for home use. Or, you can plan a family gathering and set up various activities around the yard like a tennis or volleyball net, a bean bag toss and even a mud pit where kids can safely get dirty. Children also love bubbles and you can use small bottles or go more elaborate and acquire larger pieces to create super-sized bubbles for enhanced fun. You can also grow a garden and paint rocks to add a unique finish. 

Local Events 

If you want to keep your children entertained with outdoor activities over the summer, plan ahead. Check the local paper for events in your area. Most towns have several parades, a series of food and music festivals, and the fair which always has a host of activities like face painting, carnival rides, and farm animals to keep children busy. 

Summertime is a great time to enjoy the sunshine, warm breeze, and countless activities. Get outdoors and make the most of each day and save the electronics for a rainy day.

When you first think of “stamped concrete”, the first image that may pop into your head is dull and boring grey floors with out-of-date patterns. But you could not be more wrong. Stamped concrete is a constantly changing and progressing flooring technique that has been more than able to keep up with modern trends.

It is done by using stamping mats and other tools to imprint patterns or designs into wet concrete. When the concrete and the pattern on it has dried down, it can be stained to a particular color and then polished or sealed to protect the design. Reputable concrete contractors like https://cincinnaticoncreteartisans.com/ can achieve many kinds of modern designs and patterns.

It is a stylish and cost-effective design addition to any modern home. To show you how timeless stamped concrete can be, here are some ideas for incorporating it into your contemporary home:

Grey and Light-Colored “Wood”

Wood is a popular flooring material for homes because of its timeless and classically iconic look. And in recent years, certain kinds of it have been popular as a flooring option for modern and minimalist homes, particularly light-colored kinds of wood like beech, ash, and maple. Many homeowners also use wood stains to color the wood various shades of grey or to add a richness to light wood.

While it may seem unlikely, concrete can mimic the look of wooden floors perfectly. You can achieve wooden floors with stamped concrete in a few steps:

1. Apply a stamp to wet concrete that mimics the look of wooden slats and use methods of hand engraving to apply organic-looking grooves to the concrete to mimic the surface texture of wood.

2. Wait until the concrete has dried before applying a concrete water-based stain that applies an even coat of color. You can also blend and mix colors to give the appearance of a gradient on the wood.

3. Wait for it all to dry before applying a sealer that can be very shiny or that leaves no shine. A sealer is crucial in ensuring the longevity of the floor design.

At a fraction of the cost, you can achieve modern wooden floors that have the durability, longevity, and stain-resistance of concrete floors – all done with stamped concrete.

Faux Stone Floors

Stone is a versatile flooring material that works well both indoors and outdoors. There are many forms of stone that are popular as flooring materials like slate, granite, limestone, and travertine. For a contemporary style for your outdoor spaces, largely cut pieces of travertine tiles deliver a sleek and expensive look.

In general, neutral colors like beige and grey look more modern than other types, and large cuts of stone will look more modern than small tile sizes that can look outdated. Unfortunately, however, large perfect cuts of stone will cost more, and stone floors already come with a hefty price tag.

This is where stamped concrete can save the day. Unlike stone floors where various things can affect the price such as the time needed to install the stones, the stone itself, as well as the rarity of the size and color, concrete floors are generally cost-effective that do not have a lot of moving parts.

A contractor who specializes in stamped concrete can perfectly imitate the look of any kind of stone, including rarer and more expensive types for your home.

Interspersed Concrete and Grass Pattern

A modern and contemporary way of decorating your outdoor spaces is to combine organic and inorganic. And no, we don’t mean to simply grow more plants in your backyard. We mean to combine the two elements that are so usually kept away from each other in a way that calls a naturalistic way of living to mind.

The best way to do this is with an interspersed pattern on your outdoor floors that intentionally brings grass to your floors. You can achieve this by stamping your floors in a specific manner that creates large indents in the concrete.

When the concrete has dried, you can use these spaces to transplant grass or roll out fresh rolls of astroturf. Make sure to completely cover up space you previously indented into the floor. This will make the design look like large tiles of concrete sitting on the grass, which creates a cool and modern visual illusion.

You can choose to keep the concrete that can be seen plain or apply a small pattern or texture to create visual contrast with the grass.

Wedding invitation cards are the first element that announces your wedding. So you need to have the invitations that represent you. Basically, the invitation cards should show a good first impression of your wedding. You need to choose the right impression that will announce and tell your guests about the theme and style of your wedding. If you deliver a successful invitation, then the whole event itself will be perfect.

Explore the market and online stores to select a unique design. You can try Mixbook. They have different Mixbook wedding invitation cards depending on the event. Whether you are looking for engagement party invitation cards, bridal shower invites, or rehearsal dinner invites, you will find the invitation card you need. If you choose a destination wedding such as a Hawaiian wedding, then, your invitation must echo that through the design layout, colors and text.

Here are a few styles that you can develop using the Mixbook wedding invitation cards.

Elegant design: This style represents good taste and sophistication. Use it if you want to catch the attention of your guests with an elegance theme. Black and white combination will also be perfect for this style since they’re never out of fashion.

Floral design: If you choose the floral design, then your relationship represents naturalness and freshness. You’ll be making the first impression that your marriage is beginning with sincerity and spontaneity. This floral design is very often used, but people do not recognize the naturalness and freshness behind the design.

Classic: This style symbolizes boundless. It represents an infinite relationship between the bride and groom. It also symbolizes the bond between the two souls who are going to go the same way for eternity.

Simple invitation: This basically means a simple wedding. If you want your wedding to be simple, then you have to pick invitations with a minimal model and pattern. Merely a simple paper with little text with a lovely envelope will do just fine to become a simple wedding invitation. It is also a good decision if you’re limited by a budget.

Photo wedding invitations: You can also choose to include a picture of the couple to make the invitation stand out. If having a photo on the invitation card does not appeal to you, go for a professional sketch or drawing. This will surely enhance as well as personalize the wedding invitation cards.

Designer cards: These cards can be used as wedding invitations as well as for other events like reception invitation, wedding announcements, and even bridal shower invitation. Designer cards have their own lure and are created with sophistication to satisfy the needs of the couple. The couple can also order the designer cards online with a lot of ease and comfort.

There are endless designs and opportunities for different couples to have their own kind of wedding invitation cards, but the thing that they should watch out for is that the invitation fits their budget. Mixbook wedding invitation cards are affordable, time-saving, and unique. Also take advantage of the free online editor feature from Mixbook, you’re not restricted to static pre-designed templates; you have the choice to edit your content and bring out the personality of the couple.

It can be an extremely rewarding experience to build your home from the ground up. It provides you the chance to customize your home to fit your current and future tastes and needs. But anyone who has watched any home construction show can tell you, it can also be a method that is enormously exhausting and time-consuming. However, building a home doesn’t have to be a horrible process. Here are our top 10 tips to build a pain-free home:

The big plan:

Get yourself planned first. Planning is the most significant component of building process. Make sure you plan your house information carefully. Which direction is it going to face on the lot? What will be the room design and structure? What type of shading are you going to use and how many power points are you going to install? You will also want to begin to keep track of design concepts that influence you and you would like to replicate them. . So for this, you must have the details of the house map or there should be a design of the house which you want to replicate.

Budget:

Budget is the most essential part when you have deiced to build a house. Always make a budget more than you’ve expected because house designs and finishing usually take a lot more budget than you’ve expected. Regardless of how much you believe the construction method will probably cost, it will probably cost more. There might be a number of things not included in your builder’s approximation.

Contractor:

The choice of your building contractor should not be based solely on expenses, quality and reputation should be considered first, it will save you in the long run. Ensure the proper licensing and insurance of your contractor.

Pesticides:

Dry wood termites are building their houses in dry wood, as their name indicates, while soil termites are living in the ground. Look around any holes or cracks around your home for sawdust-like stuff. A termiticide therapy will not only destroy termites in the floor but also safeguard your home from any termites that attempt to burrow into it Termite bait is a toxin in which termites are slowly killed. To eradicate the infestation, it also spreads the poison around the colony. You can also contact to Pointe Pest Control.

Wood Work:

Make sure that your closets have enough room to accommodate lengthy dresses for both double hung rods and single rods. Include in the pantry or laundry room a full-size broom cupboard to hide all cleaning products from sight. Kitchen cabinets must be made in order to place all the crockery in it. Different drawers must be made. Make a chest of clothes to put all the off season clothes. Extra wood work is never a bad option.

Electric Wiring and Sanitary:

Make sure to prewire circuit of safety & cameras. Run wire and arrange the roof for solar in the future. Remember to re-wire to vital fields for generator. Place unit of carbon monoxide close bedrooms on the wall. Measure anything under the slab place, and different utilities out in the yard. Provide a drain in the garage after rain and snow to get rid of surplus water from cars. Light move to the doorway attic (and generally remember lights in the attic). Solar tubes in regions where natural sunlight does not occur. All sanitary walls must be placed properly to prevent further leakage.

There are a lot more important points you need to keep in your mind while constructing your house.

Though summer is in full swing, it won’t be long before the crisp, cool, season of fall begins. There’s something about fall that puts a smile on your face. A break from the scorching high temperatures, the upcoming family holidays, the beautiful landscape of fall foliage, and the smell of pumpkin spice and everything nice is just so comforting. That includes the delicious recipes for fall. It’s the perfect season for comfort foods like stews, soups, and good old home cooking.

If you plan on making some of fall’s most popular delights, you’re going to need to stock up on a few ingredients. Fortunately, with this being harvest season, you’ll find a lot of items to try. Below, is a list of things you want to have in your cupboard this fall. 

Squash

If there’s one veggie you want to have a lot of this fall it’s going to be a squash.  It’s great to add to soups, dips, broths, salads, or serve as a side dish next to a delicious protein. For those who are looking for healthy alternatives, squash can easily be diced and fried to replace french fries or put through a pasta maker for a delicious spaghetti. Though butternut remains the most popular, there are other types of squash you can purchase this time of year. 

Granola

You may not have been aware but granola is packed with beneficial vitamins and nutrients. Great for iron, protein, and fiber, granola is a heart-healthy ingredient to add to your list for fall recipes. Believe it or not, you can add granola to your cold or warm cereal, yogurt, or breakfast grains like muffins. It’s also a great salad topper and tastes absolutely delicious sprinkled on a warm slice of pie.

Apples

What is fall without apples? You’ll want to stock up on fresh green and red apples. They’re not only good for you but taste great and work well with a lot of fall recipes. You can add some sugar and cinnamon and make warm apples, make your own warm applesauce, add them to salads, bake them in a pie, and make apple crisps. They even pair well with pork so making an apple sauce over some pork chops or other meat adds a bit of sweetness that will make your tastebuds dance. 

Pumpkin

Another ingredient that’s impossible to overlook when you talk about fall recipes is pumpkin. Often regarded as the most popular fruit of the season, pumpkin works great in everything. You can make soup, add it to salads, roast the seeds, make a puree, bake bread or muffins, add it to butter, and so much more. Getting fresh pumpkin, as well as pumpkin spice, are recommended for fall. 

Root Veggies

Harvest time in the fall makes for a plethora of vegetable options. You get to expand your palate and try vegetables ranging in color, texture, and taste. Root veggies, tend to be the most popular during the fall. This includes things like beets, turnips, and carrots. They’re great to have fresh but can be included in so many recipes. You can saute them and serve them as a side dish. You can add them to your soups or stews as well. 

Cranberries

Ripe for picking in early fall cranberries are the perfect addition to your cupboard. These gorgeous red fruits are idealistic for more than just sauce you find on the Thanksgiving dinner table. You can enjoy them fresh as a snack, add them to desserts, or cook them down and make a deliciously sweet but bitter sauce perfect for pouring over poultry. You can buy them in large batches and freeze them so you always have them on hand for your fall recipes. 

Fall is a season for cooking. The temperatures make it idealistic for making foods that warm the body and comfort the soul. If you plan on getting your hands dirty in the kitchen this season, you’re going to want to make sure you have a cupboard or pantry stocked with ingredients you’ll need to create amazing fall recipes. From soups and salads to baked goods and hearty meals, the above-listed ingredients are sure to add a special kick to any meal you create. 

We’ve heard and seen on television and through all sorts of media that Botox will make you look younger. You may have even seen ads of celebrities endorsing it, but what exactly will Botox do for you?

The answer may seem like another question, but it really does depend on what it is you’re looking for. Botox has many uses, including medical ones. It is used to treat migraine, facial defects, and many other issues that people have. If you’re asking about its more cosmetic uses, then there are different uses for it as well!

First, realize that Botox can’t be used to treat the aging appearance of skin due to the damage from exposure to sunlight. Botox is a series of injections that are used to reduce to appearance of wrinkles on the skin to the point of being reduced greatly, and in some cases, they may even disappear altogether!

If you’re experiencing wrinkles across your forehead, then this is an ideal product for you. Botox is especially good at stopping future creases from appearing on your forehead and can reduce the existing creases to the point that they’re no longer noticeable. The reason why Botox is so effective with these type of creases and wrinkles is that they’re especially useful against moderate to severe cases of this type!

Botox injections are also used to treat the development of crow’s feet. Those are the appropriately named lines that can develop around the corners of your eyes. Botox can be used to smooth away those lines and return that younger look to the eye area.

It’s never particularly flattering, but many of us also develop frown lines around our mouths. These are those undesirable lines that can make you look much older than you really are. Botox can also be injected around those areas to prevent those creases from forming and to ensure that the current wrinkles are reduced, considerably.

There are also other cosmetic, but lesser known, uses for Botox. If you’re looking to correct a “gummy” smile, that is a smile that is more gums then teeth, then Botox injections can be used to treat it. If you suffer from the deep creases across the neck that some people can get, Botox can also be used to fade away those lines, as well.

For people who experience any deep dimples on their chin or other undesirable areas on the face, this can also be used to deaden the muscles so that it doesn’t contract to the same degree, eliminating the dimple! It can even give a lift to your smile!

This treatment can also be used to lift your eyebrows and give you that “wide-eyed” youth look, or you can even use it to make a square jawline look less severe.

Whatever the treatment you’re looking for, always consult with your doctor first to ensure that Botox is right for you. They are also the first person you want to go to, if you have any concerns.

Has your swimsuit inventory gone downhill over the past few years? Have you gained or lost weight and now your suit doesn’t fit? Haven’t had the time or money to shop for a new one lately? Or maybe you’re going on vacation or planning on taking a swim? Whatever reason you’ve found yourself shopping for a new bathing suit, you’re in luck. 

This season, there are so many different styles and trends to match all body types and styles. You’re bound to find something you love and feel confident in. To give you an idea, here’s a look at the fashionable swimsuits out there today:

One-Piece Bathing Suits

Believe it or not, one-piece swimsuits are making a huge comeback! They’ve gone beyond the basic leotard look and have taken on a whole new form. You can find the one-pieces in different colors, patterns, and prints. More trendy styles are halter-tops, deep v-neck, and one-shoulder pieces. For women who’d appreciate a little extra support, lots of the one-pieces have features like control-top for stomach support and extra cushion for the bustline. 

Triangle Bikinis

Triangle bathing suits are also trending this season. You can find triangle bikini tops and bottoms in just about any pattern or color scheme. Whether you’re a fan of solid bathing suits or patterned bathing suits, you’ll find that there are plenty of options to choose from.

High-Cut is In

If you’ve been gifted with legs of a goddess then why not show them off? High-cut one and two-piece bathings suits are definitely trending this season. This once retro trend has made its way back to the forefront and looks great. You can find a high-cut bathing suit in an array of styles and textures from bright and bold to leopard print and crinkle options you may have a hard time deciding which one looks the best. 

Animal Prints

There’s something bold, confident, and exotic about an animal print bathing suit. From one-piece zebra prints to two-piece snakeskin sets, if you like to stand out in the crowd, these bathing suit styles will certainly do the trick. 

Underwire Top

Ladies need all the support they can get from a bathing suit – particularly in the chest area. For bustier women, having additional support keeps them feeling attractive and prevents them from having a backache later on. That’s why it would appear that designers are getting into underwire top options for swimwear this year. You’ll find that many styles of bathing suits and bikinis now have underwire protection for added support and comfort.

Belts

Swimsuits are more than just something you throw on to hop in the water, it’s a summer fashion statement. Even the tiniest details can make you stand out and feel more confident. Lately, you’ll notice that both the one and two-piece swimsuit styles have belts. While some are sewn as an attachment to the suit others easily wrap around your waist and tie. 

Smocked Swimsuits

Smocked swimsuits have become a trend for both girls and women. The rigid pattern gives it such texture and volume. You’ll find that swimsuit designers are incorporating it into many styles. In fact, you can find the smocked trend used in every bathing suit style listed above. They also come in solids and other cute prints to add more flare. 

Sustainable Swimsuits

In an effort to support the environment you’ll see that more fashion lines have opted to use more sustainable materials in their products. Not only will you find more styles made from durable high-quality recycled materials, but you’ll also find that more brands are trying to reduce their carbon footprint in the process by using cleaner production processes. If you’re worried about what a sustainable swimsuit would look like, don’t be alarmed. You’re not going to get something that looks like plastic or newspaper print, but elegant designs and fashions in various styles to match all body types. 

Every woman needs at least one or two trendy bathing suits in their arsenal at all times. You just never know when the occasion might arise for you to throw one on and strut your stuff. A pool party, dream vacation, day at the beach, or even a few laps around the gym pool is a whole lot more fun when you look good and feel confident. 

Staying healthy requires work, especially in modern times. This work can pay off in various ways, such as the possibility of not developing certain ailments. The following are 10 easy tips to help you stay as healthy as you can.

1. Read Ingredients

Food in stores and restaurants can contain ingredients that won’t help you stay healthy, like high fructose corn syrup. Learn about harmful ingredients you should not consume, and stay away from them.

2. Exercise

Add an exercise routine or class to your life. Staying healthy means you have to stay fit to ward off issues like obesity and heart disease. Think of your own physical abilities as you choose what exercise to tackle. Those who want to push the limit can do something intense, while those who do not can do something less strenuous.

3. Avoid Alcohol

Excessive drinking can have all sorts of negative effects on your life, such as a weaker immune system, major depression, and liver failure. Those who choose to drink heavily should at least look into ways to reduce the chances of drunk driving, which can lead to serious injuries or even death. For example, the Oregon DMV interlock device mandated to be installed after a DUI can be preemptively installed to prevent you from operating a moving vehicle while intoxicated.

4. Doctor Visits

It is easy to ignore doctor visits, especially if you feel well. Some people do it simply because it costs too much money. Do not make this mistake because regular checkups are as much about addressing an issue as they are about preventing them, and that is worth your time and money.

5. Eat Healthy Food

You are probably actively avoiding certain things like processed foods, but you now have to replace those foods with things you need, such as local vegetables and fruit. Learn to cook with better ingredients like organic produce, and try to cook from scratch as often as you can.

6. Wellness

Being healthy also means taking time to invest in your health, and you can do that by taking wellness retreats. These are purposeful breaks from your day-to-day life to give your body and mind time to readjust and shed some of that stress you are carrying.

7. Sleep

Sleep is vital for health. The ability to remember things and even control your mood depends on you having a good night’s rest. Turn off your smartphone or television, and get to bed so you are well rested every day. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble sleeping as there may be an issue you haven’t discovered causing this problem.

8. Water

A lot of people are dehydrated, sometimes because they think drinking a sugary drink is a good replacement for water. Dehydration can lead to all sorts of issues, including drowsiness. Drink water as much as you can, and do this every day.

9. Great Hygiene

Harmful bacteria are everywhere, and they are all hunting for you. Do not give these microscopic things an opportunity to get you sick by practicing poor hygiene. Wash your hands as often as you can, especially when you are getting ready to eat or prepare food.

10. Safe Adulting

Sex is a healthy act, but you need to make sure you practice safe sex at all times. Always get tested if you are going to be active with a new partner. Be sure you wear protection when you do engage in this act and remember to be honest with your partners if you are going through something.

Hopefully, these tips are easy enough to follow. Your health is worth the effort and the time you put into these tips.

For people who have twins, the world can be a very hectic place. The tasks of caring for a single infant or toddler are significant when you double the tasks with a set of twins. That is why it’s essential to have as many of the best parent tools on hand to make life a bit easier.

Parents expecting twins should have the necessary caretaking tools in place before the babies arrive. While there used to be few products specifically designed for twin babies, much of that has changed in the last few decades.

The good news is that today there are quite a few great products out there for parents with young twins that can make life much easier for them and their parents. Investing in these types of parental tools can be essential in reducing the stresses of your workload. Learning all the best products for twin infants can help reduce stress for parents and make life much better for your infants when they arrive.

The top parental products for parents of twins to ease the stresses include:

Twin Stroller- This is an essential tool for parents of twins. When going out for walks or runs, trying to manage two strollers is impossible. However, with the use of a twin stroller, parents can easily care for their twins as they enjoy a relaxing walk time outside. Most of these strollers will work for twins from infancy into toddlerhood.

Twin Diaper Bag- When having twins, you may feel like you need two of everything, however, that might not always be the case. A diaper bag for twins has enough room for all the essential twin caretaking items. You just may need to purchase double the diapers, wipes, and pacifiers to fit into the bag! 

Twin Baby Carrier- Twin baby carriers are perfect for watching over both twins while taking a walk. While strollers are an essential tool, sometimes they can be burdensome. This is especially true with shopping, running a quick errand, or socializing at picnics or other outdoor areas where strollers may be difficult to handle and maneuver. A dual pair of baby carriers for mom and dad is the ideal solution for these circumstances.

Twin Baby Feeding Loungers- For infants, this tool helps parents feed both babies at the same time without needing to lean into a bassinet. Twin feeding loungers hold infants’ upright side by side, which is perfect for bottle feeding and starting them out on cereal and baby foods. This is the best product to help babies during feeding time before they are ready to go into a high chair.

Twin Baby Bassinet and Playpen- For parents of infant and pre-toddler twins, this is a perfect place for babies to sleep and play. Because infants are not yet very active, they can comfortably (and safely) be in this combination bassinet that also converts into a playpen. They are great for nap time and playtime in the home and on the go since it quickly turns back and forth and can be packed for on the go too.

Finding out you’re having twins is a mixed bag of emotions. You’re stoked to find out you’re going to be the proud parent of two children born at the same time but overwhelmed with the prospect of parenting duties being doubled. The best way to merge these feelings together is by making sure you’ve got the right array of products designed for twins.