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How to Deal With Returning to Work After Baby

If you’re facing the challenge of returning to work, then we know how much of a challenge this might be to some of you. When you’ve been out of the working world for a while, no matter what your reason might be, you’ve got to think about the impact this is going to have had on you. You will have become so used to living your life the way you have, without having to so much as think about getting up for work, or getting dressed, or dealing with the mental stress that it might bring.

This really does desensitize you to the working world, making you feel as though the life you have at the minute is the only one you can live. But it’s usually financial reasons that people head back into work, especially when you feel like you’re living from paycheck to paycheck.

So, if you know the time has come for you to don your work clothes, head out of the house, and face the working world again, we want to try and make it a little bit easier for you. Below are out top tips as to how you can face the challenge of returning to the working world again!

Think About The Career You’re Going Into

This is going to be a whole lot easier if the career you’re going into, is one you actually want to go into. But for the majority of you, this just isn’t going to be the case. So, have a real think about the line of work that has always interested you, but you’ve never actually pursued. It could be something like nursing, or midwifery, but the thought of training to do it has always been too much.

Consider online platforms that provide jobs. For readers in the UK, consider Day Webster as an option.

Well, there is a nurse midwife program that you could take online, and it really would push you in the right direction to becoming a nurse or a midwife. We really do believe that although the work is hard to get there, the rewarding job at the end will be more than worth it.

No matter what it is that has always appealed to you, don’t let the work to get there put you off your dream job!

Are You Diving Right Into The Deep End

Facing the challenge of returning to work and diving right into the deep end, might not always be the best thing for you to do. Instead, you need to think about slowly readjusting, and the best way to do that is to go part time.

You’re still bringing in more money than you had before, you’re just easing yourself into it nice and slowly!

Getting Through The Jitters

The jitters are going to be there, and they will nearly force you to drop out altogether. But if you view work as a way of getting out and doing something different, and put a positive spin on it, it’ll be easy to get through the working jitters.

Everyone has them, even after returning from a weeks holiday, but everyone does get through them!

Build a ‘Baby Fund’ From Your Extra Space {How To}

Saving for a baby? Got a baby but want to save up for vacation or private school or some other luxury? If you have more than one property or space in your home that you can convert to an apartment, you might want to consider leasing it out and using the income to fund your dreams of parenthood or a pet project.

Be a landlord.

Calling someone who leases out property a landlord is an oversimplification of their responsibilities. A landlord is the most fundamental of entrepreneurs.

Purchasing property and renting it out for others to use or live in can yield serious profits if done right. The key is to think like an opportunist and not a just landowner.

A few principles are usually associated with other fields of entrepreneurship, but they are equally relevant to land ownership. If you haven’t already purchased a property, then the most important thing to think about is location. This will determine who your tenants are and how much you can charge for rent. Also, use technology to your benefit (it’s your friend). In this increasingly digital world, those who use technology to enhance their business will come out on top. In addition, you want to consider who your target consumer is, and design your property to attract them. Make your property jump out at prospective tenants and say, “Welcome home!” Continue reading to see how to flourish as a landlord in the 21st century.

Location, location, location!

As cliche as it may sound (cliches only become cliches because they’re true), location is the key to success for an entrepreneur, especially a landlord. If you purchase a home in a college community, then you will likely attract college students and repel families — especially those with babies. If you get property near a shopping district or downtown area, then you will likely attract young professionals and families just starting out.

When you are shopping around for the perfect rental property, you have to consider a lot of factors. What kind of attractions and conveniences are within a reasonable distance of the home? What are the schools in the area like? Is the neighborhood safe? How much will it cost to make this home ready to lease out? While only legwork and research can provide you with the answers to these questions, at least you know which ones to ask now!

Use technology to your benefit

You can’t duck the facts. That long-ago prophesied day — when “everything will be done on computers” — has arrived. The good news is that technology has come to make life (and business) more convenient. The way you use these new developments could go a long way towards determining your success as an entrepreneur.

As a landlord, the internet could be your best friend. You could use social media and online directories to advertise your property to prospective lessees as well as find people to service your property. Software bundles give you quick access to anything from a free rental application to credit and background checks. Use these tools to thoroughly screen and analyze potential renters before handing them the keys to the kingdom. As you see, technology can help save you a lot of time, money, and headaches!

Make your property the main attraction

One key thing to remember as a landlord is that you are in competition with every other landlord in your area. You cannot afford to lose your competitive edge. You want your house to make potential tenants wish they had brought their packed moving truck with them when they first lay eyes on it. You need to make your property desirable.

Take into account what kind of tenants you are trying to attract. If you are trying to attract growing or professional families, and you have a spare room, market it as an office or playroom. If you’re trying to attract young adults and newlyweds, then you should turn extra rooms into entertainment spaces. Modernize the kitchen with black and chrome appliances and accents. Turn your property into the place to be.

If you have the patience and will, being a landlord can be a rewarding endeavor. Many people choose to let property management firms handle those responsibilities for them, but you can be much more profitable on your own. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so ultimately, you will have to decide what’s best for you.

Here’s to lording over land in the 21st century!

New Birthday Party Trend: Night Golf {How to Throw One}

Looking to mix up the usual birthday party? Consider a night golf party!

If you’ve never heard of night golf, prepare to be amazed. You can enjoy an awesome game of golf at night with the help of specialized golf balls, flags, and marker lights.

This is a great way to celebrate a golfer’s birthday, a graduation, or just a perfect summer day. Here are some tips for organizing an evening of night golf.

Start with light up golf balls

If you can’t see your ball, you’re not going to have a very good game of golf. This is especially true for night golf. To organize a successful night of golf, start by making sure you have light up golf balls so your players can see their incredible hits.

But before you buy them, make sure you know what type of light up ball is best for the event you’re organizing. You might want to get LED golf balls that only light up for 30 seconds after being hit. These balls are perfect for short events, like a hole-in-one tournament or hitting on a driving range, and they last for 30 to 40 hours of use, making them well worth the price.

If you’re planning a game of mini-golf or round of nine holes, you’ll want the timer-less golf balls. These balls are activated by a strong light, such as the one from your cell phone, and they’re turned off the same way. Once activated, these balls stay lit for your entire event, making it easy for players to find their balls. There is even a golf ball that allows you to alternate its glow between seven different colors. What more could you want for a round of night golf?

Next, mark your course

Light up golf balls are a great start, but if your players don’t know where to aim, you’re in for some trouble. This problem is easily solved by the addition of LED yardage markers, LED flag sticks, and marker lights. These lights create a colorful course for your golfers.

LED yardage markers are the perfect way to light the path for your players if you’re on a golf course. You’ll want to place two on either side of the course every 25-30 feet. Since golf course length is increasing, you definitely want to make sure your players are able to view the entirety of the course. With these markers, your golfers will easily be able to see where to aim and they’ll feel like they’re golfing on a cool and different sort of course.

LED flag sticks help players know exactly where they are aiming when they’ve reached the final hole and are perfect for any type of night golf event. At 6.5 feet long, they are regulation size and include over 30 LED lights, which can light up in three ways: steady on, fast blink, and slow blink. Set it to your golfers’ preferences and watch them score.

Glow marker lights are perfect for anywhere you’d still like to light up, like along walkways or around the snack table. The lights’ batteries are rechargeable and last four to six hours. These simple lights are the perfect touch to complete your course.

Lastly, have fun

You now have everything you need for a great night golf event, and these tips will make it a lot easier to do just that. After you’ve done all the work, don’t forget to grab a light-up ball yourself and get out there on the course.

Summer Vacation Is Coming: Here are New Hampshire’s Hidden Secrets

As parents start to scramble for destinations to travel to for upcoming Spring and Summer breaks, folks on the East coast of the United States do not have to travel too far and can look no farther than New Hampshire.

New Hampshire is one of those New England states that never really gets its due. For all the beautiful, immersive nature and quaint northeastern towns it has to offer, New Hampshire gets missed when looking for new vacation spots. If you’re looking for a getaway and are tired of your average tourist trap, the Granite State has several small towns that are worth adding to your itinerary.

Gazing Out on the Ocean in Portsmouth

If a seaside vacation sounds right up your alley, you need to look no further than Portsmouth. It’s just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the larger New England cities and even feels calmer, but it’s not so far that you can’t run into the city should you so desire. With easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains, Portsmouth is a nature lover’s dream come true. Make sure to pack according to the weather forecast because northeastern climates can occasionally be colder than expected. And foodies can rejoice: Voters called Portsmouth one of the best small town food scenes in the country. Better come hungry!

History Comes Alive in Hanover

Hanover is one of those towns that is frequently talked about but seldom visited. Thanks to its role as the home of Dartmouth College, the town has maintained a youthful vibrancy despite looking much like a classic village from a time long since passed. This river community lies along the Appalachian Trail — hikers, take note — and truly lives up to the meaning of the word “picturesque.” Make sure you have your smartphone handy so you can snap plenty of selfies as you explore Hanover.

Natural Beauty Throughout Exeter

Exeter, with its fairly low population of 14,000, is smaller than many towns in the country but it makes up for its small size with a large amount of charm and personality. The quaint downtown, with a surplus of friendly natives, offers plenty to do without venturing into the realm of being overwhelming. Exeter is one of New Hampshire’s most well-kept secrets. Warning: once you get a load of the low housing prices, you may never want to leave.

Travel Back in Time in Hancock

Want to get that rush of feeling as though you stepped into an entirely different time period? Hancock is where you need to be. From its Sleepy Hollow-like covered bridge to the historical 18th century inn, it’s truly like you’ve traveled back in time. Don’t worry, you’ll still find plenty of modern amenities. Just make sure that if you’re planning a trip to Hancock, you’ve got a smartphone that’s up to snuff. Without pictures, nobody on social media will believe you’re in a town as historic as this!

Jumping All Around Jackson

The idea of a vacation in New Hampshire got you feeling sporty and ready to break a sweat? Jackson welcomes you! Depending on the time of year and the seasonality, this small town is perfect for hiking, biking, casual strolls, and the more wintry activities such as skiing and snowboarding. As one of the smallest towns on this list, Jackson has enough personality to contend with even the largest cities in the Granite State.

Preparing for Your Trip

New Hampshire isn’t exactly known for good reception, and an outdated device will only make it that much harder to take quality photos, snap selfies in front of historical landmarks, and Instagram the culinary confections you found up in Portsmouth. Before you get going, stop by one of the AT&T stores in New Hampshire to make sure you have one of the latest devices that can handle all of your texting, calling, pictures, and social media needs while you’re away. Nothing is a bigger buzzkill than going to upload a selfie in front of the Honeymoon Bridge in Jackson and getting that dreaded “no service” message!

Beyond that, always pack appropriately for the weather and make sure that, if you’re driving, your vehicle is properly gassed up at all times and that you have a clear idea of how to get to your next destination. While having fun is important on your vacation, so is your safety. Now go get ready to explore everything that New Hampshire’s small towns have to offer. You’ll be glad you did!

The Working Mom’s Guide To A Happier Life

Being a working mom is a tough job. Juggling work, family time, and your own hobbies and social life is something that many working moms struggle to do.

Usually, moms who work away from home feel that they are missing out somewhere, and that their routine is unbalanced in some way.

Here, we’re going to look at things you can do to live a happier, more balanced life when you’re a working mom. Take a look and you might find some inspiration.

Let Go Of Your ‘Mom Guilt’

You can’t allow yourself to feel guilty about not being able to spend every waking second with your kids, as much as you may want to. Focus on the positives of you working instead. For instance, it’s very admirable that you are working, and you are setting a great example for your kids as a result!

Utilize Time Saving Hacks

There may be shortcuts you can use to save time. You may be able to also plan strategically so that you’re not wasting time unnecessarily. For instance you can order your food shopping online, and perhaps even see if there are ways you can work remotely. Preparing food in advance is a good plan, as well as picking out outfits the night before.

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Maintain Open Communication With Your Manager/Boss

You should expect changes as a working mom. You may have appointments you have to keep, as well as sick kids you must deal with from time to time. It’s important you explain how you will continue to do your job well and what your place of work can do to help you. They will be impressed that you show your transparency and dedication to your job. Perhaps they will help you to further your career by enrolling you in courses from Kettering Online Education or another institution. Don’t be afraid to say what is going on with you!

Kick Distractions And Time Wasters To The Curb

Social media, emails, your phone, the TV – we have all of these distractions and more. Without these things, we can spend more time focusing on family. Time spent together will be far more meaningful when you’re not staring at a screen.

Have Meaningful Family Activities Planned

Plan activities that everybody is going to look forward to and enjoy. For example, you could plan a family games night, or you could stay active together by going on walks. To level up your walks, try geocaching!  

Share The Housework

Housework should not be your job alone. Delegate simple tasks to your kids depending on their age and abilities. You will be teaching them valuable lessons and skills, and they will grow up being more organized and tidy.

Learn How To Say No

Overbooking your kids and overscheduling yourself is a bad idea. Allow time for more ‘me’ time and family time. If you overschedule your kids with things like after school activities, you will be little more than their chauffeur. Don’t say yes to things that you really want to say no to!  

Make Your Newborn’s Crib Safe With These 4 Tips

The better your baby sleeps, the better your chances are to take care of yourself, including getting the rest you need. The right sleep environment can make all the difference between a good night’s sleep and tearful hours for the whole family.

Take extra care and diligence when selecting the part of the crib that’s always in constant contact with your baby: the mattress.

Why a Crib Mattress Is Important

As much as you might love to watch over your newborn every second, it’s simply not possible. Everyone needs to sleep! Set up a secure sleeping environment so you and your new baby can rest easy. A safe crib mattress is:

  • Firm: It may feel strange to put your baby on a hard, empty bed instead of somewhere soft and snuggly, but AAP guidelinesrecommend a firm mattress for safer sleep. Avoiding crib bumpers, blankets, and toys reduces the risk of suffocation.
  • Breathable: When your baby is able to roll back and forth from tummy to back, you don’t need to creep in and move them if they roll in their sleep. While it’s recommended for babies to sleep on their backs, rollovers will inevitably occur. Instead of worrying about if and when this happens, having a fully breathable crib mattress allows you to rest assured since air flows freely for optimal breathability, no matter what sleeping position your baby prefers. Additionally, greater breathability helps little ones avoid overheating.
  • Healthy: Researchers from the National Science Foundation found that some foam-based mattresses may release chemical off-gassing while your baby sleeps. Play it safe and protect your baby from potentially harmful chemicals by shopping for a mattress certified for the lowest level of VOCs and other chemical emissions. Look for the Greenguard Gold seal for products that emit the lowest possible VOCs and help to improve your indoor air quality.
  • Clean: Accidents happen, and every parent eventually has to deal with a diaper blowout in the crib. Ideally, you should be able to wash mattress covers and the mattress itself to eliminate messes. A fully breathable, fully washable mattress makes it easier to get rid of any smelly traces of a blowout.

A newborn baby can sleep as much as 17 hours a day, and even toddlers need 12-14 hours of sleep. Thus, a crib mattress is an especially important investment by virtue of the sheer amount of time your little one will spend there.

Show Now Crib Mattress 200x200

Factors That Affect Babies’ Sleep

“When will my baby sleep through the night?” is one of the most pressing questions for new parents. Newborn sleep can seem enigmatic, but there are various elements you can control to promote good sleeping habits early on, such as:

  • Routine
  • Temperature
  • Where the baby sleeps: The AAP recommends that you share a room with your baby, but always put babies to bed on a safe sleep surface (i.e. a bassinet or crib with a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet).

The crib and mattress may affect more than you think. It’s never too early to start practicing a sleep routine so you and your partner develop the habit, although your baby won’t be ready for actual sleep training until around four months of age. A dependable, feed-rock-sing-crib routine may help your baby grow to associate the look and feel of the crib with sleep time.

Depending on the mattress makeup, it can also play a role in promoting comfortable temperature. If you notice your baby has a sweaty back after lying in the crib, that’s a sign of overheating, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress allows better air flow through the mattress, reducing the risk of your baby overheating while she sleeps. A bassinnett or some of the best rated mini cribs may be an option as well.

Still struggling to get through the night? If you’ve set up a safe, cozy sleep environment and checked any medical concerns with your pediatrician, a baby sleep expert can help you develop a personalized plan to improve sleep.

8 Proven Ways To Fight Obesity In Your Child

Obesity in children is an epidemic in America and worldwide. Although not all overweight people are unhealthy, the fact is being obese or severely overweight makes one more susceptible to developing a range of health problems and conditions from high blood pressure to obesity to heart disease.

It puts a child at higher risk to and so it is up to parents to do what they can to help stave off, curb or decrease excess weight in their kids.

Here are 8 suggestions offered by Vinay Saranga M.D., a child psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry:

1 Talk to Your Child: A conversation about weight needs to be handled delicately so that you don’t hurt your child’s feelings. It’s important to be empathetic while educating yourself and your child on the detrimental effects of added weight. It’s best to let your child guide the conversation to keep an open line of communication. While speaking with your child about his/her weight, refrain from making statements and ask questions instead. For instance, instead of saying “You’re not very active” rephrase it into a question “How can you become more active?”

2. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits: Eating a balanced diet is a great way to help control weight. Be sure that your child is eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and buy whole grain foods instead of white. It’s also best to limit beverages loaded with sugar and opt for more water. Let your child get creative with his/her water by adding some fruit to naturally sweeten it and make it more exciting.

3. Go slow: If you introduce too many new things at once you may overwhelm your kids. Go slow and remember that every little step helps you accomplish the bigger goal of better health. For example, every meal might not be 100% low fat or low sugar, but a good place to start might be to reduce the serving of salt or sugar you use to prepare a dish, slightly reduce portion sizes, exchange water in place of soda or juice, and offer a serving of veggies at each meal.

4. Make Activity a Family Event: Being active at least 30 minutes a day is a great way to help remove excess weight and strengthen muscles. Brainstorm with your child some outside activities that he/she enjoys and make a plan. Even if you don’t have much time during the week to be active with your child, make activity a family event on the weekends. Go to a park, take a walk in nature, or visit a zoo. Those include lots of walking and provide some education along the way.

5. Include Your Child in Healthy Decisions: Children want to feel included in family decisions so let them participate in the healthy decisions. Ask your child what he/she would like to have for dinner or where he/she would like to go on family activity day. Including your child increases the likelihood that your child will stick with a healthy lifestyle.

6. Make it fun: After including them in the discussion, be sure to make it fun for them. When your kids look forward to something and get enjoyment out of it, they are more likely to want to engage. For example: you can invite their friends to partake in an outdoor activity or offer them something to look forward to if they eat well for a week.  

7. Set the example: Children are always watching every move their parents make. If you want your children to eat better and be more active, you must also model this behavior. You lose credibility with your kids if you tell them to do something but you don’t practice what you preach.

8. Get help: There are a lot of food choices, recipes and recommendations out there, and sometimes it can all be confusing. When in doubt about what’s right for your kids, always talk to their pediatrician or seek the advice or a dietician or nutritionist who can help clear up any confusion or questions you have.

How to Update Your Daughter’s Bedroom on a Budget

Decorating is a lot of fun, especially when you have a daughter who’s old enough to get involved. She’ll have plenty of opinions regarding the colors, fabrics, and overall look of the bedroom, and working with her to make it beautiful is a blast.

However, sometimes our imaginations can get the better of us and our budget can’t always keep up. If that’s the case for you, you need some tips to get the look you’re searching for in her bedroom without all the expenses. Consider some of these ideas.

Focus on the accents

If your daughter has a relatively neutral color scheme in her room right now, you can always add fresh life with accent pieces. Start with a few well-decorated kids pillows. These can be placed on the bed, a chair, and even in a corner of the floor for a little reading nook. The best part is these pillows are often low-cost and easy to switch in and out whenever you or your daughter are ready for a change.

Other accents that can easily overhaul the look of the room include rugs, shelves, bedspreads, and even storage organizers. Rugs make a huge impression on the room, and they can usually be purchased for less than $100.  

Replace window treatments

Window treatments are another accent piece that make a huge difference. First of all, good window treatments can improve the efficiency of the room. They can keep the outside air outside so that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work overtime. They can also create the right ambience in the room by filtering or completely blocking light according to your preferences.

Good window treatments include blinds, roller shades, shutters, and curtains. The most affordable options are probably shades, blinds, and curtains. Roller shades are a great, budget-friendly option for home decor because they usually come in varied colors and patterns, providing a simple way to update your room. A possibility is to use perspex as it works much better as a material than metal and some other plastics.

The same can be said for curtains, although they are often a little pricier. Look for discount curtains or make your own from simple fabric. Consider layering curtains over shades or blinds to increase efficiency and make it easier to customize the light.  

Decorate the walls

Perhaps the simplest way to update a child’s bedroom is wall decorations. You and your daughter can have a lot of fun with these, and each decoration hung on the wall can be adjusted to match her interests and chosen color scheme.

A fun way to decorate the walls is through a gallery wall. This allows your daughter to express some creativity while sticking with the theme of a well-decorated room. A gallery wall features framed photos, canvas prints, colorful initials, paintings, and other artwork that represents your daughter’s tastes. Altogether, it makes a very fetching wall.

Experiment with DIY projects

If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, you can save a lot of money with DIY projects. Spend some time on Pinterest or Etsy to get ideas regarding DIY projects for her bedroom.

If you need furniture, this is a good place to start. Sometimes, it’s very expensive to replace furniture, so look for pieces at yard sales or thrift stores that you can repaint and make your own. You’ll save a ton of money while still getting the look you want.

There are other DIY projects that you can try with your daughter, like making decorating wall hangings or sewing a new bedspread. If you’re intuitive and like following internet tutorials, you won’t have any problem delivering beautiful products while saving big.

Your Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

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Still scrambling for what to give your sweetheart today for Valentine’s Day?! Don’t panic! I racked my brain and came up with five last minute ideas that you can pull off today and at a cost of less than $50 total! And the other great things that they should take less than one hour to prep for presentation if you are focused on the task and get going!

Angela Roi bag

Thank me later! Get busy! Here they are to choose from: onePlan a Romantic Casual Pizza Dinner and Movie Date Night In

Commitment Time: 1/2 hour to 45 minutes

Cost: $25-$30

Step 1: Pick up phone and order a Papa John’s heart pizza

Step 2: On the way to pick it up or while you wait for delivery, head to the local liquor store or grocers and pick up a bottle of wine and/or order or pick up take out Chinese for two and some flowers for the table.

Step 3: Order a movie or two on DVR or from Netflix or Redbox and have a romantic casual dinner in.Two:Have Your Love Star in a Social Media meme

who do you x and o

Commitment Time: 10 minutes

Cost: $0Step 1: Pull up the WHO DO YOU XO? website. Step 2: Add a photo, add big bold x & o’s with a description of the person and post in social media. Very cute! It is the brainchild of Robert Appelblatt and Tim Crean, who came up with the idea after updating and completely revolutionizing the old tic-tac-toe game by creatingTIC STAC TOE. three

Present a Personalized Photo Wall

heart-wall1

Commitment Time: 20 minutes to 45 minutes

Cost: $10-$25

Step 1: Use the CVS Facebook Order function to order photos of you and your honey from Facebook and pick up the prints the same day. There is even a mobile App which makes the process 2x faster!

Step 2: While you’re there to pick up your pics, grab some tape.

Step 3: Pick a blank wall in the bedroom or living room and arrange the photos in the shape of a heart above your bed.

Step 4: Have movies and/or take out nearby and make it a movie night.

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Send Personalized Balloons.

Valentines-Day-Balloon-Tattoos-7-550x367

Commitment Time: 20-45 minutes

Cost: $10-25

Supplies:

  • Balloon Time Helium Tank
  • Mylar heart balloons
  • Ribbon
  • InkJet tattoo paper
  • Printable Valentine’s Day messages
  • Damp paper towel or rag

Step 1: Print out the messages from the website here on the tattoo paper and adhere the clear liner on top according to the instructions on the package.

Step 2: Trim each message as close to the letters as possible

Step 3: Peel off the clear liner from one of the messages and lay it face down on top of the balloon, wherever you would like it. NOTE: We recommend not putting your letters within three inches of the edge of the balloon, to ensure they are legible once inflated.

Step 4: Use a damp paper towel to moisten the tattoo paper completely and then peel it away, leaving the tattoo behind. Repeat as desired.

Step 5: Inflate the balloon(s) with helium and tie with ribbon.fiveHave A Romantic Indoor Picnic

Commitment Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Cost: up to $50

Step 1: Order Take out

Step 2: Pick up cupcakes at local bakery, wine and scented candles

Step 3: Arrange a blanket with all items on the floor in the basement or living roomsixCapture Your Relationship in a Personalized Photo Book

Commitment Time: 20 minutes to 45 minutes

Cost: $10-$25

Step 1: Go to the CVS Photobook order page to order photos of you and your honey from social media or your hard drive. Use Coupon code: Save30 to get 30% off today and pick up the prints the same day. There is even a mobile App which makes the process 2x faster!

Step 2: While you’re there to pick up a bag, tissue paper, a card and candy.

Step 3: Arrange book, candy and card in bag and present over dinner!sevenPresent a Personalized Digital Video





Commitment Time: 20 minutes to 45 minutes

Cost: $0

Step 1: Go to SoundCloud and pick a Valentine Mix to download, depending on the genre of music you or your sweetheart likes.

Step 2: Upload a video on your smartphone app (I like MixBit )

Step 3: Pick your fave videos and photos from your phone’s photo album or social media accounts, then upload and use the valentine mix as the background.

Step 4: Give your phone with the finished project to your sweetheart to look at it and put the headphones over their ears so they can focus on that and not other distractions of TV, social media alerts, other people around etc

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Make Homemade Cookies for partner With Dietary Restrictions

kick ass carrot cookies

For your sweetheart who has dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance, or is vegan, why not make these yummy Kick-Ass Carrot Cookies, featured in a new book, Dr. Koufman’s Acid Reflux Diet: With 111 All New Recipes Including Vegan & Gluten-Free? Dr. Jamie Koufman collaborated with Chef Philip Gelb for this recipe, perfect for Vegans.

Makes 3 dozen cookies | 65 calories per cookie

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup white flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup maple syrup

½ cup grapeseed oil

1 cup grated carrot

½ cup dried cherries

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. In one bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the syrup and oil.
  4. Add the carrots and dried cherries to the wet mixture and mix well.
  5. Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and gently combine. Do NOT overmix, or the cookies will be rubbery.
  6. Drop 1-teaspoon portions of the mixture on a grapeseed-oiled baking sheet, 2 inches apart. (These cookies only bake well if they are small.)
  7. Bake for 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as they burn easily.

Notes: For the picky eaters in your home, sneak a little carrot into their diet with this amazing cookie recipe. For a fun variation, dried cherries can be replaced by currants, raisins, dried blueberries, or dried cranberries, or a combination. – Chef Philip

Nine

Gift a Plush Gift that Gives Back to the Community

leo lionni kohl's cares collection

Give a gift and do good.

If you live near a Kohl‘s department store, you can pick up a Leo Lionni soft toy or other gift that are part of the Kohl’s Cares collection for just $5 each, and let your honey know that 100% of the net proceeds will benefit children’s health initiatives nationwide. The collection is available at Kohls.com now through early April.

Books and accessories featured in the Kohl’s Cares collection this spring include:

  • Frederick book and mouse soft toy
  • A Color of His Own book and chameleon soft toy
  • It’s Mine! Book and frog soft toy
  • Cornelius book and crocodile soft toy
  • Swimmy book
  • Tote bag
  • 101 Kids Activities book

Good luck lovers and friends!

Spring Cleaning Tips For Picking the Best Vacuum

Spring Cleaning season is around the corner.

Your vacuum is probably something you don’t think about that much.  Vacuums tend to get shoved to the back of the closet, only to be retrieved when we absolutely need them.  

You may not realize it, but a good vacuum is something that every home should be equipped with. Even if you can’t see any dust or dirt on your floors, regular vacuuming should still be part of your household cleaning routine to ensure your floors stay spick and span.  Picking out the perfect vacuum, however, can be a challenge. How can you tell which is the best one just by looking at it? To make your search a little easier, here are some of the most reliable vacuums on the market today!

SharkNinja Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away (NV501PR) Upright

The SharkNinja Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away is one of the best upright vacuums on the market today.  With an exceptionally large dirt holder and a long cord, this vacuum is perfect for large areas that would otherwise be hard to navigate.  This model is also ideal for homeowners, as you’ll want a quality vacuum if you’re purchasing one of the Columbus houses for sale.  The Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away has received rave reviews from fans, who praise the model for being able to pick up dust, hair, and smaller particles that can be hard to get.

Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner 1831

The Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is one of the most affordable and reliable vacuums out there.  Bissell is a brand that people have been relying on for years, so you know you’re getting a quality product when you purchase a Bissell vacuum.  Fans of this model rave about its ability to make carpets look brand new, and the vacuum is especially helpful for people with pets that shed. The Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum is a must-have for anyone who wants a quality vacuum without having to drop a ton of money.

Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum 4122

If you’re in the market for a lightweight, compact vacuum cleaner that still gets the job done, you’ll love the Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum.  This model is both fashionable and functional, and people who own the product praise it for being able to navigate even the tightest of spaces.  This vacuum is perfect for small apartments, as it’s easy to store and doesn’t take up much space. The Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum is an attractive, quality machine that’s worth a try if you’re in the market for a new vacuum.

Roomba i7+

While this next model may be a bit of a splurge, the Roomba i7+ is definitely worth the money.  If the idea of using a robot vacuum to clean your house seems strange, head to your local appliance store and check it out for yourself!  The Roomba i7+ makes cleaning your floors incredibly easy- just turn it on and let it do the work for you! The Roomba i7+ is the most high-tech vacuum on the market right now and worth looking into if you want a product that is going to make your life easier!

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