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Are you trying to lose weight, get fit and have an overall healthier and happier lifestyle? Then hitting the gym is a necessity! However, we completely understand that the gym can be a daunting place to visit. The easiest way to overcome this, and to squash out any excuses for not making the effort to go, is to create a gym from home. Here, we are taking you through our top tips for how you can create your own home gym.
Find the Perfect Space The first thing that you will need to do when creating a home gym is find the perfect space. For most people, having a whole room in the house dedicated to just being a gym is a lovely thought, but is just not practical for the size of home that they live in. If you do have a spare room that you can transform into a gym, then perfect! If not, we would suggest that you look into buying a steel building from a company such as Armstrong Steel. Steel buildings can be easily set up with this company and it will give you the perfect space to fill up with lots of gym equipment and the furthest you will have to go is to your own back garden. 75% of Armstrong's clients erect their own buildings but if you don’t think your cut out for the job, you can get them to help. Decorate Your Home Gym Now that you have picked out your home gym space, you will need to decorate it. Why do this you may be asking? Well, for many exercise is not always the first thing that we want to do early in the morning or after work and so it is important that you make your gym somewhere that you actually want to be. Decorating can really help with this! Make sure that your room or steel building has lots of natural light coming in and by adding plants to the space you can increase the room’s oxygen levels. Try and remove any clutter and distractions as you will want to ensure that your full focus and attention is on your workout. Another great tip is to add a large mirror to your space as this can make the room appear larger and you can watch your form while you are working out. Stock Up Your Home Gym When creating a home gym, many people think that they have to have a tonne of equipment and large machines to get an effective workout when this is really not the case. In your home gym, we would recommend that you get yourself a foam roller, jump ropes for cardio and some dumbbells for some strength training. This is all you need to get your gym started and then you can add to it as you go. Organising Your Home Gym Finally, when creating your own home gym, you will want to make sure that it is as organised as possible. You may want to look at different ways in which you can creatively store your equipment and look at putting up some shelves that will be able to hold things such as ipod speakers.
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Your family can end up costing you a fortune! If you want to mitigate your monthly outgoings then you can look into ways to slow down your cash flow. We’re here to help you reduce your bills.
Teach your Kids about Money If you find that your kids spend a lot of money then it might mean that they haven’t learned to appreciate what this means. You should spent time impressing upon them what it means to be responsible with money and helping them to understand that it’s not unlimited. Helping them to get a small job or to work for their allowance will do wonders for kids that just love to spend. If you place this kind of limit in place, then you can watch your outgoings decrease. Track your Expenses We’re all guilty of leaving our expenses to go unchecked, as it’s the last things on our minds. This is an easy trap to fall into and before long you’ve overspent without realising it. That’s why it’s essential to track your expenses and set a budget. This is much easier to do online, as you can really get into the various transactions. You can open a checking account with BB&T which will allow you to bank online and watch yourspending. There are even apps that you can use to set various budgets and track whether you’re following them. Then, if you realise you’re overspending in one facet, then you can rework your other expenses. Look for Coupons Couponing doesn’t have to be the extreme version that we see on TV, as you can do this in moderation. This allows you to snap up savings on products that you would buy anyway, so you don’t need to change your spending habits too much. After all, you don’t want to spend money on a lot of products you wouldn’t use! Look online and in flyers for these coupons and use them at your earliest convenience. If you end up waiting to collect them and use them at once, some may expire and you’ll lose out. Make sure you read the fine print if you want to make sure you get the deal. Fundraise for Trips If your child has a large trip planned with school, then make them take on some of the expense too. These trips can end up costing a lot of money, so get them out fundraising to help you out. Most of their friends and family will sponsor themfor these trips, especially if there’s a charity element too. They can take part in sponsored walks, endurance tests or even sponsored litter picking in the local area. Then, they can appeal to those that this would benefit to add to their funds. Of course, you can help them along towards their target if they don’t end up quite making it. Family life can be expensive, but if you want to live to the same degree while reducing your bills then these tips can definitely help you with that. One factor that people have to consider when it comes to buying new clothes is why they want to buy the clothing. Different people buy clothes for their own reasons. Among the common reasons for buying clothes is that people want to impress others with the outfits they put together. This often influences them in taking a friend with them and helping them pick out an outfit. Then for people who are very confident in their sense of style, they can buy items that they themselves like without thinking about the opinions of others. Both reasons are valid and encouraging for considering fashion.
The good news is that The RealReal is more for people who have their own preferences when it comes to fashion. There is an unlimited variety when it comes to the styles that are available. This makes it possible for people to find the clothes that are representative of their personal style. It also makes it possible for people to explore the different sections of the company in order to find something that they might be interested in. They can try on some of the items and find some surprisingly flattering items. The RealReal gives people the opportunity to be trendsetters. The best thing about The RealReal is that it is a secondhand store. It also defies the stereotypes of secondhand stores. One common stereotype is that it does not have anything new. However, there are some rare items that The RealReal has that are very hard to find. People will be able to keep on top of the trends with the unlimited options that are available at the online retailer. Also, given that it has gained a lot of customers, it is opening up some physical locations for people to visit and try on the items that are available. As in all fields of medical sciences, therapeutic treatments also seem to have found a way to connect with its clients more inclusively and holistically. With stressful lifestyles, professional and personal anxieties, a large number of the populace are facing mental fatigue and breakdowns, those that require a constant and improvised program to facilitate a need-based approach to therapy. While the conventional design for offering therapy, mostly centered around the in-person tradition has been unidirectional, there has been an evolving patient-centered approach of late that facilitates access to the therapist as and when they wish to. One such progressive step in this direction has been the pioneering online therapy, Talkspace that incorporated the dual benefit of being heard and read anywhere, anytime. This mobile therapy application requires a user to sign up and get connected to a real-time consultant, who after analyzing the issues matches the user with potential therapists/counselors. Through texts, audio messages and videos, the user can log in on the go and seek therapy, with the added advantage of low cost and convenience. Opting for Talkspace also offers the advantage of anonymity and in a way leads to a more accommodating relationship between the client and the therapist without the fear of being judged, in turn leading to more revelations and more profound insights as the user gets her private space and time to think and type as to what or how she feels. For those who are always traveling or have a busy schedule with kids, it becomes difficult to fix appointments with a therapist every now and then, and in such cases, Talkspaceprovides the ideal solution. Also, it is a godsend for those who have trouble articulating their feelings and conditions in traditional therapy. As so rightly proved by countless positive testimonials on social media, through Talkspace, individuals who otherwise have experienced letdown through traditional therapy in cases of depression, toxic relationships, panic attacks, chronic anxieties and mental breakdowns consider online therapy medium a boon for them. Having a licensed therapist almost 24x7 without the need to confess face-to-face and the autonomy of switching therapists provides the clients a platform where they can open up in a casual environment. Neil Leibowitz, the prolific entrepreneur and now the Chief Medical Officer of Talkspace digital health company has stated that the imminent arrival of technology to treat patients has to be seen in the context of the need to aid physicians rather than substituting them and evolving to the extent of teaming up with primary care practices. Although dubbed as a skeptic towards online therapy, Leibowitz’s faith in the ability of Talkspace to offer a unique alternative to the myriad of affected individuals and groups echoes in his desire to spread out Talkspace into the field of psychiatry by year-end. This move is likely to enhance its customer base. At present, Magellan offers compensation for Talkspace services, and more insurance companies are expected to hop in. Talkspace earnestly supports the therapists working for it so that their services are top notch and they adequately boost the entire team’s development. The employees of the company work in a stress-free environment and flexible work hours that eliminate any possibility of adverse impacts in the delivery of its services. Indeed Talkspace is leading the way in the budding field of online therapy. The bathroom is one of the busiest rooms in the house and each member of the family will view it in a different way. To adults, it can be a sanctuary, where you relax after a busy day, or get ready for a big night out. For children, it is yet another place they play, and the room in which they learn vital developmental skill such as toilet training, brushing their teeth, and learning how to clean themselves. However, the bathroom is viewed, as a room the entire family visits several times a day, it should be treated to a few fun accessories.
Dino-fun Not all children enjoy hopping in the shower. This can be frustrating for parents that want to save water by minimising the number of baths your child has each week. If you are searching for a way to convince your kids that a shower is the way to go rather than a bath, the T-Rex showerhead could be the solution. This head replaces your normal shower head and boasts 9 jets in its spouts to ensure you get really clean. Toilet seat lifting pedal This device may even prevent the boys in your home to stop tinkling on the toilet seat. Aimed at adults that may have difficulty leaning down, or for those that love anything that makes the bathroom a more hygienic place to be, the toilet seat lifting pedal is an easy to use contraption. Simply attach it to your seat and press the pad with your foot whenever you need to lift the seat. Shower speakers Move over Celine Dion and make room for bathroom boppers all over the world. Water proof, or water-resistant shower speakers can be stuck to the side of the shower stall allowing you to sing along to your playlists without worrying about water damage. Discover the Best Shower Speaker for your needs at Bestseekers.com and get ready to be a singing sensation in your own bathroom. Nose shower gel dispenser Not one for the squeamish, but certainly one for the kids, the nose shower gel dispenser will have your family lathering up in no time. You can put any color of gel soap in the giant nose, but of course, green will give the device an authentic touch. Press one of the nostrils a few times, and you will soon have soap running from the nose. The automatic toothbrush For kids that hate brushing their teeth, the automatic toothbrush is a delight. Shaped like a gum-guard, the device is made from antibacterial silicone that kills up to 99.5% of harmful bacteria that has taken residence in your mouth. The brush takes just ten seconds to clean all your teeth, which is considerably less time than the recommended two minutes of brushing with a manual toothbrush. Political toilet roll Whatever your political stance, make it known by having the face of your least favourite politician on your toilet roll. Will it be Hilary or will it be Donald? You decide. Fun bathroom accessories for the whole family The bathroom is one of the busiest rooms in the house and each member of the family will view it in a different way. To adults, it can be a sanctuary, where you relax after a busy day, or get ready for a big night out. For children, it is yet another place they play, and the room in which they learn vital developmental skill such as toilet training, brushing their teeth, and learning how to clean themselves. However, the bathroom is viewed, as a room the entire family visits several times a day, it should be treated to a few fun accessories. Dino-fun Not all children enjoy hopping in the shower. This can be frustrating for parents that want to save water by minimising the number of baths your child has each week. If you are searching for a way to convince your kids that a shower is the way to go rather than a bath, the T-Rex showerhead could be the solution. This head replaces your normal shower head and boasts 9 jets in its spouts to ensure you get really clean. Toilet seat lifting pedal This device may even prevent the boys in your home to stop tinkling on the toilet seat. Aimed at adults that may have difficulty leaning down, or for those that love anything that makes the bathroom a more hygienic place to be, the toilet seat lifting pedal is an easy to use contraption. Simply attach it to your seat and press the pad with your foot whenever you need to lift the seat. Shower speakers Move over Celine Dion and make room for bathroom boppers all over the world. Water proof, or water-resistant shower speakers can be stuck to the side of the shower stall allowing you to sing along to your playlists without worrying about water damage. Discover the Best Shower Speaker for your needs at Bestseekers.com and get ready to be a singing sensation in your own bathroom. Nose shower gel dispenser Not one for the squeamish, but certainly one for the kids, the nose shower gel dispenser will have your family lathering up in no time. You can put any color of gel soap in the giant nose, but of course, green will give the device an authentic touch. Press one of the nostrils a few times, and you will soon have soap running from the nose. The automatic toothbrush For kids that hate brushing their teeth, the automatic toothbrush is a delight. Shaped like a gum-guard, the device is made from antibacterial silicone that kills up to 99.5% of harmful bacteria that has taken residence in your mouth. The brush takes just ten seconds to clean all your teeth, which is considerably less time than the recommended two minutes of brushing with a manual toothbrush. Political toilet roll Whatever your political stance, make it known by having the face of your least favourite politician on your toilet roll. Will it be Hilary or will it be Donald? You decide. Most children nowadays will pick up technology in a heartbeat – but instead of using it for creative purposes, they’ll just play games, watch videos or even, from a young age, use social media channels such as Facebook or Twitter. While this is okay in small doses, children need to learn how to get the very best out of their technology. That’s why we recommend that from a young age you teach your children how to be creative with technology. There are many ways to do so, and here’s a list to help inspire you.
Minecraft has been used in schools all around the world to teach children complex topics such as logic gates and engineering. If it’s good enough for schools, then it’s certainly going to help your children.
With devices such as the Surface Pro or the Apple Pro, you can purchase integrated smart pens which allow you to create freeform art directly on the screen. While we don’t think there’s anything wrong with the regular old pen and paper, kids nowadays don’t see it this way, and so using tablets with smart pens is a great alternative to inspire them further.
The great thing is there are various GarageBand tutorials out there. So, take a look beforehand, learn the basics and then grab your kids. Being creative isn’t all about art – it can involve music as well. So, get out there, and make some music with the kids! So – there you have it! Three tips on how to be more creative with the kids. Get out there, grab those devices, and make something worth remembering. Ski trips with the family can be a great way to bond while having fun and enjoying the scenery. They can also be a logistical nightmare if they aren’t planned properly. Fortunately, there are a few things anyone can do to make sure that their family ski trip goes as planned. Here are four essential tips for families planning their first ski trip.
Choose the Right Mountain and Resort Since you’ll be going with the family and not seasoned pros, you have to choose a mountain that isn’t too difficult if it’s your first time. While some slopes may be very steep, some resorts, especially in the Snowmass area, have varying degrees of skill. You should visit a website like Snowmass Vacations and pick a resort that is close to a family friendly hill. The easiest way to know is to visit their sites and call them directly to ask them if they have family friendly slopes or special assistance for little kids. Some resorts are purely performance oriented and should be avoided by novice skiers, so beware. Never Underestimate the Power of Weather Bad weather could completely make or break a good family ski vacation. I know that weather is out of your control, but you can make adjustments in case you experience extreme weather. If it’s freezing cold or there are huge snowstorms, you could shorten your sessions or take more hot cocoa breaks for instance. A nice resort will allow you to have fun inside as well with entertainment for the whole family. Be Patient It can be very easy to lose your cool when you have to manage your family on a vacation. Here are a few tips to make sure that you don’t lose control. First, make sure that you don’t have too high expectations before leaving. Also, make sure you establish clear rules before you go. For instance, don’t let your kids dictate whether they’re going to wear gloves and helmets. And if they aren’t cooperative, don’t be afraid to put your foot down and cut the day short if needed. Get Some Training It is always a better idea to get lessons before you go skiing. While skiing lessons can be time consuming and expensive, you just can’t hit the slopes with at least some minimal training. And you’ll have more fun too. If you’re away for a week, you should at least take three days of lessons before you start hitting the slopes on your own. However, please note that lessons can be overcrowded during peak times, so make sure you reserve your spot well in advance. Conclusion Ski trips can be a wonderful experience when done right. Before you go, make sure you pick a family friendly resort with varying levels of difficulty. Also, be prepared to make changes to your plans in case of extreme weather. Be patient and set clear rules before you go if you want your vacation to go smoothly. And, make sure you book lessons before you go if you want to make the best out of your vacation. Vacations are an excellent way to bond with family by getting out of the house and spending quality time together, assuming the vacation itself doesn’t become a source of strain and conflict in and of itself. Think about the horror stories that are so common that the National Lampoon Vacation movies simply build upon and add a little more humor. That isn’t the type of trip you want to have with your family, which is why spending a little more for a luxury vacation that suits your family is the best type of family vacation. Here are four tips for organizing the perfect family luxury vacation.
Set a Budget that Everyone Will Support Set a budget for the vacation that everyone will be able to not only live by but support. For example, it isn’t fair to ask a family member with limited means to pay several thousand dollars to come on a luxury family vacation planned for a reunion. Don’t plan on grandparents paying for things unless they’ve explicitly agreed to do so. Set a budget for travel, lodging, food and activities that won’t cause the bills for the trip to tarnish the memory of the vacation as you struggle to pay them off over the next few months. Set a budget for activities and let the family choose who will do what. This has the side benefit of reducing stress because you aren’t trying to rush through numerous expensive activities, potentially cutting a fun one short because the more expensive one starts in a few minutes. Plan Amenities and Facilities that Fit Your Needs If you like being in the outdoors but hate setting up campsites, consider renting a fully stocked cabin or glamping instead of roughing it. For those with the money, a luxury resort in the wilderness allows you to see the glory of nature without the massive work of managing the campsite at the end of the day. If you hate navigating a foreign destination, book a hotel that is located in the immediate area of the sights you want to see, even if it costs a little more. For example, if you’re staying in Quebec City, book the Chateau Beauvallon at https://www.chateaubeauvallon.com instead of renting a cheaper hotel on the outskirts and trying to plan for travel time despite the language differences. Vet for the Right Type of Services When you research hotels, find out which have family support services like babysitters with background checks or a “kid’s club” that is supervised by qualified childcare professionals. The best hotels can arrange for baby gear upon request. It may be worth it to pick the Four Seasons hotels over a different chain because of their good “kid’s club”. Don’t assume that sending your children to the pool is enough to keep them busy, since many resorts don't allow children in the adult’s pool and may not let your preteens go swimming unless you’re there. In some cases, they may require you to hang out by the kid’s pool and prevent all of you from being in the nicer adult pool. Plan Your Schedule Traveling with children adds time to getting ready to get out the door and packing up to go on to the next activity. Allow for extra time when traveling with children at the start of each day and between activities. Plan for your child’s naptime, since nothing ruins an afternoon like a cranky, crying toddler. Remember that your two year old will not adjust to the time zone change in one day, so arrange activities so you are staying at the hotel or a quiet place so the little one can rest. Return to the hotel with at least half an hour before bedtime so the children have time to wind down; otherwise they won’t be unable to get enough sleep at night. Keep the above tips in mind and you should be on your way to a perfect family vacation. A trip to the beach on a warm summer day can be awesome, however if you’re not careful, a great day out at the beach can end in tears with painful sunburn and peeling skin. But, it’s not just redness and discomfort to worry about; according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, an estimated 80% of lifetime exposure to the sun occurs in childhood and just one bad sunburn can increase the risk of developing conditions such as melanoma in later life.
So, if you’re planning to take your family on a trip to the beach this summer, make sure that they are protected with these top sun safety tips. Tip #1. Time it RightMost families like to spend a full day at the beach, but it’s important to be aware of the times of day when the sun’s rays are at their most powerful. During the summer this is typically between the hours of 10am and 4pm; even on a cloudy day, the ultraviolet rays can be particularly strong in the middle of the day. So, if you are planning a full day out to the beach, make sure that you take along loose clothing for covering up and plenty of sunscreen. Wherever possible, try and keep your little ones in the shade during these times. Tip #2. Apply Sunscreen GenerouslySunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before your child plays in the sun on the beach; of course they’ll want to wear their cute girls bikini or new pair of shorts, so it’s important to make sure that the exposed skin is given as much protection as possible. It’s vital to opt for a sunscreen that contains a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF); ideally this should be 15 or higher. If your child isn’t a fan of having sunscreen applied, you can find many scented or even colorful products designed to be more appealing to little ones. If you are spending a full day at the beach, then remember to re-apply sunscreen at least every 2-3 hours. If your child takes a dip in the sea, you should re-apply sunscreen again afterwards to make up for any that has been washed off. Tip #3. Be Careful with MedicationsIs your child currently taking any medications? If so, it’s important to be aware of whether their medicine is likely to increase sun sensitivity. Some medications will increase the skin’s sensitivity and therefore heighten the risk of sunburn; if you believe that your child may be affected by this then it’s always important to check with your doctor before you head to the beach. Some examples of medications with this side effect are prescription antibiotics and certain acne medications. Tip #4. Cover UpWearing protective clothing is one of the most effective methods for preventing sun damage to the skin. In addition, darker colors are a better choice, since light clothing can transmit the same amount of sunlight as bare skin, especially when wet after paddling in the sea. Along with this, don’t forget the accessories – sunglasses with UV protection will guard against eye damage, whilst a big floppy sun-hat will keep your little one’s sensitive facial skin protected from sunburn. Tip #5. Lead by ExampleAs a parent, you know just how important it is to make sure that you set a great example to your little ones. But, this isn’t just in terms of behavior – your healthy habits and self-care routines can also leave a lasting impression on your little one’s choices both now and in the future. Be sure to take great care to look after yourself in the sun by applying sunscreen regularly and wearing protective clothing or accessories when necessary. This will demonstrate sun safety to your child, and they will follow your example. Tip #6. How to Deal with SunburnEven if you take all the necessary steps to avoid your little one getting a sunburn at the beach, there is always the risk. So, knowing how to quickly and effectively deal with sunburn will help to ease any pain and discomfort and put them on the road to a swift recovery. Sore skin can be sponged with cool water before applying a soothing after-sun cream. Administer over-the-counter pain medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if you think that your child may need help with easing the pain. If you notice any swelling or blistering on your child’s skin, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Lastly, be sure to stay in the shade until the redness has gone. Share your top tips for child sun safety in the comments below! When teenagers get to the age when they can start learning to drive, most of them will be keen to get started straight away. For people with autism, it is not always as straightforward as applying for a provisional licence and booking lessons.
Obviously, autism is a spectrum disorder, so there is no black and white answer as to whether someone diagnosed with ASD will be allowed to drive. It would depend on the individual case. Some people will struggle with some of the skills required for driving, for example, if they have a history of poor motor controls or difficulties with multi-tasking. Another issue that could affect whether your granted a licence is if you have a history of epilepsy. The best place to start off is to talk to your doctor about wanting to learn to drive. They will be able to discuss the DVLA guidelines with you and talk through the steps of applying for a licence. When you apply for a licence, the standard application form asks for you to disclose any disabilities. Failing to include the information can result in a fine, so you should never omit a diagnosis of any disability or medical condition. What will usually happen is that the driving agency will review your application and a medical advisor will assess whether it can be approved. They will usually contact your doctor (with your permission) and may ask you to attend an assessment. The decision will be judged on an individual case basis and if you are granted a provisional licence you will be able to book lessons as soon as your licence comes into effect. Organisations such as The National Autistic Society can help you to find specialised driving instructors with experience of teaching students with autism, if you would prefer. Once you have all of the paperwork in place, you can get going. A large part of passing your driving test is the theory test and people commonly make the mistake of not putting much effort into revising for the test. If you don’t pass then you have to pay to re-take the test again, so it makes sense to prepare as well as you can for it. Years ago, revising for your theory test consisted of reading page after page of text from the Highway Code but it is much more fun these days. Now you can practice the questions using interactive, online tests and you will know from your scores whether you are ready to take your theory test or not. There is no point taking your theory test before you are ready for it as you will only be wasting your money. You can find some great resources such as TopTests.co.uk to help you to prepare. Learning to drive can be a really exciting time and you can gain loads of independence once you have attained your full licence. If you want to find out more information about driving with autism, speak to your doctor or visit the National Autistic Society’s website. |
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