Category Archives: Parenting & Family

Your New Go-To Guide for Trendy, Affordable Winter Clothes

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Even if you’re out of ideas on how to create a new look once the weather outside gets frightful, or if you’re wondering what to wear in winter to break out of your slump, read on for our top suggestions on what to do with your winter clothing!

Back to Basics: What to Wear in Winter

Cold-weather wardrobes aren’t always easy to build. With so many options, you could get lost under a mountain of ideas! Don’t get intimidated—just keep in mind a few basic, affordable winter clothing items that will help you through and make sure to layer up with the right materials.

Layering Up

Layers are the go-to style choice for fall and winter to help every girl stay chic and cozy at all levels of cold. It’s almost like you have three different looks in one day! Your indoor look is your base layer, your mid-way look adds a cardigan or blazer, and your outdoor look is fully covered with a coat, scarf, and hat!

Some of the best affordable winter clothing layering pieces include leggings, skirts, vests, ponchos, and tunics! Add all of these to your closet to ensure you have tons of ensemble options without busting out the dated basics!

The Right Materials

The right materials are crucial to ensuring you stay warm all winter long. When dealing with the chilly winter air, it’s best to avoid outer layers made of moisture-wicking, breathable, and aerated fabrics. Instead of keeping you cozy, these fabrics let in even the smallest of breezes. To stay toasty, go for options like:

  • Polypropylene
  • Wool
  • Silk
  • Suede (vegan)
  • Velvet
  • Fur (vegan)
  • Down (synthetic)
  • Cashmere

You may think some of these sound uncomfortable and scratchy (we’re looking at you, wool), but when you get merino wool or a wool blend, you’ll enjoy a softer touch than you’re used to. Knit wool is also an amazing option for cardigans and sweaters, while velvet, faux suede, and synthetic down allow you to play with texture while keeping your winter clothing affordable!

The Perfect Jacket

Jackets are the final piece that complete every ensemble. Stay inspired by including basic styles in your wardrobe, but adding a little twist to each one with unique colors, cuts, and patterns!

Moto Jacket

The moto jacket used to be for biker chicks only, but now its market has expanded to include anyone who wants to don something a little edgy and sharp. You can find plenty of vegan leather options in black, burgundy, and navy to add a sleeker silhouette and some rocker embellishments to your outfit. Moto jackets have definitely found their niche in the winter clothing market.

Military-Inspired

Military inspired jackets provide both casual and formal options. Choose an army-style jacket for utilitarian activities, like hiking, and go for a trench coat when you want a little more stylish protection from the elements. Both are the perfect affordable winter clothing for any outdoor occasion!

Pea Coat

While the pea coat is also a military-inspired outerwear piece, it deserves its own category simply because of all the varieties that are available today. From hundreds of prints, patterns, and colors to tons of cuts, embellishments, and lengths—the pea coat is the most versatile outerwear around!

Accessories Galore

No, we’re not talking about jewelry here—we mean scarves, gloves, hats, and socks! If you’re wondering what to wear in winter to really keep you cozy, boutique accessories are EVERYTHING. They also add the perfect finishing touch to your ensemble.

Scarves

There are so many styles, materials, and colors of scarves that you’d have to work extra hard not to find one that matches your look. For something a little lighter, choose an acrylic blanket scarf, and if the wind is REALLY blowing, always wear that large knit wool scarf!

Gloves

While not every winter needs gloves, if you’re living in a place where it dumps snow all the time, these are a closet essential. We recommend going with basic black, but if black is a staple in your wardrobe, it may be time to add a pop of color with green, blue, or burgundy in faux leather.

Hats

For affordable winter clothing that is really the MVP of cold weather accessories, you can’t go wrong with a beanie. Beanies no longer mean skater-boy chic—now they have pom poms, ears, flowers, and more to make them feminine and fashionable. You can also really step it up with a ski hat, bomber hat, or furry headband or Cossack.

Socks

You might not have considered socks as a cute winter accessory, but if you’re wearing a skirt or dress, how are you going to spice up a pair of boring leggings or tights? Patterned ankle high socks can really pump up your look, while a pair of modern thigh-highs keep you warm and chic.

Layering Dresses When It’s Cold Out

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Your favorite beautiful dresses don’t have to sit gathering dust in your closet when the weather’s cold. It’s super easy to layer dresses in the cold weather so you can show off those sundresses year-round!

Just follow these quick tips for how to stay warm in a dress during winter and you can look frilly and flouncy all season long.

Some Essential Layering Tips for Any Outfit

First, you need to make sure you’re keeping warm the right way. There are a few essential points about basic layering you should know so you can learn how to stay warm in a dress during winter!

  1. It’s possible to look stylishly layered without looking bulky. To do this, keep your thinnest layers inside, and save the frilly fabric for the exterior.
  2. Keep only one or two items that have a bold pattern. If your dress is colorful and bright, for example, wear a dark jacket and tights to not overwhelm it.
  3. Keep your outer layer long. A dress looks much better when the jacket is long enough to suit it.

Under-Dress Basics: Layering Essentials

The items you wear under your dress should be thin, but warm, so that you don’t look bulky. Opt for insulating materials like cotton or wool if you live in a seriously cold place.

  • Innermost layer: Camisoles/tank tops/undershirts

If you live in a climate that gets seriously cold, like Minnesota or Canada, every single layer is important. If you’re going to try and wear a dress in the winter (you brave soul!) invest in thermal inner layers designed to wear beneath your clothes. They go a long way to protect your skin and keep you warm.

  • Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks for a layered dress? Yes please! Just not the thick, chunky woolen sweaters with a neck — you’ll look like you’re smuggling a small animal under your dress. We’re talking those relatively thin, form-fitting turtlenecks.

  • White T Shirt

This is a good look to take you back to the 90s, too. Simply pair it with a corduroy overall dress and you have a timeless Americana look.

  • Thermal tights

This is our #1 essential item for layering dresses! Numb, exposed legs are the worst part about trying to stay warm in a dress during winter. If you get tights that are still form-fitting but designed to keep you warm, the problem is all but solved.

You probably won’t find thermal tights that are sheer or partially sheer. They’re most likely to be solid colors, like black. That’s not an issue; you want your dress to be the star of the show.

You can also get thermal leggings to do the job, so long as you wear very warm socks. If your feet are cold, it’ll be hard for you to feel warm no matter how many layers you wear.

  • Warm socks

When it’s cold out, you should wear warm socks and gloves. There’s nothing revolutionary we can really add to that — your mom was right. Don’t forget your warm socks!

  • Boots

When you’re layering dresses with tights and jackets for the winter, your best bet for footwear is a reliable pair of leather boots. If you have cute patterned socks, you can tuck them over your lace-up boots to show them off.

You can opt for the Bella Swan converse-and-prom-dress look if you want, but in our opinion, that’s a little dated. Up to you!

Over Dress Basics: More Layering Essentials

Experiment with cute jackets and chunky patterned cardigans! Go wild!

  • Jean jackets, bomber jackets, peacoats

Do you have a funky jacket in your closet that you love, but never have the chance to wear? Now’s your chance. Layering dresses is a perfect opportunity to bring out that kitschy patched up jean jacket from the 80s. Wear it over a plain dress and tights so that the jacket’s the star of the show!

Tip: If you wear a jacket that cinches in the middle, it can go a long way to make your silhouette look curvier when you’re wearing all those layers.

  • Chunky cardigans

Is there anyone here who can admit they don’t practically live in warm cardigans when they’re trying to stay warm in a dress during winter? They’re not only perfect to live in, but they’re also perfect to layer over a dress. Or, wear your dress as a skirt by pairing it with a warm, cozy sweater.

  • Scarves, scarves, scarves

Not only can you stay warm in a scarf, but it’s also easy to take off if you get too warm.

Perfect Dresses for Layering

If you have the warm inner and outer layers down pat, you can style almost any dress in your closet! Even summer spaghetti strap dresses and sleeveless dresses can work when you’re layering dresses. Well, you might want to avoid ball gowns and statement pieces you’d see at the Met Gala, for example — but that’s your prerogative.

How To Keep Seasonal Allergies Under Control

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When you have seasonal allergies, it’s difficult to enjoy the spring and summer seasons without some discomfort. In fact, many people struggle with the symptoms of seasonal allergies year after year, and they don’t know how to get relief from these symptoms other than taking medication that can sometimes be more disruptive than helpful. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate your symptoms and enjoy these seasons more fully. This article will help you find the best ways to keep seasonal allergies under control so you can feel better and perform at your best.

Learn the Triggers

The most effective way to manage your allergies is by learning to avoid your triggers. For example, pollen and pet dander are both common triggers for seasonal allergies. If you have a pet, be sure to keep him or her out of your bedroom at night. It’s also a good idea to purchase a high-quality air purifier that can remove dust and pollen from your home.

Establish Good Sleeping Habits

A number of studies have linked poor sleep with increased production of allergy-related chemicals in your body. These include histamine, which helps protect against infection but is also a component of allergy symptoms; cytokines, which are a class of proteins involved in immune responses; and leukotrienes, which help regulate inflammation. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night because you’re suffering from seasonal allergies, make sure to establish good sleep habits by setting a regular bedtime and sticking to it. You can also take supplements like melatonin or try relaxation techniques that may encourage sleep.

Use an Air Purifier

When you’re dealing with allergies, it can be difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t do. Take steps to keep your living spaces clean by using an air purifier for your home that removes allergens and irritants from the air. These machines are able to remove pet dander, mold spores, pollen, dust mites, and even smoke from your home so you can spend time there without having reactions to those substances. Using one of these machines could help you feel better during allergy season without having to compromise your family’s lifestyle. Most households only need a small air purifier in one room of their house, but some may need more depending on how much time they spend at home and the size of their living space.

Don’t Put Off Going to See Your Doctor

The first-hand consultation with a doctor is an important step in figuring out how to manage your allergies. By laying out symptoms and undergoing a physical examination, your doctor can confirm or rule out various causes of your reaction. If you suspect you’re suffering from seasonal allergies, head to an allergist right away—don’t wait until symptoms have reached their peak. According to research, patients who received treatment for their seasonal allergies within two weeks had less severe symptoms than those who waited longer. The sooner you get medical help, the sooner you can start finding relief!

Exercise Regularly

People with a history of allergies or asthma often benefit from regular physical activity. The result is improved lung function, stronger immune systems, and lower stress levels, which can make seasonal allergy sufferers feel better overall. Plus, when you exercise regularly your body gets better at fighting off allergens. A regular routine can also increase stamina and make allergy season less miserable. (Try exercising for 30 minutes four times a week.) If you’re not an active person but want to start working out more to deal with allergies, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking on any new exercise routines—especially if you have respiratory issues that could be exacerbated by exercise-induced breathing problems.

Dust High Surfaces

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When dust mites and mold spores settle on surfaces, they can often make allergies worse. Though you can’t see them, these tiny allergens can make a big difference in the way you feel. By doing a little everyday cleaning you’ll reduce the dust that collects on surfaces in your home, meaning less of them and more breathing room for you. Wipe down surfaces daily with a damp microfiber cloth and avoid using any harsh chemical cleaners or sprays around your home – they won’t do anything to kill allergens and they could actually cause other health problems (like respiratory issues) if you’re exposed over time. For surfaces you can’t reach easily, you can hire a professional service to do a high dusting of ceilings, vents, and other places where dust may settle. Remember: A clean house isn’t just cleaner; it’s also healthier too!

Other Solutions

Getting a little dusting of pollen is natural and inevitable, but if you have allergies, it’s a good idea to take precautions. For example, when you head outside on those warm summer days, you might want to bring along an extra set of clothes so that you can change if your allergies start acting up. You may also want to consider sitting indoors in air-conditioning for a bit before going back outside. Keep in mind that many allergy medications don’t work well unless they’re taken one or two hours before exposure. Other options include: wearing masks (there are many varieties available) or taking antihistamines and corticosteroids.

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Hosting A Custom Dinner Party

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A dinner party is usually a tight-knit, low-key affair centered around excellent food and conversation. To foster the right connectedness with you and your guests, you should make sure you have everything you need to make them feel comfortable and cared for. Whether the event is classy and elegant with a few dozen guests, or simply an intimate get-together with friends, you should always facilitate a fun and relaxing environment.

Ask yourself these essential questions before hosting your dinner party and you’re sure to make it an evening to remember.

Do guests have any food allergies or intolerances?

It’s a lovely thought to want to make your favorite food for your guests. However, your close friends and family might have a dietary restriction you may not be aware of that has never come up in conversation or that you may not recall, so it’s important to check with your guests prior to putting together your menu.

It would really spoil the party if your gluten-intolerant guest couldn’t enjoy pasta and breadsticks and you didn’t have a backup, or you made a sauce with a trace of peanuts and your guest had an allergic reaction. Additionally, your guest simply might not like something on the menu, and you should spare them the awkwardness of pretending to eat and enjoy it.

Do you have all the equipment you need?

Party rental equipment is less expensive than you might think, and you’ll be able to host a much more successful and comfortable party if you have the right tools at your disposal. This includes dishware, cutlery, hot and cold serving trays, buffet tables, seating, tables, and much more.

For bigger parties, you can even rent stages and sound systems for any hired performers. You won’t regret going the extra mile to get party rental equipment if it saves you countless time and effort. Plus, most rental services offer setup, takedown, delivery, and pickup, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

Can you cook a high-quality meal for everyone?

Before you set your mind to cooking a big dinner party for a dozen hungry guests, consider if you’re skilled enough, if you have enough time, and if doing so would cause you a great amount of stress. If you and/or your other hosts can manage it, great. But if you want a fancy dinner and you don’t feel confident in your cooking skills, consider hiring a caterer or private chef.

There are many obvious benefits to getting your food made for you or delivered, but one you might not have thought of is how much time and energy it saves you. Cooking for a large group is exhausting, and having to make sure they’re all warm and ready on time is a big undertaking. You might finally get to dinnertime and not even have the energy to entertain your guests or enjoy yourself. If you see that happening, consider other options.

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Do you have enough beverages?

Just because it’s a dinner party doesn’t mean you should focus on the food and forget everything else! Make sure you have enough beverages – alcoholic or otherwise – to quench your guests’ thirst throughout the whole night.

Not sure how much to get? A general rule of thumb is to assume at least one drink per hour per person, then get extras in case someone still wants more. Some people advise to plan for at least two drinks for each person if it’s cocktail hour. Chances are, guests will bring beverages to your party themselves, but that’s not guaranteed, so you should always make sure you have enough to share. Make sure you purchase non-alcoholic beverage options for anyone who may not drink or who may be the designated driver for the evening, as well.

Do you have enough space for coats and shoes?

It’s a simple thing to remember, but it’s annoying if you forget to think about it. Simply make sure you’ve assigned enough space for your guests’ coats, shoes, and bags when they arrive!

Did you unload the dishwasher?

Here’s your friendly reminder to clear the dishwasher before the party starts! It’ll make your future much happier, we promise.

Have you stocked up on snacks and nibblers?

Your guests should have a moment to chit-chat and unwind before everyone takes their place for dinner. Besides drinks, your guests would certainly enjoy the presence of a few appetizers to munch on. Also, a snack tray gives people a central point to gather around and make mingling easy.

You can offer a bowl with chips and salsa, or you can prepare tantalizing amuse-bouches if you’re hosting a fancy affair. Make sure your snacks are very light and not filling, otherwise a guest that arrives hungry might fill up on snacks and not eat enough of the delicious dinner you prepared!

Relax and have fun!

A dinner party is meant to be intimate and enjoyable. Take a breather and relax, and if you’ve followed our tips and done your planning, it’ll go wonderfully. Enjoy!

8 Ways Helping Others Can Benefit Your Health

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Many people are unsure when it comes to volunteering as they don’t really see how they can help others. However, you oftentimes don’t need any special skills to be of assistance, as many things can be learned along the way and people in need are more than welcome to receive any kind of help you are able to offer. Volunteering opportunities abound and you can choose from helping people, animals, and the environment. Whether you decide to build houses, teach kids, help with medical issues, rehabilitate animals, or something else, you will not only be helping others but yourself as well. Here are some amazing benefits of volunteering.

You will get a new perspective on life

First and foremost, aiding others that are in need can help you gain a better perspective on life. For instance, maybe you think your current circumstances are really bad and you don’t know how you will get out of it, be it the fact that you’re not happy with your job, can’t find a partner, or something else. However, once you see other people who are struggling with much bigger issues, it can put things into perspective for you. Perhaps you are completely healthy, have a roof over your head, and have plenty of friends. People that you will spend time with while volunteering might not have any of those things. Individuals from all lines of life are fighting their own fight and you might realize that your problems are nothing compared to what others are dealing with. That is not to minimize your experiences but simply to show you how lucky you might be without even realizing it.

You will feel like you belong somewhere

In addition to changing the way you think about your life, volunteering can also help you feel like you belong somewhere. If you’ve always felt out of place or couldn’t make friends easily, perhaps this is what you were always meant to be doing. When helping others, you might work in a group of people that have similar interests, which means that you might have plenty to talk about and end up with life-long friends. Even if you make just one friend, it would be worth it, don’t you think? Moreover, perhaps teaching kids will show you that education is the right career path for you and fundamentally change your life.

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You will be less lonely

Opting for volunteering alternatives that aim to help other people means that you will not be on your own. If you often feel lonely, choosing to help those in need can help you alleviate your loneliness. From working with kids and witnessing how happy and carefree they can be to being a part of a team that builds homes for the underprivileged and talking to other volunteers, there are different ways how assisting others will get your social needs up and prevent you from isolating yourself. Even if you care for someone on your own, having these face-to-face interactions means that you will not be by yourself all day long.

You will experience mental health improvements

Being around people can also improve your mental health in various ways. For starters, not being on your own all day long means that you are less prone to loneliness and depression. Developing strong bonds with others lowers your risk of being depressed too. This is also a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. Besides helping people, helping animals can have a positive effect on your mood as well. Research shows that taking part in various volunteering activities releases feel-good hormones that increase our happiness levels.

You can feel satisfied and accomplished

Volunteering with people and animals is a great way to feel more satisfied with your life. If it seems like your life has no purpose, helping others will show you that what you do matters. Fortunately, there are countless places where you can volunteer abroad and learn more about different cultures while helping those in need. Regardless of whether you’re providing someone with medical help, building them a home, or teaching them a new language, you are making a difference. This feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment can go a long way in making you feel good about yourself.

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You can lower your blood pressure

Helping others can also have benefits for your physical health. For example, research suggests that people that provide other individuals with social support tend to have lower blood pressure. What is more, interacting with people and supporting them also helps with recovery from coronary-related issues.

You can live longer

Some studies have also found that people who volunteered for a few charities were more likely to live longer than those that were not involved in volunteering, even after taking into account factors like age, general health, and bad habits. Furthermore, even the elderly that cared for their partners, friends, and relatives had a longer life expectancy than those that didn’t.

You will help make the world a better place

Finally, you can take comfort in knowing that by volunteering you are making the world a better place. No matter if you choose to build homes and schools, teach kids and adults, help those will low mobility, provide food and clothes for people, work with animals, or do your part in environmental conservation efforts, you are making a change in the world that will not be overlooked.

As you can see, there are various ways how you can volunteer all over the world. By doing so, you will not only be helping others but experiencing various benefits yourself.