Three Beauty Investments Every Woman Should Have

Not all women are blessed with natural good looks, but every woman deserves to feel a million dollars every day! There are some useful grooming tricks you can use to look as polished and put together as any celebrity or model out there! And, all you need to do is invest in some basic items so you can perfect your beauty routine. Keen to know what they are? Read this short list.

The perfect foundation for your skin tone – Not all skin types are consistent in texture and colour and every woman’s skin has it’s own unique balance and tone. With the use of a good foundation, you can tackle your skin concerns for a glowing complexion, every day. Choose a tone that will blend perfectly with your skin colour, and has the right amount of coverage for your every day needs. Also consider having two types of foundation – one that will provide a moisture burst during winter and another one that will combat oily skin during summer. If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea seek the advice of a dermatologist before choosing a foundation.

The most flattering hairstyle – As you may know, certain hairstyles can make you look beautiful or the total opposite! Don’t just go to the salon and have your hair cut like your favorite celebrity, know the shape of your face and seek advice on the hairstyle that’s going to suit you. For a lot of women, thick lustrous hair is only a dream, so what are you going to do if you’re not blessed with a voluminous mane? Consider investing in hair extensions that are easy to wear and maintain. Check out this infographic from Sitting Pretty Halo Hair for some ideas.

A classic lipstick – There really is no point in purchasing lots different lipsticks in multiple colours. Find a lipstick shade that complements your skin tone and one that you feel great wearing. If you wear red and neutrals most of the time, search out the best red and neutral lipsticks available and those will be the ones you should invest in. However, don’t get caught up in the idea that that the most expensive brand will always be the best choice. Make an effort to try different brands until you find the perfect shade and consistency and one that will be your go-to for years to come.

Looking attractive comes with many benefits, but it’s just as important to feel great too. With a few small investments, you can walk out the door with minimal effort, feeling and looking your best. It doesn’t need to cost the earth, but it does take some time and research to get it just right.

Benefits of Part Time Jobs to Working Moms

Many mothers are looking into the advantages of having a part time job compared to having a full time job. It kind of gives the best of both worlds to mothers who need extra cash for home expenses without sacrificing their relationships with their children. Keen to know about its other benefits? Read up.

Extra time for studying – If you want to earn professional certifications which could help you have a good career in the future, you must consider taking part time jobs. Most full time jobs require you to be in the office for nine to ten hours; hence, you won’t have free time to take classes you might need for career advancement.

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New job opportunities – Some employers are willing to hire inexperienced applicants for part time positions. If you just got back from being a stay-at-home mom, having a part time job could help you learn new skills and earn money at the same time. You can actually have two part time jobs if your schedule permits. That could mean learning two skills in less time.

Reduced Stress Levels – Studies show moms who work full time often feel perennially tired and worn out. This is because they don’t have extra time to work out or enjoy outdoor activities with their family and friends and relieve the exhaustion. Part time employment offers you that freedom to exercise in the sun before working for the day. Other studies also that that moms who choose part time jobs over full time jobs are less likely to experience financial stress even if they have less income. This is because they are not involved in lifestyle inflation – a phenomenon where one’s expenses tend to expand as one’s income increases.

The Role of Family in Your Life

The family is the most important factor that defines a person’s self worth and being. It plays an important role in nurturing you into becoming a person respected in the society you live in. They are always there to support you in times of troubles, at the same time, share your joys and successes.

They not only provide for you when you were still young but they are your foundation in developing the values that will define you as a person. Your family is your comfort as you continue to learn from life’s experiences. Your family works hard so you can have the best education there is because they understand your dreams and aspirations. The more they sacrifice and work hard for you to achieve them.

However while you grow older, there would be times you are not happy with how involved your family can be on your life sometimes to the point of not wanting to be with them anymore. This does not mean you don’t love your family anymore.

Family ties can be kept intact if you maintain communication with them. Visit them regularly like having family dinners together and bonding with each other. This is very important.

It is very important that even when life gets tough and stressful, you have to maintain regular communication with your family. Keep in touch by calling them more often, sharing your life, happiness and worries too!

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Cyber Bullying and Your Child

Bullying today isn’t just limited to the schoolyard. When children go online, they may become victims of cyber bullying from other kids who know them from the neighborhood or in school. It can be done using different technological advantages including email, SMS, chat, or social networking.

Cyber bullying is one of the major causes of depression among children. Although depression is not a common disorder for minors, it may still consume them whenever they are subjected to very high levels of pressure, embarrassment, humility, fear, anger, and many forms of negative feelings. Therefore, there is a significant connection between cyber bullying and depression.

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Whenever a child or teen is humiliated, discomfited, or blackmailed online, they are placed in a scenario where they become more vulnerable. The more they are bullied, the more they become depressed and that can result to far worse conditions like suicidal tendencies. Just like schoolyard bullying, cyber bullying is difficult for victims to escape. Since most kids and teens depend so much on the internet, there is no way for parents to prohibit them from using it. So even though they just want to ignore those who bully them, they may find it hard to do so since online bullies will always find a way to get to a victim.

The usual problem parents and concerned persons encounter is the anonymity of the bully. The internet serves as a blanket to hide the identities of these perverted people and it’s kind of hard tracking them down. Eventually, victims start to develop depression by consistently worrying and thinking about the next move or attack by the bully. Their mundane and daily activities and lives become affected by the worrying and in just a short period of time, they may build up a mentality towards hurting or even killing themselves.

Cyber bullying and depression are two related concepts in the context of child safety. This is taking into consideration that children and teens are the most vulnerable group in society. If they are bombarded with ill feelings and treatment from others, they can be easily consumed by it and eventually risk their safety and lives facing it.

There are simple steps you can take to help protect your child. For one, make a report to your internet service provider on bullying issues. You can also report it to the authorities if death threats are being made. It may also be that you have to change all your email addresses and social media accounts (i.e. Facebook, MySpace, etc.) that the bully knows and start over fresh. Consider going online with their child so you can “face” the bully online. and show your child that you are on their side and that you are fighting for her.

How to Show Your Kids That You Love Them

As a parent, it is important that your children know that they have your love. It takes a conscious effort, day in and day out, to make sure that the little people you adore so much know just how much you love them. It’s not easy work, but it’s oh, so rewarding.

1. Tell them you love them and praise them often. All people love to hear that they are important, and that they are doing things that make you happy. Think about the last time you praised your child for doing something right instead of scolded him for doing something wrong. That praise reinforces to your child that they are loved.

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2. Be physically and mentally present with your kids. When you’re having a conversation, make eye contact and listen to what your child is telling you. You will make her feel important and loved by focusing on her completely while she is telling you a story or asking for advice. When you’re playing with your daughter, put your cell phone away and just focus on the game. Kids intuitively know when your attention is elsewhere and that makes them feel less important to you. Put the focus on your kids and watch them soak it up!

3. Create habits and traditions that encourage family togetherness. Even with less time to spend together, you can still create a strong family bond that will extend through childhood into your kids’ adult years. Establish routines that will make up the culture of your family. Some of ours include our nightly snuggle chats—exactly what it sounds it like: a little bit of snuggling and a little bit of chatting—and our family dance parties in the kitchen. Family traditions are also great for strengthening the bond. Any time your kids are remembering a fun time you had together, it reinforces the idea that you love and adore them.

4. Encourage their dreams. It’s really easy to get caught up in our own ideas of how our kids should live their lives. Talk to them about things they are interested in, and find ways to help them learn more about whatever makes their hearts sing. You’ll instill self-confidence as well as an overwhelming feeling of love.

 

How to Instill Positivity in Your Child

Positivity is essential in building a foundation for their future wellness. When kids learn how to think positive from a young age, they will have a much greater chance of leading happy, healthy, and successful lives as adults. Here are some tricks that can help your child think positively everyday:

1) Model positivity. When you have a child, being conscious of your thoughts becomes a clear goal as you see them begin to mimic your moods, speech, and actions toward others.
Find a positive perspective in your experiences, and explain why the choice you made is important. Adults know that the world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but children can forget this awareness at their age. Be someone they can learn from through both success and failure.

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2) Help your child believe that they can be their best. Even if your child fails at something, motivate them to pick themselves up and carry on. If your child was expecting to win first place at the science fair but didn’t, acknowledge their feelings. Talk about the cool projects, and how they can be inspired for their next project. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is say that you tried your best, look forward, and that another opportunity will be on the way.

3) Teach your child problem solving. Problem solving is a critical skill kids need to gain confidence, continue thinking positive, and excel in life. Help them learn about the problem and what created it, then how to move past it and focus on a solution. Thinking of solution as quickly as possible will encourage them to always think positive, and be confident that answers are always out there.

4) Surround your child with a positive and uplifting environment. Explain to them that they are a product of the people they spend the most time with, and to try to associate with other people who also think positive. From this fertile positive environment, they can move forward in helping others think positive as well.

Ways to Connect with Your Mom or Daughter

Sometimes the relationships between mothers and daughters can be a difficult one. However, there are things that mothers and daughters can do to strengthen their relationship and activities that will help moms and their daughters create lasting memories.

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Making a photo album filled with memories is a good way for moms and daughters to strengthen their relationship. Sitting together, going through old photos, creates an atmosphere of sharing and joy. Moms and daughters will be able to laugh at old times and maybe even learn new things about each other in the mean time. Making a photo album is an inexpensive, easy way to spend quality time with your mom or daughter.Having tea is a great way to spend time with your mom or daughter. The purpose of a tea room is to create a calm relaxing atmosphere so customers can have nice conversation for as long as they like, while having many cups of soothing tea. The great thing about having tea is that there are usually no interruptions and it can be just the two of you.

Another good idea for moms and daughters is to make jewelry together. Making jewelry together allows for moms and daughters to learn about each others likes and dislikes as each picks out the materials she wants for her jewelry. Again, jewelry making creates a fun, laid-back atmosphere which makes it easier for moms and daughters to share memories and have good conversation. This activity is also an inexpensive, easy way to spend quality time with your mom or daughter.

Finally, moms and daughters can take a trip together. Now, this trip does not have be an out of country trip or even a trip that is across the country, it can be as simple as a day trip to another city. Taking a trip with your mom or daughter allows both to experience something new and if you are going somewhere neither has been before you two can work together with the directions and finding where you need to go. Taking a trip creates the most time for the mom and daughter to spend together, which means more time to talk and have fun.

It is important for moms and daughters to have a good relationship. This relationship may be challenging at times, but if overall, there is a good relationship there, you and your mom or daughter will get through the difficult times with relative ease. It is important to continue building the relationship between you and your mom or daughter because you never know when you will need to have your mom or daughter around.

Five Ways to Show Your Love to Your Kids

It takes a conscious effort, day in and day out, to make sure that your little ones know just how much you love them. It’s not easy work, but it’s oh, so rewarding. I’m already imagining our future; a future where all our kids and grandkids come for dinner every Sunday night, roadtrip caravans to the beach and summer barbecues, filled with laughter and love. Here are five ways you can show your kids how you REALLY love them.

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1. Tell them you love them and praise them often. This sounds obvious. But you can never tell someone you love them too often. All people love to hear that they are important, and that they are doing things that make you happy. Think about the last time you praised your child for doing something right instead of scolded him for doing something wrong. That praise reinforces to your child that they are loved.

2. Really listen to your children. When you’re having a conversation, make eye contact and listen to what your child is telling you. You will make her feel important and loved by focusing on her completely while she is telling you a story or asking for advice.

3. Be physically and mentally there for your kids as much as possible. When you’re watching your son play soccer, watch the game and cheer him on. When you’re playing Go Fish with your daughter, put your cell phone away and just focus on the game. Kids intuitively know when your attention is elsewhere and that makes them feel less important to you. Put the focus on your kids and watch them soak it up!

4. Create habits and traditions that encourage family togetherness. We’re getting busier and busier, which translates into less and less family time. Even with less time to spend together, you can still create a strong family bond that will extend through childhood into your kids’ adult years. Establish routines that will make up the culture of your family. Some of ours include our nightly snuggle chats—exactly what it sounds it like: a little bit of snuggling and a little bit of chatting—and our family dance parties in the kitchen. Family traditions are also great for strengthening the bond. We take our kids apple-picking every fall, we have a huge Halloween party, and we make a summer bucket list. All of these things help create memorable family experiences. And any time your kids are remembering a fun time you had together, it reinforces the idea that you love and adore them.

5. Encourage their dreams. It’s really easy to get caught up in our own ideas of how our kids should live their lives. I know because I’m guilty of it. Instead of pushing your kids to do things you want them to do, give them the space and the encouragement to pursue their own passions and dreams. Talk to them about things they are interested in, and find ways to help them learn more about whatever makes their hearts sing. You’ll instill self-confidence as well as an overwhelming feeling of love.

Five Ways to Be a Better Parent This Year

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about being a parent it’s that there’s always room for improvement. Here are some ideas of 5 things you could add to your parenting approach for the benefit of your whole family.

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Eat Together As A Family – My family always ate dinner on trays in front of the television. As a kid I loved it, but I vowed not to do it as a parent. We started family meals when my eldest daughter turned two. It has helped make all of us much more mindful eaters, and it’s a time when she cracks out some very funny stories! Busy schedules often mean that families aren’t able to sit down at the same time, but resolve to share a nutritious meal at home together at least once a week. Your kids will acquire better eating habits and you’ll have the chance to have new conversations as a family. You could even use this time to talk about family goals, like what you want to do on the weekend or what would make your child’s next birthday most special.

Talk Less, Listen More – Of course you’ve got lots of life lessons to teach your kids. But don’t make the mistake of shutting them down while you’re doing so. Kids need to feel heard if you want them to share more with you. And when they’re young, they need to be able to express their emotions in order to learn how to regulate them. Be a calm parent and actively listen to what they’re trying to tell you, without putting words in their mouth, and see how it impacts your relationship.

Catch Your Kids Being Good – It’s so easy to call out your kid on something you want them to stop. But how often to do you praise them for doing something good? You don’t have to make a big deal out of it, but letting them know that you’re watching and are proud of them will want them to repeat that act. Pay particular attention to the virtue they’re expressing, like “I saw how determined you were to finish that puzzle by yourself – that’s awesome.”

Be Positive – I dare you to try to go 24 hours without complaining. I did it earlier this week and I promise you, it’s hard! Being positive means that you’ll look for the positive things in people, circumstances, and all things. If negative words come out of your mouth, try to stop mid-sentence and turn it into a positive one. Being positive means that negative thoughts and words will begin to fall away. You’ll start to feel happier and happier each day.

Correct Correctly – Here’s a bit of neuroscience fact for you: our brains visualise everything but can’t process negatives, which is why we’re more likely to do something we hear. “Don’t throw that” means your child will just visualise themselves throwing it. Try to be positive in your behaviour corrections and make statements that reflect what you want to see happening. Instead of “Don’t hit your sister”, try, “That didn’t look gentle to me. How could you be gentle with your sister instead?” Then give the child the immediate opportunity to action it out / show you what they mean.

Four Top Beauty Tips for Busy Moms

Busy mums who are juggling their career and family find it hard to put their best foot forward. Why? Because it involves looking good, which usually lands at the bottom of their priority list. They lack the extra time and effort to make intentional beauty choices with so much tasks to finish at work and at home. Do you find yourself in a similar situation? Observe these beauty tips to look gorgeous without needing to overhaul your priority list and daily routine.

1) Hydrate yourself. Drinking at least a liter of water a day provides many health and beauty benefits. Apart from giving your energy level a boost and flushing toxins out of your body, drinking a generous amount of water daily will make your skin glow and your eyes shine more brightly. For variety, you can add slices of lemon and cucumber so you can enjoy a healthy dose of Vitamin C without fuss.

2) Whiten your teeth. Okay, hold your horses! Let me just clarify that teeth whitening doesn’t always need regular appointments with a dentist. There are trusty teeth whitening strips you can get over the counter. Apply them before going to bed and remove them as soon as you get up in the morning. You’ll be able to see a significant difference even after a single try. But, you’ll need to use them consistently for a week or two to have pearly teeth.

3)  Get yourself an easy hair do. The best hair length for busy moms is somewhere in between the chin and the shoulders. It’s not that long to be unruly and not that short to be tied back in a pony. You can also ask your stylist to give your hair a sassy cut that you can leave to air-dry after combing. If you’re looking forward to styling a longer hair for a special event, you can simply wear halo hair extensions just like what most celebrities do. Contrary to what most mums think, these accessories are easy to wear and are styled especially for beginners. You’ll be able to find many tips and tutorials on wearing halo hair extensions online. Check out this detailed infographic to learn about the benefits of wearing halos.  4) Have a 10 minute make-up routine. Yes. You read that right. You simply need ten minutes to look polished and classy before you begin your busy day. A mineral powder, a mascara and a lip gloss are all you need to have a fresh look on your busy days. Mineral face powders are great for adding color to your face without clogging the pores. A few coats of mascara can brighten your eyes, while a few coats of gloss can keep your lips moisturized and shiny as you work your way through your daily duties.

Whether you’re a working mum or a stay at home mum, you’ll definitely be short of time. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t be an excuse for you not to take care of yourself and look good. Try the above-mentioned tips and see how it can impact your self-confidence and how your family’s and co-workers’ impression on you.