Stuff Parents Need

Easing the chaos in the nest, one find at a time.

Benefits of Invisible Vs Traditional Braces

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Today’s guest post is about a topic I have to start thinking about since I’ve got a tween in the house! I hope it helps you if braces are on your mind, too. 

If you want to achieve a straighter smile, you might have considered getting braces. The good news is that today, there are so many options out there when it comes to having braces fitted and with a range of affordable payment plans available, that achieving the smile of your dreams is in easier reach than ever before. Whether you never got the chance to get braces as a kid or forgot to wear your retainers and your teeth moved back to a similar position that they were in before, you might be thinking about getting clear invisible aligners compared to a traditional wire brace with a bracket. 

Deciding on the right type of brace for you is not always an easy choice to make, so we’ve put together some of the main benefits of invisible aligners to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not they are right for you. 

Shorter Treatment Time

Since clear invisible aligners are predominantly designed to treat less severe cases of misalignment, they typically come with a shorter treatment time compared to traditional braces. You could expect to wear a traditional brace for at least a year or more, depending on the treatment that you need. However, clear aligners can be worn for as short as six months depending on the nature of the treatment. This makes them an ideal choice for people who are dealing with a slight case of misalignment such as one or two slightly crooked teeth. 

Appearance

Some people are reluctant to get braces because they don’t want to have them visible in their mouths for up to two years. And while traditional wire braces will eventually help you get the smile that you want, there’s certainly nothing pretty about them when they are being worn. On the other hand, clear aligners are invisible braces that are barely noticeable in your mouth. They fit over your teeth in a similar way to a mouthguard and unless somebody’s looking closely, they will probably not be able to notice that you have them in at all. 

Removable

Traditional braces are a permanent fixture in your mouth for the entire duration of wearing them. This can make it difficult for you to enjoy certain foods that you like or even keep your teeth cleaned. However, clear invisible aligners from ALIGNERCO are completely removable. You can wear clear aligners at night and throughout the day while you are at home and take them out to go out, eat your meals and brush your teeth, making it easier for you to get on with everyday life while straightening your teeth at the same time. Check out the products and treatments available from ALIGNERCO such as these clear aligners to see whether they are the right option for you. 

Any Cons to Consider

As with any dental treatment, there are some downsides to consider when getting invisible braces – and it’s up to you to decide if the pros outweigh the cons for you. Some important points to consider are:

Cost

Typically, clear aligners will cost you more than braces since this treatment tends to use more materials as a new brace will be created for you every few weeks in order to continue applying the right amount of pressure to your mouth. However, many people agree that it’s worth paying more for these braces thanks to the number of advantages that they provide. 

Maintenance

Unlike regular traditional braces that are cleaned each time you clean your teeth, you may need to dedicate more time to maintaining and cleaning your invisible braces. You may be required to stick to a special cleaning system that involves cleaning and brushing the tray and rinsing it in lukewarm water since hot or cold water could cause the brace to warp. 

Follow Up Visits

Since a new tray needs to be made around every two weeks when you are wearing clear aligners, you can usually expect to be asked to attend more follow-up visits compared to when wearing a traditional brace. Because of this, it’s important to find an orthodontist in your area that’s easy to get to. Alternatively, you may be able to find an option where you can create your own molds from home and have your braces sent to you in the mail. 

Whether you opt for invisible aligners or traditional braces is completely up to you and will be based on your unique situation with your teeth. Bear in mind that traditional braces are still the most highly recommended option for treating severe orthodontic issues, but invisible braces are ideal for those who do not have a great deal of correction work to be done. Consult with an orthodontist who can help you determine the right option for you by looking at your teeth as they are currently and considering your long-term goals. 

6 Items Worth Investing In for Your Teen

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I hope today’s guest post is helpful for those of you with teens. My oldest is already a tween so the teen years are very, very close! Ack! 

6 Items Worth Investing In for Your Teen

For parents of teens, it can feel like you are constantly shelling out money for various wants and needs. After a while it can start to feel like you’re nothing more than a cash machine, dolling out money every day. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with putting your foot down, and really as a parent that’s a necessary thing to do, there are some things that can really be worth investing in. But how can you tell if the item is a want versus a need?

Here we’ll take a look at six items that could be well worth you investing in for your teen.

A Laptop or Chromebook

There’s no denying that we live in a digital age. With that said, it’s perfectly normal for your teen to rely on the same digital devices you do. Many of today’s schools are even requiring teens to show up to class with their own laptop or Chromebook. So this brings us to the first item worth investing in – a laptop or Chromebook.

Each of these devices allows for flexibility since they can be taken anywhere. This means they can use them in class, to and from school on the bus, and at home to do their homework assignments.

In terms of what the best devices are, typically you want to be picky when it comes to screen size, the weight of the device, the memory, and the battery, which should be as long-lasting as possible.

Encourage Reading with an E-Reader

It’s always great to encourage good habits for teens, and reading certainly fits into that category. Rather than traditional paper books, you can invest in an e-reader for them. Again, it’s about giving them convenience, and an e-reader is something they can throw in their bag and take on the go with them.

There are a number of different types/styles available with various features. You can find everything from a basic e-reader device to ones that are filled with features and can even double as a tablet or a secondary monitor. One thing to be aware of when shopping for these devices is the screen size. Look for one that will provide a comfortable reading experience, ideally one that allows them to adjust the font size, which is quite common.

Invisible Braces

Investing in your child’s teeth is always a good investment and the teenage years are the perfect time to think about teeth alignment. Where it used to be that traditional metal braces were the only option, today teens can have invisible braces that are convenient to wear and completely discreet. These are meant for kids ages 14 and over, and can be a very real and effective solution for any misalignment they may have.

You can try this site, which is Alignerco, known for its selection of clear braces/invisible aligners. Invisible aligners can help with crowded teeth, gapped teeth, crossbite, and overbite. Opting for invisible liners is incredibly cost-effective when compared to the standard metal braces. Alignerco features installment plans, which are perfect for parents looking for an affordable solution.

A Musical Instrument

Music is another fabulous hobby to encourage in your teen, and if they show any interest in it you’ll want to jump on it. This could include something like a drum set, a guitar, a wind instrument, a keyboard, or any other type of instrument. Depending on where their interest lies this, can obviously get pretty expensive, which is why it needs to be seen as an investment.

Driving Lessons

Of course, this is something that will have to wait until they are the appropriate age, but driving lessons are an excellent way to prepare them. A professional driving school will go over all the rules and regulations, plus work to build up their confidence. 

The last thing you want to do is teach them any bad habits you yourself may have. At least by investing in professional lessons you have the peace of mind knowing they are learning all the right habits and rules.

Their First Car

This one can be a bit controversial. There are certainly plenty of parents who feel this should be the responsibility of the teen to save enough money for their first car, whereas other parents want to gift it to them. If you’re on the fence, you could always take the middle-of-the-road approach and tell them you will match dollar for dollar whatever they save. This provides your teen with a goal to work towards, teaches them responsibility, and you’re still able to contribute to the purchase.

Many Things to Look Into 

As this list shows, there are plenty of different items worth considering when it comes to purchases for your teens. It’s all about weighing your options, taking their own personality and needs into consideration, and of course, setting a budget that makes you feel comfortable.

4 Baby Safety Gadgets You Need In Your Diaper Bag

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When it comes to your baby’s safety, ensuring that they are secure and comfortable both at home and on the go is an absolute necessity. It’s easy when you’re at home- everything you need is at your fingertips, tucked away in bins and drawers, and ready at a moment’s notice. But how do you know what you need with you while on the go with your little one? We’ve got your back- check out our 4 must-have baby gadgets to keep in your diaper bag!

Seat Belt Cover

What can you do to make sure that your little one stays safe and secure in their car seat? Babies love to press buttons (literally and figuratively!), and that car seat button can be a major temptation while riding in the car. Investing in an eZtotZ seat belt buckle cover is the perfect way to make sure  your toddler stays buckled up. The eZtotZ works with virtually any buckle, so you should be good to go no matter the style or brand of your car seat. Not to mention it gives you some great peace of mind, knowing that your child is staying in their car seat until you take them out.

Pacifier Thermometer

If you’ve ever attempted to take a baby’s temperature, you know what a challenge it can be. Enter the pacifier thermometer! It gives you a quick readout of your baby’s temperature without the hassle of trying to tuck it under their arm or in their mouth. Get the job done quickly and without a fuss while they enjoy the familiar sensation of a soothing pacifier.

Stroller Safety

Have you ever found yourself on the go with your little one tucked away in the stroller, and been faced with the question of how to open a door without your stroller making it difficult? It usually involves struggling to keep your hands on the stroller handles while attempting to reach over to open the door, and then quickly pushing the stroller through before the door shuts on you. Not fun! Safe BeeSide Me has a fantastic stroller controller, allowing you to stand beside or in front of the stroller, significantly simplifying your stroller outings.

Electric Nail Trimmers

Trimming a baby’s nails is equal parts necessary and frustrating. The stress of potentially cutting your little one’s fingers as they wriggle and writhe can be a major point of stress. Electric nail trimmers make the whole process easier, allowing you to gently cut their nails with ease. It makes the whole ordeal much easier for both parent and baby and is a total must for us.

 

So there you have it! Confidently pack your diaper bag for your next outing, knowing that you have what you need to keep your baby safe and comfortable. Looking for a reliable diaper bag? These Ergobaby diaper bags are my go-to! They are long-lasting, high quality, and provide plenty of space for your baby must-haves. Give yourself some peace of mind by investing in something that can serve both you and your little one as they grow. Happy diaper bag packing!

The Perfect Grilled Lobster at Home

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I love today’s guest post topic! What a fun way to make one of the MANY at home meals we are all enduring really special and fun! 

Looking for a healthy meal that tastes amazing? Or perhaps you are bored with your usual dinner? Lobster is a great way to get the family together and treat them to a delicious, restaurant-style dish at home. Grilled lobster is a healthy and delicious way to get the family excited about eating together at home.

You don’t need to dine out at expensive restaurants, you can enjoy this premium crayfish at home. Due to the rise of companies like LobsterAnywhere where you can buy lobster online, you can cook and enjoy them from the comfort of your own home. It’s not as hard as you may think, especially when you choose premium frozen lobster.

The great thing about cooking lobster yourself is that you get to choose exactly how to cook it and what to pair with it!

 

Fresh or Frozen Lobster?

You may squirm at the idea of boiling live lobsters and we get it – it’s not for the faint-hearted. Lobster lovers often choose to grill their meat instead. It takes the same prep time as the conventional method and makes a really tasty meal due to the added flavor from the grill.

Frozen lobster is much easier to work with and a lot less stressful. Cooking live lobsters can be intimidating – not everyone can handle live fish.

So, how do you go about making grilled lobster?

We are going to talk you through how to create a perfectly grilled lobster from the comfort of your own home.

Grilling lobster results in smoky succulent flavors, plus whatever marinade, or butter you decide to use. Combine that with the other cooking on the grill, such as your veg, sides, and starters. This results in the most delicious grilled lobster BBQ meal to enjoy with friends and family at home.

First of all, start with the basics. You should only buy high-quality lobster. It makes the world of difference when grilling at home. You don’t want to skimp on price. And whilst grilling, always make sure to check the heat is at the right level because a well-done lobster ruins the taste and possibly your mood if you’re a lobster lover!

Here is our personal favorite recipe for a family of 4;

  • 4 Maine Lobsters
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons of Wholegrain mustard (you can also use Dijon mustard).
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic (finely chopped)
  • 2 large freshly squeezed lemons
  • Sharp scissors
  • Sharp knife

Grilled Lobster isn’t as complicated as it may seem. For a perfectly grilled lobster, simply follow these steps.

  • Split the lobsters in half – this makes it much easier to grill and eat
  • Use sharp kitchen scissors to cut through the shell, from the top of each tail up to the body
  • Place a knife into the cut, and then use the scissors to cut through the lobster meat all the way through
  • This should be done in one swoop, cutting the tails in half as well but do not cut through the bottom shell.
  • Make sure to cut the lobster in half lengthwise. This allows the meat to cook directly on the grill, allowing the top to receive all the great BBQ flavor
  • Mix all the other ingredients. Place on a low heat on the hob and boil until melted and place to the side
  • Pull back the sides of the shell to expose the meat
  • Discard the dark stomach (located behind the eyes) and the soft green tomalley, which is the soft green mass in the body (this is the lobster’s digestive gland- the liver).
  • Rub the ingredients on the meat and add any other seasoning you like (make sure not to overseason – lobster meat has enough taste which you don’t want to overpower)
  • Heat the grill to medium-high and place the lobster meat front down for 5-6 minutes, then turn it over, cook for another 3-4 minutes until done

And bon appetit!  Now you have perfectly grilled lobsters. Serve with extra butter sauce and side dishes or vegetables of your choice.

We love grilled asparagus, spinach, and any type of greens to complete your perfectly grilled lobster home-cooked BBQ.

We recommend that you grill larger lobsters, around 1 pound or heavier. This is because smaller lobsters will cook too quickly on the grill, and you will likely be left with it over-cooked and miss out on the soft tender meat and sweetness lobster is renowned for!

As you can see, it is pretty easy to make grilled lobsters in the comfort of your own home. Why not try our recipe and let us know if you added anything else? We would love to hear more creative cooking ideas from you!

6 Must-Have Items to Keep Your Dog Busy For Hours

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Today’s guest post is dedicated to all the dog moms out there! I hope it gives you some fun new ideas for your four-legged loves!

Have a smart dog? If so, then you know that keeping them occupied is a constant battle. It doesn’t have to be, however, if you’re careful to pick the right toys and accessories for them to play with around the house. Even better? You can build some of them yourself! If you’re still looking then read on and we’ll show you some great items to keep the mutt busy!

1. Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your pet occupied. They come in a variety of different configurations but the purpose is the same: make your dog think their way to a treat.

 

These toys are alluring to canines since the scent of the treats or food in them get out. The dog smells them and then has to solve the puzzle.

 

Easy enough, and with some thought you can even make your own. A treat and a hidden pocket on their favorite plushy is one of the best methods, but people have gotten extremely creative with the whole affair over time. If you can think it up, chances are your dog will give it a go.

2. Dog Pools

Is your dog a water breed? Retrievers, Poodles, and many other dogs love to get in the water. As summer rolls in it might be time to think about a dog pool.

 

While it’s not something you should let most animals have free access too, they’re a safe method for a dog to burn off energy. For certain breeds, it even handles an instinctual need to get in there and splash around.

 

They’re easy to find. You can buy a cheap one, use a plastic kiddy pool, or even make your own. Thankfully, it’s sure to be used as long as you maintain it. Dogs aren’t nearly as likely to get bored with an above-ground pool as we are.

3. Scavenger Hunts with Treats

Try hiding a variety of treats around the home. The places should be well-hidden but still accessible by your dog for the best results.

 

You can make this much more alluring to your dog by dragging the treats to create trails to the treats, allowing them to use their superior sense of smell to find them.

 

Best of all? You don’t even have to be there to keep your dog occupied for hours. Many people have found this a great way to keep intelligent dogs like Collies distracted while they’re away. It’s an easy fix for separation anxiety if you can keep the game going.

4. Your Television

Studies show that dogs actually watch TV, and can even recognize animals on the screen. It’s not always the best option, and your dog may tire of it within a few days, but it’s an easy way to just let your dog veg on the couch.

 

Stations with a lot of animals are better received but each dog is different. See what they like, change the channel on different days, and you’ve got another tool for occupying your dog’s attention.

5. The Digging Box

You can make a frame for your yard and fill it with sand or soil. Add in some toys and treats and you’ll have a great way to keep your dog occupied for hours at a time.

 

It’s a simple process, even if you barely know tools you can cobble something together after reading a few articles and watching a couple of YouTube videos.

 

They’re the gift that keeps on giving as well. It’s not something your dog will tire of easily and resetting the digging box is easy. Just level all of the sand or soil again and rebury toys and treats to give your dog another great round of fun.

6. A Simple Job

The reason that most animals become rather destructive while you’re gone is simple: they’ve got nothing better to do. You’ll note that most of the dog breeds which are associated with destruction when not occupied are highly intelligent. Border Collies, for instance, are among the worst offenders.

 

If you’ve got the knack for training then you can teach your dog to do simple things around the house. Let them load laundry baskets, for instance, or put away all of their toys. Essentially: make them a part of your day.

 

It depends on your dog’s intelligence and your aptitude as a trainer but you’d be surprised at how much you can get your dog to do. As a bonus, they’re also helping out around the house!

Keeping Dogs Active

Like us, our dogs need to be mentally occupied during the day to avoid problems. Since they can’t just scroll through Facebook or read a novel it’s up to us to find them things to do while they’re home alone. The above are just a start, why not see what you and your dog can do?

How to Save Money Every Time You Shop

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Please enjoy today’s guest post. I definitely feel the need these days to save as much money as I reasonably can! Perhaps you feel the same way! 

Shopping can be a lot of fun, particularly when you’re searching for something exciting, like a vacation or a new house. However, every time you buy something, you also need to deal with the stress of knowing that you’ve taken a chunk out of your bank balance. That’s a chunk that could have gone into your savings account, or emergency fund.

So, how do you deal with this fact? For most of us, refusing to spend money on anything non-essential ever again won’t be realistic. Instead, we it’s easier to think of ways that you can reduce your spending each time you shop, so you can feel more comfortable about your financial habits. 

Here are some top tips that could save you a fortune, whatever you buy. 

  1. Spread the Costs of Big Purchases

Sometimes, you’ll find it’s much easier to spread the cost of a big purchase out over an extended period of time, than try to buy everything at once. As worrying as it can be to borrow some money for your new car or kitchen extension, it’s often a lot less stressful than pulling all the cash out of your emergency savings in one go. 

Spreading the cost of big purchases over time can also help you to build a better credit rating. This ensures that if you ever need to borrow money in the future, you should be able to get a better deal on your loan. Consider the long-term benefits of borrowing the cash you need the next time you have a big ticket item to buy. 

  1. Know What You Need “New”

There are some items in life that we can’t buy second-hand. Things like underwear, food, and even baby supplies are only really trustworthy when you get them vacuum-packed or sealed from the store. However, there are a lot of other items that you can access without spending a fortune on a “new” label. For instance, if you’re keen to get your hands on a new smartphone, it might make sense to hold off for a few weeks. 

It doesn’t take long for people to decide that they’re bored of their phone or can’t afford to keep it. When that happens, second-hand versions of gadgets appear in stores and online, available for a fraction of the “new” cost. 

  1. Embrace Generic Brands

There’s a reason why the world’s biggest companies spend a fortune on advertising. They hope that you’re going to fall in love with their brands and refuse to buy anything else. In some cases, we even convince ourselves that certain brands of food or toiletries taste or work better than their generic counterparts. The truth, on the other hand is that most essential items are made with the same ingredients. 

If you’re nervous about switching to a generic brand, consider switching just one item on your shopping list each week or month. That way, you can open your mind to the possibility of trying new things. If you really hate the brand you switch to, you can always switch back. 

  1. Sell Your Old Stuff

How much old junk do you have sitting in your cupboards or taking up space around the house? It’s easy to convince yourself that you shouldn’t throw items away after you paid good, honest money for them. However, the truth is that if these products are just taking up space, they’re better off out of your house. 

Selling your old items has two big benefits. First, it allows you to clear some space around your home, so it’s not as hard to keep everything looking neat. Secondly, selling old objects gives you an extra dose of cash that you can put into your emergency fund or savings. You can even use the money you earn on old products to fund new ones. 

  1. Compare Your Options

Finally, if you’re trying to save money whenever you shop, stop going for the first price you see for the item or service that you want. More often than not, if you’re willing to look around, you’ll be able to find a better deal elsewhere online. 

You can save money on a huge variety of things just by comparison shopping. Try it the next time you need to renew your car insurance or upgrade your broadband. Staying loyal to the same old brands and businesses doesn’t always give you the financial bonus that you would expect. Be willing to play the field a little. 

 

Guide: Easter Basket Stuffers for Your Toddler

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I hope you find today’s guest post helpful as you seek out the perfect Easter basket contents for the toddler in your life!

Your toddler is finally old enough to start comprehending what the holidays are about. It’s such an exciting time not only for them but for parents too. As parents, it’s a chance to relive our childhood all over again by seeing it through our little one’s eyes—carrying the same traditions as our parents once shared with us. One of those traditions is waking up to Easter baskets on Easter Sunday. Of course, egg-shaped candy was and still is a must, but if you’re needing other ideas, here’s a guide to putting your toddler’s Easter basket together this year. 

 

A personalized basket

Premade baskets are convenient but a personalized basket is much more fun. Whether you have a boy or girl, getting their name embroidered on the basket lining, along with a tutu for your girl or rabbit ears for your little boy will bring them so much joy when they see it for the first time. Unlike plastic premade baskets, personalized baskets are more durable, allowing for multiple use throughout the year or years to come. So even when your toddler is done getting all of their goodies on Easter morning, you can still use it to store little trinkets in their room.   

Wooden toys

At your toddler’s age, they’re not quite ready for Barbies and action figures, however, wooden toys are ideal for this age because they aren’t sharp and they don’t contain little pieces they can choke on. At this stage, toddlers should be learning basic concepts like colors, numbers, and letters. Adding multi-colored stackers, a puzzle, or a few farm animals will be fun and educational toys for them to play with throughout the year.  

Mouse ears

Is your little girl a fan of Disney? A pair or mouse ears in her favorite movie theme will be better than regular bunny ears. These ears will also come in handy the next time you score a pair of Disney On Ice tickets or for an upcoming trip to Disneyland. She can bring her own ears to represent her favorite Disney character, and at the same time, mom and dad can save on those expensive souvenir ears at the park. 

Coloring book and washable crayons

Most likely, your little one doesn’t understand the concept of staying inside the lines when it comes to coloring books. A toddler coloring book is the best way to teach them about colors and how to color. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that you’re buying the washable crayons so that if they decide to color a whole mural on your wall you can keep calm knowing it washes off. 

 

Personalized Easter socks

There’s no such thing as too many socks when it comes to kids. Either because a pair’s match got lost in the washer or dryer, your kids are wearing their socks out too fast, or they’ve outgrown them quicker than it took you to buy them. A pair of Easter socks can be the accessory to complete their Easter Sunday look while replacing that one pair that’s on its last days. 

 

The toddler phase is such a perfect age because your little one gets so excited and so easily entertained by the smallest things. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on them to make them happy. Little trinkets like bubbles, wind-up toys, and jars of playdough can all be found for a minimal price, and you can pack their baskets with tons to last them all spring. These tend to be the more popular items so make sure that you plan ahead and shop before the good stuff is all taken from the shelves. 

 

Exploring How to Restore Facial Skin Health

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Please enjoy today’s guest post. It’s a topic I think about more and more now that I’m almost 40! 

There is no denying how your face looks is important. People may say looks are not everything, but judgment based on looks occurs every day. Whether you are interviewing for a job, going on a date, or just spending time with friends, you do not need the worry of not looking your best. That is why, keeping wrinkles, scars, sun spots and other facial damage away may be a top priority for you. Here is what you need to know about restoring your facial skin health and preventing future damage.

 

Why Your Face May Show Signs of Damage

Consider what your face goes through all the time and it is easy to see some reasons it may start to look damaged. Weather, diet, exercise and smoking status are just some things that may affect it. Application of improper or chemical-filled health and beauty products and exposure to airborne materials also top the list of influencing factors. Therefore, the best way to limit facial skin damage is to avoid as many of those factors as possible.

 

Of course, you cannot avoid everything that affects your skin health. A prime example is the hormonal changes that naturally happen with the passage of time. They are inevitable. That is why, no matter how vigilant you are, you may eventually need some sort of corrective procedure, such as a cosmetic JetPeel treatment. Professional cosmetic assistance may be the only way to reclaim the look you want and rid yourself of the wrinkles or other damage you hate to see when you look in the mirror.

 

Exfoliating the Skin for Better Health

The word “exfoliation” is a big term in the skincare world, but it is not thrown around arbitrarily. Exfoliation is actually a big part of maintaining skin health. It is a process of removing what does not need to be there. In most cases, what does not need to be there are skin cells that have died but not fully fallen off yet. Sometimes they can block up your pores, causing acne or other issues. Foreign materials like dirt, grease and makeup residue also need to be exfoliated away. That is why most restorative facial procedures in clinics focus on exfoliation.

 

Maximizing Internal Cellular Collagen Production and Efficiency

Another aspect of facial skin restoration is maximizing the efficiency and production of collagen within your body. Some skincare treatments infuse your skin with collagen. Others try to make your body create and distribute more of its own naturally. In either case, the purpose is to get the collagen to give your skin back some of its elasticity, allowing it to bounce back into place. That reduces lax skin that causes wrinkling.

 

Treating Mild, Moderate, and Severe Facial Skin Concerns

One of the best things about clinical treatments for your skin, whether on your face or not, is they come in many styles and strengths. You can easily treat mild facial blemishes or wrinkles in any one of several ways. Multiple moderate skin treatments are also available. In fact, procedures like chemical peels have mild, moderate and deep versions. You can select the one you need. However, the important thing is not to limit yourself by waiting too long. Once your skin reaches a certain point, your treatment options may be greatly reduced. In some cases, surgery may be the only solution.

 

Take the Time to Get to Know Your Skin and Your Clinic

It may sound like signing up for a facial skin treatment quickly is essential at the first sign of trouble, but do not be too quick to set up an appointment. You have to find a clinic you feel comfortable with, first. It is also imperative that you fully understand they types of skin damage you have and the causes. Only then can you explore treatment options with a trusted clinician.

Planning Your Next Winter Getaway

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With just 4 days until Christmas, this magic maker is crying out for a chance to rest and recoup! Are you feeling the need for a vacation, but tend to think of them as best saved for summer? I hope this guest post will help inspire you to consider a winter getaway! I can certainly vouch for the national park recommendation below! 

Planning Your Next Winter Getaway

Planning your next winter getaway can be a little daunting. It requires thought, planning, consideration, and money. But breaking up the winter blues with a fun trip is always a fun thing to do, so it’s worth it! Here are some things to consider for your next wintery trip.

How to Fund Your Trip
After spending all that money on holiday gifts and goodies, it can seem overwhelming to then turn around and pay for a trip. With a little planning, it’s totally possible! You can use a Visa Platinum to book everything because it gives you points for each dollar you spend on travel!

One thing that helps is planning far enough in advance. Then you can split up the payment and cost. For example, if you’re flying, book your tickets a couple months before you plan to go. Then book your hotels and excursions the following month. That way, the cost isn’t concentrated into one paycheck and is instead spread out over a few. And you can fully enjoy spending on what you want once you get on your trip! Another idea is to set up a separate savings account specifically for traveling. Each paycheck, divert a small portion so that it adds up in time for that much-needed vacay!

Picking Where to Go
This is the most fun and exciting part of traveling–picking where to go! How do you do it? Start by deciding what kind of trip you are looking to experience and ask the other people who are going with you. You can break out your trip options into four different categories. Some can be combined, but these are the ones that seem most common.

1. Nature Trip
First is a nature trip to the great outdoors. The national parks are a great option to visit for a winter getaway. Most are less busy because of the cooler weather, but they’re still beautiful at that time. Zion National Park lodging is a great place to stay to see some of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Take a Zion jeep tour to see even more of the red rocks while being in the warmth of the jeep. Rates are also typically lower than during high travel times, so this is a great option if you don’t want to spend a lot.

2. Beach Trip
Second, is somewhere warm and relaxing. If you live somewhere chilly, nothing sounds more appealing than sunshine and the beach during winter. Many beach resorts are all-inclusive and are worth spending on upfront because they save you money on food and excursions in the long run. Do some research and find the right one for you!

3. Cruise Trip
Third, is a cruise. Sailing on a cruise also typically includes warm and relaxing destinations, but it doesn’t have to be. All lodging and food, and even excursions can be taken care of when you book!

4. Embrace a Winter Trip
Last, is to embrace the winter! Book a stay at a cozy cabin or celebrate the holidays in a small town to have that Hallmark Christmas experience.

Going on a trip is one of the most fulfilling experiences you can have with your loved ones. Take some time to plan where to go, how to finance it, and ask around about what to do once you get there. And best of all, enjoy your travels!