Stuff Parents Need

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

What To Do If You Are Having Trouble Breastfeeding

· by · Leave a Comment

This was a huge issue for me when I was starting out with breastfeeding, so I hope it helps some folks out! Feel free to share this with moms you know who are breastfeeding! 

What to Do if You Are Having Trouble Breastfeeding

If you are expecting your first child, you may have plans to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is the best way to give your baby the vitamins and nutrients they need to grow and develop, and it also helps protect them from infections if you exclusively breastfeed for the first six months. As well as this, breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby. However, many mums will probably have already told you that it isn’t always easy, and there are some problems you can encounter. If you find you are having trouble breastfeeding, here’s what you can do.

Pain When Breastfeeding

When your milk ‘comes in’ at around 2-4 days after giving birth, you may find that your nipples are tender and sore. Add to this the fact that a newborn will require feeding every two to three hours, and it’s not uncommon that breastfeeding can be quite painful in the beginning. However, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure this pain doesn’t last. First of all, you’ll want to check how your baby is latching on. The best way to describe proper latching is if your baby has most of the lower part of the areola in their mouth, the nipple against the roof of their mouth, and their tongue underneath. 

Second, make sure to consult with a breastfeeding specialist just to rule out any physical problems that may cause latching on to be an issue.

Not Producing Enough Milk

As mentioned, your milk may not come in for up to four days after giving birth. This is because the hormonal changes that trigger milk production do not happen instantly. So, if it has only been a few days, not producing enough milk is not usually a problem to be concerned about. However, if after this period you find that your baby is losing weight or not putting on enough weight, it could be that you are still not producing enough milk. In this instance, you may be advised by your breastfeeding consultant to start expressing to help build up your milk supply. 

Alternatively, you can consider using baby formula. You’ll want to ensure you choose a reputable brand such as Alula from Me and My Child. Their S-26 Gold baby formula is suitable for newborn babies and has been carefully formulated to give them the right proteins and nutrients to aid healthy development.

Leaking Breasts

Leaking breasts are a common problem in the first few weeks of breastfeeding, and it is a problem that can be easily managed. You may find that one breast leaks while your baby is feeding from another, when you are sleeping, or when your baby is due a feed but you are not quite in a position to be able to feed them there and then. If you are worried about wasting this milk, you can find milk collection shells that fit inside your bra, which are useful if leaking tends to happen during a feed. Make sure to store the milk in a sterile bottle and either use it straight away or store it for up to 24 hours in a refrigerator. Alternatively, you can use reusable or disposable nursing pads.

Remember not to put too much pressure on yourself when it comes to breastfeeding, and ask for help if you are struggling.

Giving Young Adults “Veto Power” Sets Them for Success as Adults 

· by · Leave a Comment

Giving Young Adults “Veto Power” Sets Them for Success as Adults 

By Patty Alper, Author

 

Today, our young adults must learn the skills of survival in the 21st century. And those skills have changed and continue to change at a record pace. To thrive, students must learn the skills that are desirable to today’s corporate world or face the prospect of never gaining financial and social maturity.

Corporations have long known that their best employees are successful often because they have acquired skills beyond those needed to be an employee. In fact, the greatest managers and executives learn that skills to inspire and lead others do not naturally come from working as a subordinate. Rather, they come from testing out leadership skills in relationships with others. 

 

People who grew up in difficult circumstances and yet are successful have one thing in common . . . at a critical junction in their early adolescence they had a positive relationship with a caring adult.

[ATT]—President William Jefferson Clinton

 

I am a firm believer that success and perseverance should be taught in the home. I have seen too many cases where it is not. The tone parents set, and the boundaries outlined as adolescents become adults, can make a tremendous difference in the young adults’ abilities to navigate relationships and careers in the 21st century.

In Robert D. Putnam’s recent book, Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis, he details how dramatically different it is to be a young adult today, and how several factors can lead to an inequity of opportunity for our youngest populations. He suggests that in contrast to when we were all adolescents, youth today cannot escape the risk factors that infiltrate their school, community, and home environments. We need to be doing something different.

We now live in a world where we have the fortune and misfortune of 24/7 Internet at our fingertips. With that powerful resource – one that our children must embrace to be successful in any future career – comes 24/7 threats and a tremendous likelihood of negative influences. Unlike the world in which we grew up, our children face cyberbullying, inescapable peer pressure via social media channels – of which more are added every day – and unprecedented access to misinformation and horrible examples of behavior. Without positive and significant adult role models, Putnam says this generation is far more likely to experience a lack of self-esteem, suffer from depression, experience suicidal thoughts, or have a feeling of disenfranchisement. 

Moreover, as a means to guard against the ever-present pain and disappointment, our youth now adopt an early a sense of mistrust. Many use it as their primary, and even proven method of survival. Putnam describes two Orange County teenage sisters, Sofia and Lola, who developed their own moral compass for this generation, their rule of thumb: “You can’t trust anyone, not even your best friends.” 

One can easily see how this scenario leads to societal danger—one lost, misdirected youth at a time—starting with a kid dropping out of school, followed by an enticement of criminal activity for easy money, or potentially a new allegiance to an extremist sect that supply youth with a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, many lack the time, inclination, or role models to even consider their future or aspirational goals, particularly when they are just trying to survive. 

Perhaps the greatest gift we can give our children today is positive adult influences. They need people in their lives that they can trust, and with whom they can share their feelings. Not only will this help them navigate these emotionally challenging times, it will also provide more opportunities for those adolescents to succeed as adults. But let’s be more specific. How can we be positive adult influences?  

 

Create a Safe Space

 

One of the most important suggestions I have for all mentoring relationships – and that certainly applies to parent/adolescent relationships – is to first create a safe space. Especially in today’s toxic and judgmental environment, our youth need to witness that ideas can be openly discussed without fear of harsh criticism or judgment. When a parent presents that environment at home – where there is empathy and active listening (not just the obligatory “uh huh” while we continue with what we are doing) – that parent offers something that will have a lasting impact: a judgment-free zone where creativity and idea-generation can flourish. Once your adolescent realizes that his ideas can be welcomed and even cherished, the bridles are off, and you have effectively “freed” his mind to explore what else he can dream and accomplish. I have witnessed the before and after for these transitions, and they are powerful. They are life-changing. In fact, as Chris Gardner, the author of The Pursuit of Happyness, once told me, when we mentor with this mindset, we are not only impacting this generation; we are impacting their kids as well.

One of my favorite writers, who has also helped me in my own life and as a mentor, is Dr. Carol Dweck, the renowned Stanford University psychologist. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak extensively with Dweck about mentoring and parenting mindsets. One of her core mantras is to praise challenges and progress, not innate qualities. In other words, we should be teaching young adults that there will always be hurdles; it’s how you overcome those hurdles that matters in life. We should be praising the ability to come out of difficulties. She also stated that, whether students are aware of it or not, they are terrible at estimating their own abilities. The immense power to believe in oneself can strongly affect a person’s desire to learn, her overarching achievement, and her life’s potential. That’s what we as parents and mentors must instill.

How can you start your child thinking about that mindset? I like to ask, “What was your challenge today, and how did you work through it?” Take yourself out of the equation. Let your young adult share how he identified a problem, and he overcame it. “What did you learn from that?” This could easily be an entire dinner conversation – and rightly so.

 

Encourage a Project, and Put Your Young Adult in Charge

 

In my book, Teach to Work: How a Mentor, a Mentee, and a Project Can Close the Skills Gap in America, I describe in detail what I call “Project Based Mentoring.” The model stems from Project Based Learning theories, but adds a skilled mentor to support the student and project. Through the project, these two different generations are given something to “do” together, and the project is both educational and transformative. The project is frequently based on tackling realistic problems with real-world application. 

Importantly, however, there are important guidelines for that relationship. It is the student who is the idea generator, the responsible party, and the driver of the activity and its execution. Together, the mentor and mentee/student share a mutual goal of planning the project framework within a timeline to achieve successful completion. Eventually, in the classroom, the students will give a public oral defense. The project and the relationship mimic workplace assignments and intergenerational (and often cross-cultural) work relationships.

I suggest this sort of project is just as developmental and experiential if it is embarked by parent/child teams, and you review the project’s success in an “oral defense” at the end. Has your daughter wanted to paint her room a different color? Has your son been wanting to plan a weekend trip or activity for the family? These could be excellent projects in which the parents teach responsibility and project planning, while also encouraging creativity and positive mindsets. 

Based on my 20 years of mentoring, I can tell you the relationship works. Young adults, often for often the first time, are developing skills that are relevant to an actual career. They are seeing first-hand that strategizing and hard work can yield results. The youth develop character and competence, and through both, they develop confidence. And naturally, bonds form that can have a profound impact on everyone involved (even the parent/mentor).

 

Give Them “Veto Power”

 

Importantly, the parent(s) need to remember that their role is to encourage critical thinking, but not direct the project. In fact, this is an opportunity to give up control – and see how your child can take on, enthusiastically, more responsibility with time. You should absolutely be asking questions and playing devil’s advocate in “what if” scenarios. But I would suggest giving the “veto power” to your child. In order for a child to take on more authority, you have to give up some of it. “No, mom, I really do want to paint the room black.” 

Cringe! I know! But keep in mind the ultimate goal: instilling long-term values and hopefully a few lessons learned and/or disappointments overcome along the way. You are preparing your child for the real world of decision-making.

 

Make it Fun

 

Finally, it is your job to make sure this project stays fun. If there is a hurdle or negative outcome, help your child collect evidence on what happened. Don’t let the conversation or thinking turn to, “I’m so stupid,” as students will often say. Keep the conversation and comments constructive and positive.

Likewise, make sure your child’s effort, and not innate abilities, are praised. “What did you learn today?” “What did you try hard at?” Dweck says it is actually counterproductive to compliment an innate talent, physical attribute, or skills. Give your student this mentality and you have given them one of the most valuable lessons in life: “You are in charge of your learning and your mindset. It’s a choice.”

 

PATTY ALPER, author of Teach to Work, is president of the Alper Portfolio Group, a marketing and consulting company, and is a board member of both the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and US2020, the White House initiative to build mentorship in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers. She has also been appointed to the corporate committee for Million Women Mentors. 

 

How to Sleep with Lower Back Pain

· by · Leave a Comment

My family just got back from a camping trip, so this guest post is very timely for my aching back! I hope it helps you, too. 

How to Sleep with Lower Back Pain

Chronic lower back pain is a common ailment to many, and can lower the quality of life for those effected by it. There are many reasons for lower back pain, so let’s explore how to sleep with lower back pain, and what could make it worse or better.

Why does my lower back hurt?

There are many pieces of the spine and back that can cause your lower back to hurt. About 80% of people have low back pain at some point in their life. Your back is made up of spinal vertebrae, discs, ligaments, tendons and nerves.

Back pain can be either acute, which means it lasts on a number of days or weeks. Or it can be chronic, meaning it lasts for 3 months or more.

One of the most common causes of lower back pain are tendon or muscle strains, which is caused by twisting, heavily lifting, or moving the wrong way.

Degenerated discs are another very common cause of lower back pain, and this typically happens with age as your spinal discs dry out, and can cause pressure on your nerves. The degeneration happens naturally, but can be sped up by repetitive spinal motions over a long period of time, or impact trauma such a sports injury or car accident.

Sciatica is also another pain that can effect the back, and move down to your legs and possibly to your feet depending on the severity. This is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body running from your lower back to your feet.

Lower Back Pain after Sleeping

When you have lower back pain after sleeping, it’s likely that your sleeping posture is the cause. Sleeping in certain positions can put pressure on your spine and cause back strain with pressure on your joints. The important part of trying to remedy this is taking pressure off your back.

Best sleeping positions for back pain

An important impact on your daily life will be your sleeping position. Sleeping on your back does help with a healthy back, as it evenly distributes weight through the body’s surface. It helps alignment of the spine and body, and minimizes pressure points.

You can also sleep on your side with a pillow in between your knees. The emphasis here is the pillow in between your knees, because without that this sleeping position can pull the spine out of alignment and strain your lower back. A pillow will raise your upper leg, and restore the natural alignment of the hips and spine.

How to sleep on your back

If your favorite sleeping position is on your back, you’ll want to add some slight support here. Your pillow should be comfortably supporting the head and neck, without twisting the head sideways. A small pillow underneath your knees can provide extra support to maintain that natural curve of your spine. If you feel a gap between your back and the mattress, you can add a pillow under your lower back to help.

How to relieve lower back pain

There are several exercises to stretch your back in case of a back strain, such as the knee to chest, cat-cow yoga positions, and strengthening with a plank.

When it comes to disc degeneration or herniated discs you can explore other options depending on severity. Physical therapy such as stretching and strengthening help, but if the degeneration was progressed to a chronic level then an MRI may be necessary to see the exact cause of the pain.

Pain management for lower back pain is helpful while treating the underlying causes of the pain. You can talk to a doctor to see which treatment solutions are best for you.

Benefits of Invisible Vs Traditional Braces

· by · Leave a Comment

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

· by · Leave a Comment

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

· by · Leave a Comment

 

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

· by · Leave a Comment

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

· by · Leave a Comment

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

· by · Leave a Comment

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.