I’m a big fan of literacy. I like to think that being and remaining literate throughout your life is an accomplishment often overlooked by chasing a career or bearing some offspring.
While I’m assuming most of us know how to read at a junior high level (hopefully higher), there are the troubled few who struggle to navigate the pages of Dr. Seuss.

After graduation it seems a lot of us just stop reading. There is no slow tapering off of book consumption but a swift drop. Sometimes I wonder if I didn’t have to read exam questions, when would I fit time in to practice comprehending written words?

For a long time I told myself “but I read articles online.” Barely. If I’m actually reading a full article I always scroll to see how long it is first. If the length is acceptable I find myself skimming paragraphs for only the most crucial information. I guess those 8th grade reading skimming strtegies did come in handy in the end.

Because online content is littered with distractions, it’s almost impossible to get the reading benefits that exist diving face first into a book. If there is an internet connected device at my fingertips, that article’s headline will be about the farthest I make it through the content.

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Skydiving

Another way to achieve a legal high without drinking is to try out skydiving – it’s not for the faint hearted! You can’t be any higher than the sky (except for if you can afford to go to space?!) so why not don a parachute and jump out of a plane today? This might be a little frightening for some people, but it truly is one of the best ways to experience something amazing and see some incredible views on your way down – just remember to pull that cord at the right time!

Slot Games

Spinning the reels can give you an adrenaline rush. This is because, as the reels spin, a big win could be revealed in a matter of seconds. If you have never tried a slot game before, make sure to give one a spin to give yourself to experience the rush, a whole variety of slot and casino games can be found here.

Supercar

Sure, we all like to hit the national speed limit on those long straight roads but have you ever driven a supercar? Fast cars like Ferraris are perfect for driving on a race track and the entire experience is really thrilling for those who try it out. If you are looking for a legal high that doesn’t involve drinking, make sure to give driving a supercar a go next time.

Rollercoasters

One of the best ways to experience a legal high is to go on a fast rollercoaster. There are some amazing rollercoasters all around the world in theme parks and at fairs. If you want to experience a high and an adrenaline rush, then you should think about taking a ride one one of these bad boys! The higher, the faster and the more loops the better – you will have a great time!

Cage Diving

The final legal high that doesn’t involve drinking on our list is cage diving which we are sure you will love. Believe it or not, this is a safe way to swim with sharks and you will love getting up close and personal with these sinister looking animals deep in the sea. Although you are safe, this experience is still a little scary but that just adds to the thrill. Make sure to try this out next time you are near the sea – just don’t stick your fingers through the cage!

Final Verdict

So there you go, a number of legal highs that can be enjoyed without consuming even a drop of alcohol! Enjoy.

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Stick to activities you enjoy

This may sound simple and pretty obvious, but most people choose to do activities they hate because they’ve been told it’s the best workout for them. Realistically you will grow to hate this exercise and associate it with discomfort or pain. Why not pick something you enjoy?

Exercise in the morning or the way home from work

Although it may seem like a struggle at the time to get out of bed in the morning, your body will thank you later. By getting up early to exercise, you start the day as you mean to go on. Not only will you feel more awake when you get to work, but you will feel more motivated to get work done. If morning exercise isn’t your thing, be sure to pack your gym vest and shorts in your bag for after work. The bag will play as a constant reminder of the exercise you have committed to carry out after work.

Track your activity

Keep a note of all your activity and accomplishes, this will give you a clear outline of what you have achieved and how far you have come. If this isn’t for you, just keep a track of your daily activity with a pedometer or smart watch. Seeing a physical number increase or decrease will drive you to commit more to your healthy habits.

Reward yourself

Throwing yourself into a new way of life can be exhausting and challenging, so it’s key to keep rewarding yourself.  This treat can be anything from a cheat meal to a new pair of gym joggers you have had your eye on all month! You’ve worked hard to achieve your goals and you deserve to reward yourself.

Commit to a partner

Make exercising social, it doesn’t always have to be you alone sweating in the gym! By introducing a friend to your healthy habits, you will feel more committed to stick to them. Not only will the partner act as a motivator but it will make exercise seem like a bonding session.

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You know, those gifts that when the kids open them you shudder inside while forcing yourself to plaster a fake smile on your face. Yes, those gifts.

So, this year to save all of my fellow parents I put together a DO NOT BUY FOR KIDS Christmas list with some help from my fans on Facebook.

You’re welcome.

Anything with glitter

The only exception to the glitter rule is glitter nail polish. And only if the child is old enough to use it without making a mess and needing parent supervision.

PlayDoh

 

My assy friend, Amanda, said that PlayDoh is a hell no in her house and I would have to agree. That stuff is messy and always ends up in the carpet, the cracks of the tile, on the dogs, and other not so great places. As much fun as it is for the kids to play with – as much NOT fun it is for mommy to clean up.

Nerf Guns

 

As a mom of girls my house doesn’t see a lot of Nerf guns but I do remember them from my childhood. They have lots of pieces which will inevitably get lost, broken, chewed up by dumb dogs, etc. And then once the pieces are lost, whining will start. No one wants a whining child. Trust me.

Musical Instruments

 

Unless you can find the one and only quiet musical instrument, don’t bother buying anything from this category. My kids have guitars, drums, and microphones which means that I have an instant headache whenever the band starts. Be kind and think quiet toys. Please.

Dolls with little pieces

 

You know those oh so cute little dolls with the millions of little pieces. Yeah, don’t buy those. Along the same lines of Nerf guns those pieces will get lost and the kids will be sad. Plus, have you ever stepped on a little doll house, shoe, dress, etc? OUCH! Really, don’t buy anything with tiny pieces.

So, please do your fellow parents a favor and skip buying presents from these categories. The only exception would be if the parent specifically asks for one of these ideas and knows full and well what’s in store for them. And if that’s the case, I wish them the best of luck.

My friends, what would you add to this list of do not buy gifts for kids?

The post Gifts You should Never, Ever buy for Kids appeared first on Only a Breath.

Taking up a hobby can be great fun, especially if you find one that you can fit around looking after the kids. There are many artistic projects that you can check out on Pinterest that will suit a beginner. These DIY projects can help you to upcycle your rubbish into things that you can actually use in the home.

Home baking is a great way to whip up some treats while you’re at home. You don’t need to go with old fashioned recipes either, there are so many Facebook pages dedicated to step by step video recipes with a twist. These include some real show stoppers, which you can use to impress your family and friends. If you’re a novice baker, don’t worry, videos will show you exactly what to do and the techniques you need.

Sometimes, as stay at home mums, we can feel a bit isolated from the outside world. A social activity can be a great way to reconnect with others and speak to grownups for a change. A book club is a brilliant activity that you can look forward to weekly or monthly. In between meetings you can read chapters whenever you get a chance and make notes on the topics you’d like to discuss next time.

Bingo might strike you as something that your gran would do, but there’s a bustling online community for it. If you can’t find the time to commit to something like a book club then this can be an alternative social activity. There are hosted rooms on bingo sites like Rocket Bingo or Mecca Bingo, in which you can chat with others and also win yourself a jackpot or two.

Let’s face it, we’re always snapping pictures of our kids when we’re at home when they sit still for a few seconds. You can take this a step further and really refine your photography skills to turn it into a hobby. There are loads of free online courses out there that will teach you everything from the basics of photography to how to make your photos look more professional.

Writing can also be a great way to express your day to day schedule and interact with other mummies. There’s a brilliant online community of mummy bloggers that would be happy to have another member. You can be as honest as you like in this safe space and even vent some frustrations to people that really understand what you’re going through. If your blog gets popular then you can even get freebies or earn money from advertising on it.

There are also a lot of apps that you can use to learn a new language, which can prove helpful for your brain. Duolingo is one of the most popular and you could be speaking a new language in no time thanks to this app. Pick a destination that you’d love to go to then start practicing your vocabulary for when you get there. French and Spanish are easy enough to learn and you can fit it around your schedule.

There’s no need to be bored or lonely as a stay at home mum, just check out some of these activities – there’s bound to be something you enjoy in there. These hobbies can all be picked up whenever you have a spare few minutes of peace and quiet.

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1. Reframing Your Past

Bloomfield states that, “An essential part of the peacemaking process is learning to see your life story in a new light, to expand your vision of who you are so you can think truly original thoughts and reshape your destiny” (2000, p.10). It takes courage to find the wisdom gained from painful experiences in your life. Seeing your past through the eyes of “glass half full” helps one to put challenging experiences in perspective.

When I was a child, I had a parent with a chronic illness. As challenging as this experience was, it helped me to develop qualities such as patience, sensitivity and determination.

Reflection: In what ways have your painful experiences been catalyst for growth?

2. Accepting What Is and What Isn’t

Bloomfield reflects that, “There is great peace in accepting what is for what it is and what was for what it was. In and of itself, acceptance defuses the past and loosens its grip on your life. What was done can’t be undone or wished away” (2000, p. 43). Our past is something we can’t change. The act of acceptance lifts the burden of the past. Knowing that you can’t change it frees up mental energy that was wasted on regret and self-pity.

I once felt like my past was this heavy burden that I carried through life. Accepting the challenges of my particular childhood helped me to put aside some of pain. Accepting my particular scars from childhood opened the path for me to see the other side of the coin: the joys of my childhood.

Reflection: How can you move to a place of acceptance of your childhood pain?

3. Showing Gratitude

Bloomfield writes that, “On one level, gratitude is the ability to appreciate the blessings you have been given. On a higher level, it is the ability to not only accept whatever life offers you, but to receive it thankfully, knowing that there is something to be gained even from the tribulations” (2000, p.43-44). Taking a grateful attitude diffuses negative emotions. Gratitude is the ability to welcome experiences and be thankful of what lessons you learn.

A helpful approach to practicing gratitude is writing out all that you are grateful for and posting it as a daily reminder. I did this and posted it above my desk. Glancing at it when I was struggling with a difficult emotion was a great reminder to be thankful for all that I am given.

Reflection: What are you grateful for?

4. Find Inspiration

Bloomfield declares that, “A healthy spiritual perspective accepts that what you experienced is real and must be dealt with – and also that there is a higher, nobler way of seeing that can add purpose to your healing” (2000, p.45). Developing our spiritual connection helps to strengthen our resolve to find peace. Knowledge found in many spiritual traditions can help you find your way when you are struggling to resolve past issues.

In my early twenties when I was struggling with illness, my friend gave my some Buddhist books. They became a great source of comfort for me and almost twelve years later I still turn to Buddhism for help.

Reflection: What spiritual practices help you through life?

5. Stay Present

Bloomfield eloquently argues that, “In the act of becoming fully aware of the present moment, not ruminating about the past or pondering the future, you can immediately start to suffer less” (2000, p.46). Staying present is the point where you can experience joy, unconditionally accepting all that was, that is and that will be.

I often have anxieties about new social situations, the future or trying new activities. I use yoga and breath work to bring myself back to the present, where I find peace.

Reflection: What tools do you use to bring you to the present?

It is difficult making peace with past events; however, if you adopt Bloomfield’s five habits it will be easier. Start will reframing the past and seeing it from the perspective of what was learned and gained. Accepting what is helps to focus on the present. A grateful attitude gives purpose to life’s suffering. Inspiration from a spiritual tradition creates meaning from the past. Finally, focusing on the present helps you connect with the joy of being alive.

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Creative Journaling

Creative journeling is a form of journaling where you use diverse medium. You might draw, paint or use a collage to express your emotions. Creative Journaling is “…a chance to experience a deeper sense of self. It quiets, momentarily, the headlong rush through life so that you can be the observer as well as the actor in the play” (McKay et al., 2001, p. 120).

Useful tools are a journal with blank pages, colourful pens, collage materials and paints. Create a space to be artistic with a table and all the supplies you need. You will also need uninterrupted time.

Flow Meditation

“Stay with the flow” is a type of mediation from the book The Self-Nourishment Companion. It is a centering technique where you alternate paying attention between you inner and outer experience. It “…helps you relax and feel more aware of yourself” (McKay et al., 2001, p. 130). Staying with the flow is designed to help you to become more present.

Sit still. First tune into the sensations happening in your body. Do you feel any tension anywhere? Pay attention to your emotional state. Try to avoid past and future thinking. Then tune into sounds outside your body. Do you hear traffic? Do you hear bird song? Gently alternate between these two present states until you feel grounded, silently naming your experience.

Breath Work

Breathing is a very basic meditation but also very effective. Often we breathe very shallow breaths and become anxious in our bodies. Deep belly breaths bring us back to calm through centering and grounding us.

A simple breathing technique is triangle breathing. Breathe in for a count of three, hold for three and breathe out for five. Another breathing technique is alternate nostril breathing which is particularly effective when under stress. Use your hand to block off your right nostril. Breathe in through your left nostril. Hold for a count of three. Plug your left nostril and breathe out your right nostril. Breathe in your right nostril while your left one is plugged. Continue alternating for a couple minutes.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This full body relaxation technique is particularly helpful when done before bed. You start by breathing in and out full breaths into your abdomen. As you exhale let your whole body release into relaxation. Starting with arms, tense your muscles for seven seconds. Do your arms, head, neck, and torso continuing through your whole body. Relax after tensing and notice tension draining from your body. Pay attention to the sensations of relaxation. Repeat if necessary.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy “…uses pure plant essential oils to enhance emotional wellbeing and to restore your total health in many ways” (McKay et al., 2001, p. 46). Scents often evoke positive feelings. For example, salt in the air may bring back childhood memories of playing by the ocean. These comforting feelings help you relax and unwind.

There are a number of ways to use oils. My two favorites are diffusing oils and putting oils in my bath. Oils for relaxing include lavender and chamomile. These oils promote relaxation and even help you sleep better.

Grounding is a necessary tool in busy modern life. There are numerous effective tools for learning to stay present. Experiement with the above techniques and find your way to calm.

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1. Credit Checks are not required

Have you ever wondered: Will a prepaid card application appear on my credit report? The answer is no. In case you may be in the situation of having bad credit or otherwise no credit history to present, securing approval for a credit card is troublesome or otherwise unattainable. This is where prepaid cards are an asset to use over other options, as they do not require a credit check or any additional financial history. The lowered requirements to obtaining prepaid cards makes them an appealing and convenient option as almost any interested applicant can acquire one to perform the same tasks and be used in the same locations that a regular Visa or MasterCard can be used.

2. Prepaid Cards Encourage Budgeting

The use of prepaid cards as a budgeting method makes it simple for cardholders to follow both their intended weekly and or monthly budgets. This is due to the advantage of being able to set a shopping budget where you can easily load the necessary amount of money into the card to fulfill the required expenditures. Additionally, if a prepaid card user desires to financially provide support to a friend or acquaintance, they’re able to safely and securely allow them access to money while guaranteeing that they do not overspend beyond the formerly established budget.

3. Overdraft Fees are not required

One of the more troublesome features of using a debit card is the risk of over-drafting and the consequent charges that it will incur on the customer. Getting charged for overdrafts are not possible when using a prepaid card, as you are only capable of spending the fixed amount pre-loaded onto the card. This ensures that the cardholders purchase will simply be declined in the event that there is insufficient value in the prepaid card and no additional costs will be incurred. Check out www.t24blackcard.com to learn about other cost your save from using a prepaid card.

4. Automatic payment of Recurring Bills using a Prepaid Cards

Prepaid card brandishing a Visa or MasterCard logo operate identically to customary credit cards and may be used in all the same venues including but not limited to online and brick-and-mortar stores. An additional functionality of prepaid cards is that you are able to establish payments for both one-time and recurring transactions required through monthly or annual expenditures.

Take note that sufficient funds are retained on the prepaid card for any recurring payments necessary. Since over-drafting is not possible when using prepaid cards, it is necessary that you maintain sufficient funds to pay for a repetitive expense you may use it for, such as phone bills and utility payments otherwise it may be cancelled by your merchant.

5. Unattainable Credit Hazards Using Prepaid Cards

Credit bureaus are not notified of any financial transactions incurred through using a prepaid card; this means that your purchases and dealings will not adversely affect your credit score or history in any way. Through providing more independence, self-regulation, privacy and protection than regular debit or credit cards, prepaid cards are a functional and effective solution for customers seeking efficiency in today’s modern world.

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The Basics

Clothing:

These are items that every baby will use:

• Onesies.
• Pajamas or sleeping sacks.
• Socks.
• Booties.
• Hats.
• Sweaters, sweatshirt, and/or heavier shirt.
• Outerwear.
• Bibs.

You can get one of each, five of one, three of two whatever you choose. Make sure the clothing you choose is appropriate for the weather when the baby is born. A size 0-3 month snowsuit for a child born in April is not going to be a great choice, for instance. Also, it is a great idea to include different sizes. For example, you could include a pack of 0-3 month onesies and a pack of 3-6 month sizes.

Bath Time:

When bath time comes around, parents will need:

• Washcloths (these are always handy, whether in the bath or not!).
• Baby shampoo/body wash.
• Baby nail clippers.
• Wipes.
• Diaper rash cream.
• Towel.
• Diapers (in different sizes).

You can never have too many diapers, wipes, or washcloths!

Bedtime:

Whether the baby has his own nursery or bunks with mom and dad, he will need:

• Crib or bassinette sheets.
• Nightlight.
• Crib mattress.
• Waterproof mattress pad.
• Sleepers/pajamas.

Remember, newborns do not need blankets because they are a safety risk. Instead, if baby is going to be making his debut in the winter months, buy a fleece sleeping sack for him. He will be cozy and safe. That being said, though, blankets do make wonderful gifts for the car, stroller, and post-bath cuddling with mom or dad.

Play Time:

It is also nice to include some other baby essentials: toys and books! Here are some ideas:

• Board or cloth books.
• Bath books.
• Teethers.
• Toys with loops (for car seat, strollers, diaper bag handle, etc.).
• A newborn-safe stuffed animal.
• A play mat.

Make sure that everything you buy is easily machine-washable, and it is nice to include the receipts for the items so parents can exchange them for bigger sizes or more needed items.

The Personal Touch

To add a special touch to the baby layette gift, consider adding:

• A monogrammed onesie, bib, T-shirt, or blanket. You can have an online service do this for you, or you could try your hand at embroidery.
• If the parents have chosen a theme for the baby’s nursery or baby shower, include items that relate to that theme. It could be a specific character (Cat in the Hat, Pooh Bear, etc.) or it could be a more general theme, like flowers, sun and moon, or trains. Whatever it is, you can find toys, books, wall decals, or other treats to complement it.
• A homemade gift. Can you knit? Crochet? Sew? Scrapbook? Whatever your skill, turn your talent to the baby and whip up a homemade treasure.
• A handmade card for baby and his parents. You could also include a gift card to a local restaurant (for takeout on nights when they’re too tired to cook!) for the happy, exhausted parents.

Why assemble your own baby layette gift? You can purchase pre-made ones at nearly any baby, discount, or department store, but these tend to be generic. You can customize your gift, and give the parents what they really need, by making your own. If you need to include 10 bibs but no hats, fine. You have complete control over the items that make it into the gift bag, basket, or box. You can also sneak in that personal touch that means so much to parents and baby.

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If you have ever wanted to give your child a fantasy-style bed, consider some of these amazing options for your child’s room.

Fire truck

While many little boys and girls have racecar beds, typically, those beds are made from plastic and are ho-hum at best. If you really want to impress your little one, a nearly-life size fire truck bed is the way to go. The bed itself looks like a fire truck, while the surrounding headboard is a floor to ceiling representation of a fire station- complete with a firemans pole and a crawlspace that will keep your little one entertained for hours.

Fairytale castle

What little girl doesn’t dream of living in a fairytale castle tower like Rapunzel and other fairytale creatures? Make your little girls dreams come true with a life size fairytale castle bed. The bed is raised from the floor inside the castle tower. Getting in and out of bed is easy with handy built-in stairs and a fun slide to ride down to the floor once more. Soft pastel colors and floral designs on the castle make this bed certain to please any fairytale-loving girl.

Wrestling ring

If your son isn’t in to cars, perhaps he would prefer a wrestling bed. The wrestling bed looks like a real wrestling ring with the bed as the fight floor and the bed rails designed to look like the ropes keeping the fighters in place.

Pirate ship

For boys or girls, a pirate ship suspended from the ceiling would make an amazing place to sleep. Access to the bed is by rigging seen on real pirate ships. A mast above the bed gives the entire room a nautical feel. Your little one will love going to bed each night in such a magical place.

Tiki hut

If your child is more animal than human, or at least seems like it some of the time, he or she would love a jungle-themed bedroom, complete with a tiki hut bed. A little jungle-style tree house suspended above the bed makes this bed both play area and sleeping quarters.

Cottage playhouse

If your son or daughter loves playing house, then the cottage playhouse bed could be the right choice. One side of the bed is for sleeping, but the headboard is converted into a cottage design that gives your child a place to play that is all his or her own.

Today’s kids have an amazing amount of options when it comes to fantasy beds. Choosing a fantasy bed for your child will help make their dreams come true, and may send your children to bed without a fuss each night. There is no greater gift than that.

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