The best gifts for the VSCO girl on your list

What is a VSCO girl? The term VSCO girl refers to a popular subculture among members of Generation Z, grouping together teenagers that follow certain fashion choices that go along with trends. VSCO girl fashion is often described as "laid-back". The younger generations have decided to turn this into a trend rather than an insult making them involved with protecting the environment, using reusable straws and hydro flasks and wearing scrunchies. Many girls are fans of the VSCO trend and there are a number of gifts that can help make their online fantasy a reality. 

Reusable menstruation cups are the latest and greatest alternative to pads and tampons. They are made out of the same materials as baby bottles and implants making them safe to use in all body types. These great new reusable cups can save the world from hundreds of thousands of metric tonnes worth of sanitary products for future generations. Sileu cups come in all different shapes and sizes for all women of any age. They are the highest quality, leak free, and can hold up to 3 times more than a tampon. The travel pack comes with the cup, sterilizer and case so you can take your Sileu cup anywhere you go. Every environmentally conscious VSCO girl needs one!

Hydro flasks or reusable water bottles of any kind are a huge hit this year for the VSCO trend. Reusable water bottles have been growing in popularity for years now but the trend is hitting new highs with social media. Not only are you getting beautiful and practical gifts for your loved ones but you are doing your part to save the environment. Hydro flasks are quite pricey so you can get other reusable water bottles that are equally as awesome. The ones below are a cheaper option:

Reusable straws have been the latest change and people are getting right into it. There are a number of different materials being used, from silicone to metal and even paper. The goal is to keep millions of straws out of the landfill and once again reduce our footprint on the environment. These straws can come in travel containers that fit in any backpack or purse so you can have your straws wherever you go.

Scrunchies have been around for years and they have made a comeback in the VSCO trend. They are used to keep their hair up and seem to be a wrist accessory or have been used by girls to give to their boyfriends as a status symbol. Scrunchies are super inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colours. VSCO girls love them and they will be found under multiple trees this holiday. 

The Easiest Ways To Declutter Kids Toys

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Alt. tag: Figurines representing different nationalities in front of a globe

Kids love toys and even us adults cannot resist them from time to time. That is how we end up with a room full of toys that nobody likes to clean, organize or arrange. However, a cluttered room is not only an unsightly view, but it can also be dangerous for kids playing in it, or for any visitor who can easily hurt themselves by stepping on a toy. For that and for many other reasons it is important to declutter kids' toys regularly. Here's how!

Do your kids really need all those toys?

Well, probably not, but saying no constantly is hard, we get it. Children tend to collect everything and as far as they are concerned they can never have too many toys. But, it is up to us, the parents, to draw the line somewhere. Having too many toys is not only financially draining but it can also be harmful to your children. They might not value what they have if they keep wanting and getting new things every day. Plus, having too many stuff will take up more of your time needed to declutter, clean, and organize. 

Caption: Do your kids really need all the toys they have?

Alt. tag: Hundreds of Lego figurines

Start to declutter kids' toys by getting rid of broken toys

Throwing away some of your kids' toys may be stressful for your kids. If you want to avoid drama, do it when they are away or at least when they are occupied by something else. Sometimes, it is difficult for them to understand that a broken toy can be unsafe to play with. That's why it is better not to include them in this part of the decluttering process. Along with broken toys, you should get rid of all the toys that are missing some parts, dried out markers, felt-tip pens, and other used-up supplies that your kids might have kept somewhere. That is one of the ways of making your home safer on a budget.

Pass along or donate some of the toys 

This is the part when you should include your kids. Go through the toys they are not so passionate about and decide who you should give them to. Your kid might not be so interested in the toy anymore, but there is a neighbor, cousin or friend that might appreciate it more. Make this a regular thing to teach your children the importance of giving and to show them how blessed they are to be able to give. 

Caption: The best way to declutter kids’ toys is to give them to some other children who would appreciate them more

Alt. tag: A child playing with blocks

If you have an older child's toys that you would like your younger one to use, but it's still too soon for that, there is a solution. You do not have to stumble upon them around the house since you can store your kids' toys in a storage facility near you, and fetch them when the time is right. 

You will declutter kids' toys more easily if every toy has its place in the room

Ok, this is easier said than done, but you should at least try to decide where each toy should be when the room is in order. When you know where to put them, you will declutter kids' toys more easily. If you are remodeling or just setting up a playroom for your children, here are some small pieces of furniture and some accessories that you might find useful for organizing toys:

shelves - the open ones offer a better display of toys and they are very decorative when the items are nicely arranged. On the other hand, they will probably be more often messy than not. The closed ones are better for storing more toys and hiding the occasional mess.

boxes - made of cardboard or plastic - they are perfect for storing small toys, legos, and sets that would be ruined if a piece went missing. Plastic boxes are a great space-saving option and they can be found in all sizes nowadays. You can even buy some bigger ones with wheels that are perfect for under-bed toy storage. 

bags - very useful when trying to declutter kids' toys, at least the soft ones.

shoe organizers - even though not originally designed for toys, they can be used for smaller stuffed animals, dolls or cars. This organizer will save you a load of space if you hang it on the door of your kids' playroom or their closet.

Great tip: Let your kids decide where they should keep their toys, that way they will easily remember where everything belongs!

Involve your little ones in the process

Cleaning and decluttering are hardly going to be your children's favorite ways to spend time with you, but you should teach them that there are some chores that just have to be done. From an early age, kids should be taught to clean up after themselves and participate in all sorts of family activities, be that holiday decorating or spring cleaning. When a family works together, they relax and spend more quality time together too. 

Caption: Without a daily routine of cleaning up a mess, the playroom will soon look as if a bomb went off in it

Alt. tag: Lego blocks thrown all over the floor to illustrate the need to declutter kids’ toys

If your kids find it very difficult to tidy up their rooms, maybe you could motivate and reward them when they do. Of course, we don't mean buying yet another toy. Reading their favorite story, playing a cartoon they like or a game of their choice can be enough. Or, you can entertain yourselves by doing some crafts or some DIY projects together. 

Organize category by category

If you are not ready to devote hours and hours to this chore, you can rearrange category by category. For instance, one day you can spend some time organizing the books and cleaning the bookshelves. Another time you can wash and dry all the soft toys, etc. 

Labeling is crucial for good organization

Labels and stickers can save you so much time when looking for something and when decluttering. Use them to mark the content of each box and bin in your kids' room. Put the words and pictures on labels so that they are useful indicators for the little ones who still cannot read. 

Maintain the decluttered toy area

Making your kids' room tidy is not that difficult, but maintaining it in order is a different story. The easiest way to declutter kids' toys is to do a little bit of tidying up every day. That way you will have less to do when it's cleaning time and your kids will develop a healthy habit of decluttering and being responsible for their possessions. 

Author's bio

Simone Rose is a blog writer and a mom of three precious girls. She finds the inspiration for her blogs in her everyday life with her family. Her favorite way to relax after a long day is with a book in her hand and a glass of wine in another, preferably by her husband.

DIY Holiday Potpourri

The lights are bright and spirits are soaring. People are in a good mood and cheer is in the air — it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you’re in the snow or just enjoying the season’s greetings, the holidays are a time to relax and appreciate those around us. 

You can make crafts and decorate the tree together,  but for a fun DIY project this season, make some stovetop potpourri! With parental supervision, this is a fun way to get creative with the kids — and get the house smelling wonderful at the same time. Simmer pots like this are longlasting and permeate through an entire house — making them cozy and cheerful for many hours at a time. These DIY projects can also be a good way to teach kids about stove safety and cooking basics.

All the recipes below curated by FragranceXcan be made with a simple, general recipe. 

First, measure out 5 cups of water. After, pour this water into a pan or crockpot. Remanence can sometimes stick on the pot, so try to have a potpourri-specific one. 

After this has been sorted out,  add your family’s choice of ingredients. I’ve attached an infographic below for holiday recipes that are especially festive for this time of year. Lastly, turn on your oven or pot and let it simmer! You’ll start smelling the magic within minutes. 

As for ingredients, get creative with your little ones! Whatever you all associate with Christmas and the holidays are good choices. One of my favorites is the Tropical Christmas blend. Using citrus fruits and juniper, this blend creates a fresh green scent with holiday spice. It’s great even after Christmas as well!

Another great option is “Nordic Fairytale.” This blend has ingredients straight out of a Swedish lullaby and is soothing beyond your wildest dreams. The key material in this blend are elderberries. These berries give off an aromatically sweet yet thick scent. Once your simmer pot gets cooking, it’ll be hard to imagine you’re not in Narnia. 

Regardless of your aromatic wish, you can find all 10 recipes below. Again, all follow the same instructions to make! Happy holidays!

6 Kids Holiday Road Trip Printables

As we near the holidays, you and your family may be getting ready to hit the road to visit family or simply go on vacation. For long road trips, traveling with your little ones can be quite daunting –– with ‘are we there yet?’ ‘I need to use the restroom,’ and ‘I’m hungry’ being said nearly every hour, it’s always a huge accomplishment to reach your destination on time.

 For such long road trips, it’s always a good idea to have a few activities and games for family bonding, quiet time and to keep them away from their screens. With this in mind, I thought I’d share these adorable holiday road trip printables from Car Rentals. They include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s printables to keep your kids entertained and learning throughout the entire ride. From coloring pages to challenging word searches, you’ll be able to find something for any age.

Pack these along with crayons, a travel tray, snacks and baby wipes for a smooth car ride. Happy Holidays and safe travels! 

How Can a Home Office Can Help You Save Money?

About 80% of Americans have expressed a desire to make an income while at home. Cash flow problems cause around 82% of all businesses to fail, which can cause creditors to issue a bank levy to settle any debts if you fall behind. Having a home office can help you cut costs and increase the success of your business. Here are seven ways that a home office can help you save money.

Transportation Expenses

One of the biggest ways you can save money is on the cost of gas and other related auto expenses. For example, if you commute an average 30 miles each way, you can save up to $3 a gallon which can add up to $700 or more each year. You’ll also reduce wear and tear by working from home, which can be used to pay off debts. If you are married and one of you stays home to work, you could sell the second car, eliminate a car payment, and pay far less in insurance. This can also save you hundreds of dollars each year on oil changes, repairs, parking, insurance, and other maintenance costs.

Food And Beverage Costs

Staying home to work eliminates the need to find somewhere quick on lunch break to eat. Plus, you can also cut down costs by not having to grab that expensive name brand coffee on the way to work. You can make a perfectly brewed coffee at home as well as healthier meals your waistline will thank you for. Having food available that’s easy to grab while you are working can also save you money on food delivery costs because you were too tired to make dinner after a long day at the job. You can easily save $100 or more a week by buying groceries to prepare meals at home.

Professional Attire

When you work exclusively from home, you can typically wear whatever you want unless you have to go meet clients or have video meetings. This can save you quite a bit of money on buying clothes, accessories, and shoes. You can also cut down on laundry and dry cleaning expenses. The amount you will save depends on what your clothing budget is typically on a regular basis, but you can see significant savings.

Child Care Costs

Many parents can save money on child care costs by working from home. Child care is often one of the biggest expenses that working parents face. This can save you around $200 a week or more. The flexibility of having a home office means you can set your own hours and make even more money to pay off creditors. You can work while your child is sleeping or have a family member or friend watch your child as the need arises.

Household Expenses

Operating a home business can save you money on many household expenses. You can have more time to negotiate contracts with cable and internet companies. It also gives you extra time to do household chores like cleaning, renovation projects, and yard work that you may have hired someone else to do while working outside the home. The extra time you save not having to get ready and then drive all the way to work could be used to find even more ways to earn extra cash or take classes to boost your skills.

Home Office Tax Deductions

Of the approximately 155 million individual tax returns that the IRS processed in 2018, a percentage of them were home business owners that saved money from being able to work from home. Operating a business from home can save you money by claiming tax deductions on many of your expenses. If you have a home office, you may be able to deduct portions of your mortgage, home maintenance costs, repairs, utilities, and property taxes. You may also be able to claim deductions from expenses on weather-related damages like flooding as a result of the more than 2.4 trillion gallons of water a hurricane typically dumps.
It doesn’t matter if you're a homeowner or renter in order to claim deductions, but you must use your home office exclusively for business and nothing else. The easiest way to determine the amount of your home office deduction is to multiply the square footage of your home office by a certain rate, which is generally $5 a square foot. Individual workstations on average shrunk in size from 80 square feet in 1992 to 39 square feet currently. So for example. a home office that is 39 square feet multiplied by $5 would give you a $195 tax deduction. You can also determine your tax deduction by measuring your actual business expenses from your total residential expenses.
There are many ways you can save money by working at home. Working from gives you the freedom to cut costs as well as earn even more money than what you could make working for someone else. Having a home office provides convenience and flexibility in order for you to create a better work-life balance while providing that extra padding to your wallet.

Property tycoons' top business tips

Any frugal homeowner has definitely been in this position before. Sound familiar?

You realize that something in your home needs repairs, or perhaps you’ve finally decided to take on that home renovation project you’ve been dreaming about. You start to look up contractor services: plumbing, electrical, flooring...the list goes on. Wait, is a handyman different than a general contractor? Why is this one so much cheaper than that one? Maybe I can DIY this? Would I mess it up and end up paying more to fix it than if I’d just hired out?

And finally, the ultimate question: why is this so darn complicated?

We’ve all been there: the endlessly confusing cycle of trying to figure out how to save costs on home projects that seem to grow more and more complicated the more you try to simplify them. If you’re thinking of getting started on a home project, take a look at this study from home service software company Housecall Pro, which breaks down which types of projects go over budget most often, and by how much.

The most frequent offenders were moving jobs, flooring projects, and water heater repairs. Of those that went over budget, the three that went over by the highest amount were HVAC, flooring, and general contractor projects. (So if you’re thinking of doing your floors, that might be an especially good one to consider DIYing!)

The rest of the study also details which types of projects finish under budget the most. (It’s good news for those of you hiring handymen!)

Hopefully, these numbers will offer at least a little peace of mind to those of you taking on any end-of-year or 2020 resolution projects!

10 ways to add more laughter to your life

Stress has a way of creeping up on us in a variety of scenarios, especially as moms. While our little ones bring us so much joy and love, the stress that comes with motherhood can be significant. A simple way to mitigate some of the stress in your life is to add more laughter to it. 

Laughter is a natural medicine that can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and even help with weight loss. For more information on the physical and mental health benefits of laughter, check out the infographic from the University of St. Augustine below that even includes 10 simple ways to add more laughter to your life.

5 Common Types of Injuries That Construction Workers Are at Risk of Sustaining

Doing everything possible to stay safe on the job is always important. That is especially true of the construction business, an industry that consistently ranks among the most dangerous of all.

While appropriate training and consistent carefulness help a great deal, some construction workers end up succumbing to on-the-job injuries regardless. A quick look at the injuries most frequently sustained by construction workers should emphasize why it is so important to do everything possible to avoid them.

Every construction site is inherently dangerous, and that means the risk of serious injury is always present. A page maintained by one Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer details quite a few types of life-altering injuries, a number of which construction workers frequently sustain.

Some of these kinds of injuries, in fact, can be so serious that they regularly lead to death. Of the 25 most dangerous jobs in the United States, more than a few are tied to the construction industry.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration's official statistics lend even more weight to the conclusion that construction work is quite dangerous. Five types of injuries that construction workers nationwide most often sustain are:

· Electrical burns.

· Construction sites frequently feature electrical systems at various stages of completion. Workers quite often accidentally come into contact with live wires that can produce serious burns in an instant. Unprotected electrical circuits can even cause such severe burns that they immediately end the career of a worker, in one way or another. Even at job sites where diligence and adherence to safety standards are the rules, the possibility of suffering an electrical burn can rarely be ruled out.

· Concussions.

· From the swinging buckets of excavators to heavy loads being lifted by cranes, there are inevitably many things at construction sites that can easily induce concussions. Even workers who do an effective job of avoiding these kinds of threats can still suffer serious head injuries after falling. Wearing proper protection might help minimize the damage caused by a minor impact, but a simple construction helmet cannot always prevent a concussion.

· Fractures.

· The bones of the human body are quite strong and resilient, in general. There are many ways to break a bone while working in construction, though, some of which can seem nearly unavoidable, in hindsight. A moment of inattention can see one or more of a worker's bones being crushed by a piece of equipment or an improperly secured load. Even a single fracture can render a construction worker unable to make a living for quite some time thereafter.

· Amputations.

· Some injuries are basically impossible to recover from, even if there are sometimes effective ways to make the consequences more manageable. Every year, many construction workers nationwide lose fingers, hands, feet, or entire limbs to accidental amputation.

· Lacerations.

· Construction workers are normally trained to be particularly careful about heavy loads, significant heights, and massive pieces of equipment. Dangers of sharper kinds, though, can be every bit as threatening. From unguarded saw blades to the edges of building materials, there are many ways to sustain severe lacerations on the average construction site.

Injuries like these regularly leave construction workers grappling with serious, life-changing difficulties. Fortunately, there are effective ways to make it far less likely that such unfortunate consequences will ever need to be dealt with. Construction safety always needs to be taken seriously, and that means never neglecting training, communication, or compliance with established best practices.

8 Money Lessons to Teach Kids This Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season is in full swing, which means it’s a great opportunity to teach kids lessons around money. What are the best ways to do this? 

 

Steve Siebold, author of the book How Money Works, offers these tips:

 

·       Make your budget before you shop, and have your kids help. Explain that X amount of money is to pay for everyday necessities like the mortgage, electric, etc., and that Y amount is leftover for purchasing gifts.  

·       This is a perfect chance to teach your kids about the dangers of credit cards – and just because the credit company gives you a $10,000 limit, it’s a bad idea to use it all unless you know you can pay it off comfortably at the end of the month.  Encourage your kids to use cash whenever possible.  

·       Teach children that there are good deals to be had this holiday season, but be mentally tough to know when enough is enough.

·       Teach children not to get caught up in the moment. If your shopping cart is overflowing, step back, regroup and make sure you can really afford everything you plan to purchase.

·       There’s no shame in explaining to your children that this year will be a lean holiday season when it comes to exchanging gifts. 

·       Teach your children that when it comes to money this holiday season, put your emotions on the shelf and let reason be your guide. 

·       Teach your children not to fall for marketing campaigns that make you feel as if you’re getting a great deal when you’re really not (i.e. buy it today – pay for it tomorrow)  

·       Remember that kids learn by example. Even parents who have failed to reach their financial dreams can still teach their kids important lessons about money during the holiday season. After all, your kids are watching your every move.

Please consider these tips from Siebold as you cover the holiday shopping season this year. I’m also happy to put you in touch with him if you’d like to speak with him. 

 

www.howmoneyworks.com

How to save money on packing supplies when moving?

When relocation to a new home requires detailed planning of the budget. And as you get into more details of your moving expenses, you realize it can get pretty costly. That’s why you need to cut some of the costs down. One of the ways to save some money is by packing your items wisely. We prepared a couple of tips on how to save money on packing supplies when moving – and you’ll see, they’re pretty easy to do!

Be practical and don’t spend more than necessary 

One of the most common ways people spend a lot of money when moving is by getting more packing supplies than they need. So, if you want to save money on packing supplies when moving, be sure to get just enough. Before you start packing, you should go through your items, and even make an inventory list. This way you’ll know the exact number of items ready for the move, so you can pick all the necessary supplies. This way, you won’t waste money and throw away the leftover packing supplies.

Get packing supplies for free

If you’ve got a growing family and need a bigger house, you probably need to save as much money as possible. Buying a house and relocation can get expensive, so you should do everything you can to save money on packing supplies when moving. One of the best ways to do it is to find them for free! If you start planning your move on time, this task should be easy. Where can you find free packing supplies? Well, there area couple of options. You can go to the local liquor store and ask them to give you some leftover boxes. You can also visit a local bookstore, Starbucks, furniture store, etc. Also, be sure to check Craigslist, the place where you can get free moving boxes and other supplies from people who don’t need them anymore. And finally – ask your friends and family who recently moved, they probably have some packing supplies left.

Figure 1 If you need to save money on packing supplies when moving, you need to be systematic and plan every detail ov the move. alt.tag: a man holding a piggy bank used to save money on packing supplies when moving

Downsize your move 

If you have fewer items to move, you’ll have fewer items to pack. Therefore, you can save money on packing supplies and also save a lot of time. Relocation is the perfect chance to get rid of all of those items you’ve been saving for years but you never use. These include outdated, damaged, old, too big/small items your family doesn’t need. Being organized is one of those lifestyle changes that can help you save money in the long run, too. And when it comes to moving, decluttering your home means fewer packing supplies and lower moving costs, too! 

Bonus tip: By decluttering your home, you can even make some money! Don’t throw everything away, but sort the items out and check if any of them are in good condition. You can sell them on a garage sale or online, and make some money for your move. For more moving advice, you can check out our moving hacks to move like a pro.

Use the items you already have in your home 

You don’t need to buy all brand-new packing supplies to pack everything for the move. It’s possible to use the things you already have in your house. Instead of the moving boxes, you can pack items in tote bags, suitcases and plastic boxes Also, sturdy garbage bags can be a great piece of packing supplies, especially for clothes. And when it comes to the packing paper – protect your items with towels, linens and old newspapers. So, if you a creative enough, you can definitely save money on packing supplies in many ways.

Rent 

If you need a lot of moving boxes, maybe you should consider renting them from a professional moving company. Also, if you rent plastic, reusable boxes, you can have a more eco-friendly move. This option can be quite affordable, so start browsing your options right away. 

Figure 2 Renting moving boxes is an effective way to save money on packing supplies when moving - be sure to calculate your moving costs first. alt.tag: calculator and a small house figure

Avoid additional costs 

When you are trying to save money on packing supplies, you shouldn’t risk the safety of your items. It is important to pack the fragile and expensive things safely, to avoid damaging them and therefore increasing the costs of your move. The same way you want to make your home safer on a budget, you should protect your valuables while trying to save money. Have priorities when packing your items, so you use high-quality packing supplies when packing them.

Figure 3 Pack your items safely so you don't make any mistakes and spend more than necessary. alt.tag: items packed in a box, with a key

Let a pro pack your items

If you are not very skillful or simply don’t have enough time to slowly and carefully pack your items – it’s maybe best to hire a professional to help you out. This way you will make sure thatall your items are professionally packed and safe – which is sometimes more affordable than you think. Also, not everyone is capable of packing everything by themselves. For example, seniors might need some assistance when moving house, so hiring someone experienced is definitely worth it.

Don’t rush

Rushing your moving process and doing everything in a hurry is not safe – for you, your items, or your moving budget. That’s why it’s essential to have a plan and stay properly organized throughout your packing and moving process. The best way to make sure you are not hurrying is to make a checklist of all the tasks you need to do and then check them as you go. Pack your house systematically – room by room. Start with the rooms/items you rarely use and work your way towards the everyday items. This way, you’ll have an effective system for your packing, which will enable you not to make any mistakes and also help you save money on packing supplies when moving.

Author’s bio:

Jenny is a marketing specialist who enjoys blogging on various topics. She’s interested in social media and the way it can be used for promotion. She loves cooking and making short trips over the weekend.