Ways to Prevent Interrupted Sleep

Interrupted sleep can be incredibly damaging to a person's health if left untreated for too long. Humans need between seven and nine hours of quality rest every twenty-four hours; otherwise, bodily and mental functions begin to break down. There are many factors that could contribute to sleep issues, whether environmental, health-related, or psychological. If you are experiencing the effects of interrupted sleep, here are a few ways to fix your sleeping habits and feel more energized.

Plan Your Food and Drink Carefully

Needing to wake up and use the bathroom more than once a night can make it difficult for your body to fully unwind and sink into deep sleep. Digestion during sleep can also keep you from achieving every stage of sleep, which then leaves you feeling tired once you wake up the next day. Try to avoid eating at least two to three hours before you plan to go to bed. If you want to drink, keep away from caffeine and sugar, as these are stimulants that will prevent restfulness. When you are more mindful about when you eat and drink, you can take back some control over your sleep too.

Set a Sleep Routine with Your Family

If you are raising a young family, sleep can be interrupted when children come to you with a problem, such as a nightmare or an unwillingness to go to bed. There are plenty of ways that kids can make sleeping much more difficult for their parents and unfortunately, there is no solution that works for everyone. However, developing a regular bedtime routine that helps everyone to slow down at the end of the day will set the right mood and reduce the chances of interruptions at night.

Examine Your Health

Your personal health may be to blame for a poor night's sleep. Many illnesses and conditions can cause a person to wake up in the night, getting in the way of a proper rest. There are methods that healthcare professionals have developed to address some of these issues. The ResMed AirMini can help if you have sleep apnea, for example. If your breathing is obstructed in the night, this can make it hard for your body to achieve proper sleep. Plenty of people make use of sleep apnea equipment and find that it improves their overall wellbeing by giving them a better chance to rest.

Change Your Sleep Environment

If you are sensitive to the light levels in your bedroom, this could be negatively impacting your sleep. In some homes, the sunlight is too bright when it comes in the windows and can disturb those sleeping inside. Invest in blinds that are designed to prevent light coming in so that you have control over when you wake up. Make sure your bedroom is quiet and peaceful so that you can relax without worrying about interruption. In many cases, it is the thought of potentially being woken unexpectedly that causes someone to experience interrupted sleep. By creating a space where this isn't likely, you can enjoy better, healthier rest.

How to Spend Less Money on Your Garden

As much as you might want to enjoy a beautiful garden year-round, you might not want to spend a substantial sum to transform and maintain your exterior. Fortunately, a gorgeous outdoor space doesn’t need to be expensive with a little know-how. 

If you are eager to spend your days relaxing outdoors when the sun starts to shine, you may need to make a few small adjustments or changes to your exterior design. Here’s how to spend less money on your garden.

Use a Natural Organic Soil Treatment

If your lawn is on the dry side, it might appear unhealthy, brittle, and unattractive. Yet, you don’t need to spend considerable time, energy, and water attempting to bring the lawn back to life. 

For example, you can combine an organic soil treatment with a weed control fertilization program to transform your lawn in the height of summer to prevent heat stress and break up hard soil. 

Click here to find out how the treatment will improve your soil and lawn’s water retention.

As a result, it will slash the amount of water you need to care for it, which will lower your monthly water bill. 

Grow Plants from Seeds

Fully grown plants can be rather expensive. Protect your bank balance by growing plants from more affordable seeds.

Most seeds feature easy-to-follow instructions on the back of their packets, and you’ll need to give them time and TLC to grow gradually. 

Remember, good things come to those who wait, and you’ll soon be rewarded with stunning plants that will transform the look and feel of your garden.

Care for Your Garden Tools

As garden tools are expensive, you would be wise to keep them in tip-top condition for as long as possible to avoid replacements. 

Protect the tools throughout the years by packing them away in a safe, dry location each time you have finished gardening.

Also, wipe down all forks, spades, and trowels after use to prevent a build-up of soil residue that may cause rusting. 

Don’t forget to store away all power tools in a dry location to support safety when gardening and prevent permanent damage.

Make Your Own Compost

Rather than buying bags of compost from a store, make your own by turning kitchen and garden waste into organic matter that’s ideal for mulching, potting, and top dressing.

All you must do is chop up green and brown waste, such as:

• Grass clippings

• Dry leaves

• Plant stalks

• Vegetable scraps

• Twigs

• Manure

Once you have chopped the waste, you can mix it together and store it in a closed compost bin or an open heap outdoors. Also, try to keep the homemade compost moist to ensure it works effectively.

It’s a clever way to save money, feed your plants, and create an attractive, healthy landscape you and your loved ones can enjoy in your spare time.

Creating a gorgeous garden shouldn’t cost you the Earth. Keep the above top tips in mind to lower your expenses without sacrificing an attractive outdoor space.

3 Ways To Use Up Your Leftovers

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

Do you ever find yourself with a fridge full of leftovers and no idea what to do with them? You'll want to be sure you are keeping an eye on what's in your fridge because letting produce and leftover food rot in the fridge is one of those silent money drains.

By knowing what to do with your leftovers, you’ll be able to save more money, reduce food waste, and save yourself various trips to the grocery store. Keep reading to find out some helpful tips on what to do with leftovers. 

1. Use a Leftover Recipe Generator

When you’re unsure what to do with your half-used avocado, frozen veggies or cooked chicken breast, you can turn your scraps into a whole new meal by using a leftover recipe generator.

To use it, all you have to do is type in up to three ingredients. Based on the ingredients you choose, you’ll find a library of 1,000+ recipes that will calculate what you can make, whether it’s international dishes or local treats there is always plenty of options.

2. Freeze Your Extra Portions

Freezing your extra portions of food is a great way to save your leftovers from potentially ending up in the trash can after a few days. You’ll have a ready-made meal on hand when you don't have time to cook, as you can easily thaw and reheat the food when you’re ready to eat it. 

Planning ahead and preparing extra servings for each meal you prepare is a good idea. By doing this, you'll be able to prepare those meals in advance for times when you don't have the energy or time to cook, saving yourself time and effort in the future.

3. Plan out your meals

When you’re planning out your weekly meal plan, schedule a dedicated day where you eat only leftover food. According to the USDA, leftovers are safe in the refrigerator for three to four days, so make sure you plan your leftover meal days within that time frame.

To help you stay on top of what food is already in your refrigerator, use this leftover food tracker. This will help you keep track of what food products you have on hand, when they were cooked, and when it needs to be used or eaten.

With these leftover food tips, you’ll be able to save more money and time all while reducing food waste.

How Much Do You Need in a Pet Emergency Fund?

Credit: gpointstudio via FreePik

Imagine one day, your dog twists her leg during an out-of-control zoomie session in the backyard. Months later, she’s foaming at the mouth because a twig is stuck in the roof of her mouth. Then, just as you think the bad luck is finally over, she chows down on your secret stash of Valentine’s Day chocolates.

These are the sort of emergencies people don’t tell you about pet ownership — but they should! They require immediate vet care that can throw your budget out of whack.

If you’re wondering how you would handle this many unexpected visits to the vet, an emergency fund is there to help.

What is a Pet Emergency Fund?

A pet emergency fund is a special savings account made explicitly for unscheduled, non-routine expenses like the ones mentioned earlier. This might include:

• Urgent or after-hours visits to the vet

• Emergency pet hospital fees

• Overnight fees

• Diagnostic tests

• Unexpected medication

If you don’t have enough expendable cash that month, you can dip into your emergency fund to cover vet bills.

How Do You Start an Emergency Fund?

Starting your emergency fund is easy. All you need to do is open a savings account where you’ll put your fund. Make sure this account has no withdrawal limits or balance minimums; you need to be able to take out your money without worrying about penalties. 

Next, you’ll have to sit down with your budget to see how you can reroute some money towards this fund every month. You might have to sacrifice other expenses that don’t matter as much as your dog’s care. 

What if Your Emergency Fund is Not Enough?

Let’s face it — vet care is expensive. Depending on your dog’s issue, it can cost several thousand dollars. 

At this price, your emergency fund may only cover part of these expenses. 

If you fall short of what you need, you may have to consider taking out a loan. A lender like Fora makes it easy to research your options under pressure. You can review the online personal loans from Fora on your phone while sitting in the waiting room. 

While it may feel like it’s imperative you find a personal loan before you leave the clinic, take the time to compare rates and terms carefully. You want to find something that works for your budget and your pooch. 

Most vets don’t require you to pay immediately, especially if you explain your financial situation. You often have time — a few days or even weeks — before you’re expected to pay. 

Your vet may also provide financing plans for customers who are down on their luck. These plans allow you to pay off what you owe in installments, so you don’t have to pay your bill all at once. With such a plan in place, you might need to borrow a smaller personal loan — or not borrow at all!

What About Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance might be a good addition to an emergency fund, but it shouldn’t replace these savings. Your policy might have extensive waiting periods before they process a claim, and it may have limits on what it covers. 

Bottom line: your emergency fund can fill in the gaps in your insurance and budget, so you don’t have to think twice about getting your dog the care it deserves.

How to Choose an Eye Doctor for Your Family?

Finding the right ophthalmologist for your Family eye care is hard when many choices exist. You must pick the right one to get the best eye care. But how do you know which eye doctor is right for you? Don't worry; here is a full set of instructions for the same thing.

Who is a doctor of the eyes?

An ophthalmologist is a medical specialist who has in-depth knowledge and training in the field of eye care. With a medical degree, they are capable of conducting eye exams, making accurate diagnoses, writing prescriptions, performing eye surgeries, and treating eye diseases. Additionally, ophthalmologists are proficient in writing prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses. With extensive training and education in medical college, they become experts in both medicine and surgery, making them the go-to professional for comprehensive eye care.

How to choose the best eye doctor to treat your eyes:

l Check how much work experience they have:

First, you can look at the eye doctor's level of work experience so far. When it comes to Family eye care, it's most important to check how skilled the ophthalmologist is. So, please find out how long an eye doctor has been doing their specialized job. Find out what kinds of cases he has dealt with.

Please find out how well he has done with the issues he has worked on. These will give you an idea of how knowledgeable the ophthalmologist is and how well he can treat you.

l Check out their professional qualifications:

Second, you must look at the doctors' credentials to ensure they are qualified. You can get an idea of how knowledgeable an eye doctor is by looking at his licenses, certificates, and educational background. Find out if they go to any specialty conferences or what medical school they went to school at.

Find out if they are part of any boards or societies in their field. But if you want the best treatment for your Family eye care, you can talk to the town's most well-known eye doctor.

l Check the hospital they are working with for accreditation and quality assurance:

Third, you can check to see if the hospital where the doctor works is accredited and has quality assurance. Find out if the doctor is affiliated with an eye hospital, and if so, if it has high-tech tools. Check to see if the infrastructure is new or old. Is the place run in a way that makes patients feel welcome?

When selecting an eye care facility, it is important to consider the safety and security of patients. Evaluate the number of specialized eye departments the hospital has and determine the number of eye doctors working within each department. Additionally, inquire about the availability of eye doctors for family eye care during emergencies or on weekends. This will ensure that you have access to quality eye care when you need it, and that your loved ones receive the necessary attention and treatment in case of an unexpected eye-related issue.

l Ask your friends and family for tips:

Then, a good step is to get recommendations from close friends or family. Ask your family or friends what they think about a doctor before you make an appointment with them. When choosing an eye care provider, it is advisable to consider recommendations from others who have received treatment from the same doctor. You can ask friends, family, or colleagues if they have had a positive experience with the doctor in question. Additionally, seeking the advice of your trusted family eye care physician and asking for a referral to a reputable eye doctor can also provide valuable insights. This will help you make an informed decision and increase the likelihood of receiving high-quality eye care.

l Check out what customers have said:

Also, find out what other patients have to say about the eye doctor, such as how he treats patients, how he treats them, and how he treats himself. Find out if the hospital cares about the people who go there. Or if you can trust the hospital and the best eye doctor, it might have.

Also, determine if the hospital's systems for booking appointments, following up, caring for patients, etc., are up to par. The best person to ask about a place is a current patient or someone who has been treated there before.

l Talk to the eye doctor directly if you want to know more:

As you know everything about the eye doctor, you can talk to him in person. You can speak to him at his clinic if you have any questions. You can find out if you like how he treats you, how he solves your Family eye care problems, etc.

Conclusion:

Most people need to realize how easy it is to find the best eye doctor for the Family eye care. Use these tips to help you decide what to do. Then, pick an eye doctor with your family's eye care in mind.

 

From Sensational to Revolutionary: Empowering Women Through Technology

Happy International Women's Rights Day! This March 8th, we celebrate female pleasure liberation! Did you know that according to Kinsey Institute, only 40–60% of women masturbate, compared to 95–99% of their male counterparts? Women's bodies were designed for pleasure. We can experience orgasms up to 2 minutes long (compared to men's 10 seconds!) and may even have the ability to have multiple orgasms. That's something to celebrate!

The very first Women's Day was celebrated in New York in 1909, but after women's suffrage was won in Russia in 1917, March 8th became the day to celebrate. It slowly spread worldwide as part of a worker-specific holiday until the UN adopted it in 1975.

Today, International Women's Day is celebrated worldwide, with many women in Asia and Europe having the day off work – which gives a stark look at what it would be like without women in the workplace! It can be a day of protest but also a day celebrating womanhood for every woman!

We womenfolk have certainly made many strides since winning the right to vote, but our equality work still needs to be done. Gender imbalance, which can affect certain industries and public spheres, reinforces the idea that women don't belong in some places, including the idea that some jobs are just 'better for women to do,' which negatively affects men. And as the world continues to progress towards gender equality, technology has become a vital tool in this pursuit.

This year's theme for Women's Day 2023 is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality," and we want to highlight how our innovative pleasure products can contribute to this cause. At LELO, we believe technology can play a crucial role in empowering women and enhancing their sexual pleasure.

With our cutting-edge technology and design, pleasure products are not just toys but a part of a revolution. Our products are designed to cater to the needs of women, ensuring that they receive the pleasure they deserve. From the SORAYA 2, a rabbit vibrator with dual stimulation technology, and SONA 2 Cruise, which uses sonic waves to stimulate the clitoris, to LELO DOT, a clitoral pinpoint vibrator with revolutionary elliptical motion, LELO's products embody innovation and excellence.

Moreover, our products are designed to promote sexual health and well-being. We recognize that women's pleasure is an essential aspect of their overall health, and our products aim to encourage them to prioritize their pleasure.

Pleasure is not just a physical act but a feeling of empowerment and confidence. By incorporating technology into pleasure products, we aim to create a space for women to explore their sexuality freely, comfortably, and safely.

This Women's Day, we celebrate women's pleasure and recognize the role technology can play in enhancing it. We can all pursue gender equality and sexual empowerment through innovative pleasure products that cater to the diverse needs of individuals worldwide. Let's support movements toward sexual well-being, gender equality, and social justice.

We are surely proud to use technology as a tool to promote sexual well-being, and we will continue to innovate and create products that cater to the diverse needs of women worldwide.

Visit lelo.com and make yourself proud 💪

Preparing for Your Major Life Costs

Planning for significant expenses in life is always a good idea to protect yourself and your family. Some of the costs can get quite expensive, especially when planning for major events or projects. These can come with a significant price tag, in addition to unexpected fees that add up, which can take a toll on your finances. Therefore, planning and saving for these expenses in advance is essential to avoid stress and financial strain. Look at some of the highest costs associated with major expenses and the steps you can take to prepare for them.

Your Wedding Day

It's no secret that weddings are expensive. So, when you're considering preparing for major costs, if you haven't already gotten married, now is the time to start planning. Even if you don't currently have a partner, there's nothing wrong with putting some money aside for when it happens. According to ValuePenguin, about 45% of your entire budget for your wedding goes toward your venue. So that makes finding your dream venue an excellent place to start.

Determine where you want to get married and calculate the cost. You can either call and ask, or estimates are often available online. If your wedding day is going to be a few years or longer, consider the likelihood that prices will rise over time. When you get that number figured out, multiply it by two, and that's about what you can expect to pay for your entire special day. Of course, make sure you take into account any special or unique features you want and incorporate those into your final estimation.

Replacing an Appliance

Your home has large appliances that help you get through your daily routine. Your washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher take up a large chunk of space in the home. Then there are the real big-ticket items like your water heater and your furnace.

According to Forbes, your water heater must be replaced, typically for five reasons. The most common problems are increased energy bills, the age of the unit, it keeps breaking down, leaks, or you can no longer get hot water from it. Unfortunately, a water heater is a major cost you must plan for.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3000 for a new water heater, depending on the kind you want or the type you can get. Different factors in the final bill include the installation cost, size, and make and model of the unit you select. By saving a little money each month, you can be better prepared if and when your water heater or major appliances fail you.

Installing a New Roof

You've likely been told at some point on your home-buying and owning journey that your roof will eventually have to be replaced. While according to the Roofers Guild, a repair is only around $985 for a residential roof, but an entire replacement costs much more. Many factors go into the price of a new roof, so you'll want to speak to a professional company to get an accurate price. Then, when you have one, start saving so that when it comes time for a new roof installation, you'll be ready for the bill.

Ultimately, preparing for the expenses life throws at you is essential to avoid financial and personal stress. Planning and saving in advance helps you manage the financial impact better. By considering the greatest costs and estimating their potential price, you can take the necessary steps to prepare for them. In addition, by budgeting and saving a little each month, you can be ready to face any unexpected bill that may be presented to you and enjoy greater financial security for yourself and your family.

How to Create the Right Impression with Visiting Clients

Whether you have a receptionist or not, check that visitors are made to feel comfortable when they arrive. Have a pleasant seating area, with some light reading available. Offer refreshments, such as tea, or coffee espresso, and water. Placing some biscuits on a plate is a nice touch if your visitors request tea or coffee or have a short wait.

Here's how to ensure clients don’t leave with a bad taste in their mouths. 

Friendly Reception Staff

Your reception people are the first employees a client will likely meet. It’s crucial to have the right people meeting and greeting clients. If they are met with a sullen, unhelpful receptionist, it’s likely to cast your business in a poor light. 

Try to hire a receptionist who is open, friendly, professional, and competent at their job. If your business isn’t large enough to need a full-time receptionist, make sure any staff tasked with meeting and greeting visitors are friendly and outgoing. 

Make Visitors Feel Comfortable

Whether you have a receptionist or not, check that visitors are made to feel comfortable when they arrive. Have a pleasant seating area, with some light reading available. Offer refreshments, such as tea, coffee, and water. Placing some biscuits on a plate is a nice touch if your visitors request tea or coffee or have a short wait.

Other staff in general areas must also be pleasant and mindful that clients are in the building. The last thing any client wants to hear is an employee ranting on a phone call or making inappropriate comments. If you have clients visiting the site, give everyone a heads-up so they can monitor their behaviour. 

A Clean and Tidy Workplace

The workplace isn’t a showroom, but it does need to show your business in a good light. If clients are greeted with dirty floors, overflowing bins, and clutter everywhere, it looks sloppy. Since it is unreasonable to expect your staff to clean as well as do their job, hire professional office cleaning services in Southampton to keep public areas, bathrooms, and offices clean and tidy. 

Bright and Welcoming Décor

Many offices are decorated in neutral colours, often with white walls and generic office furniture. If your business is in a space where it’s important to look forward-thinking, edgy, or similar, make sure your décor reflects this. 

Hang some interesting artwork or business branding graphics. Install a flat-screen TV in the reception area, playing news channels running on mute with subtitles or promotional videos. Anything that stops your business from looking tired and boring is a good thing. 

A Door-to-Door Service

Plenty of clients will elect to drive to a meeting, but some might prefer to use public transport. Always verify how a client plans to travel to your place of business, and if they are catching a train or flying in, offer to send a car to pick them up. Small details like this make a big impression. 

Look after your clients now and you can look forward to working with them in the long term. 

Valentines Day Party Ideas

This week we celebrated Valentine’s Day at our daycare and we always try to have a small party to celebrate each holiday! Incorporating all types of activities for each age is always a fun task, we like to do a craft, some sensory explorations, and enjoy giving and sharing treats with our friends! 

Sensory Activity

This year we did an edible whipped cream sensory activity. I made homemade whipped cream using whipping cream liquid, sugar, vanilla, and dyed it pink using red food colouring. The kids each got a plate full and they used heart and teddy bear cookie cutters to make shapes and squish it! 

Craft

We also made heart sun catchers with each child’s photo in the centre using our Instax Polaroid style camera. All you need is coffee filters, washable markers and water. Get each child to colour their filter then add drops of water after and hang to dry. The colours create a tie dye design that looks stunning in the window! 

I also used some brown packing paper to make each kid their own bag to hold their goodies. This was totally free from packages I received and I saved it for repurposing. The kids got to do another craft and have a place to put their stuff and it cost me nothing, that is always a good thing! 

Games and Decor

Balloons are a must for each holiday. Pink ones with red ribbon hanging from them make very cute and frugal decorations. The kids will stay busy for hours if you give them each a few large ones to play pass with and toss around the house. 

Treats

Treats are always a simple task on Valentine’s Day. Everyone brought valentines treat bags to exchange as well as heart shaped jello, chocolate dipped strawberries, and cupcakes. 

Pretty safe to say each kid was tired and full of happy memories at the end of this Valentine’s Day party. Keep it simple and plan it out and you can make any daycare party a great success.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for more amazing ideas for family fun and adventure! 

50 Movie-Themed Cheese Platters + Snack Boards

Everyone is hopping on the charcuterie train lately and there have been so many cool variations! I love the neat breakfast and dessert boards people create for their families and friends. I have also created a catchuterie for my kitty cat Beans with all her favourite things and it was adorable! 

You may also want to read our review about Eatable Gourmet Popcorn one of the best snacks for charcuterie boards! 

Celebrate your favorite films with delicious cheese boards, creative charcuterie platters, and movie-themed snack recipes in this punny and tasty cookbook. (Just in time for your Oscars parties!)

Introducing Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood: 50 Movie-Themed Cheese Platters and Snack Boards for Film Fanatics by Editors of Ulysses Press with food and photographs by Rachel Riederman [ISBN: 9781646044092; $19.95; Ulysses Press; February 2023], a unique full-color cookbook starring 50 different snack board ideas, from timeless cheese boards and charcuterie to candy platters and cocktail pairings, all themed around iconic movies.

Whether you’re streaming an AFI classic or classically bad movie, munchies are a must-have. With gorgeous flat-lay photography for every movie-themed board, Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood outlines what you need to create cheesy cinematic pairings (and even cheesier puns) like:

• May the Fromage Be with You (Star Wars)
• Draw Me Like One of Your French Gruyères (Titanic)
• I’ll Harvarti What She’s Having (When Harry Met Sally)
• Here’s Looking at You, Curd (Casablanca)
• Brie-king Dawn (Twilight)
• Roquefort Horror Picture Show (Rocky Horror Picture Show) and many more!

“If you love movies and you love cheese, this is the book for you,” says food photographer and recipe developer Rachel Riederman. “As you settle in to watch your favorite film, don’t merely serve popcorn, but rather a perfect selection of cheeses, meats, candies, and snacks, all perfectly paired to complement whatever 90- to 180-minute adventure you’re about to embark on.”

What goes better with a Lord of the Rings marathon than a “second breakfast”–inspired spread? Can you even watch Monty Python without shrubbery crudités nearby? Why not a Twilight rewatch with a selection of apple slices and salami rosettes?

Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood: 50 Movie-Themed Cheese Platters and Snack Boards for Film Fanatics by Editors of Ulysses Press and photographs by Rachel Riederman
Ulysses Press
Hardcover; February 14, 2023
ISBN: 9781646044092
$19.95; 7 1/2 x 9 1/4; 144 pages

About the Photographer
Rachel Riederman is a fashion designer turned food stylist and photographer. After almost two decades in corporate fashion, she was inspired to change careers and follow her passion for all things food and entertaining. As a home cook, Riederman uses seasonal ingredients to craft easy, accessible recipes. She’s a travel enthusiast (Morocco is next on her list of countries to visit) and always first in line to try the newest restaurants in NYC. Now a city girl planted in the suburbs, Riederman lives just outside NYC with her husband, toddler son Charlie, and Siamese cats, Murphy and Smooch. This is her first book. For more food and recipe inspiration, follow her on Instagram at @whatsinrachelskitchen.