If you want to see these 5 famous places in Australia, you are going to have to plan your vacation itinerary carefully. Australia is a vast country, and places are separated by large tracts of uninhabited and uninhabitable land.
Did you know that Australia is known as ‘the land Down Under’ for its position in the southern hemisphere? The country wholly exists south of the equator and are part of only two continents which completely lie in the southern hemisphere with Antarctica.
Famous Places in Australia
You are definitely going to need at least a few weeks to see these 5 places in Australia, if not, you might feel exhausted before you are done.
1. Sydney
Of course, the most famous place in Australia is Sydney. It is not the capital of Australia, but is a major city. The capital is actually Canberra. In Sydney, you can see the harbour bridge and the opera house, and make sure you take a trip on the harbour. Bondii beach is an icon and should be seen, but it is certainly not the best beach in Australia.
2. Great Barrier Reef
Fly up to Cairns and take a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. You that you will never have seen anything like it anywhere else in the world. The coral and the fish make snorkelling at the very least a necessity. Tour boats go out every day to artificial pontoons and islands that are set up for safe viewing. Quick lessons are available for scuba diving or sea bottom walks, and you cannot believe the size and beauty of a giant clam until you have seen one up close and personal.
Just north and south of Cairns are the beaches I consider the best in Australia, just like the postcards with palm trees and clear blue water.
3. Rainforest in Australia
While you are in Cairns take advantage of a trip to the Daintree Rainforest or simply up the range to Kuranda to look at the rainforest. The noise and abundance of wildlife will amaze and stun you in these part of Australia. Make sure you get to hear the Didgeridoo. A drive up the coast road to Port Douglas will take you past some of the most stunning beaches in the world.
4. Kakadu National Park
Fly to Darwin and take advantage of a trip to Kakadu National Park. Kakadu is truly one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Camping under the stars and swimming in a billabong will take you back to nature. A good Aussie guide will show you amazing things that you would otherwise miss. While in the area take advantage of the chance to visit one of the cultural aboriginal centres for a view of an ancient civilization and its art.
5. Uluru
Fly or drive to the red centre to see one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena, Uluru, Australia. Uluru at sunset is a spiritual and visual experience not to be missed. Be respectful of the area: it is an aboriginal religious site and climbing on the rock is not respectful. Uluru is relatively near Alice Springs, where there are more aboriginal sites and the opportunity to learn how to throw a boomerang.
These are definitely the top tourist attractions in Australia that you must visit on your vacation trip! On your journey, in between these sites, take every opportunity to visit zoos, wildlife parks and open farms. Australia is full of amazing and wonderful wildlife and vegetation that you will never see elsewhere in the world. Be aware as you tramp through the red earth that most of the top ten venomous snake and spiders live in Australia. You are unlikely to see them except in a zoo, but if you do see one don’t poke it with a stick.
These 5 famous places in Australia cover only a tiny amount of the land mass. Of course, there is much more to see in Australia, and do it, if you have the time.
A child’s self-esteem is important. The foundation of their confidence will unveil as they take on different tasks, academically or socially. It is important to lay that base of self-assurance for your child now, while they are young. There are several ways to successfully boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Let’s have a look at 7 tips on how to build your child’s self-esteem.
Ways to build child’s self-esteem
With these techniques, you will be building your child’s self-esteem in no time and they will definitely be on the road to success!
1. Boost self-esteem by reminding your child’s of past achievements
One way is to boost self-esteem is to remind your child of past achievements. Maybe, the last “A” they got on a test would be a good reminder when they feel inadequate, while studying for a test. But remember to help your child stride for improvement, not perfection, while studying together. You are their number one fan. It’s up to you to instil that self-confidence in them, but over-prioritizing something can make them think that certain thing is the key to everyone’s praise. Balance is critical!
2. Teach your child good traits to have self-esteem
Teach your child good traits, both by your own speech and by your own action. Show them how to be confident, and be able to realize that losing battles does not mean you’ve lost the war. Children learn by watching! As a parent, be a good role model, because they will follow.
3. Help your child develop honesty
A child who lies is not confident in who they are that’s why it’s important to help your child develop honesty. Your thoughts develop who you are. A child who thinks that his only way to overcome an obstacle is by lying, stealing, or seeking any kind of negative attention will learn to follow that pattern into adulthood. Discipline wrong doing and praise right decisions. Draw the line between wrong and right, because if you don’t someone else will. Wouldn’t it be better to come from a soft hand?
4. Don’t be too critical with your child
If your kid’s self-esteem is down, they don’t want to hear how they went wrong over and over again. Remember to set reachable expectations for them. Give them chores you know they can handle, and then praise them when they overcome these obstacles. This will enhance their confidence to take on larger obstacles in life.
5. Listen to your children will help them build self-esteem
Take your children thoughts, opinions and tasks seriously. Making them feel important is critical. They need to know what they think and feel really does matter. If you give them the attention they need, they will give that attention toward themselves. Sit around the table at dinner and ask about their day. Don’t just ignore them and talk about bills.
6. Talk to your child
Another way to help build a child’s self-esteem is to discuss problems with them without placing the blame on anyone. Talk about what the problem is, how this problem could have been avoided, and what the solution could be. This will help develop your child’s confidence in decision making as well.
7. Hug your child
Lastly, and most importantly, let your child know how much you care about them. Giving them a hug or spending the day with your children will also help boost their confidence and self-esteem.
These are easy ways to help you on how to build child’s self-esteem and confidence. Hope you will share, in the comments, your tips on improving kids self-esteem.
Here are a few fun activities next time you’re stuck in the airport. We know sitting around the airport can be incredibly boring—when you’ve just missed your flight or are waiting for a delayed arrival.
At some point, most of us have to face this annoyance. But what do you do when you’re stuck there? What activities will keep your mind occupied, at least?
We have come up with a few ideas to help take the boredom out of your travel moments.
1. Take a Nap
Sleep is essential for our bodies and minds to recharge. If you’re at an airport and there’s no place else to sleep, go ahead and nap on one of the benches in the terminal or even on the floor if necessary. You’ll feel much better after a good nap.
Sleeping in airports is common, and many travellers even utilize airport hotels, bars, lounges, and clubs as their nap-taking spots.
2. Go People-Watching
You’ll love people-watching because it’s easy to do and usually entertaining. There are always people around, whether it’s an airport or a bus station. And you can do it for free!
Try to find something interesting about the other travelers around you—maybe they have attractive luggage or are wearing a funny hat or shirt. You could even try to guess where they’re from based on what they’re wearing.
3. Buy a Book Or Listen To a Podcast
If you’re looking for something interesting to read while waiting for your flight, check out Amazon’s list of 100 books from around the world that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime.
You can also consider buying a book from an airport bookstore. You can read it while waiting for your flight or during the flight itself. If you don’t want to carry a book all day, consider downloading an e-book instead (as stated earlier).
If you are not into reading, you can listen to an insightful podcast instead to pass the time. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, art lover, academic, or PE teacher, nowadays, podcasts are available on every imaginable topic. So, start listening and enjoy!
4. Have a Child with you? Here’s what to do…
If you’re traveling with children, ensure they’re entertained and occupied. Plenty of fun activities can keep them busy while you wait at the airport.
Bring a pillow and blanket for your child to take a nap while waiting for the flight. This will help increase their energy level once they get on board.
Bring along some snacks that are easy to carry in your carry-on bag. This includes granola bars, Goldfish crackers, and whole-grain pretzels, or you can even pick up some of the best protein chips available in the market if you want your children’s travel snacks to be healthy.
Use a portable CD player or a tablet to keep them entertained during your flight delay or cancellation.
5. Play a Puzzle Game Online
Puzzle games are fun because they can be played in small chunks of time and take up little mental space. You don’t need to sit in front of a computer to play them; many of them can be played on your smartphones, like Sudoku, Spider Solitaire, or Online Chess.
If you are traveling with someone like a group of friends, partner, or kids, you can try playing word games to pass the time while waiting for your flight. Games like Scrabble or Words with Friends are a great option where you can create a list of customized unscrambled words as a trick and declare yourself a winner in every round. It’s an excellent way for parents to bond with their children on long flights or road trips.
6. Get an Upgrade To Business Class or First Class
If you’re stuck at an airport overnight or for several hours, try asking the desk staff if there are any upgrades available. If they have empty (business class or first class) seats on a flight that hasn’t taken off yet, they might upgrade you for free.
It’s worth asking about, even if you don’t think it’ll work. Who knows? You might get a surprise.
7. Catch Up On a Movie
There’s nothing better than watching a movie while waiting for your flight. We all know how frustrating it can be to try and fall asleep or relax when there are so many people around you making noise.
But if you’re stuck at the airport and waiting for your flight to depart, there’s no reason why you can’t catch up on some movies.
8. Take Photos
Take photos of anything and everything you can. The more random, the better. Think about it: You could be stuck at the airport for hours or days, depending on what happens with your flight. Take advantage of this time and capture as much as possible.
Take a photo of yourself at every terminal. If you have your passport on hand, you can even take a photo of your picture. This fun activity will give you something to look back on in the future.
9. Change Into Your PJs
Change into your pajamas before boarding your flight. Airports can be cold and uncomfortable, so getting cozy will make the wait much more bearable. Plus, it’s an easy way to express your personality while traveling.
10. Spot Planes
Spotting planes is a great way to pass the time at an airport (or anywhere else with a clear sky view). It’s easy, free, and fun, making you feel like a pilot.
Look up at the sky and spot as many planes as possible. You might want to start by looking for large ones first — 747s are easy because they’re so big that it’s hard not to notice them. Then move on to smaller planes like 737s or A320s.
Final Take Away
While there’s no doubt that being stuck in an airport is a miserable experience, there are ways that you can have some fun and pass the time productively. Try out one of these fun airport activities the next time you find yourself waiting at the terminal, and you might end up having more fun than you expected.
The real estate market is hot right now, with a large quantity of houses for sale in Canada. Women in the field are taking the lead in terms of workforce participation, brokerage agencies, and relationship-building in the space. While male real estate agents can deliver excellent results, the fairer sex has been known to be much more intuitive and have a better eye for details. Therefore, partnering with a female professional in the industry can help you land exactly what you’re looking for.
Businesswomen in The Housing Market
Over 60% of real estate agents are female, as reported by the Canadian Real Estate Association. Housing is one of the most competitive markets in the world. While it may come as a surprise, many businesswomen in the real estate industry own their own firms, run independent brokerage teams, and bring in millions of dollars.
To understand what values a female real estate agent can bring to your professional relationship and why they are dominating the real estate market, it is scientifically proven that women excel at forming highly intimate relationships. They are much more compassionate and by extension, considerate. All of which are great characteristics to have in an agent because you want them to know you so well that they can give you what you didn’t even know you wanted.
Female real estate professionals and business owners are better attuned to your needs. Looking for a family home? Women will consider everything from playroom to kitchen. How about a bachelor pad? You might think that men would be better suited to find you what essentially is a man cave, but through dedicated research, your female professional will be able to offer you something that would rock your world.
Women Entrepreneurs are a rising force in the business industry
Due to the current economic status, many are bracing for a looming recession, that will transition into a depression. The greatest impact will be on women in the workforce.
Women are more likely to face constraints when it comes to financial independence, due to gender discrimination. Limitations when it comes to accessing credit and opening formal bank accounts in their own names, pose challenges when it comes to building their reputations and establishing collateral.
However, the 21st century has proven that women are more than capable of earning their keep, with independent businesswomen rising to the top of the pack, empowering other female entrepreneurs through their successes which are showcased primarily through social media.
Social media is a driving force in building up the female entrepreneur circle as it is both encouraging and inspiring to see that it is possible for women to be driven instead of the caretaker of a family. In fact, it’s become very much celebrated for women to be the sole breadwinners and men are being applauded for being able to take a step back and enjoy being a father or a husband without falling to the pressure of what constitutes as a “manly” man.
True enough, the gender roles of the digital age is becoming more balanced as Millennials and Gen Zs who are consistently challenging traditional gender stereotypes. Today, women’s ability to own property has increased their ability to own businesses, embrace independence, and progress on their own professional journeys. Recent statistics reported that women made up of 61% of first-time and repeat homebuyers in Canada.
Canadian Women in the Real Estate Market
High loans and difficulty finding employment may result in more challenges when it comes to opening and operating their own businesses. Gender-based job restrictions can also impact a woman’s ability to be entrepreneurial, including in the real estate space. A lack of proper and equitable workplace protections, combined with constricting leave benefits, can make it challenging to find a job that will work with balancing other aspects of life.
However, looking at the Canadian real estate market, you wouldn’t have guessed that there is a problem hounding females looking to expand in the business world. High powered individuals such as the founder of Stomp Realty Inc. and Condo Chicks Inc, Erica Smith got into the market 17 years ago as “sort of a hobby” but it has gone on to spawn one of the largest real estate agency in Toronto.
“Men can be intimidated to work with empowered women,” says a representative from the brokerage, “But we don’t let that stop us. We are ready to rise and increase options and offerings on the market. We’re not looking to squash the competition, but to grow collaboratively.”
Regardless of gender, it is certain that the real estate market is booming right now, and the social media generation are much more excited about décor and making their homes an extension of their individuality, spawning forth articles on how to make their home more patriotic or showcase stronger roots to their Canadian culture to finding the best flooring for their home. Living in a hyper-connected world offers people the ability to learn virtually anything, even what it takes to become a real estate broker, even if you are a mother, or a female.
Real estate calls to a lot of women because as traditional homemakers, there’s something about creating a safe space that calls to many female individuals or those that identify as women. While men are generally comfortable with a clean and tidy or “cool” space, women want that personal touch in whatever property they own and that’s why you’ll find that women in real estate is dominating the market.
There are several reasons why people experience Belgium as an excellent travel destination. You will find below suggestions of the best cities which I can recommend to visit in Belgium!
Belgium
Belgium is one of the smallest countries in northwest Europe offering a variety of tourist attractions for every traveller. It is bordered by Germany to the east, the Netherlands to the north, France to the southwest, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to the southwest, and the North Sea to the northwest. One-third of the Belgium population speaks French and are called Walloons while more than one-half speak Dutch or Belgium Dutch, also called Flemings.
This country has a rich history with many architectural buildings in different styles, monuments, museums and parks spread over many important Belgian cities and some of them belong to the most important and wealthy European cities.
Best cities to visit in Belgium
Belgium is also an excellent destination for its cuisine and has hotels and accommodations for every budget. Even the beaches of the North Sea coast line and the hilly Ardennes are places which travellers enjoy if they want some time to relax. Almost every city in Belgium has a park where you can walk and enjoy the beauty of the nature.
These are 8 cities in Belgium to visit with your spouse, family, or friends:
1. Bruges
Bruges is called “the Venice of the North” and can be considered as one of the crown jewels of Belgium. This medieval city is the capital of West Flanders and is still authentic with its narrow streets with cobblestones and historical monuments.
The Belfry of Bruges which is built in the 13th century is one of the most remarkable buildings of this city and has a height of 88 meters. It is necessary to climb 366 steps to reach the top and you have a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
The Minnewater and its lovely park is a romantic place in Bruges for a walk and there are always swans and birds around or in the lake, no matter which season you visit this lovely place. The Beguinage lies just behind the Minnewater and is also one of these typical places in Bruges where you can find peace and quiet.
There are also many churches in Bruges and the Church of our Lady can be considered as the most famous one. This medieval church has a height of 122 meters and houses the Madonna of Michelangelo and the Gothic tombs of Burgundy. This church attracts more visitors than the Saint Salvator’s cathedral which is considered the most important one on religious level.
Every tourist will enjoy a visit in Bruges because there are attractions for everyone. Most everyone will take a boat trip on the Reie where they can view all the highlights of Bruges. Museum lovers will find plenty of museums and with a combined ticket they can visit the six main museums of this city. You can spend days in Bruges and explore new places of interests.
2. Ghent
Canal in the old town in Gent in a beautiful summer day, Belgium
Ghent is the capital of the province East Flanders and called the flower city of Belgium, especially because of its botanical event “the Gentse Floralien”. You will find flowers through the entire city and they sell azaleas and begonias to all the places of the world.
The Gravensteen which means castle of the count is their most famous building and constructed by Filips of Alsasse. People can have a panoramic view over the city from the top of this building.
A beautiful park in this city is the citadel park with a botanical garden of different flowers and plants. There are two important museums housed (the SMAK and the museum of fine arts) and you will find a lake with swans and ducks.
3. Antwerp
Antwerp is one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. It is the capital of the province with the same name and called the city of diamond and fashion in Belgium.
The world centre of diamond is located in this Belgian city and almost 70% of all diamonds come through Antwerp in Belgium. There is a Jewish area where you can find plenty of diamond stores and it is the perfect place to buy a diamond ring for Valentine’s Day, wedding or any other occasion to surprise your lover.
Antwerp is also popular because of its harbour the Scheldt where you can make a boat trip with the Flandria. The town square is a popular area in Antwerp and surrounded by the town hall which is built in the Renaissance style. You will find the Brabo Fountain, created by sculptor Jef Lambaux, in the middle of this square.
This fountain is an important monument in Antwerp because of the legend of Silvius Brabo. He was a Roman soldier who killed the giant Antigoon who asked exorbitant tolls to the sailors. This giant punished the sailors by cutting their hands and threw them in the river Scheldt.
4. Brussels, capital of Belgium
Cityscape of Brussels in a beautiful summer day
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and has the highest quantity of historical buildings of Belgium. Every traveler who ever visited Belgium will certainly know Brussels. This city is especially popular because of its bronze statue “Manneke Pis” and represents a little man of 58 cm who urinates in the fountain’s basis. This statue can be called the symbol of the capital Brussels and is dressed in different dresses if there are some events on the Market square.
The market square of Brussels is one of the most impressive ones of the world. Some other important buildings in Brussels are the Saint Michel and Saint Gudula cathedral, the Church of Our Lady, the Royal Park and Palace, the Belgian Parliament, the Palace of Justice, the Bourse and certainly the Atomium with its 9 atums and build for the Brussels Fair of 1958.
5. Hasselt
Japanese Garden of Hasselt
Hasselt is the capital of the province Limburg and called the city of the taste. It is a perfect place for shopping and tasting the delicious desserts and beverages like Hasseltse speculaas, Hasseltse rice cake, Hasseltse coffee, gin and some others. An important statue in this Belgian city is the one of Hendrik and Katrien which is located near the town square and represent the first habitants of Hasselt. The Japanese Garden of Hasselt is the largest one of Europe and constructed with the help of the Japanese city Ity.
Unique places to visit in belgium
Belgium has several unique places which are worthwhile to visit. Leuven can be considered as the most important university of Belgium and there is a statue “Fonske” which represent a student. Ostend is one of the most beautiful cities which is located on the beach and also well known for the famous Floral clock in the Leopoldpark.
6. Ostend
One of the best cities to visit in Belgium around Christmas is Ostend. At this time of year, they create an ice rink in the town’s main square. In addition, there are the wonderful Christmas Markets, where you are bound to find an unusual gift for those you love.
7. Leuven
Leuven is a university town. One of the most striking first impressions this town will make is the unique architectural beauty of its town hall, dating back to around the 1400’s. It is a fabulous structure. With a substantial student population, this town comes to life at night. Spend an evening in the “Bikers Bar” and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Leuven is one of the best cities in Belgium for nightlife! The nightlife here has to be witnessed to be believed.
8. Bruges
Nick-named the Venice of the north, Bruges certainly lives up to this. With a maze of canals dissecting the city, this provides an adventure in itself. For those who prefer a more sedate form of transport. It is a very sedate city where one can relax and enjoy an assortment of shops. Bruges is one of the best cities to visit in Belgium during winter. Dining is a special experience in Bruges, especially in the winter months, when many restaurants provide comfort in the form of open fires.
8 Best Cities to Visit in Belgium
There are several reasons why you may want visit Belgium and besides the architecture of all these buildings, the museums and the lovely parks; you will certainly find time to taste the “Belgium chocolate” which is popular worldwide. It is also recognized for its beer, French fries and mussels. Traveling to Belgium is a wonderful experience because this country offers attractions for everyone.
Although Belgium is one of the smallest countries in Europe, it is one of the most diverse and interesting countries in the European Community. There is a variety of beautiful places to visit in Belgium within this hospitable country.
Hope you will consider these top cities to visit in Belgium on your next vacation! Belgium, surely a jewel in the European crown!
These parfait recipes for dessert are so delicious and easy to make. The are absolutely worth making for your family or for a family gathering!
What is a Parfait?
Parfait is a French word meaning “perfect” commonly used to describe a delicious dessert, beginning in 1894. Parfait refers the traditional French-style dessert made by layering parfait cream or custard, ice cream, flavoured gelatin in a clear glass topped with whipped cream, fresh and even liqueurs. It can also be made using pudding or yogurt layered with nuts or fresh fruits such as peaches, strawberries, or blueberries.
Hope you enjoy these Dessert Parfait recipes as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes! If you have a favourite parfait recipe, be sure to share that with us in the comment below!
I discovered strength training in University during my Kinesiology studies. I loved the way I felt and looked and how great it was to clear my head during a workout. I often encounter women who are afraid to strength train for fear of bulking up or looking too muscular. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of strength training for women!
Woman doing lateral lunges
Benefits of Strength Training For Women
Ladies, this is very difficult to do! Unless you are supplementing with some questionable substances, getting bulky is not likely to happen! In fact, many women who strength train look toned, lean and compact. That is because muscle is dense and it takes up less room than fat does.
There are so many amazing benefits to strength training such as:
increase metabolism and muscle tone
increase bone density
improve posture
correction of muscle imbalances
decrease back pain
improve balance, stability and functional movement
lower blood pressure
Home exercises
These are just to name a few. Many of my new clients are surprised to hear that one workout a week can be beneficial. It’s also not necessary to have an expensive gym membership or work with a trainer 2-3 times a week. A few exercises done at home such as squats, push ups and planks can work wonders. Of course, going to the gym and working with a trainer to get to that next level is beneficial but not necessary to reap the health benefits. I design many take home programs that can be done in your home with little to no equipment (just a bit of open space).
The Benefits of Strength Training For Women
Try a set of push ups during a TV commercial, a set of squats while brushing your teeth and a plank hold on the floor when you’re playing with your kids. It can be done and better to squeeze it in in small doses than none at all.
Apple crisp with oats is a favourite recipe to make and enjoy to celebrate the start of fall! It is a dessert your family will enjoy and is easy to prepare. It is a joy to eat on its own by the spoonful or as a tasty topping for ice cream!
One tradition my family and I have each fall is to visit the apple orchards around our home to collect these sweet and crunchy orbs to snack on or to add to dishes we love to eat. If you are looking for a great alternative to apple pie for dessert, this easy recipe for apple crisp is a yummy choice to whip up and serve!
History of apple crisp
Did you know that apple crisp is a relatively modern dessert? I learned that this dish was found in a recipe book and a newspaper article in 1924.
This dish also helped families get through WWII as an alternative to baking apple pie when food was being rationed for the War effort. Now, apple crisp has become a dessert families love to make around the world.
What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble
In some countries, apple crisp and apple crumble are deemed the same dessert. In others, they are two different dishes. Below is a brief run-down of each of these dishes.
A crisp is a fruit-filled dessert with a light streusel topping using sugar, flour, butter. Oats are added to provide more texture and crunch with every bite.
There is a bit of a debate on this subject. Some people believe that, since apple crisp is a fruit-filled dessert prepared with sugar, it can be safe to eat, if left out, for up to two days before needing refrigeration. This is to prevent this dish from becoming soggy.
Others feel that extending this dessert’s shelf life is key to enjoy this dish properly. This is because putting your apple crisp into the fridge after baking and cooling will prevent bacteria from growing.
I have been through a few versions of this apple dessert, and this simple recipe for apple crisp with oats is, I think, one of the best I have tried! When company comes for dinner or if I want to create individual portions, I like to put this homemade apple crisp in a jar.
Makes 4 apple crisps in small jars
Fruit substitution: You may substitute the apples for peaches, berries, or pears.
Ingredients
12 Apples
1/2 cup brown sugar
2.5 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
Crumble Ingredients
2 cups oat flakes
3 1/2 tbsp flour
2 1/2 tbsp butter
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Kitchen Tools
4 small Jars
Knife
2 Bowls
Look below to see how to make this apple crisp with oats recipe:
How to make an easy apple crisp
1. Prepare all the ingredients.
2. Wash the apples. On a cutting board, remove the core and peel skin of the apples. Cut the apples into cubes.
3. In a bowl, mix apples with sugar with a spoon. After, add flour and cinnamon, and mix again.
4. Separate the apple mixture evenly in 4 Mason jars and press with a spoon to compact it.
5. In a bowl, add the crumble ingredients and mix into crumbs.
6. Separate the crumble mixture evenly on top of the apple mixture in the Mason jars.
7. Place the jars on a baking sheet. Preheat oven at 190 C degrees or 375 F degrees and bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown at the top and you can see the bubbles through the sides of the jars.
8. Cool the mini apple crisp in a jar for about 10 minutes and serve with ice cream or whipped cream (optional).
Apple Crisp with Oats Recipe
I hope this Apple Crisp with Oats recipe is one your family will love to savour! Also, please look at the other recipes we have on the blog for more ideas to try and enjoy!
Easy Apple Crisp with Oats
Lyne Proulx
Apple crisp with oats is a favourite recipe to make at the start of fall! It is an apple dessert that is easy to prepare in mini jars.
Wash the apples. On a cutting board, remove the core and peel skin of the apples. Cut the apples into cubes.
In a bowl, mix apples with sugar with a spoon. After, add flour and cinnamon, and mix again.
Separate the apple mixture evenly in 4 Mason jars and press with a spoon to compact it.
In a bowl, add the crumble ingredients and mix into crumbs.
Place the jars on a baking sheet. Preheat oven at 190 C degrees or 375 F degrees and bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown at the top and you can see the bubbles through the sides of the jars.
Cool the mini apple crisp in a jar for about 10 minutes and serve warm.
Notes
Fruit substitution
You may substitute the apples for peaches, berries, or pears.
BEST APPLES FOR APPLE CRISPS
Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp apples are good choices to use in an apple crisp recipe.Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream (optional).
Busy bag ideas for toddlers and preschoolers are popular among homeschooling families to keep young children entertained while the older children are doing school, but they can be very useful for non-homeschooling families as well!
I have several busy bags made up that I can easily grab and throw into the diaper bag if need be. These are great if you’re going to a restaurant and anticipate a bit of a wait time, to bring to the doctor’s office, and well, for any other time you might need to keep your child occupied quietly. Busy bags could also be used if your toddler or preschooler is transitioning a nap time to a quiet time.
Educational Busy Bag Ideas For Young Children
1. Wooden Puzzles
I have several busy bags that are just made up of small puzzles put into a ziploc. Most of them are 12-pc wooden puzzles that the kids got for Christmas last year, and I have a couple of colour matching puzzles for my toddler.
2. Beads and Pipe Cleaners
More beads and some pipe cleaners make for another fun busy-bag. The pipe cleaners are easier to string than yarn or string is. This one might not be as suitable for when you’re out and about since beads can roll everywhere, but it’s fun for at home. This activity strengthens colour recognition and fine motor skills, and can be used to practice patterning.
3. Match Colours and Shapes
I made this busy bag for my preschooler to match colours and shapes with. My friend had given me a ton of foam beads in different shapes, and I coloured pieces of paper with markers to match the beads then laminated them. Annie (3.5 years old) likes to match the colours and shapes, and to build towers with the beads. It’s also good for making patterns. I can lay out the cards to show a colour pattern and have her copy the pattern with the beads.
5 Easy Educational Busy Bag Ideas
4.Learning Place Value
This one is more for my 5 year old. I found this printable for free on Teachers Pay Teachers for learning place value and laminated the pieces. My son matches up the egg to the dinosaur with the same number. I only put 5 or 6 pairs in the bag at a time and switch them out every once in a while.
5. Alphabet Fishing Game
Alphabet fishing game. A button magnet fishing rod and alphabet magnets. The kids can just fish right out of the bag.
And here’s a bonus idea. Not really educational, per say, but still fun and good for fine motor skills. Can’t go wrong with stickers and paper! Kids can make mini-collages or cards, or just decorate to their hearts’ content.
What other busy bag ideas can you share with other moms? Comment below!
These fun and easy transportation crafts for preschoolers are a perfect way for small children to learn about the different vehicles. No matter what vehicle goes zooming by, or flying high, kids are curious about how they work. Whether you are travelling by air, road, or train, transportation crafts will keep the kids busy throughout the trip.
Why Preschool is Important
Preschool is a great way to prepare your child for kindergarten. They usually join a preschool around the age of 2.5 and continue until they begin kindergarten. It’s about learning and having fun without mommy or daddy watching over them. In preschool, children will develop social skills being around other children and adults. They will learn how to listen and cooperate through teachable moments during the day.
While there may be a fee for preschool, you can look into Early Childhood Centres that are free and often you can find them at local schools.
Throughout the day children will be doing many different crafts and activities like these transport themed activities for preschool. By doing these types of activities, kids will improve their hand and eye coordination as well as get to cut and glue with minimal help from an adult.
Transportation activities for preschoolers
Do your kids have a favourite vehicle? Whether it be a plane, boat, car, truck, or bicycle, you will find a printable below that will be the one for your child.
There are a few different ways to complete this activity once you have printed off the transport vehicle of your choice (or print them all for more crafting time). You can start by printing off on regular printer paper or card stock paper then cut out each piece. If you used card stock, then you can go ahead and glue the pieces together. You don’t want to glue the printer paper together as it won’t really hold up in the hands of your preschooler. Find a cardboard box or perhaps a paper plate and trace each piece onto it. Now you can cut out the transportation craft and glue it all together. Once the vehicles are all put together and the glue is dry, add a bit of colour with crayons, colour pencils, or markers.
Transportation Themed Birthday Party
What better way to celebrate a birthday than with these transportation printables. They will make the perfect decorations. Head to your local party store where you will be able to find some additional party supplies to make the birthday a hit. You can look for plates, napkins, and cups that have vehicle themes on them. Since cutlery usually just comes in particular colours, find the ones that best match your theme.
Transportation Crafts for Preschoolers
Whether you are using these printables for preschool or at home, your kids will have so much fun with them, making sounds and racing them around like they were driving them.
The preschoolers transportation crafts include:
Dump truck
Taxi
Yacht
Motorcycle
Jeep
Bus
Moped
Ambulance
Sailboat
Transportation Truck
Now that you decided on the transportation activities, you are ready to gather your kids and supplies together, print and begin the activities. Sail off into the sunset or fly above the clouds with these free printable transportation crafts!
All babies like one-to-one human contact and attention. However, some young children refuse to be separated from their parents at all. Let’s have a look at why your baby is clingy and how to deal with separation anxiety.
Why Is my Baby so Clingy
Most babies will experience a degree of clinginess at some point; indeed, it’s both normal and highly desirable for babies to cling to their mothers. Newborns are dependent on close contact to help them adapt to the world. The mother’s heartbeat, rhythmic movements, and respiration help to balance the baby’s irregular waking, sleeping and feeding rhythms, and the rhythm of her voice can help to regulate a new baby’s early un-coordinated body movements. Carrying can also help a baby to regulate his developing nervous and hormonal systems, and can promote day waking and night sleeping.
At what age does separation anxiety typically peak in infants
Clinginess is particularly marked at around eight or nine months, when the vast majority of infants will start to experience separation anxiety. At this age, a babies start to notice if their main carers goes away, and they will become clingy and want to follow them. Until around two, a children has no concept of constancy: if the parent is not immediately visible, they simply doesn’t exist – hence the child’s distress if the parent leaves the room even for a brief period. Separation anxiety is part of normal childhood development, and shows that the baby has developed a healthy attachment to their parents.
High Needs Babies
Separation anxiety is very different from true clinginess. A clingy child will become distraught if his parent tries to put him down even for a matter of minutes. Parents may wonder if their parenting skills are responsible, but it appears that some babies are born more clingy than others. These “high needs” babies experience real distress if their need for physical attachment to their parents is not met.
Parenting a Clingy Baby
The aim of all healthy child and parent relationships is to enable the baby to form a secure attachment and to use this as the basis for ultimate independence. With this in mind, parents need to ensure that they are not unwittingly encouraging their baby to be clingy because they enjoy feeling needed and wanted.
Parents of clingy children need to be especially sensitive and thoughtful. If the child is due to start daycare or nursery, make sure your baby has a special cuddle blanket or toy to take with him. Even the clingiest child will settle after the parents have left, and he will be pleased to be reunited with their parents at the end of the day. Changes and separations must be handled very gradually and with love. Goodbye and hello rituals can help to reassure a clingy baby that their parents will come back. Parents should also remember that reaching particular developmental milestones – physical, emotional and neurological – can make the world feel quite confusing to a baby or toddler, which means that he will cling to the person who makes him feel most secure.
Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage. Excessive clinginess, however, is often part of a child’s particular personality. Treated with understanding and sensitivity, clinginess will abate as the child develops. In due course, the child will use this secure attachment as the basis for independence.
These easy recipes with leftover ham are perfect to make after Thanksgiving or Christmas!
If you are thinking ahead to the holidays, you might be making plans for how to repurpose your holiday leftovers into some stellar dinner ideas with leftover ham. I have found some really tasty recipes that I plan to use in my own kitchen this year, and I have a feeling you are going to want to make these simple leftover ham recipes too.
Dinner recipes for leftover ham
From a super hearty and filling leftover ham and bean soup recipe that looks delicious to the best leftover ham salad recipe ever; this list of dinner recipes for leftover ham has something for everyone on it. I am sure you are going to find a few ideas for quick recipes with leftover ham in this collection.
After doing all of the heavy cooking for a holiday meal, I am sure you are looking to take a little break in the kitchen. These recipes that use leftover ham will surely come in handy to make after a holiday.
How to freeze leftover ham
You might be wondering if you can freeze your leftover ham instead of cooking with it right away. You absolutely can. Before freezing it make sure your leftover ham is cool and completely dry to prevent ice crystals forming. Package it into the portion sizes your family prefers, and be sure to label your ham with a date so you can use it within a few months time.
Easy Recipes with Leftover Ham
These easy recipes with leftover ham have something for everyone on it, from casseroles with leftover ham to easy soup recipes with ham and everything in between. I can’t wait to hear what you want to make first, so be sure to leave a comment. If you have a favourite way to use leftover ham, be sure to share that with us!
Easy Recipes with Leftover Ham
These easy recipes with leftover ham have something for everyone on it, from casseroles with leftover ham to easy soup recipes with ham.
When was the last time you made a good batch of hash? This idea pops the ingredients of this ham and potato hash into the slow cooker for one amazing way to eat a great, repurposed meal
This old fashioned ham salad makes for one amazing lunch. Chop it up and mix, and then enjoy all week long!
Hope you enjoy these easy recipes with leftover ham as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes! If you have a favourite way to use leftover ham, be sure to share that with us!
Word search puzzles are a fun way to pass time and, if your kids love them as much as I do, then they will love this Disney Word Search about snacks.
When you travel with the family, word search puzzles will help pass the time as you head to your destination. You can buy paper books full of word searches with many different themes or you can print some off to take with you on your family trip. When you print this easy Disney word search printable, find a binder or even a clipboard to hold it.
I have been doing word search puzzles since I was a kid and over the years it gets easier to find the words. Once you spend time doing this Disney word search puzzle with your kids, they will want more Disney word searches to print and eventually find their own way of solving them.
To help you out, you can also follow these word search tips below.
Word Search Tips
There are rules for almost every game that we should all follow. If everyone played their own rules in the games, no one would know how to play. There are rules for word search puzzles, and the rules are pretty basic; however, there are many tips, strategies, and tricks. Most word search puzzles will let you know the rules ahead of time.
In all word search puzzles, words will be hidden in a grid of letters. Words will be placed forward, backwards, up and down. You may also find that some words can be found diagonally. To make it a bit more difficult in finding the words, some may overlap with another word. Have your children search the grid of letters until they find all the words from the themed list. When they find a word either put a line through it or circle the word (I prefer to circle the words).
Just remember the more letters the puzzle has, the more difficult it will be to solve. Make sure to use a pencil when you first start doing puzzles, this way if your children make a mistake they can erase it and begin again.
How To Solve a Word Search
Look at the list of words and have your children pick one or two to begin. Start at the top and have them look left to right on each row until you reach the bottom. Once they get to the bottom change directions and go right to left. This will help them find words that may be backward. Once they have finished searching horizontally begin to search vertically. Start on the left side going from top to bottom and then bottom to top. Finish off by going diagonally, if it is the rules for the word search you are completing.
If your kids are having trouble finding words, the easiest way is to look at the first letter of a word and search the letters looking for each occurrence of that letter. When they do find a word make sure they cross it off the list. Once your kids have found all the words, the puzzle is solved!
Kids Word Search Printable
Planning on visiting Disney World or Disneyland than this is the perfect word search for kids of all ages. This kids word search printable will keep them busy and, at the same time, they will be excited thinking about the snacks they will try after finding them in this Disney word search.
We’ve put together this list of some of the best attractions and best places in Europe to take teenagers to give you a helping hand in planning your next holiday.
Places in Europe to Take Teenagers
Going abroad with teenagers can be a great time for you to get to know more about your teenaged kids and their interests and passions. But how do you keep teenagers busy and happy while catering to the sightseeing needs of the whole family in Europe, including yourself? Let’s have a look at these best places in Europe for teenagers!
1. World-class Tennis, Cycling and Football in Paris, France
If your teenage offspring are more of the sporty type then there are plenty of sporting events in the city of Paris to keep them occupied while you go sightseeing. On many occasions, the ATP World Tour of masters tennis takes place in Paris. You can see the contemporary heroes of tennis (think Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal) square off against each other in this high-stakes tournament.
The Tour de France is always a fan favourite for teenagers and their parents. Plan your vacation accordingly in order to give your teens a chance to watch the finish of this historic cycling tournament at the Champs-Élysées. If you want to get involved yourself then it’s easy to rent a bike in Paris and take advantage of the many pleasant cycling routes.
If your family are fans of European football (soccer) then you can’t do better than watching home team Paris St Germain face off against the best football teams when they compete in the Ligue 1, the top division of French football. You will have to hurry if you want tickets to their game!
2. Tate Modern Gallery, London, England
Set in a commanding sugar factory building overlooking the river Thames, the Tate Modern gallery is a mecca for art lovers the world over. The gallery is extremely friendly to families with an accessible ethos and layout. Guides to the permanent art collections are always available and exhibitions tend to run with a great deal of published educational material.
If you have a teenage art student in your family then you simply have to take them here for a little inspiration and research. Later on you can continue to stroll along the bank side where you will encounter several of London’s most important arts institutions such Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the National Theatre, the Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, and the British Film Institute, as well as the Royal Opera House.
You could easily spend a couple of days just exploring the South Bank area which is always alive with food markets and street performers. The South Bank is located a short walk from London hotels and Waterloo station.
3. Parliamentarium, Brussels, Belgium
If you have politics or law buffs in your family then you simply have to take them to the Parliamentarium exhibit while you are in Brussels. The museum is full of exciting interactive exhibits which chart the course of European history up to the formation of the European Union. When you’re done you can delve further into the past by visiting the Grand Palace, which is set in one of the city’s most historic mediaeval squares.
You might be surprised at how much your teens already know or how curious they are–no matter how cynical and grown up they might pretend to be. We hope you enjoy these ideas and that visiting one or two of these best places in Europe will provide a great chance to bond with your teenagers over new experiences.
This article was written by Susan Varano, a freelance writer specialising in travel. Susan is well travelled and has reported on destinations from all around the world.
Both parents should be together to explain to their child that a divorce is very likely or that you have filed for a divorce. The ages of your children will determine what terms you use when discussing a divorce and how much you tell them. For children aged four and under, the word “divorce” is confusing. You would do best to simply explain that mommy and daddy will be living in different places. As much as they can understand, tell them when they will be visiting or staying overnight with each parent. No matter what age your child is, do not explain that the two of you have stopped loving each other. Children will fear that either or both of you will stop loving them.
Older children will understand what divorce is and realize that their lives will change in many ways. Their security is being removed and they will have feelings of great sadness, fear, and even anger. Allow your children to express their feelings as long as they are respectful in doing so. Explain that each of you are responsible for the decision to divorce. Children will usually blame someone for these changes in their life. It is best if kids understand that both parents have decided to end the marriage. Be honest. “Your mother/father and I have come to realize that we do not have a romantic love for each other which is necessary for a marriage to work.” Children will understand the difference between romantic love and the kind of love people have for friends and family.
What to say to your child when you are separating
Answer questions your children have about separating and the changes that will take place in their life. Tell them where they will live, how often they will see the non-custodial parent, and about changes that will affect their after-school activities. Explain any differences in your current financial situation. Assure them that you will work to keep any changes as painless as possible. If there will be new people in their life, such as boyfriends and girlfriends or step-parents, discuss it with your children and listen to their feelings and concerns. For the best way for children to deal with divorce, it is recommended that new relationships wait until children have settled into a new routine and had a chance to be counselled if they have difficulties in adjusting.
Whatever personal reasons for your divorce, do not share information that will embarrass your child or information she is too young to deal with. Do not ask your children to choose sides. Your children love both of you. Remember, your child is not divorcing his parent. Respect each other and your children will continue to respect each of you. Children do not need to see their parents disrespecting each other. This teaches them to be disrespectful to adults in their life, such as teachers at school. However difficult this might be for you toward your spouse, doing so will greatly reduce the chances of your children disobeying you after the divorce.
Remember, your child had every right to expect his parents to remain married throughout his lifetime. Your child will be sad, angry, confused, frightened, and/or withdrawn. Do not tell your child how he should feel about the divorce. Listen to your child’s concerns and answer questions about the divorce without putting down the other parent. A divorce can be a better situation for your child if you handle her fears and uncertainty with honesty and respect. If your child needs counselling, seek professional help, talk to your pastor, youth minister, or family member about regular sessions for your child to vent anger and receive assurance that he can survive the changes in his life.
In Europe, it’s possible to encounter all the extremes of weather and scenery, so there’s plenty of variety for the first time traveller on this interesting, varied and beautiful continent. All the countries in Europe have much to recommend them. Working on the assumption that you may never pass this way again, these are the best places to visit in Europe for first time travellers!
The Black Forest, Germany
The Black Forest is one of the must see places in Europe! It is the most popular holiday destination in Germany, and there are a number of reasons why. There are the picturesque villages along the Romantic Road, which was a mediaeval trade route. Be sure to visit the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, where you can walk around the ramparts and take in spectacular views.
Then there’s Lake Schluchsee, the biggest lake in the area, and Lake Titisee, where every shop seems to sell the famous Black Forest cuckoo clocks. Don’t leave the area without trying the speciality of the region – Black Forest Cake. Put the diet on hold for the duration of the holidays!
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the must see cities in Europe. Barcelona is the capital city of the region of Catalonia, in north-eastern Spain. This vibrant city has everything for the traveller. Stroll along the famous Las Ramblas, and browse the craft and flower stalls. Then stop off in Port Vell (Old Harbour) for a drink and tapas. Admire Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family), and take in the Barri Gotic (Mediaeval Quarter). Then head for Avenida Diagonal for some retail therapy.
To make the most of Barcelona, travel around on the Bus Turistic, the open-topped bus that takes you all around the sights of Barcelona on its 3 routes. Get on and off as you please, and take advantage of the discount vouchers that come with your ticket to save on entrance fees to museums and attractions, meals, and shopping.
Paris, France
Everyone should visit Paris at least once in their lifetime. August is a good time to go, because the Parisians take their holidays then, so the city is much quieter than usual, although it’s a year-round tourist destination. Travel around the sights on the Metro – you can get fantastic discounts on travel, and it stops at all the tourist hot spots.
Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and take a ride along the Seine on the famous Bateaux Mouches to view the city from the river. At 10 Euros for an adult and 5 Euros for a child, this hour-long cruise is great value for money. If you have time, do both a daytime trip, and an evening trip, to see all the floodlit buildings.
Enjoy a meal in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank, and take in the artist’s colony at Montmartre, where as well as seeing artists at work, you can enjoy fabulous views over the city from the church of Sacré Coeur.
London, England
London, England is definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe for the first time. London is famous for the Palace of Westminster, Trafalgar Square, Tower of London, and many more ancient buildings. There’s plenty to occupy the first time traveller. Immerse yourself in London’s maritime history at the Greenwich museums, and take a boat cruise along the Thames to Westminster, home of the British Parliament – the oldest in the world.
See how England fared at war at the Imperial War Museum, or check out the British Museum. All London’s museums are free to enter, so it won’t cost you a fortune to drink in the city’s culture.
Stroll through the beautiful parks, and visit the city’s many palaces and stately homes. See London from the air on the London Eye, and take in one or more of the shows in Theatreland. There’s so much to do in London, you’ll want to return again and again.
There are so many highlights in Europe, it’s difficult to settle on just a few, but the best places to visit in Europe detailed above will offer the first time traveller a varied itinerary, with plenty to see and do. Have a great vacation time in Europe!
These cute birthday cupcakes will be a big hit for kids themed birthday parties. Whether you love chocolate, vanilla, or even peanut butter, you can find so many awesome birthday cupcakes to choose from this list.
Kids birthday party cupcakes
Why is it that you can resist a piece of cake but not a cupcake? Maybe it’s their size? Just one won’t hurt, right? Of course, before you know it’s you’ve eaten three. And, let’s not forget that feeling of childlike joy when seeing cupcakes. There’s just something that makes us smile when we see them. You can even find cute decorations for your home shaped like cupcakes. People simply love them. And what’s not to love? It’s your own little cake – one that you don’t have to share. But, the best part about birthday cupcakes is that they come in so many different flavours and designs. If you’re throwing a kids themed birthday party, you’re going to find so many children’s birthday party cupcakes to choose from.
Not only do many bakeries offer a number of great flavours, but many grocery stores are even starting to carry gourmet flavours. Of course, you don’t have to leave your home to enjoy a good cupcake. There are literally thousands of kids birthday party cupcakes to choose from online. But, if you don’t feel like hunting them down, I’ve compiled a list of 53 recipes for birthday cupcakes to get you started.
Cute Birthday Cupcakes
Below you’ll find a number of tasty cupcake recipes ranging from Cookie Monster cupcakes to Star Wars Stormtrooper cupcakes. These cute birthday cupcakes are all perfect for birthday parties, but would also be excellent for bake sales. People will always snatch up cupcakes at a bake sale, especially cutely decorated cupcakes. These would also be great for slumber parties, family get togethers, and even school parties (if your child’s school allows homemade treats). Regardless of the occasion, cupcakes are always a bit hit!
Instead of ordering an overpriced birthday cake this year, why not make one of these cute birthday cupcakes that match the theme of your child’s party? You can honestly find a cupcake to match almost any theme. Chances are you might find just what your child wants in the recipes below.
53 Cute Birthday Cupcakes
These cute birthday cupcakes are perfect for kids birthday parties. I’ve compiled a list of 53 recipes for birthday cupcakes just for you!
Hope you enjoy these cute birthday cupcakes as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes! If you have a favourite birthday cupcake, I hope you will leave a comment and tell me about it!
For desperately tired parents who are keen on helping their young child sleep through the night, a controlled crying program can offer dramatic results. Preparation and discussion between parents or caregivers prior to starting the sleep program is essential.
photo credit: simonandschuster.ca
Controlled Crying To Help Baby Sleep
This Controlled Crying Technique is based on the method suggested by Dr. Richard Ferber in his book Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems (Simon & Schuster). It is not advised to use controlled crying on a baby younger than 6 months old. Before using controlled crying, always make sure that your baby isn’t thirsty, hungry, ill, or overwrought before you put them to bed.
Parents Should Give the Sleep Training Program 100% Effort
Ensure that baby is ready for the sleep training and that appropriate preparation for controlled crying has been done. It is important that a consistent routine is in place before the new program has started. This is because any change will be easier to implement if the way the behaviour was managed previously was also consistent.
Parents should keep in mind an “all or nothing” approach; either to give baby unlimited and immediate comfort or to follow the controlled comforting program 100%. If a baby is given varied and restricted comfort, that doesn’t follow a pattern, then this behaviour is likely to simply reinforce the entrenchment of the night waking episodes.
Decide Which Parent Should Do the Controlled Crying Duty
Partners should discuss the sleep training program in advance. This is because it is very difficult to make rational decisions when it is 3am and baby has been crying half the night. Before starting the controlled checks sleep training program, it is important to agree on who will be “on duty,” that is, who will attend to baby when he/she cries.
On the first few nights it is wise to stick with the same caregiver providing the reassurance to baby. So if mom is usually the person to tend to baby during the night then she should be the one to reinforce this new routine. To do otherwise may take longer for baby to understand the desired effect since baby is not as familiar with the other person providing the night time structure.
It helps to have the same parent do the on duty portion of the sleep training for the whole night. The non-duty partner could consider getting some sleep, using ear plugs if necessary. The person on duty should expect at least one sleepless night and plan for this accordingly. It helps to have a comfortable environment to retreat to while waiting out the agreed crying interval time.
Controlled Crying Program Description for Parents
For a more detailed description of the Controlled Crying Technique, parents should read the Dr. Ferber’s book. Parents should keep in mind that if their child normally sleeps with them then it may be harder for the child to separate. A transitional object such as the same favourite blanket or toy each night may help ease the separation.
On the first night, parents should follow their usual bedtime routine with their child to help wind she/him down before putting she/him into their bed. Baby should be placed down into her/his bed tired but awake. Parents can then use a phrase to let baby know it is time to sleep and then leave the room.
The phrase that is used is important in both the choice of words and how it is spoken. It should be used consistently every time during controlled crying in a firm and calm, matter of fact voice. The message should provide a sense of comfort, to reassure baby that he has not been abandoned. As an example, this phrase avoids too much soothing or interaction, “It’s time to go to sleep. Everything is fine. Good night.”
Baby is likely to start crying, especially if he/she is not used to falling asleep alone. The crying may erupt loudly and then subside to a quieter sobbing. If baby continues to cry hard, then after 2 to 5 minutes, the parent should go back into her/his room for reassurance. During this brief visit, offer soothing and comforting words, or pat the baby for 1 minute or until they are quiet. The parent should repeat the same goodnight phrase. If possible, avoid interaction and making physical contact with baby.
When starting a controlled crying program, parents should be prepared for a few challenging nights ahead; especially the first night, where the person on duty should not expect to sleep much. Parents would do well to remember the positive outcomes of this safe sleep training method and if in doubt to compare it with weeks or months of a tired and cranky family.
New Orleans is a city that mixes elements of Old South charm, French architecture, and modern ingenuity. Because the city is a cultural mixture, it is one of the most interesting place in the United States to tour. For a fun family vacation, check out these things to do in New Orleans with kids!
Things to do in new orleans
There are so many things to do in New Orleans with kids that it is often hard to create a comprehensive itinerary, even for those familiar with the city. On the other hand, the top tourist attractions in New Orleans fit the vacation needs of kids as well as adults.
French quarters
For travellers to New Orleans, no visit would be complete without a trip to the French Quarters. During the day, families can take in the historic buildings that line the streets in this part of the city. They can enjoy street musicians who are a reflection of the jazz age in the city, when musicians flocked there to make a name for themselves. In the French Quarters, visitors can ride the horse-drawn carriages or the old-fashioned street cars.
When the lights go down in the French Quarters, leave the children with a sitter and enjoy the various entertainment options opened for adults. While many people only think of the bars that line the streets, there are other diversions is this area. Adults can go to clubs and listen to some jazz or watch a show that simulates the burlesque show of the 40’s and 50’s. For the really curious, they can go to the clubs that have female impersonators. Some of them have such good makeup jobs that it is hard to believe that they are men.
New Orleans Audubon Nature Institute
Two other top tourist attractions in New Orleans are the Audubon Zoo and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Both of these attractions are a part of the Audubon Nature Institute. The zoo is one of top zoological facilities in the United States. It is home to a number of exotic animals rarely seen in captivity. They also house a number of endangered species.
The Aquarium of the Americas is home to sea life indigenous to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. The walkway makes tourists feel like they are walking under water. Children will never forget the first time they visit each facility, and adults are awed by the exhibits and find pleasure in looking at the world from a child’s point of view.
New Orleans Riverwalk
To complete any trip to New Orleans, visitors have to go to the Riverwalk. At the Riverwalk, visitors can shop at the various vendors in this location. Some of the vendors are local artisans who craft jewelry and other accessories with Louisiana themes. Not only do visitors have a unique shopping experience, they can taste a variety of food from plain hamburgers to Cajun and Creole cuisine. Visitors have to eat the homemade fudge and other treats in the area.
There are other places to visit in the city, but the above are the top tourist attractions in New Orleans that are must sees for everyone. These things to do in New Orleans with kids represent the variety of options available to vacationers. The city offers something for the young to the young at heart. There are also a variety of things to do for those who want to experience the decadence for which the city is known. Whatever strikes a person’s fancy, New Orleans probably fits the bill.
Upgrading your vehicle from summer fun to fall and winter adventures is easy with TuxMat Custom Car Mats! We were thrilled to review a set of TuxMat custom car mats in our family vehicle and wow, do they ever make a big difference! They instantly give the interior of your vehicle an upgrade while maintaining the cleanliness of your original vehicle floors. These car mats are a game changer!
Fall vehicle maintenance
With summer coming to an end, you might be thinking about your fall vehicle maintenance routine. After all, you just spent all summer with ins and outs of summer activities, travelling here and there with the kids and the dogs and the neighbour next door, as a mother myself, I know what the back seats can go through, especially the floors! Even with rubber mats that came with our vehicle, you can see how dirty it can get!
Get your vehicle ready for fall and winter plus prevent those nasty street salt stains that never come out by investing in a new set of floor mats. Not just any floor mats, the TuxMat!
TuxMat floor mats review
TuxMat is a Canadian company specializing in saving your vehicle floors with their genius custom floor mats to fit your vehicle and lifestyle needs. They are like a special suit of armour, protecting your vehicle’s floors from spills, dirt and stains.
TuxMat Car Mats Front
TuxMat Custom Car Mats are made of durable, three-layer material. The top layer is high quality PVC to protect from spills and wetness that come from winter boots and rainy day shoes. The second layer is EVA, it is the material that makes the vertical dimension of TuxMat possible, which makes cleaning it easier possible. The third layer is sound proofing, anti-skid cloth, which also protects your vehicle’s carpet from wear and tear. These mats are surprisingly super soft for driving comfort!
TuxMat Car Mats Back
Did I mention you can get them for many different models of vehicle? You can get Tuxmat car mats for the front seats, back seats and also trunk if you want the whole kit.
Easy to install TuxMat Car Mats
Its straightforward installation with TuxMat Custom Car Mats following the instructions. Make sure your truck is clean and you remove any old mats. Install TuxMat floor mats with ease using the tools and accessories included with the mats. If you cannot figure it out on your own, there is a handy video available to show you how to install TuxMat custom car mats if you want to see how it’s done!
Easy to clean TuxMat Car Mats
Don’t worry about scrubbing with TuxMat; just pass a vacuum to pick up any debris and wipe it down with a soap and water cloth. Keep the car doors open and your TuxMats will air dry in minutes! Check out the video below! It’s that simple!
I cannot express how great the TuxMat looks in our Jeep Cherokee! It’s like a mini facelift for your vehicle, super easy to install and makes the interior look better than new.
Before TuxMat Car Mats vs After TuxMat Car Mats
Just look at the amazing difference between the before and after photos above of these custom car mats! It’s like night and day; our old jeep mats vs our new TuxMat car mats? TuxMat wins this contest hands down!
Benefits of TuxMat Car Mat
Custom available for many newer models of vehicles
Luxurious matching surface finish
Three layer vehicle floor protection
Covers nearly the entire vehicle flooring
Available for front floors, back floors and trunk
4.9 rating on Google
Made in Toronto Canada
Reliable way to invest in your vehicle for the long run
Final thoughts about TuxMat Custom Car Floor Mats
I’ve never personally put much thought into custom floor mats for vehicles but honestly, I can see TuxMat floor mats being a huge game changer as school starts up again and then winter hits. After school snack crumbs, unknown spilled substances, and shoe dirt will be no more, at least not on our suv floors!
The next time you give your vehicle its seasonal clean up; get that trash bag going, vacuum the crumbs and sand from the seats, and be sure to have some TuxMat custom car mats on hand for the finishing touch. Installed for winter, great all year round. We hope this car mats review will help you!
Bacon is a staple in many houses for good reason; it is so delicious! No matter how you serve it, it is likely to disappear within minutes. The smell of bacon cooking can even rouse teenagers from bed in the morning, without complaint! Talk about a magical food item! If you are looking for ways to add more bacon to your day, you are in luck. I have gathered 30 homemade bacon recipes to share with you.
Be sure to click through the links below to the recipes using bacon to view the full recipes. I know you will want to pin a few of these! From Maple Bacon Waffles which are perfect for breakfast to a Caramelized Onion, Bacon, Tomato, and Wild Rice Salad that is the ultimate lunch for anyone. Then a Popcorn Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Bacon that is the kind of dinner I dream of! This list has something for everyone on it. Even dessert is covered with this list with Loaded Bacon Twinkies! I know you will find something uniquely tasty on this list to try!
National Bacon Day – December 30th
Did you know that every year on December 30th, National Bacon Day is celebrated by bacon lovers around the world? This day is great way to cook or bake with bacon to make desserts, main dishes, side dishes, or snacks. I strongly believe that Everything is better with bacon and these recipes using bacon will come handy to make on this special day!
Homemade Bacon Recipes
No matter what time of day it is when the craving for bacon hits, with these bacon recipe ideas you can cover the bases and whip up something wonderful! I can’t wait to try the Bacon Onion Green Chile Jam. That sounds awesome for adding to a breakfast sandwich or topping a turkey and Swiss with at lunch. I can’t wait to hear which of these you will make first.
30 Homemade Bacon Recipes
I have gathered 30 homemade bacon recipes to share with you. No matter what time of day it, these bacon recipe ideas will come in handy.
Hope you enjoy these homemade bacon recipes as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes! If you have a favourite recipe with bacon please leave a comment to tell me about it.
Switzerland is only a little dot on the world map when compared to other nations. Nevertheless, everybody knows about Switzerland and their world-famous chocolate. But it isn’t just the chocolate that has earned Switzerland a high ranking. The country, its government, its cities, the transportation system, the educational system and so much more is so well organized, making Switzerland a very accessible travel destination and enjoyable country to visit.
Switzerland travel destinations
Switzerland is so small, but yet there is so much to see. You can drive from the French border across Switzerland to the Austrian border in just under three hours. What are the best cities to travel to in Switzerland? Find out below!
Zurich to Basel
Upon arrival in Zurich it is only an hour by car or train to beautiful Basel. It is one of the cities that still has lots of medieval history to tell. The University of Basel, built in 1460, is the oldest university and located in old town.
From Basel you can head south towards the French part of Switzerland. Lake Murten (Murtensee) and its town Murten with its medieval look is worth a stop to taste some good wine, eat some flavourful cheeses and just enjoy the beauty surrounding you.
Bern, Switzerland
From Murten you can head east to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Stop by the famous Bärengraben (bear park) and the Bundesplatz (capitol plaza). Once you head outside of Bern you will notice its towering mountains near Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. If you are into hiking and mountain biking you could probably spend days if not weeks there. From there you are not far away from Interlaken, where you can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities such as skydiving, kayaking & bungee jumping, and its nearby gorgeous scenery of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Joch, three very famous mountains. Driving up to the enchanted village of Grindelwald gives you the opportunity to be as close to these powerful and echoing mountains as you can.
Ascona and Locarno, Switzerland
But lakes and mountains, sausages and cheese fondue and expensive watches isn’t everything Switzerland has to offer. To the south you will enter a region with a small touch of Mediterranean climate. The locals call it Ticino and its official language is Italian. The towns of Ascona and Locarno, situated at the edge of Lake Lago Maggiore, depict sidewalk restaurants, Italian ice cream shops, Italian fashion boutiques, and simply a relaxed atmosphere. Looking across the lake over to Italy, you will see colourful villages nestled within green hills. Heading over to Luino (Italy) by boat and visiting their famous street market is truly an adventure.
Eastern Switzerland
From the Ticino area you can head north to Chur, Switzerland oldest city. This takes you over the famous Saint Bernardino Pass. From Chur to Zurich it is only about an hour. Zurich is a very busy town but definitely worth a visit. Actually one has to see Zurich because it is so different from other Swiss cities. Take a walk along the shores of Lake Zurich, enjoy a meal at a lake-side cafe or simply discover the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse. You will find world-famous fashion designer stores, Swiss banks, restaurants, jewelry stores and much more.
These are some of the best Switzerland travel spots. If your luxury vacation destinationhas left you with a lot money to spend, then this is the place where you can spend it all. Zurich is a very expensive town from parking all the way to food. But Switzerland in general is an expensive place to visit. Nevertheless, Switzerland is a great travel destination to see and discover.
Origami paper aircraft folding is a fun and simple hobby for children and adults. It can be a simple hobby or fun activity for your child, or you can earn money with it by selling your mesmerizing arts. People love origami, and it is easy to create, like shapes, animals, and multiple designs you can consider, from the easy pattern to more complicated ones. You can start with a single sheet of paper and fold it into various shapes forming airplane patterns of your choice. It’s lovely to watch the many creations of your imagination come to life, and it’s a great deal of fun to do it.
What Materials are Needed to Make an Airplane from a Piece of Paper?
The materials you will need for your airplanes are pretty simple to find. You will need a small piece of paper and nothing more than that. It can be any kind of paper, although you should start with a sheet of paper that is sturdy and not too thin; otherwise, folding it could cause it to tear. Find a piece of paper that you are comfortable working with, and you can start with any colour you want for your first airplane pattern.
Then choose the design you want and sketch it for your paper airplane before you start to fold up any paper. It will make it easier for you to visualize the finished outcome of your plane.
5 Airplane Designs You Can Make
We provided multiple designs for you to create for your different planes. Be creative with it, make as many as you want for you to practice, and be a professional.
1. Bug Plane
It is a well-known folding paper aircraft that has four wings. The plane’s front and centre wings of the plane are connected, and connecting the middle and rear wings are the two rear wings. Its design keeps the aircraft balanced while in flight.
Steps:
Fold your paper in half (horizontally).
Open the folded sheet to make a triangle fold from the upper right corner.
Open the folded sheet again to make another triangle fold from the upper left corner until you make a pattern.
To create another pattern, fold a rectangular shape from the opposite side of the sheet beginning in the middle of the two folded triangles.
To form a triangle, flip the sheet’s center side and the connections between them.
To create two more little triangle patterns, flip the triangle from both sides to the top and then in a different direction.
Flip your aircraft over and connect the center wing ends. It creates a space for the rear wings.
Stretch the wings into a position of your plane’s tail.
Fold one of your rear wings to meet the paper’s tip. The wings connect at the top to form a triangle.
Fold the opposite side of your plane’s rear wing to finish it. Push down on the middle wings to provide additional aircraft stability.
Fold the plane’s front to form it. Fold your tail to meet a wingtip.
At the end of your wings, fold your tail so that the two sides meet.
2. Dart Design
This dart pattern is popular and very easy to make. Moldable and works well with thicker paper. Use printer paper or card stock for this design. When released, this paper plane can glide farther than others, enabling you to fly it further.
Steps:
Fold your paper top to bottom (vertically), then open it.
Get both upper corners and fold into the center to make a triangle pattern and re-open it.
Fold the triangle’s opposing edge to create a diamond with right angles at either end.
To meet the point of the paper, fold one of the wings’ edges, producing a triangle.
Repeat on the other wing.
Fold one side of your aircraft to form, then fold up the rear right corner to meet a wing tip.
Repeat on the opposite side of the plane’s tail to achieve a final fold, and now you have a plane dart to enjoy.
3. A Jet Plane Design
This jet design is one of the more advanced airplane designs you can create. Although it is similar to the dart plane, it requires more folding of your paper into various triangles before putting it all together.
Steps:
Fold the sheet of paper vertically and unfold it.
Fold the first side to make a diamond.
Fold the paper again to produce two triangles in each corner, and you have your plane’s body wings and tail.
Fold the wings to the paper’s end.
Fold down the wings and over a point on the plane’s central side to make its body. Put your wings in with the up position.
Shape your plane by unfolding one side. Put in your tail.
Fold the opposing tail side inward so that both body parts face inward.
Finally, fold each wing tip to make a triangle where it joins the tail.
4. Sea Glider
It is a fantastic plane design that some people compare to a swan or a bird-like airplane. As a parent, make this a fun activity with your kids. They can easily create it to enhance their creativity and skills.
Step:
Take the upper corner of your paper to make a diagonal fold, and cut the excess at the bottom with scissors.
From the edge of the folded diagonal, measure a length (not too big and not too small) of your desire and then fold it.
Fold it in half and outwardly fold the inner top flap.
For the wing, get a big fold on both sides.
Flare the wings, and you’ve got yourself a sea glider plane to enjoy.
5. White Dove Plane
It is a functional plane that you can use to decorate any area in your home, even the nursery where your infant will be playing. It is also imaginative and enjoyable to make.
Steps:
Fold your paper diagonally, and then cut the excess with a pair of scissors.
After cutting, you can now flip the triangle from the top tip.
Take the upper layer and then fold it to the opposite side.
Fold it in half and flip it over to the opposite side.
Fold one wing at an angle and repeat this step with the other wing.
Fold the head inner to make a peak
Finally, fold both wings down at an angle, and now you have a decorative plane.
You can make origami planes with various shapes, sizes, and materials. All you have to do is to choose the one you find most interesting and think would be best for you. Practice it every day until you become a pro. There are also other designs available for you and your kids. Make it a fun activity for them to enhance their various skills or even earn from it if they plan on selling their mesmerizing arts.
I want my face to look its best without using numerous facial care products when caring for my skin. The best way to accomplish this is by establishing a good facial care routine to start to brighten and hydrate the skin on my face.
I feel as though the skin on my face needs to be brighter and more hydrated because it looks dull and dry. Bright and hydrated skin gives the appearance of healthier, plumper, and more youthful-looking skin.
I did not know where to start in my search for facial care products until I stumbled upon Beautysense.ca.
Daily facial care routine
What is my daily facial care routine? When I have a moment to do it every morning, it is simply a quick wash with a facial cleanser. I then use a cream to keep as much moisture on my face as possible.
Why you should moisturize your face
Just like the rest of the skin on your body, it is important to moisturize your face. The pores on your face are like little gateways into the skin. When the skin on your face is hydrated, the moisture on your skin acts like a shield, blocking most of the dirt that can come in contact with your face on a daily basis. Hydrated skin your face also keeps this part of your body looking plump, softer, more malleable (have elasticity), and less wrinkles.
Best ways to hydrate your face
Not sure how to keep your face hydrated? There are a few ways to retain moisture on your face.
Protecting your face from the harsh elements can also guard your skin from becoming dehydrated. The sun, wind, and the cold can damage the natural moisture barrier of your skin. Moisturizing your skin provides a layer of protection against these damaging elements.
Sipping on water more often should become more of a routine to keep your body, especially the skin on your face, hydrated. A hydrated body helps to manage the amount of water your body lose due to your daily activities.
Buying the right moisturizer is a smart way to maintain the moisture on your face. Check the ingredients of the moisturizer before you put in your basket or cart. Make sure it contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, lipids, and fatty acids to best help lock moisture in your skin.
What is Beautysense.ca?
Beautysense.ca is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated online provider of professional beauty and cosmetic products. Their vision is to provide Canadians with a trusted and reliable source of beauty products while giving this same superior customer service and education in their spas and salons across the country. Beautysense.ca offers over 4000 products available on their site representing both top Canadian and international brands, adding new brands every month.
What can you expect when you order your Facial Beauty Products from Beautysense?
When customers order facial beauty products on Beautysense.ca, here are some things they receive:
FREE shipping on all orders
Loyalty points worth 5% of your order
A minimum of three free samples to try at home
Access to in-house estheticians
A gift purchase on qualifying transactions
Facial care products I Reviewed from Beautysense.ca
After searching their site, I was able to find four products I could use to begin the best facial care routine:
EltaMd AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
Eminence Bright Skin Targeted Dark Spot Treatment
Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Women Smoothing Night Cream
Babour Gentle Peeling Serum
Within a few days of placing my order, I received all four of the facial care products. I could not wait to try them out to see if they could really begin to brighten and hydrate my face.
EltaMd AM Therapy Facial MoisturizerReview
EltaMd AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer is a lightweight daytime facial moisturizer base that provides all-day coverage by stimulating the skin’s natural water system to hydrate skin without using oil or heavy softening agents.
I was pleased that this cream quickly absorbed into my face. Since I have sensitive skin, I also love that this product is oil and fragrance-free. After using this moisturizer for two weeks, I noticed that my face felt as though more moisture was present in the skin of my face. I also noticed my face looked a bit brighter than it did before I started using this cream.
Eminence Bright Skin Targeted Dark Spot Treatment Review
It is suggested that this product should only be used for one or two days a week. I used this product immediately after cleansing my face. There is a slight citrus scent to this product, but I found it to be a fresh scent, helping me to wake up a bit faster in the morning. After two weeks of using this cream, some of the areas I treated seemed to look a bit brighter.
Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Women Smoothing Night Cream Review
I really enjoyed using this product for two weeks! After cleansing my face, I used a few dabs of this night moisturizer and it quickly absorbed into my skin. I found that after using this product for two weeks I had less blemishes in the morning. I also felt that my skin was lighter and not as dry as it felt before using this cream at before bedtime. There is a bit of a light floral scent to this product, but, for me, it was a nice one to fall asleep to each night.
Babour Gentle Peeling Serum Review
Babour Gentle Peeling Serum is a nighttime facial exfoliant finely ground with rounded peach kernels to gently remove rough or flaky patches on the surface of your skin.
Once I put a dab of this treatment on my finger, it appeared to be more of a smooth cream than something that would remove dry skin off my face, but it was gritty. When applied, the exfoliant elements in this peeling serum attacked the dry skin on my face. After my two-week trial of this serum was over, the skin on my face did feel a bit softer and smoother.
Beautysense.ca Facial Care Products Review
I am so happy I was able to review these four facial care products from Beautysense. I was able to find good facial care products for my skin on their website and it shipped to my home within a few days.
For me, each product played a role in my new daily facial care routine to help brighten and hydrate my face. They were easy to use and did not take long to apply. I feel confident that, with continued use of these items from Beautysense, my face will continue to look brighter and feel soft and moisturized.
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