Tips To Create Child Friendly Gardens

Getting out into the great outdoors is important for everyone.  But, when you have young children it gets a bit more difficult.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on how to create child friendly gardens.

 

child friendly gardens

 

 

Cover The Pond

When it comes to any water features, you want to be careful of children wandering and falling in.  Whether it’s a swimming pool or a small pond, water can be dangerous for those who can’t swim.  So if you do have a pond be sure to cover it over with pond netting.  The netting should be strong enough and secured in place so that little hands can’t lift it up.  You can find most pond netting at a DIY store near you.  This will ensure you won’t have wet children having to be pulled out of the pond!  As a side note, Tsurumi pond pumps are certainly a good thing to have when it comes to your pond water feature.

 

Buy A Playhouse

Children love outdoor toys.  What better way than to teach them about growing up than to have their own playhouse?  Playhouses can come in a variety of sizes.  Furthermore, they are perfect for getting little ones outside into fresh air. These playhouses will also keep them warm when the colder weather hits.  And, they’re usually made out of strong enough material that will help them last a long time.

 

child friendly gardens

 

Swings And Slides

Outdoor activities can encourage your children to be more active.  Swings and slide sets are still as popular as ever and provide parents with a great opportunity to connect more with their children. Swinging high into the sky is a wonderful experience for any child and is one that they will likely remember into their adulthood.

 

Pick The Right Plants

Children at young ages are receptive to exploring and tasting things they come into contact with.  That means that you need to be cautious about what plants and flowers you put into your garden.  Some are relatively harmless, but some of them can be poisonous.  And, if ingested could cause serious problems. Obviously, you want your child to be curious. But, also to be safe.  So, ensure all plants and flowers are child-friendly.

 

Add More Lawn

Replace some of your concrete with more grass.  Concrete can cause injury; however, grass provides a safe and soft area to run, jump and play. They may bring in a little grass stain, but nothing a little detergent can’t handle.

We hope our tips on creating child friendly gardens was beneficial.  Getting your children or grandchildren outside is very important and should be done so from an early age. You may also like:  Nature and Garden Tips for Children.

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #242

Welcome to Week 242 of Sunday’s Best Linkup – #242. We’re continuing our Hello Fall theme. So, we’re looking for all things relating to fall. This includes recipes, crafts, DIY, makeovers, S’mores treats and more. Blow the dust off those old posts and share them. Also, we’re looking for parenting, SEO, cocktails, DIY, makeovers and more are welcome too. Additionally, we’ve added a new category, Mom Needs a Cocktail. So, we will be featuring cocktails of the week. If your have cocktail or Mocktail recipes you would like to share, we welcome them!  



Sunday's Best Linkup  

Additionally, we also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Anything goes on Sunday’s Best Linkup – #242, as long as it’s family friendly. And, you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Furthermore, be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the Sunday’s Best Linkup too.

So, each week your hosts will select their favorite post. The posts will be featured the following week. Also, an image from your post will be used on our linkup the following week along with a link back to your blog. As a result, be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

Also, the post with the most clicks will be the Reader’s Choice post(s). We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup – #242 will be promoted on Twitter. The Post With the Most Clicks will be selected. Monthly Themes will feature a post each week as well.

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

 

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Kim at Life in a House Brittany at A Mama Tale

 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave. Snag a Button!

Most importantly, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. So, please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

 
 
 
Also, your readers may want to join the Sunday’s Best Linkup too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!
 
 
 
Rhonda selected Superhero Jello  from The Scrap Shoppe  
 
 
 
Superhero Party
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kim selected Jalapeno Popper Keto Meatballs  from That Low Carb Life 
 
 
keto recipes
 
 
 
 
 
Brittany selected How to Create a Children’s Keepsake Gallery  from Deb Bees Buzz  
 

gallery ideas

 

Our Post Extraordinaires

 

Color Block Table Top  from Abbotts At Home  

 
DIY Table Projects
 
 
 
 
and
 
 
 
 
DIY Unicorn Cupcakes  from DIY Party Mom  
 
 
 
unicorn party ideas
 
 
 
 
 
 

Favorite Theme Post(s) – Hello Fall!  

 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins from Delightful E Made  

 
 
 
fall recipes
 
 
 
 
 
 
and
 
 
 
Ceramic Jar Into a Fall Pumpkin from Across the Blvd. 
 
 
fall decor
 
 
 
 
and 
 
 
 
Pumpkin Crumble Muffins from Mama of Many Blessings
 
 
 
muffin recipes
 
 
 
and
 
 
 
Apple Cider Farmhouse Tray from Clean and Scentsible
 
 
 
apple cider displays
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mom Needs a Cocktail

 

Tequila Mule  from Craft Beering 

 
 
cocktail recipes
 
 
 
 
 
and
 
 
 
Markers  Mark Bourbon Cider from Life In a House
 
 
 
cocktail recipes
 
 
Last, congratulations to the featured bloggers on Sunday’s Best Linkup – #242!  All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again. We could select your post next week!
 
Finally, while you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media.

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

 

Skincare Tips for New Moms

Skincare tips for new moms is the topic for today. Being a mom is the best feeling in this whole world.  But, we all know how that being a new mom is hard.  Getting used to being a mother, still running a household, managing a career and the list goes on can be challenging.  Furthermore, it can really get difficult to take care of yourself amidst all the responsibilities.

Post-pregnancy can snatch all your natural glow and leave you with shade exhaustion. You become so engrossed with your new baby that you forget  about yourself.

 

 

skincare for moms

 

 

 

 

Skincare Tips for New Moms:

 

  1. Cleanse

Whatever you do, never skip cleansing. Cleansing is an essential step of any skincare routine. It is one of the most important skincare tips for new moms.  Pregnancy can disrupt your hormones and bring back  struggles with acne and pimples.  So, keeping your skin clean and starting with a clean base is the best way to prevent these disasters.  Post-pregnancy can make your skin sensitive also. So, start off by washing your face with a gentle or mild cleanser and slowly building your tolerance up to using AHA’s (Alpha-hydroxy Acids) and BHAs ( Beta Hydroxy Acid) to combat your acne.

A good cleanser can cleanse your face and get rid of all the impurities in less than a minute. Therefore, cleanse twice a day to start your skincare routine.

 

  1. Moisturize

Keeping your skin hydrated and plump is the best way to get your glow back. No matter what your skin type is or whether you have acne or pimples, you should never skip a moisturizer.  Hydration does not always have to be external but also internal. Drink lots of water, eat fruits and vegetables which are high in water content. However, taking care of the needs of your baby and feeding them may not give you an adequate amount of time to drink water or eat as you should.

So, investing in a good quality moisturizer and applying it twice a day can prove to be very handy. While you might not have sufficient time to invest in a full-fledged skincare routine doing something very basic like using a moisturizer will help.  It will eliminate dullness and can get your glow back.

 

  1. Sunscreen

Post-pregnancy stress and struggles can make you develop fine lines and wrinkles.  Unfortunately, they are often known as the first signs of aging. And, exposing yourself to the sun for prolonged periods will only speed up the skin aging process. Therefore, using a sunscreen whether indoors or outdoors is an absolute must.  Sunscreen can protect your skin from the UV damage and can also keep your skin young, healthy, and glowing. It is also beneficial for preventing and reducing age spots and presentations.

Therefore, to all the new moms out there just sparing 10 seconds from your busy schedule and applying a thin layer of sunscreen can save your skin for years to come.

 

 

skincare tips for new moms

 

 

 

  1. Keep Your Makeup Routine Simple

Long hours of makeup might not be a good idea for all new moms.  While your baby might not allow you to have luxury time for yourself, you can still look presentable.  Investing in a multi-functional product like a Color Correcting (CC) Cream can do wonders. Not only will it hide and correct  imperfections on your face, but it will also provide that much-needed glow.

Just switch all your foundation, contour and blush for a CC cream, and you will be good to go. No one will ever know that you are in suffering from a lack of sleep because your skin will be  flawless.

  1. Stock Back on Retinoids

Retinoids are a great way to rejuvenate and replenish your skin. While you were on your pregnancy, you might have eliminated retinoids from your skincare routine.  However, it is a good idea to add it back into your routine now.  Retinoids eliminate dead skin build-up and replenished new skin.  Therefore, keeping your skin healthy and glowing.  It can also slow down the aging process and minimize the signs of aging.

Dermatologists say that retinoids boost the collagen production in the skin and increase cell turnover.  This makes your skin appear young and radiant. So, stock up on retinoids and use it three to four times a week to achieve that smooth texture and even tone.

 

  1. Take Care of Your Hair

It is normal for new moms to notice their hair shedding after pregnancy. It occurs due to hormonal imbalances and can last to about three to four months.  As a result, it is vital to take care of your hair during this time and prevent excessive hair loss.  Abstain from over-washing your hair and also from the use of heating tools and styling products. Using heat and chemicals on your hair will only damage your hair further and accelerate hair loss.  So, another one of our skincare tip for new moms is to invest in mild shampoo and conditioner and use a natural hair mask once a week if you have time to spare.

 

 

 

skincare tips for new moms

 

 

  1. Invest in a Good Eye Cream

The dark circles that you notice as a new mom is not just from the lack of sleep, but also hormonal issues. Hormonal imbalances can allow the blood vessels near your eyes to release more blood which cast that dark shadows around your eyes.  Invest in a good eye cream which contains antioxidants such as green tea or has brightening effects such as Vitamin C, B3 or Niacinamide.  They will not only combat your dark circles, but keep your eyes moisturized, hydrated, and plump.

  1. Stretch Marks

While stretch marks come as a bonus gift with your little ones, it can take a toll on your appearance.  However, the most important thing is to feel confident in your body and proudly own your stretch marks.  These marks can be a sign of growth and can appear on various parts of your body.  However, using Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter or Aloe Vera Gel on your marks regularly will help you achieve smooth skin.  These products will keep your skin nourished, hydrated, soft, and toned.

 

  1. Minimize Your Nail Routine

Taking care of your baby may interfere with your manicure sessions.  But, long nails can also be dangerous and harmful to the baby.  So, continue going to your sessions when you can.  However, keep your nails short and clean. And, invest in a good quality nail polish that won’t chip even after a day’s work.

 

Being a new mom can be difficult; however, you can still implement a few of our skincare tips for new moms.  Feeling confident and beautiful in your own skin is an essential thing.  You may also like:  Winter Beauty Detox.

 

 

 

About the Author

Mariyam is a beauty and lifestyle blogger at The Beautyholic. Obsessed with writing, she has been blogging for more than four years and still loving every bit of it. She is a natural beauty enthusiast and, in her pastime, she loves cuddling with her pets, watching movies, and reading online articles about spirituality and lifestyle.

45 Compost Items for Hot Compost Bins

Today, I’m sharing garden tips on household items you can compost.  If you’re a backyard gardener, you should be composting.  What is compost you ask?  Compost is organic material from kitchen scraps, yard clippings, and water that breaks down to fertilizer.  It’s a great way to recycle your kitchen scraps, yard and garden waste, and weeds.  Furthermore, it saves you money on buying garden center products and chemicals.

 

 

items for compost bins

 

 

 

First, there are 3 methods of compostinghot, cold and trench methods.   Today we’re going to discuss items that you can put into your hot compost bin.  If you decide to start a hot compost bin, you must remember to turn it.  Furthermore, a hot compost bin requires that you add items in layers.  This will help heat the pile to approximately 160 – 180 degrees and start the decomposition process.  Add a layer of green and than a layer of brown in your compost bin.

Next, be sure to place your compost bin on level ground and near your garden area.  It will help when turning the pile and placing content back into the bin.  Here is a list of items that you can and can’t use in your hot compost bins:

 

(Green) Items

  • banana peels
  • melon rinds
  • carrot peelings
  • pizza crust, taco shells etc.
  • apple skins and cores
  • coffee grounds
  • tea grounds
  • peanut and sunflower seed shells
  • weeds
  • fresh grass
  • plant clippings
  • cereal
  • toast
  • crushed egg shells
  • tomato skins
  • squash/zucchini peels
  • stale bread and biscuits
  • grapes
  • blueberries
  • strawberries
  • waffles
  • crackers
  • dead house plants
  • horse manure
  • chicken manure
  • pig manure
    *no dog or cat feces
    *no meats, fats or oils

 


 

(Brown) Items

  • leaves
  • shipping boxes
  • cereal boxes
  • egg cartons
  • paper towel rolls
  • toilet paper rolls
  • shredded mail and paper
  • coffee filters
  • wood ash
  • straw
  • paper towels
  • dried grass
  • wood shavings
  • newspaper
  • sawdust
  • corn stalks
  • lint
  • dryer sheets
  • feather dusters

 

 

 

items used in compost bins

 

 

Researchers have suggested that home owners have an average of 200 pounds of kitchen scraps/waste per year.  Add that to your yard waste and you can start creating your own organic black gold for your garden.  Instead of sending your scraps to the landfill, recycle it.  The landfills will be happy and so will your garden.

You will need a good compost bin and kitchen compost pail.  Your compost bin can be handmade or you can purchase one.  Be sure that is made of quality and you can turn your pile.

C0mposting requires patience, your pile won’t break down overnight.  Unfortunately, it will take months to produce organic matter for your garden and flower beds.  But, once it breaks down you will be thrilled.  You may also like:  How to Prepare Soil for Next Year’s Garden.

 


 

 

 

Early Childhood Education Activities

Any parent would agree that having kids for the first time is certainly a learning curve.  Not only do you have to take on new responsibilities, but you also have to deal with the stress.  However, this post is about your child learning; not you.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on exploring different options for early childhood education activities and the ages which they apply:

 

 

early childhood education

 

 

Educational Toys

All toys and objects are educational for a baby. While some aren’t safe, they will give your little one the chance to explore the world’s physics, as they grow up.  However, some toys are designed with learning in mind.  And, you can find examples like this for just about every age group.  There are companies who offer learning toys on a subscription basis.  This option makes it incredibly easy to get your hands on products which will teach your children as they grow.

 

 


 

 

Tutoring

It’s becoming increasingly common for parents to pay tutors to help their children with early learning. This will usually start before they are old enough to go to school, providing your little one with an edge against their classmates once they’re finally old enough to attend, and is a great way to help them to learn dense subjects like languages. Some parents choose to use this as a way to promote skills which won’t be taught in school, like finance.

 

 

educational activities

 

Preschool

School doesn’t start for most children until they are about five or six years old. While this gives parents a chance to spend a good amount of time with their kids, it also opens opportunities for social development.  Preschool is the perfect place for early childhood education activities.  Also, it gives your child an opportunity to interact with kids their own age without having to worry about schoolwork in the process. It’s easy for the first day of school to be overwhelming, so preschool is worth considering and preparing them as much as possible.

 

Parental Education

Being a parent means that you have to take on a range of roles. The most crucial of these is being a teacher.   A lot will happen naturally, but it is crucial that you’re being a good role model.  Also, actively working to help your child with things they find difficult. No one is born an expert on early childhood education activities.  So, you will need to support them on their journey.

 

With all of this in mind, you should be ready to begin the process of helping your child with early childhood education activities.  Parents struggle with this sort of work.  They find it hard to know exactly when their little ones should start learning, though this is usually from the day they are born.

You may also like:  Investing in Education and Our Children’s Future

 

 

 

Tackling Women’s Health Issues

Bringing children into the world is a rewarding privilege.  However, the effects of carrying and delivering babies can have a significant effect on the body.  Although you are grateful for the journey to motherhood, the aftermath can have an impact on mental health.  Furthermore, it can leave you feeling disheartened when you feel unable to restore your pre-baby body.  Today, I’m sharing empowerment tips on tackling women’s health issues.  

 

womens health issues

 

 

 

Count Your Calories

Women’s health issues include weight loss.  The only way to lose fat is to implement a ‘calorie deficit’ regime.  This means consuming less calories than we burn each day.  Downloading a calorie tracker is a useful way of monitoring consumption. Keeping a food diary will allow you to track and be more mindful of the calories that you consume.  Additionally, we are a few ways to reduce calories from your diet:

  • Avoiding creamy sauces or dressings
  • Switching to skimmed milk for hot drinks
  • Using sweeteners instead of sugar in drinks and baking
  • Fill up on veggies to feel satisfied and reduce hunger pangs
  • Avoid heavily processed foods full of sugar and salts
  • Drink water, often thirst is mistaken for hunger
  • Track your drinks, this is often forgotten and can add up over a day

Increase Activity Levels

Increase the number of calories that you burn each day by increasing your activity levels.  Activities can include walking to school or running to the shops rather than jumping in the car.  Furthermore, squeeze a 20 minute stroll into your day.  Walking for 30 minutes each day is scientifically proven to offer many health benefits.

Swimming is a great full-body exercise.  Particularly for those with mobility issues or for those who struggle with joint pain or obesity-related complications.  Other ideas include cycling, running, dance classes, climbing or skating. Pick something that you enjoy and you will have a greater incentive to stick with it.

 

 

womens health issues

Lift Weights

Contrary to popular belief weight lifting is actually more effective for weight loss than excessive cardiovascular activity.  In addition to burning calories it also helps with shape and tone. Focus on compound exercises like squats, pull-ups and bench press to maximize results. Most gym facilities can offer help and guidance for beginners.  Or, if you are able invest in a personal trainer who will devise a plan specifically tailored to your personal goals.

 

Medical Intervention

If you have tried the above and still aren’t satisfied, you may prefer to opt for medical assistance. Your medical practitioner may be able to offer advice or make a referral for services that can help or recommend a dietician or exercise plan.

Other procedures are available, such as Los Angeles Coolsculpting performed by Dr. Fedonenko, which uses temperature to non-surgically break down fat cells and help to tackle stubborn areas such as abdominal fat or thigh and hip areas and avoids invasive surgical interventions.

 

Love Yourself

You need to be happy in your own skin whatever your shape and size. Your figure is a beautiful testament to the incredible journey your body has been on.  So, it is not something to feel ashamed of and you can embrace your body and love yourself just as you are. However, if you choose to make a change for you, then these tips offer a good starting point for a weight loss journey towards you feeling confident and happy.

 

 

 

 

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #241

Welcome to Week 241 of Sunday’s Best Linkup – #241. We’re starting our Hello Fall theme. So, we’re looking for all things relating to fall.  This includes recipes, crafts, DIY, makeovers, S’mores treats and more.  Blow the dust off those old posts and share them. Also, we’re looking for parenting, SEO, cocktails, DIY, makeovers and more are welcome too. Additionally, we’ve added a new category, Mom Needs a Cocktail. So, we will be featuring cocktails of the week. If your have cocktail or Mocktail recipes you would like to share, we welcome them!

 

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Additionally, we also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Anything goes on Sunday’s Best Linkup – #241, as long as it’s family friendly. And, you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Furthermore, be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the Sunday’s Best Linkup too.

So, each week your hosts will select their favorite post. The posts will be featured the following week. Also, an image from your post will be used on our linkup the following week along with a link back to your blog. As a result, be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

Also, the post with the most clicks will be the Reader’s Choice post(s). We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup – #241 will be promoted on Twitter. The Post With the Most Clicks will be selected. Monthly Themes will feature a post each week as well.

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

 

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Kim at Life in a House Brittany at A Mama Tale

 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave. Snag a Button!

Most importantly, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. So, please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

 
 
 
Also, your readers may want to join the Sunday’s Best Linkup too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!
 
 
 
Rhonda selected Rum Chicken Jamaican Inspired  from Cooking With Ewa  
 
 
Jamacian Recipe
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kim selected Lighted Fall Pumpkin Basket from Clean and Scentsible
 
 
fall decorating ideas
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brittany selected 30 Minute Easy Dinners  from Blessed Simplicity  
 

 

  30 minute meals    

 

Our Post Extraordinaires

 

Red Velvet Pancakes from Marilyn’s Treats  

 
 
breakfast ideas
 
 
 
 
 
and
 
 
 
 
Blue Berry Pancakes from Mommy Evolution
 
 
 
 
 
 
breakfast ideas
 
 
 

Favorite Theme Post(s) – We’re Heading Back to School

 

Homeschool Organization and Storage Ideas  from Mama of Many Blessings  

 
 
 
 
homeschool ideas
 
 
 
 

Mom Needs a Cocktail

 

Pineapple Vodka Limeade from Home Cooking Memories

 
 
 
 
cocktail recipes
 
 
 
 
Last, congratulations to the featured bloggers on Sunday’s Best Linkup – #241!  All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again. We could select your post next week!
 
Finally, while you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media.

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Benefits of Purchasing Diaper Bags Online

When it comes to your baby’s essential needs, the Internet is a great place to shop!  You can find everything you need, and get it delivered right to your doorstep.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on purchasing diaper bags online. `

Diaper bags are a blessing for any mother, but it’s especially important for those who love to travel with their baby. They help keep all the baby’s essential items neatly organized in one place.  Your wet wipes, or a changing pad, diapers, and cremes they’re all just waiting for you inside the diaper bag.

 

diaper bags

 

Why Should I Look for Diaper Bags Online?

 

There are several compelling reasons for purchasing diaper bags online:

 

The Basic Stuff

If you’re a first-time mother, you need to know exactly what you want to carry in a diaper bag.  These items will basically dictate the style, type, and size of the diaper bag that you need. You should also consider where and how you’re going to use the diaper bag. Are you regularly going to go out with your baby in a stroller?  If so, you may want to consider finding a diaper bag that can be affixed easily to the stroller.  Additionally, are you a fashion-forward parent? Then maybe fashionable diaper bags are on the top of your list. Using the Internet can help you narrow down the search on what diaper bag will answer these basic needs.

 

Extra Features

Many diaper bags come with extra features that you should also consider.  If you’re still bottle feeding your child, you might need a diaper bag that has insulated pockets to keep the bottle warm. If your baby is still wearing diapers, you definitely need a diaper bag that has a changing pad.  Or, a compartment for a changing pad.  You want to make sure you can include a changing pad so that you will always have a clean and hygienic place to change your baby’s diaper.

 

Filters Help Immensely

The problem with going to brick-and-mortar stores is that you tend to look at every diaper bag model.   If you’re on the Internet, many websites have search features or categories that can help you narrow down your choices.  What’s more, if you’re inside a store you’re limited to the stock that the store sells. If you’re browsing online, you can virtually look up any model or brand that comes to mind or you’re given more options.

 

Reviews Matter

If there is one source online that can be invaluable when it comes to feedback and reviews, it’s other mothers. There are so many forums, websites, and blogs that can help you choose the right diaper bag.  The reviews are based on honest feedback and reviews from mothers who have used the products before.

Many blogs contain affiliate links; however, most are based on reviews from actual product use.  Amazon also has a number reviews to consider.

 

 

diaper bags

 

Choices Galore

Once you’ve determined what type of diaper bag you need in terms of style, size, and features, making the selection can be fun. You can now treat the process of buying your diaper bag the same way you buy any other bag. Look for a color or pattern that’s trendy and stylish,  or one that goes well with your own aesthetic.

 

Cheap Doesn’t Always Equal to a Bargain!

When it comes to purchasing a diaper bag online, you need to consider this as a long-term investment purchase. Sure, you can easily find a bag that’s $20, but you will most likely get what you pay for.  Odds are the bag won’t last long before the straps snap, the stitches come apart, or the zipper breaks.  What if those things happen while you’re out while your baby? Now you’re stuck with having to carry everything!  Invest in your diaper bag, you’ll be using it regularly.

Look for a diaper bag that’s made from sturdy materials, has an ergonomic design, and has enough room and pockets to keep everything in a nice and organized manner.  It may cost a bit more, but when you consider the safety and convenience that the diaper bag offers, you know that it will be worth the price.

 

 

 

Tips for Backyard Bird Fall Migration

Today, I’m sharing birding tips on backyard bird fall migration.  Fall is around the corner, and many of our feather friends will be migrating south.  Migration usually occurs between September and November.  Are you anxious to assist during the backyard bird fall migration?   Assisting birds in the fall is just as important as assisting them in the spring.

 

backyard bird fall migration

 

 

 

 

Here’s a few tips on backyard bird fall migration:

 

 


 

 

Provide Moving Water  – Place a bird bath in a location that birds can see from the sky is crucial as a backyard birder.  Birds are attracted to moving water.  As a result, you can purchase a floating fountain or agitator to place in your bird baths.  I have floating fountains for my bird baths.  I love them, I can change the fountain heads to different sprays of water when I want a change.  If you’re going to provide water for backyard birds, clean your bird baths regularly.

 


Use Large Feeders – During the backyard bird fall migration, I use large bird feeders.  Hundreds of hungry birds are migrating south and will need to eat while in route.  I have found that using large feeders keeps me from having to refill my feeders so often.  I use several feeders, platform and tubes.  However, I have found that platform feeders draw the largest number of birds.

 


 

Provide High Energy Foods – Provide high energy foods for your feathered friends.  This includes black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, a variety of suet, meal worms, cracked corn and fruit.

 

Clean Out Birdhouses –  Fall is a good time to clean out nesting boxes and store them for spring if they’re not mounted.

 

 

backyard bird fall migration

 

Provide Cover – Leave brush piles and/or piles of leaves in your garden or backyard if possible.  Birds love natural nesting areas like trees, shrubs, and bushes.  Furthermore, most will return to the same nesting spots year after year.  Baby birds will return to the yards they were born in and build their nests in the same area.  As a result, make your yard as bird family as possible.

 

Provide Natural Food Sources –  Providing berries from Wild Cherry, Dogwood, Holly, Chokeberry, Ash and other trees will be welcomed by our feathered friends.  Migrating birds will devour these berries.

 

So, start now so that you will be ready when backyard bird fall migration arrives.  Also, remember that birds scour for resources in the fall.  If your yard is well stocked, and they hang around during the winter month.  They will return to your yard!  When is Fall Migration.

 

7 Tips for Beginner Backyard Bird Watchers

Today, I’m sharing backyard bird tips for beginner backyard bird watchers.  Birdwatching can be a fun activity.  I love opening my curtains in the morning and listening to the song birds.  I’ve learned to identify several by their beautiful music even when they’re not in my sight.

So, backyard bird watching is becoming one of America’s favorite past times.  It is as enjoyable for me as gardening.  It’s a great way to get in touch with nature, have hobby that doesn’t require you to leave home and it’s budget friendly.  Open your curtains and start watching.

 

backyard birds

Here’s what you will need to begin your beginner backyard bird watching journey:

 


 

  • Binoculars – Invest in a pair of field glasses. When you’re just starting out, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on binoculars. I have a pair that I spent $30 on, and they work just fine for my backyard viewing.  Usually a lens magnification of 8x – 12x will be sufficient. So, make sure you read the particulars before you purchase to ensure the field glasses will be what you need.

 

  • Bird Identification Guide – Purchase a bird identification guide.  Become familiar with the birds in your region.  You can google to obtain a list to help you get started.  For example, I live in West Virginia.  Therefore, I want to look for birds that I will find in my backyard.  Birds that are native to Texas won’t be found in West Virginia and vice versa.

 


 

  • Bird Feeders –  You will find some birds prefer platform bird feeders and some prefer tube bird feeders.  Decide what birds you want to attract and than decide on a feeder or two to place in your backyard.  I use both tube and platform feeders.  I also use suet feeders in the winter.  You may like my bacon backyard bird birdseed cookies.

 

  • Bird Food  –  Next, beginner backyard bird watchers struggle with what to feed their backyard birds.  You can’t go wrong with black oil sunflower seeds and/or suet and fruits.  I started out with the black oil sunflower seeds.  I add suet cakes and birdseed cookies in the winter.  All are devoured.

 

 


 

  • Bird Bath  – Furthermore, backyard bird watchers must offer a water source for their feathered friends.  Place a bird bath were birds can see them from the air.  A heated bath is nice in the winter.  It keeps the water warm and thawed.

 


 

  • Bird Houses – Last, some birds roost in trees.  Others will build nest inside nice warm bird houses.  Decide if you want to build a house for Wrens, Chickadees, Robins etc. Purchase your birdhouse accordingly.  Or, get creative and build your own.

 


 

  • Magazine Subscription –  I love the magazine Birds and Blooms.  I let them stack up during the spring and summer, and enjoy them with a roaring fire and a cup of coffee during the winter.  This magazine has beautiful photos of birds across the country and from other birdwatcher’s backyards.  They also include gardening ideas.

 

Finally, I hope that you find our beginner backyard bird watcher tips helpful.  I’ve been bird watching for years, and I know that all bird watchers have to start somewhere.