Pineapple Process Art

 This pineapple painting project is perfect for little ones. It takes only a moment of set up and it creates such a cute art project! Kids are going to be so proud of their efforts and want to display this project on the fridge door gallery!




Harper and I love to get creative together. We are always crafting, painting or baking something. 
You might remember we made this adorable apple process art with a cork.  Well, we ran across the cork again and decided that it was so fun to paint with it, that we would give it another go. We came up with this cute pineapple art. We love it because it can work for a summer day project, or pull this out around the new year to bring good luck to your space.




Supplies:

Paper Plate

Yellow and Green Paint

A Cork

Copy Paper



Pour a quarter size drop of several shades of yellow and a shade of green onto a paper plate.


Offer your child the cork and encourage the child to stamp a pineapple shape with the yellow paints.



When the pineapple is shaped encourage the child to form the stem of the pineapple with green paint.


                                                             Allow the art to dry then display.


This is a fun project for summertime, but I also love to make these with the kids in anticipation of new year since the pineapple symbolizes a warm welcome, celebration and hospitality.


You can find more process art ideas here

Basket of fruit process art

Cork and button tree art

If you want to learn more about why process art is important for kids this is a great resource from Messy Little Monster

Teeth Grinding Or Clenching: How Can Parents Help Their Children?

 


Every person, regardless of their age, grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw. The reason could be stress, anxiety, or anger. However, some people also adopt this habit unknowingly while sleeping. 


Medically this condition is known as Bruxism. Although, it does not cause any particular harm to dental health if it happens occasionally. Otherwise, it can possibly lead to oral health complications. 


In addition to this, if it occurs during sleep, it can lead to missing or crooked teeth or an abnormal bite. Furthermore, it can cause sleep apnea. 


That’s why you must prevent your kid from grinding or clenching their teeth. Here’s how! 


What Causes Bruxism In Kids? 

Unlike adults, there could be numerous other reasons kids grind their teeth. 


  • Their teeth aren’t aligned properly. 

  • Immense caused by earache or teething. 

  • Medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, hyperactivity, or any medication.

  • Stress and pent-up anger. 


How Can You Diagnose This Condition? 

Generally, children who grind their teeth don’t notice this habit. Many times, parents, siblings, or friends identify the condition by paying attention to the following signs: 


  • Complaining about a sore jaw or face, especially after waking up. 

  • Pain while chewing. 

  • Grinding noise. 

  • Frequent headaches. 


So, if you notice any of these signs, you must hurry and visit the nearby dentist. One of the ways to search for a dentist in your area is by using Google or any other search engine. It will suggest you- dentist near me along with the contact details. The dentist will help check the dental health of your kids. And, if there is any damage, they will offer the necessary treatment to prevent the deterioration. 


Note: Even if you do not observe any of the signs, it is essential to visit the dentist regularly to ensure the good oral health of your children. 


What Is The Treatment Of Bruxism? 

If the condition is causing jaw pain or damaging the teeth, dentists might recommend using a special night guard. These are similar to mouthpieces used by athletes to protect their teeth. It might take some time to get used to the night guard, but it will surely help a lot. 


Not to mention, it will also align their teeth, overbite or underbite. Thus it helps in reducing jaw, ear as well as neck pain.  


In addition to this, it is also suggested to avoid food and drinks containing caffeine. If your kid also has the habit of chewing on pencils or pens, you must warn them. 


How Can Parents Help? 

Apart from what the dentist suggests, you need to ensure that your child is stress-free and happy. In simple terms, help your kids relax before bedtime. Ask what’s been bothering or upsetting your kid and try to resolve it. Likewise, try to ease any possible fear of your child. 


If these measures don't seem to be working, you must consult your doctor. They can help find out the root cause of stress or anxiety. Thus, you can create a plan to overcome the issues. 


Final Words, 

If not paid attention to time, a mere grinding can cause severe dental and other issues.

So, you must visit this respected dentist in denison regularly and learn about the child's lifestyle

How to Style a Bodysuit: 5 Tips and Tricks

 Bodysuits are everywhere these days: in your favorite online stores, on the racks at the mall, and the runway at high fashion shows. Bodysuits are very much in, and they’re going to stay that way for a while. Women’s bodysuits can be challenging to style, though. Here, we’ll take a look at some common ideas, tips, and tricks to help you get the most out of that amazing bodysuit you just can’t get enough of. 

Bodysuit Layering

Bodysuits range in style from sheer to sexy, creatively cut to casual. The type of bodysuit will determine how you layer it, but one thing is true no matter what: your bodysuit is your bottom layer. Bodysuits make any type of layering a breeze, as they present a solid base level for pants, skirts, sweatshirts, and more. 

You can use a lingerie-like bodysuit as a bottom layer when you need a little bit of naughty energy, or go with standard black when you want a clean look that goes well with jeans. Choose the right shoes for your bottoms – sneakers or heels, usually – and you’re ready to go! 

Smooth Lines Are Everything 

One of the biggest advantages to a bodysuit is the clean, sleek silhouette you can achieve with the right type of bodysuit. Whichever type of bodysuit you choose, pair it with bottoms that showcase the smooth, well-constructed lines they create. 

Choose high-waisted bottoms when you can to help promote this feature. High-waisted shorts, shirts, and pants draw the eye to your waist, which is where your bodysuit will be doing a lot of work. Of course, you want people to notice!

However, you choose to style your bodysuit, make sure to emphasize clean lines.

Avoid Panty Lines

The cut of the bodysuit matters, especially when you want to eliminate panty lines. Thong-cut bodysuits can be an asset, but you can also go with a full-coverage bodysuit. These are a little more difficult to find, as they have to fit perfectly. Full-coverage options generally don’t work for taller women or those who have longer torsos. Even full-coverage bottoms can ride up if they don’t fit just right, which can create panty lines where you’d rather not have them. 

Make sure to check yourself out in the mirror before you go out in your bodysuit. Eliminate panty lines as best you can – after all, they can make your smooth lines a little less perfect. 

Try Different Necklines

The popularity of bodysuits has led to a flood of them in most stores and online retailers. You can play it safe, but mixing it up is also a great option. Choose bodysuits that come with detailed necklines, mesh details, and more. Lace-up bodysuits are particularly popular, as they mimic all of the features of more expensive blouses, but with much cleaner lines. After all, the top of the bodysuit is what really makes it stand out. 

So why not emphasize that? Choose bodysuits with a ton of different neckline options and styles. Once you find a type that works well for you, make sure to play around with that, too. There are dozens of options waiting for you to discover! 

Be Confident! 

Bodysuits cling to your body. They’re very snug and feel a lot like wearing a swimsuit sometimes. With these features, it’s easy to get bashful about wearing them. This is especially true if you’re styling a lacy or lingerie-style bodysuit. 

It’s important to accept the bodysuit and resolve to rock it. After all, bodysuits provide benefits to just about any body type. They are slimming, they enhance your curves, and they show off your skin where you’re comfortable with it. 

Don’t be afraid to get comfortable! You’re going to look great in your favorite bodysuit no matter what, so you might as well enjoy it. 

Conclusion

The bodysuit trend isn’t going anywhere. With the surge in different types, styles, colors, and cuts, women’s bodysuits are going further than ever before. Now is the perfect time to find the ones you like and style them in ways that make you happy. Being comfortable and confident is half the battle, and bodysuits are made to make you look good! 



The Impact of Cannabis to the Health Industry


Cannabis sativa is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. Though it is still considered illegal in many countries, a few countries, including the United States, now acknowledge the potential benefits of legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational purposes.

Many people consider marijuana an effective treatment for many illnesses despite the lack of scientific knowledge about its effects. This article explores the medical benefits and risks of marijuana consumption.

What are the known medical benefits of cannabis?

Pain Relief 

Medical cannabis is widely used to relieve chronic pain in the United States. Chronic pain affects millions of adults worldwide and is one of the primary causes of disability among adults.

The reason behind medical cannabis as a pain control measure is that it is much safer than opiates, another drug that offers pain relief. MrHempFlower.com also stocks a wide range of THC-based edibles like gummies that patients can use to ease body pain.

Patients are less likely to overdose or acquire an addiction when using medical marijuana than opiate alternatives. Medical cannabis is particularly effective in easing nerve pain and discomfort arising from multiple sclerosis.

Other available options for treating multiple sclerosis pain include Neurontin and Lyrica; however, they are highly sedating. Medical marijuana offers pain relief while allowing patients to go about their normal activities. 

Overcoming Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

A medical journal published by clinical psychology review revealed the potential use of marijuana in fighting alcoholism and drug dependency. Individuals with severe addictions to hard drugs like cocaine can turn to less harmful drugs like cannabis, a phenomenon known as harm reduction therapy when full abstinence is impossible. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is currently conducting more studies to assess the effectiveness of synthetic THC in overcoming methamphetamine addiction and relapse. 

Cannabis Use in Overcoming Depression, Trauma, and Anxiety

For a long time, cannabis has been used in herbal medicine to help patients cope with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Medical marijuana is quite popular among veterans returning from war zone areas who suffer from PTSD.

Some PTSD patients show significant improvement when using cannabis in PTSD therapy. However, the repeated use of medical cannabis can pose other problems to patients. There is always the risk of addiction and dependency after long-term use.

Use of Cannabis in Cancer Therapy

Recent medical studies point to the effectiveness of oral cannabinoids in overcoming nausea and vomiting that is common after chemotherapy sessions. Some patients who smoke cannabis tend to cope better during the post-chemotherapy recovery period. 

Recent scientific studies show that THC and other cannabinoids can slow down malignant cell growth and even kill certain cancerous cells. Though medical cannabis is a safe treatment for cancer symptoms, so far, no evidence supports the use of marijuana as a cure for any type of cancer. 

Cannabis Use in Epilepsy Treatment

In 2018, the food and drug administration (FDA) issued its approval to use cannabidiol medications in treating two severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome. These two types of epilepsy are treatable using Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication.

Patients who undergo the CBD-based treatment experience fewer seizures than those on alternative medications.

Risks of Marijuana Use

While marijuana has some health benefits, many studies report the negative impact of marijuana, especially after long-term use.

Daily cannabis consumption can worsen patients' mental health conditions with bipolar disorder. Regular cannabis users are more likely to harbor suicidal thoughts than non-marijuana users. 

Frequent marijuana use also exposes users to a host of respiratory diseases. Long-term marijuana smoking can contribute to the development of lung cancer. Recreational use poses more risk than medicinal use because it involves higher dosage and frequent intake of the drug. 

Summary

Though marijuana is effective for pain control and relieving anxiety, patients still need to consult their doctor to assess the appropriateness of marijuana in their treatment program. There is a need to conduct more scientific studies to determine the implications of growing marijuana use in public health.


Advice For Upgrading Your WFH Station In 2022

 The past two years have caused major changes in all parts of our lives, from day-to-day issues like mask wearing and social distancing, to larger changes such as not being able to go on holidays or see all your family. 

But, one of the biggest changes to our lives seems to be one which people seem quite happy to continue with and that is working from home. As more and more people have been working from home, many have discovered that they prefer to work from home rather than commute into an office.

For many workers who are working from home, their work from home set ups isn’t ideal. Due to the short notice behind from work from home, lot’s of workers have impromptu work stations set up in their home. 

So as we’re approaching 2022, lots of people see the perfect opportunity to upgrade their work from home set up, whether changing their home office décor for a nicer work environment or making practical changes to be more comfortable and productive. So, let’s find out some ways you can upgrade your work from home set up for 2022!

Have A Work Only Room If Possible

First things first, with so many impromptu work from home stations set up in living rooms and kitchens, we have to acknowledge that this isn’t ideal. Spending all day working in an area of your home then having to relax in that same room can have negative effects on your productivity and mental health.

So, if it’s possible, you should look at relocating your work from home station into a room dedicated just for work. While not everyone has this luxury, if you have a guest room or other room going unused you should use that exclusively for your working, allowing you to separate your personal time from working time easier and not face distractions at work.

Buy A Proper Desk & Office Chair

Again, as most of us started working from home we didn’t have much time to prepare which has lead many people to use their dining tables, sofas and beds as an impromptu office space. While this is okay for a few days or weeks of working, none of these spaces are designed for work and can lead you to develop issues with your posture and be more susceptible to RSIs.

So getting a proper desk and office chair should be a priority, your spine will thank you! With a proper ergonomic set up, you won’t be having back pain after spending a day at your PC and when you’re more comfortable at work, you are in turn more happy as you aren’t dealing with the physical impacts of a poor work station.

Get A Smart Speaker Assistant

Smart speakers have been all the rage for the past few years now for personal use at home, but did you also know that they make handy personal assistants for office work too? Smart speaker devices like Google Assistant or Amazon Echo Dot can be used as a great way to streamline your work days.

With a smart speaker you can set up your work calendar or schedule, allowing it to notify you of upcoming meetings or calls; control other devices allowing you to use them without leaving your desk; give you work alerts, notify you of emails and even assist in making calls. Of course with a smart speaker you also get all the usual functionality like being able to play music or the news whilst working.


Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Bars

What could be better than a sugar cookie bar? This recipe is made with cream cheese and creates such a tender and tasty bar cookie! 


My family loves sugar cookies, but I don't love to make cut out cookies. I feel they are a lot of tedious work. I compromise with them whenever they have a craving by making this fantastic cream cheese sugar cookie bars recipe. This is such an easy recipe and it creates the best sugar cookie bars ever. Enjoy step by step pictures and find the recipe below!
















Ingredients:

1 cup of unsalted butter; softened

3 cups of flour

A pinch of salt

1 pack of cream cheese, room temperature

1 ½ cup of sugar

1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract

1 large egg


Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line an 8”x8” baking dish with parchment paper.

Blend butter and cream cheese until fluffy.

Mix in sugar, until well blended.

Add vanilla and egg.

Mix until blended.

Add ½ of the flour and the salt, continue mixing, adding the remaining flour gradually.

With a rubber spatula spread the batter into the prepared baking dish, smooth it out evenly.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Be careful to not overbake. To test for doneness, stick a butter knife into the center. You want just a little crumb cling on the knife.

Cool on a wire rack for a half hour.

By lifting the parchment paper by the edges, pop the cookie bars out of the pan.

Frost them once they are cool.

Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container.



 

You can find more recipes here
Some of my favorites include:

INTERSTATE MOVING – 5 TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW

 INTERSTATE MOVING – 5 TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Long-distance moving can be an exceedingly strenuous process. From deciding your budget to choosing what items to pack, there are numerous things to consider for interstate travel.

But what if we told you it doesn’t have to be this way? That with a few golden tips and tricks, your life can be made much simpler. Continue reading to know a few of those tricks and the secrets to a stress-free interstate move:

·  Declutter

Arguably, one of the most stressful parts of a move is deciding what’s worth keeping in your new home. Especially considering the cost of interstate moving, you’d want to reduce clutter and unnecessary objects as much as possible.

Therefore, we recommend looking through all your current possessions. This includes checking through all your kitchenware, computer accessories, clothes, equipment, and other items. Then selectively choose to sort them into one of three piles: sell, toss, or donate.

When an item has marketable value, you can add it to the "sell" pile and use apps like Facebook Marketplace and eBay to get some extra cash.

·  Be Prepared

Interstate travel is definitely not something to be left to the last minute. It requires a minimum of weeks or months of planning. And, aside from initial decluttering and planning, the day or the week of the shift also requires a series of tasks.

.  These could include the following:

·  Defrost your freezer a couple of days before the move

·  Watering any house plants in advance, as they could end up without water or sunlight for several days

·  Ensure that fragile objects are appropriately packed in the original packaging they came in, or you can ask your movers for a specialized plasma carton to ensure their safe transit.

·  If you have the appropriate tools, get a head-start on dismantling heavy furniture, such as tables, bed frames, or couches.

·  Get Several Estimates

When undergoing long-distance moving, you’d want to ensure that you can trust the team that’s transporting your beloved belongings over hundreds of miles.

Thus, a rule of thumb is to never settle on your first recommendation. Ask various friends and family members for references. And then, when you have around 3-4 trustworthy and reputable options, you can start comparing quotes.

Similarly, you should ensure that the quotes are detailed and well-written from a fully insured and licensed mover. The last thing you'd want for any move is to go over the budget at the last minute; be sure to account for any unconsidered expenses such as those from bulky items, extra packaging, or transit duration costs.

·  Have Insurance For All Items

As brushed upon earlier, you need to exclusively opt for movers that offer insurance on items. Though it may be pricier, it's definitely worth it, considering how easily deliverables can get damaged during long-distance moving.

Moving insurance works by guaranteeing that you’re always fully reimbursed for unexpected loss or damage, ensuring ease of mind for safe transit and storage. Usually, there are additional charges. However, they vary depending on the items you'd be paying insurance for. If the mover you opt for is professional and reputable, they'd happily provide an honest quote for an item’s insurance and information regarding its exact coverage.

·  Leave It All To The Movers

There’s no doubt that moving is stressful, especially when it’s done across states. So, why put yourself through the trouble of worrying? After packaging everything and getting the right item insurance from a trustworthy moving company, simply leave the work to the movers.

Most professional services take everything into account to ensure the safety of your deliverables. They usually cover a variety of services, from including safe packaging of vehicles to the care and maintenance of pets.

With all that being said, if you follow all of these simple tips, we guarantee that you wouldn’t need to worry about moving ever again. So what are you waiting for? Go forth and enjoy the pleasures of a stress-free move!


Christmas Tree Process Art

 This is such a fun way for kids to paint, without using any brushes! It creates a lovely work of art that adds just the right touch of kid made cheer to your space!


My youngest and I love to paint together. We are always thinking of things to paint, without turning to a paint brush. We came up with this adorable process art using only a cork, a pencil eraser, and some paint. This is the perfect seasonal art project for kids.



Supplies:
Paint in green, red, yellow and brown
A pencil with an eraser
A paper plate
A cork
Paper



Directions:
Pour a little squirt of each color of paint on a paper plate.
Offer your child a pencil with an eraser and a cork.
Encourage your child to form the tree shape by stamping in the green paint, then adding one stamp to the paper.
On the next line, make two stamps.
On the third line, stamp 3 times. You get the idea.
After the tree is formed, using the eraser, dip into the other colors of paint, and start decorating the tree.


                     Use whatever colors you like for the ornaments. We used red, blue and yellow.



                                          Next form the tree trunk with brown paint.

                                         Allow to dry and display.

Isn't this such a cute holiday process art idea? Preschoolers and toddlers might enjoy this too!



You can find all of our Christmas crafts here.

Reader favorites include:

Gnome ornaments

Finding Boys’ Gifts to Match Your Child’s Interests

 

If you’re low on inspiration when buying presents for the boys in your family, it’s not as difficult as it seems. By basing the gifts around their interests and the latest trending gifts, you can get them something they’ll love.

Finding Inspiration

Before you choose a gift, looking online can help. You can make sure your gift is right for your child’s age. So, if you search for toys for 8 year old boys, you will find suggestions, from fashionable odd socks and interactive glow t-shirts to logic-based games such as Dog Crimes. This presents the players with ‘crimes’ such as who ate the homework and lets them work out which dog is the culprit.

Science gifts

Science has become more popular with boys, so recent gift recommendations can reflect that. Kidzlabs Kitchen Science has six child-friendly experiments which can be carried out at home. Alternatively, if your child prefers to read about science, The Science and Inventions Creativity Book still has plenty of activities to help him learn and be creative at the same time.

Science gifts can spark an interest that stays with your child as they get older and have to decide what subjects they want to pursue. If nothing else, they can show him science doesn’t have to be boring and can cover a variety of topics. So, he will enjoy learning about or trying out different things.

Drawing or Crafting gifts

If your child prefers to focus on being creative, How to Draw Animals – Made Easy, does what the name suggests and can help him draw animals by following simple instructions. It’s also a fun activity for the whole family to try.

Or you could combine science and creativity, with Archi.Tech Smart House. This lets your child use his creativity to carry out experiments and design a house, equipped with various gadgets and accessories.

It’s important for your child to explore his creativity and for you to encourage any educational interests he has. These can benefit his education, or help with problem-solving skills later in life. Creativity may not always be encouraged in schools, but it’s important to develop.

Outdoor gifts

For outdoor and sporty types, the ideal gift is something that encourages them to pursue their favorite activities outside. Dodgetag is a less aggressive version of dodgeball. Wearing vests with a target on, players have to try to dodge the soft balls from the other players. These are much smaller than those used in dodgeball.

Alternatively, Smart Ball is great if your child wants to practice his skills and improve his sporting stamina and skill.

These and other sporting gifts can help your child improve social skills. Many sports are team games, so by practicing they’re more likely to build up their skills and get chosen for school sports teams if they want to try out. If not, it’s still a good way for him to get exercise and spend time with friends.

If you find the right gift, your child can learn to improve his social skills or learn something useful from it, while having fun at the same time.