9 Money Saving Things You Should Start Doing Now

By Jordin Keim

The average family lives paycheck to paycheck, so money saving tips really come in handy. Some of these ideas may take some time to adjust to, and you may need to give up a few things you thought you could never live without. But if you just challenge yourself to try these tips for two straight weeks, you may discover that it’s not as hard as you thought! Read on for some stellar money saving tips!

1. Go Grocery Shopping Once Every Two Weeks

One of my key money saving tips is to avoid grocery shopping every week if at all possible. The more you go to the store, the more money you spend! That’s because you grab a little of this and some of that with every trip, often unnecessary items. This method also forces you to think out a menu plan, so your meals are nutritious!

2. Make Your Own Laundry Soap

Now this may sound like too much work, but so many women have told me that it’s very easy to whip up a batch of laundry soap. You can make it in bulk so it lasts for quite a while! Depending on which recipe you use (they are found in abundance on Pinterest), your total cost usually boils down to $2.00 or less per gallon of laundry soap.

3. Use Grocery Bags to Line Trash Cans

Why buy bags for lining your trashcans when you can just use the ones you get for free from the store? I save all of mine and store them in a cute little bag holder I made. They are easily accessible through a hole in the top, and I estimate this trick saves me about $5 a month on my grocery bill!

4. Borrow Books And DVDs

If you love to read or watch movies a lot, then stop renting or paying for Netflix and on-demand movies! Get a membership to your local library and borrow books and movies for free! Or, swap out with friends. Chances are you have enough friends that you could have enough new material to keep you busy for a while without spending more money or having a due date to return the items by!

5. Get Rid of Your Landline

If you have a cell phone, consider ditching your landline. You probably don’t use it that much anyway, and you could be saving a huge wad of money per month. If you realize that you use it more often than you thought, it’s no trouble to just bring it back.

6. Brown-bag It to Work

Stop paying for lunch every day! Even if you spend $10 a day on lunch, that’s $50 by the end of the workweek, and $200 per month! You could save over 50% of that money by brown bagging it to work one month. Plus, your meals would probably be more nutritious.

7. Pay Your Bills on Time

With busy schedules and lots of obligations, it’s understandable that you forgot to pay a bill on time. But that leaves you with an ugly late fee! If you have trouble remembering to pay bills on time, then set up reminders on your phone or via email. You could also arrange for automatic withdrawal so you don’t need to worry about remembering every month!

8. Carpool When Possible

Carpooling is a wise way to save gas money. Grab a few friends and split up the workweeks into days where you can each take turns driving your cars to work. If carpooling isn’t an option, consider biking or walking.

9. Choose Your Friends Wisely

Having friends who are a bit more well-off than you are can be daunting. You will always feel pressured to keep up, or to spend money in their presence either to impress them or to keep from feeling inferior. If you have this problem, it may be time to find some new friends! Do it for your wallet’s sake!

These are my top tips for saving money, but I’m sure that there are so many more hints that could be added to this list! What are some of your ideas for saving money on an everyday basis?

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10 Lovely Wedding Headpiece Ideas Make You a Beautiful Bride

 

By Heather Walrath

1. Floral Wreath

A floral wreath is by far one of the prettiest wedding headpiece ideas around, and I absolutely love the fact that this one contains succulents in addition to flowers. Are you planning to wear a floral wreath? What types of flowers will you include?

2. Colorful Blooms

Of course, flowers don’t always have to be worn as part of a wreath, as seen here in this photo showcasing a mixture of colorful blooms placed throughout the bride’s hair. I love everything about this look, including the combination of vibrant shades. While many brides choose to wear a single flower in their hair, I think this idea is even more unique and eye-catching.

3. Vintage Headband

For a headpiece that has vintage appeal, you can’t go wrong with a gorgeous and intricately designed headband like the one seen here. What do you think of this style? Would you wear a unique piece like this? Plus, when a headband suits your vision but you want a look that’s a bit more glam than vintage, you can also choose one featuring gold, silver or even bejeweled details.

4. Monogrammed Veil

 

There’s no better way to keep your bridal look classic than by wearing a beautiful veil personalized with your own unique monogram in white or any other shade that matches your color scheme. Along with becoming a great keepsake after the big day is over, a veil like this is sure to make for some stunning photos 

 

5. Floral Fascinator

We saw earlier how lovely real flowers can look scattered throughout a bride’s hair, but what about fake ones? In my opinion, an oversized floral fascinator like this is every bit as strikingly beautiful as the real thing. Plus, with so many creative options available on Etsy and elsewhere, the possibilities for color, size and more are seemingly endless.

6. Feather Fascinator

Like the idea of wearing a fascinator, but prefer feathers to flowers? You’re in luck, because just as there are a ton of floral fascinator options to choose from, there are also plenty that include gorgeous feathers.

7. Sparkly Clips

Subtle yet chic, these sparkly clips are the perfect headpiece for a bride who wants to keep her look just a bit understated, putting even more focus on her gorgeous dress. What type of clips would you choose? Do you like the neutral shade of these ones, or would you go with something a bit more colorful?

8. Regal Tiara

Yet another classic bridal headpiece, a tiara lets you channel your inner Kate Middleton for a look that’s breathtakingly regal. Aren't the marquise rhinestones seen here just lovely?

9. Delicate Comb

A comb is delicate, simple and the perfect finishing touch for your bridal look. The handmade design seen here strikes me as having just the right mix of crystal and pearl details. Do you agree?

10. Lace Cap

Finally, this vintage lace cap is by far one of the most uniquely pretty bridal headpieces I’ve seen. Do you love it, too, or do you prefer a more traditional look?

 

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Workouts for Couples

 

By Susy Sedano - Livestrong
 

Push Through Tough Times

There’s no need to go your separate ways at the gym. Your partner can be a spotter, making sure that your form is good and that your not taking on too much weight, and offer encouragement if you're feeling tired. You can also try two-person exercises like medicine ball v-sits or rows with resistance bands are great ways to get pumped with each other's help. (Those exercises and more are demonstrated in the video below from the American Council on Exercise, click "Learn More..." to watch.)

Stretch Your Limits

Partner yoga can strengthen both your practice and your relationship. Poses that are meant to be performed together, such as Double Downward-Facing Dog (click "Learn More" below to see a demonstration) allow you to stretch more fully and deeply than you could on your own. But the poses also require trust, teamwork and communication. “Partner yoga is really good for relationships because it encourages you to be in touch with each other,” Borden says.

Reach New Heights

Rock climbing requires you to support one another – literally. Whether you are scaling a rugged outcropping or an indoor rock wall, your partner belaying you holds your life (or at least your fracture-free limbs) in his or her hands. The activity is also good for communication. While you climb, your loved one on the ground acts as a second set of eyes, helping you find that next handhold.

Work It in a Circuit

If the gym isn’t your thing, you and your honey can get a great workout using just your body weight. Try a round of couple’s calisthenics. Find a kitchen timer and set it for a 10-minute countdown, then rotate between sets of squats, pushups, and planks. “By setting a timer, you can each go at your own pace, rather than trying to stay rep-for-rep with each other,” Borden says. “That way, you're still working out together but you're trying to beat your time, not each other.”

Hit the Ground Running ...

Cardio is better with company, so go for a run together. "Set a destination, tie your shoelaces, and just go,” Borden says. Somewhere scenic is good. A route that has views and breakfast at the end is even better. If the great outdoors isn’t an option, head to the gym and hop on to two side-by-side treadmills. Keep the pace easy, so that both of you can comfortably maintain a conversation

... Or Head for the Hills

If running isn’t your thing, hiking is a great way for couples to spend time together at a more manageable pace. Whether you’re exploring a new trail or traveling down a familiar path, you’ll have more time to take in your surroundings and enjoy each other’s companionship. And the activity is for couples who have different fitness levels. "If one of you is thinking 'this isn't enough of a real workout for me,' " Borden says. "The more athletic of the two of you can put on a weighted vest, to add extra challenge."

Take a Swing

Do you and your honey have a competitive streak? Find two friends and try some doubles tennis. “Doubles teams are fun because you're working together as a couple, to beat the other couple,” Borden says. Win or lose, you’re in it together.

Roll On

A bike ride with your beau is can be as challenging or as leisurely as you like, just make sure you commit to a route that is in line with both of your physical abilities. "If it's casual, it's fun," Borden says. "If it's not casual, someone is going to get left in the dust." Cycling is a great cardiovascular workout without a ton of impact, meaning it’s a good way to work your heart without a lot of pounding to your body. Bonus: It’s a great excuse to see your sweetie in spandex.

Try Something Completely Different

Traditional exercise isn’t the only way to get your heart rate up. For a fun workout that’s surprisingly challenging, try Salsa dance lessons. “Salsa combines a physical activity with a romantic atmosphere,” says Craig Ballantyne, CSCS. “And when you take on a new activity, it stimulates dopamine, the brain's pleasure-seeking neurotransmitter.”

Remember to Relax

Not all physical activity is meant to be demanding. In fact, rest is a key component of training, because your body gets stronger not during activity, but during your recovery from it. So set aside some time to take it easy together. "Schedule a massage, do some stretching, or soak together in a salt bath," Borden says.

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20 Foods to Always Buy Organic (Even If You’re On a Budget!)

 

 By Luz Plaza - Livestrong

Adding organic food to your shopping cart can be expensive. That said, avoiding consuming chemical pesticides and hormones could help you to avoid damaging (and costly) future health problems. A 2012 Washington State University study demonstrated that environmental toxicants can have negative effects on not just an exposed animal but the next three generations of its offspring. Another recent study showed that Monsanto’s widely used herbicide formula Roundup destroys testosterone and ultimately leads to male infertility. More than 25 other diseases are also known to be linked to Roundup including DNA damage, birth defects, liver dysfunction, and cancer. How can you avoid putting toxic pesticides into your body? Buy organic foods whenever possible. If you are on a tight budget, you can prioritize your purchases based on this list.

 

1. Grains

Conventional grains are known to contain 15 pesticide residues according to the USDA Pesticide Program. They have even been known to carry carcinogens and neurotoxins that are linked to many health problems. Why buy them organic? Organic whole grains can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, stroke and heart disease. They’ll also help you maintain your weight! Buy organic whole grains in bulk to stock up and save big. 

 

2. Soy, Tofu, and Edamame

If you choose to eat soy, tofu, or edamame (and many concerned with health and fitness have lately removed soy products from their diets due to concerns about the “antinutrients” and phytoestrogens contained in unfermented soy), be aware that 90 percent of soybeans sold in the United States are genetically-modified. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola of the Natural Health Center, “Since the introduction of genetically engineered foods in 1996, we've had an upsurge in low birth weight babies, infertility, and other problems in the U.S., and animal studies have shown devastating effects from genetically engineered soy including allergies, sterility, birth defects, and offspring death rates up to five times higher than normal.” Always buying organic soy will ensure that you avoid genetically modified crops as well as neurotoxins such as Chlorpyrifos and Malathion. 

 

3. Milk

If you consume dairy, it’s important to be aware that 20 percent of the milk in the U.S. comes from cows who have received a genetically-engineered hormone called Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). Max Goldberg from “Your Guide to Organic Food & Drink” writes “For people who are new to organic or have very limited financial means to buy organic, the one thing that I always say is the following: The absolute number one priority in your household should be organic milk for your kids.” Certified organic milk comes from cows fed organic feed raised on land certified as meeting national organic growing standards. Additionally, these cows are not given routine treatments of antibiotics or growth hormones.

 

4. Cheese

While the Federal Drug Administration regulates the ingredients of processed cheese, these non-organic cheeses can still present a ton of problems. For example, processed cheese is made by using heat and an emulsifying agent to mix many varieties of cheese together to produce the final product. This means the FDA allows a variety of emulsifying agents such as monosodium phosphate, calcium citrate and potassium citrate. What’s more, highly processed cheese likely comes from a cow that’s been treated with synthetic hormones to boost milk production. These cheeses can contain dyes and food coloring that has been linked to cancer too. Cheese is still a great source of protein, so if you eat it, choose to buy it organic.

 

5. Meat

If you eat meat, it’s important to be aware that conventional meat contains hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. There are pesticides found in meats and poultry because cows and other animals eat feed grown using synthetic fetilizers and herbicides, but the main reason that studies and most experts say you should buy organic meat is because of the dangers of hormones, antibiotics and additives which have been linked to cancer and other harmful heath effects. Organic meats can be expensive, but they offer great nutritional benefits. For example red meat is chock full of protein, iron and zinc.

 

6. Apples

An apple a day is a great way to keep the doctor away. That’s because apples are a great source of fiber, and they help keep your digestive tract in tiptop shape. Apples can help improve cardiovascular function and lower bad cholesterol. Sadly, these sweet treats were ranked highest on the list of pesticides in produce. According to Pesticide Action Network’s website WhatsOnMyFood.org, 88 percent of conventional apples contain residues of Thiabendazole, a possible carcinogen. Even after a good wash, a conventional apple still contains traces of toxic chemicals. You can avoid these by buying organic apples.

 

7. Celery

Celery is a good source of vitamin C, fiber and some B vitamins. It is also very high in potassium, which may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. But be careful when you buy celery at your grocery store! Conventional celery often tests positive for the carcinogenic insecticide, Chlorantraniliprole and developmental or reproductive toxins. So if you can’t get organic celery, opt to buy asparagus instead. Conventional asparagus is at the top of the clean produce list, which means it contains far less of these nasty chemicals. 

 

8. Cherries

Sweet and delicious cherries are an easy go-to grab at the grocery store, however they are notorious for pesticide and toxin leftovers on their skin. In fact, the USDA Pesticide Data Program found 42 pesticide residues on cherries including carcinogens and neurotoxins that can cause nervous tissue damage. But don’t give up yet! Cherries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, and they are also full of potassium. Be sure to check whether your cherries are organic before purchasing them.

 

9. Tomatoes

We use tomatoes in so many dishes. Did you know that just one large tomato contains almost a third of the recommended dietary amount of vitamin C that is essential for immune system health? Tomatoes also are one of the best sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It’s best to buy organic because conventional tomatoes tested positive for many toxic chemicals including Chlorothalonil, a chemical that is considered to be a known carcinogen.

 

10. Cucumbers

Eaten either fresh or as a pickle, cucumbers have numerous health benefits though. Add them to salads or slice them in spears to eat alone or with a healthy dip. Cucumbers are rich in vitamin A, vitamin K and potassium. Unfortunately, many cucumbers contain 35 pesticide residues like Endosulfan, an insecticide that is so toxic that it’s gradually being phased out globally.

11. Grapes

Grapes are a yummy treat that offer a variety of vitamin and mineral health benefits. They are a great source of calcium, iron and manganese that are essential for the production of healthy tissues. But did you know that conventional grapes often contain traces of Captan and Iprodione, both known carcinogens? Yuck! Buy your grapes organic to avoid sneaky pesticides.

 

12. Hot Peppers

Peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin, which can help relieve nasal congestion and even fight against cancer. Unfortunately, conventional peppers also can contain 49 pesticide residues, including known carcinogens and neurotoxins. Can’t find or afford organic hot peppers but looking to add some extra flavor to your recipes? Buy onions instead, since they are tested as a clean vegetable.

 

13. Nectarines

A medium sized nectarine has only 60 calories and is full of healthy vitamins and minerals. Nectarines also contain Lutein, a nutrient that your body uses to support healthy eyes and skin. Remember to avoid imported nectarines whenever possible because they can contain Iprodione, a possible carcinogen. Buy them organic from your local grocer whenever you can.

 

14. Peaches

Peaches are full of antioxidants and they are a great source of fiber. These furry fruits may be tasty, but conventional peaches can contain 62 chemicals that are carcinogens, suspected hormone disruptors, neurotoxins and developmental or reproductive toxins! That’s more than most fruits and veggies! Be sure to make sure your peaches are organic. Craving something sweet but can’t find or afford organic peaches at your store? Buy a conventional cantaloupe. It’s less likely to contain nasty pesticide residue.

 

15. Potatoes

Potatoes are a great source of fiber and potassium and they are a naturally great source of energy. Alas, conventional potatoes often contain neurotoxin chemicals that can cause mental and emotional changes, vision loss and weakness or numbness in arms and legs. Can’t find (or can’t afford) organic potatoes at your store? Buy conventional sweet potatoes instead. They are full of antioxidants and are considered a clean vegetable, free of toxic residues.

 

16. Spinach

Low in calories and high in vitamins, spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence. One cup of the leafy green vegetable contains far more than your daily requirements of vitamin K and vitamin A. Sadly, this superfood also tests positive for a whopping 48 pesticide residues found by the USDA Pesticide Data Program. They found that spinach contains carcinogens, neurotoxins and developmental or reproductive toxins.

 

17. Strawberries

Strawberries have been linked to increased heart health and lower levels of bad cholesterol. And who doesn’t love a sweet strawberry in a refreshing dessert or in a summer salad? Before you toss strawberries into your next dish, be sure that they are organic. Conventional strawberries can contain many types of pesticide residue including Captan, a probable human carcinogen that causes rats to develop tumors.

 

18. Sweet Bell Peppers

Red, green, yellow and purple bell peppers not only add color to your plate, but also potent nutritional benefits. One cup of pepper contains almost 100 percent of the daily requirements for Vitamin A and 300 percent of the daily requirements for vitamin C. According to the USDA Pesticide Data Program, conventional peppers tested positive for nearly 50 pesticide residues including Methamindophos, a poisonous chemical that, in very high does can be fatal. To be safe, always buy organic peppers.

 

19. Collards and Kale

Kale might be the latest nutrient-rich food craze, but did you know that conventional kale contains 49 pesticide residues found by the USDA pesticide data program. Those chemicals include two dozen possible hormone disruptors, 10 neurotoxins, and seven known or probable carcinogens. The reason for this is that when kale is grown on a large scale, in an agricultural setting, it attracts a lot of pests. This pesticide residue cannot be totally rinsed off, and since you cannot peel kale, it is best to buy it organic. Luckily, organic kale is usually only slightly more expensive than conventionally grown kale

 

20. Summer Squash & Zucchini

Summer squash contains 46 percent of the daily value for vitamin C in each serving. Unfortunately conventional squash and zucchini still contain traces of the banned pesticide ogranochlorine that is highly toxic to humans and wildlife. Look for organic options to ensure you’ll have a clean meal.

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10 Things You Should Know About Your Muscles

 

By Neecey Beresford

As an absolute essential to the control of the functions of your body, there are some pretty important things you should know about your muscles. There’s very little that happens in your body without the aid of a muscle, so knowing a little bit about them certainly helps us understand our bodies more. Here are some of the basic things you should know about your muscles.

1. What Are Muscles for?

About 40% of your body weight is made of muscle. Muscles are responsible for the power and motion in your body, and control and maintain posture, locomotion and movement of limbs and internal and external organs. They are often referred to as the body’s scaffold. One of the things you should know about your muscles is that they work by contracting and stretching, thereby opening and closing valves or causing a change in position.

2. What Are They Made of?

Every muscle, large or tiny, is made from the same material. A muscle is a package of stretchy fibers – thousands and thousands of them depending on the size of the muscle, which is generally dictated by its function. Each of these muscle fibers is about 40mm in length consisting of tiny fibrils. The fibrils contain nerves which control the movement.

3. Types of Muscles

One of the interesting things you should know about muscles is that there are 3 types: skeletal, cardiac and smooth. Skeletal muscles are, as they are named, attached to the skeleton and they move the limbs and external body parts. Every visible bodily movement is caused by the contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscles. These muscles also keep your head up, maintain posture and stop joints dislocating. They also generate heat and help in maintaining body temperature. 36% of an average female’s body mass is skeletal mass.
Cardiac muscles exist in the heart, and only in the heart. Being responsible for heartbeat, they work 24/7, 365 days a year. The heart muscles alternately contract and relax to pump blood through the body.

Smooth muscles are responsible for all internal organs other than the heart. There is no awareness that a smooth muscle is working and for it to work, like the heart but unlike skeletal muscles, no conscious thought is required. Example of smooth muscle movements are the passage of food through the intestines and bowel, and our pupils shrinking and expanding. Did you know that when your hair stands on end (goosebumps), that is the result of a minuscule muscle movement?

4. Irreplaceable

One of the undeniable facts about muscles you have no control of is that you are born with all your muscles. They can strengthen, waste, increase and decrease in mass, but once damaged, muscles cannot be replaced. Muscles can be increased and made stronger through exercise- and this is relevant whatever age you are. New muscle takes twice as long to lose than it took to gain it, which means it is easier to build new muscles and get into shape than to allow your muscles waste away through lack of use – great motivation to exercise.

5. The Numerical Facts about Muscles

It is impossible to be completely accurate about the number of muscles in the human body because some single muscles may be numerous smaller ones bunched together. The estimates put the number of muscles between 640 to 850. Another of the muscle facts which seems perfectly obvious when you think about it, but that you may not be conscious of, is that the skeletal muscles are symmetrical – for every skeletal muscle on the left side of the body, there’s one on the right.

6. Eyes And Muscles

All of your eye movements are controlled by muscles. Blinking, for example, is controlled by the muscles that work fastest out of them all. They work really hard because you can blink around 15,000 times in a day, and as a woman, you blink on average twice as much as men. Light entering the eye is controlled by the muscles contracting and relaxing in the pupil.

7. Muscles And Exercise

The act of increasing your muscle mass through exercise is known as muscle hypertrophy, and one of the things you should know about muscles and exercise is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise. If you want to get stronger you should focus on anaerobic exercise and if you want to get fitter, you should focus on aerobic exercise. In anaerobic exercises, the muscles are used up to maximum capacity, improving their power, speed and strength. In aerobic exercise the muscles are not pushed and are working well under their capacity.

8. Muscles Vs Fat

One of the most important things to know about muscles is that they are better than fat. A pound of fat is about the size of a grapefruit, whereas a pound of muscle is only about the size of a tangerine. This is because muscle is denser than fat.

9. Muscles And Health Risks

You need to keep your muscles in good shape, not only because you want your body to work properly and your limbs to respond when you need them to, but also because muscle health is linked to two major risks. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research published the results of a study which found that people who regularly lift weights have a 37% less risk of metabolic syndrome. This incorporates a number of risk factors linked to the number one killer of women over the age of 25 in the US – heart disease. The same study also showed a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes – the fastest growing disease in the country, currently affecting 26 million people. This is because healthy muscles are essential in the efficient processing of blood glucose.

10. Interesting Facts about Muscles

Your tongue is a muscle and it is the only one that is attached at only one end, and it takes about 72 muscles to speak. The biggest muscle in the human body is the gluteus maximus (bottom) and the smallest is the stapedius. It is thinner than a cotton thread and it is located in the ear. The masseter muscle is the strongest muscle in the human body and this is used for chewing. It takes about 43 muscles to produce a frown, but only 17 to smile. This is why smiling is a much better work out for your face than frowning. Smiling is less tiring and it makes you feel better too! In order to take just one step, you are using 200 muscles. So, when you know that an average person takes about 10,000 steps a day, you can see how good walking is for you.

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8 FUN WEBSITES FOR KIDS

 

By Julia Trotter

With today’s technology, parents are teaching their children to learn to use computers at young ages, and are constantly finding fun websites for kids. Although there is controversy about children spending so much time in front of a screen, there are so many skills that kids learn from websites that are made just for them! By mixing learning with fun websites for kids, children get to surf the web and learn a lot at the same time! It is preferred to start learning new concepts at a young age, and learning to use a computer and a wide range of topics on the internet will be a great help to your growing child!

1. Club Penguin

I know that clubpenguin.com is one of the most fun websites for kids because I used to to go on the website all of the time when I was little! I was around 9 years old when I played on it, but I remember how much fun I had there! When you first enter the world of Club Penguin you have an avatar and a username that lives in the large community of penguins! As a parent, you might be wondering what the educational value of being a penguin is. Well there isn’t much knowledge gained by waddling around as a penguin but the mini-games inside the world can teach a lot! Club Penguin also encourages the users to donate their virtual coins that they earned from games to real charities. In addition to being a fun, safe environment for children, they can learn new skills, learn good citizenship, and learn to behave in a community!

2. Poptropica

Poptropica.com was all the rage when I was younger and it still is today. This fun website allows players to create a character of their own and travel to different "islands" to complete quests. Quests involve players solving problems that pertain to the island they are on. Quests can be completed by solving puzzles or learning how to defeat the person that is causing the mayhem. However, there is never any violence or death, making it very child appropriate! Members can also play games and chat with other members by choosing pre-written phrases, which makes the website ultra-safe. It’s also free to join! Free sounds good, right?

3. Webkinz

Webkinz.com is a site that kids can go to after they buy a plush stuffed animal from a store and use the code to virtually transfer their new "pet" online. Once online, kids can take care of their animal in the home they can design and decorate their pets with clothes and accessories they can buy with their KinzCash. This is such a fun website for kids and it also has educational value! By earning virtual money to buy clothes, furniture, and food, kids learn the importance of money management. They learn to spend their money in the most efficient ways and learn to take care of a pet. Even if it is a virtual one!

4. Stardoll

Stardoll.com is definitely for a girl who is a fashionista at heart! Stardoll is based around designing clothes, shoes, and accessories for a doll that kids can make look like anyone they want! Designs that kids create can be sold between members with virtual money and kids can also join fan clubs and gain new interests. Although it is easy to use, the site is directed at young teenagers. There are different views on the fan clubs and different pages that kids can join, so a careful eye should be given if your kids join. However, if your kids only use the site for dressing up dolls then it can be loads of fun!

5. Nick

Nick.com is a website connected to the TV channel Nickelodeon that offers games, videos, and full episodes for kids. I used to be obsessed with the Nick channel when I was younger, so when I found out about the website, I became obsessed with that too! Games include characters from the TV shows that air on the channel and allow children to complete quests, puzzles, or races! Kids love becoming the characters they look up to on the screen and they also get to learn new skills from the educational games featured on the website!

6. PBS Kids

PBSkids.com is a perfect site for your new preschooler! It is so easy to navigate and there are so many kid-friendly videos and games featured. This website is also an extension of the TV channel PBS and allows kids around 4 years old to explore a safe website and experience the benefits of computer use! This website is seriously so cute that you’ll even have fun playing games with your little one!

7. Funbrain

Funbrain.com is another great website for kids because it is a companion site of Poptropica.com. This kid’s website features arcade style games that focus on reading, math, and other topics that are beneficial to kids around the age of 7. It's a great site for learning and strengthening school skills for kids!

8. Neopets

Neopets.com is an extremely popular website for kids that resembles Webkinz.com. Kids can adopt a virtual animal and collect Neopoints to take care of them. The site is based around magic and creativity, so pets can have a wide range of abilities and kids can buy things such as magic potions! One unique aspect about this website is that kids can actually sell virtual stocks! I don’t know about you, but when I was 8, I had no idea what a stock was! So this is definitely a great site to look into for your kids!
 

Finding fun websites for kids while ensuring safety can be a bit tricky, but there are many websites that are perfect for kids that go to great lengths to ensure safety. Websites meant for kids almost always have important educational value for children and also allow kids to see that learning is fun!

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8 AMAZING BENNEFITS OF AVOCADO

 

By Amber Oliver

Avocados are vibrant, healthy, yummy and great in a salad, but did you ever wonder about the benefits of avocados? Well, wonder no more, ladies! This article should give you 8 of the delicious details about the benefits of avocados and what makes them so awesome and chock full of wonderful healthy goodness.

1. Healthy Hair

Are you prone to dry tangled hair? Well, avocados could definitely help you with that. Avocados have B vitamins, beta-carotene, copper, vitamin E, vitamin C, and healthy fats. These are all great for giving the hair healthy shine and luster! So use products with them in it, to really reap the benefits of avocados and all that they have to offer.

2. Eye Health

If you want to keep those beautiful eyes nice and healthy, eat avocados! They promote and improve eyesight because they have carotenoid lutein in them. What that does is it protects against degeneration and can even prevent cataracts! Don’t know how to fit avocados into your diet? How about tossing them into your salad every once in a while! I’m sure you’ll notice a difference soon after.

3. Vitamin E Intake

Avocados are a great source of vitamin E, and when you have vitamin E, you are better equipped to protect against disease! Vitamin E also aids in revitalizing your skin to make it soft and supple. Isn’t that lovely?

4. Healthy Heart, Healthy You

When you have a healthy heart, that’s the foundation for a healthy life, right? Well, one cup of this tasty fruit has a pretty high percentage (23%) of Folate (vitamin found in leafy green vegetables), which aid in overall health. The healthy fats and vitamin E are good for the heart too. So, your heart will be healthy, and so will the rest of you!

5. Lower Cholesterol Levels

There are so many foods out there that boast “low cholesterol,” but how can you really be sure? The key is to find, natural or organic foods. Those are the ones that are probably healthier. And I can’t think of anything as great for cholesterol as avocados. They have beta-sitosterol in them, which helps in lowering it.

6. Overall Oral Health

Is your smile your favorite feature? It should be, because it shows you like to enjoy life! Even if it isn’t, avocados can probably change your mind. The good thing is avocados can help maintain that gleaming smile because the compounds in them help find cancerous oral cells and destroy them without interfering with other healthy cells! Amazing.

7. Absorption of Nutrition

Healthiness is all about eating right and having the proper nutrition. Avocados are great for improving the absorption of certain nutrients. Carotenoids from other fruits and vegetables are absorbed more efficiently when you eat avocados. Some research shows it can even increase absorption by 5 times versus people who don’t eat avocados!

8. They Are Tasty

This may be just personal preference, but avocados have such a great taste! They add depth to a salad, and they are great as guacamole. They can definitely spice up most meals. If you’re not fond of the taste, you can sneak it in green drinks to get it into your system!
Overall, avocados have so many benefits, and it’s hard to list them all! But, it’s important to know the benefits of avocados so that you can make the most out of them, and add some flavor and nutrition to your diet. And, don’t be afraid of the fats in them, they are totally healthy and good for you, so munch away, ladies! Knowing the benefits of avocados, would you add them to your diet?

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7 Tips for Picking Your Major

 

By Ashley Kervabon

Are you stressed about picking your major in college? There are tips for picking your major that I wish someone would have told me when I first started undergrad. Picking your major can be particularly stressful if you have no idea what kind of career you would like in the future, or if you have too many ideas for what you would like to do. Here are some tips for picking your major that you may find helpfu,l so that college can be a fun and rewarding experience!

1. It’s Okay to Switch

One of the first tips for picking your major is to understand that it is completely okay to switch your major once or twice, even if it delays your graduation a little bit. In fact, the average college student changes their mind at least once within the first two years of college. No one is going to judge you for switching out of something you may not have liked studying, or something new you might have found a passion for.

2. Don’t Follow Your Friends

DO NOT take Biochemistry at a 300-level just because your friend Jenna is doing it. From personal experience, some people have an easier time with science and math than others - I failed to realize this which is why I have a ton of C’s on my transcript in all of my science classes and not enough A’s because I haven’t taken enough writing classes. Just because your best friend is majoring in something that might seem like you want to do, don’t do it for her. Choose for yourself.

3. Don’t Think about the Money

This is a point I’ve thought about time and time again. Originally I was a psychology major and sure I could have graduated and continued on to get my Master’s and eventually my Ph.D. I could have then opened my own practice, made $85,000+ to start off, etc. Instead, I am taking a bunch of media classes that I’m having a blast in, getting all A’s and will probably not get my Master’s or make even close to $85,000+ to start. I will however, be doing what I love and will be happy.

4. Concentrations

With any general degree, there are many paths you can go down depending on what your interests are. For example, I’m a Media major. I’ve been taking classes in public relations, marketing, journalism, and music business. Some students choose to pick one of these fields to specialize in but if you don’t want to, you can do them all! The best part about this is, you can pick and choose what you want to pursue and try to find internships that match your interests.

5. Most Jobs Don’t Care about Your Major

This may come to a surprise to some people, but a lot of jobs don’t care what you majored in as long as you’ve had experience or the right skill set for the job you’re applying for. Having good writing and verbal communication skills can be applied to any job, even in fields like finance, where people think that being good at math is more important

 

6. Intern

In my three years of college, I’ve done about three internships all in different fields of media. I can honestly say that these internships have taught me more about what a career in media is like, more than any class I could ever take at school. Picking your major is required, but experiencing a career firsthand at a company is what will help you make the most of your degree.

7. If You Aren’t Sure, Minor!

The great thing about college is that most schools give you the option to get a minor degree. This is great because you get to take classes in what you want, but it doesn’t take up as many credits as the major. So if you’re undecided about a field, try to minor in it.
These tips for picking your major can be helpful to those of you starting college in the fall or those of you already in college as well. Remember to do what you love and follow through with it. You’ll know that you’ve found the right major when you are passionate about what you’re studying.

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7 Ways to Dress Better

 

By Jelena Jovanovic

Ways to dress better are the hot topic today, lovelies! Put those credit cards away, though, because I’m not going to be encouraging you to buy more but am sharing a few tips for dressing better you’ll be able to use immediately instead. Sound fun? Well let’s get started then! Here are the best ways to dress better I’d like to share today.

1. Maintenance Is The Key

Even the trendiest, most expensive of garments look cheap when they are sporting numerous signs of neglect and poor maintenance! From scuffs to stains, frays and dull, faded colors – nothing will hinder your efforts to finds ways to dress better more than the good ole wear and tear attitude. Show some love, take care of your garments and you’ll be able to wear them for years to come, yet never look shabby or in need of some major wardrobe updates.

2. Embellish

Going from drab to fab in under five minutes is entirely possible! All you need are a few accessories, a desire to look your very best and a vision of what you want to achieve. Don’t be afraid to reach for your jewelry box, a scarf or a hair embellishment whenever you get the feeling that your outfit lacks a certain something to look snappy – you’ll be amazed to discover that a simple act of stacking two or more of your necklaces or matching a few bangles can totally transform your look!

3. Watch And Learn

Browsing through fashion blogs might feel like a waste of time sometimes. After all, what's the use of watching people you don’t know match and model clothes you don’t have? Right? Wrong! Fashion blogs, websites and magazines are valuable sources of ideas! Bookmark a few, visit them from time to time and you’ll be bursting with ideas and thinking outside your usual box in no time. Don’t let this tip for dressing better fall on deaf ears, lovelies! It really works!

4. Tricks, Anyone?

A perfect silhouette should not be viewed as a collection of measurements designed to send the message, “Well, guess what? You don’t have it!” Furthermore, everything you may feel you lack in truth can be overcompensated with clothes…and that’s what makes picking the perfect pieces and dressing up fun! Feel free to use those tricks fashion gurus have been collecting, discussing and revealing over the years - they’ll help you become an even better dressed version of your fabulous self.

5. Keep Your Best Pieces Ready

Did you ever stop to think about how many great outfits you may have missed wearing simply because you were in a hurry and couldn’t waste precious minutes ironing your wrinkled stuff? What about those articles of clothing that might have been a perfect choice had they been washed or dry cleaned on time? Well, there’s one tip for dressing better I’m sure you’ve figured out by now – keep your stuff clean, ironed and ready so you can just take them off the hanger and wear whenever you wish to.

6. Plan in Advance

Counting sheep is so last year and does nothing for your look anyhow! Why don’t you use those precious minutes before falling asleep to think about your outfit choices for tomorrow? You can do this in the shower too, or while styling/drying your hair, cooking, cleaning… you name it. It will help you save time and makes a good tip for dressing better too, because it allows you to think your options through and come up with the most satisfying one.

6. Plan in Advance

Counting sheep is so last year and does nothing for your look anyhow! Why don’t you use those precious minutes before falling asleep to think about your outfit choices for tomorrow? You can do this in the shower too, or while styling/drying your hair, cooking, cleaning… you name it. It will help you save time and makes a good tip for dressing better too, because it allows you to think your options through and come up with the most satisfying one.

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