But They Sure Are Worth It
Expressing gratitude comes with a lot of benefits. It can even improve your mental and physical health.
So the next time someone does something nice for you, consider sending a thank you card.
Here are some thank you card designs and tips to help you uncover your gratitude style.
You can thank the Ancient Greeks for inventing the birthday cake as a way of celebrating birthdays every year!
If you want to really make your child’s birthday invitations stand out this year, why not have them draw their own? Together, you can learn how to draw a birthday cake!
You’ve seen the shows and you might have even seen it in real life: extreme couponing. Sure, it might not be ideal to get stuck behind someone in the check-out line with 100+ coupons needing to be scanned. However, as you stood there with an extra 10 minutes just to think to yourself, you began to wonder how they do it.
American families spend roughly 37 minutes together per day. You know the story. You really want to carve out quality family time.
But, when you’re working all the time. Your life is hectic and you’re always exhausted. When can you possibly squeeze in time together?
You can either accept that you don’t see your family enough. Or, you can read our tips to learn how you can ensure that you enjoy family time more often.
Being a parent can feel like you’re hopscotching from one worry to the next. Everywhere you look, you see all the ways your child could be hurt. How do you ever feel secure?
The more measures you take to keep your child safe, the more peace of mind you have. Those safety measures may never be more important than they are on the road.
Dementia is a tragic condition and we all hope that our loved ones are not affected by it. However, over 50 million people worldwide experience it today, and there are over 10 million new cases of dementia every year. It is one of the main causes of disability and dependency of adults in the world.
Sixty to seventy percent of cases of dementia are related to Alzheimer’s disease, and although this condition is not curable, it is treatable. There are many things that the loved ones of dementia patients can do to make the lives of the afflicted more comfortable and to help slow the progression of its effects.
Dementia must be recognized early, though, for best treatment results. Because many older adults naturally begin to forget things in their later years, dementia is often overlooked until it is rather far along. Both the patients themselves and their loved ones are sometimes in denial when the symptoms begin to emerge and this can cause a delay in treatment.
If there is an older adult in your life, it’s vital that you familiarize yourself with the warning signs of this condition so you can act quickly to help. Dementia symptoms most often happen to older adults, but early-onset dementia can also occur. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so that all who experience dementia can get the help they need as soon as possible.
The early warning signs of dementia may vary from person to person, and because of this, it may be hard to identify. Some dementia symptoms seem so minor that they can be overlooked. However, if someone you love experiences one or more of the following signs, it’s time to see a medical professional.
Act before it has advanced for the best results. A doctor is the only person who can diagnose this condition.
The most common and well-known dementia symptom is memory loss. Although everyone is forgetful sometimes, if you or a loved one is forgetting important things on a regular basis, it’s time to see a medical professional about it.
Memory loss can be exhibited in behaviors as simple as forgetting where things have been placed. This may seem minor, but if it happens often, it can be an early warning sign of dementia. If the afflicted party forgets important things, such as the names of their loved ones or how to get home, dementia may already be somewhat advanced.
Someone suffering from dementia may have difficulty completing tasks they have performed for their entire life. This dementia symptom is especially evident in multi-step processes.
If the individual forgets the steps of making a favorite meal or fails to complete getting dressed in the morning, these actions could be signs of dementia. When these things happen more than once, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Confusion and disorientation are other common early signs of dementia. The afflicted individual may get lost in familiar areas such as his or her hometown or even inside the home for brief or long periods.
The disorientation may extend beyond location, though, too. Some people who suffer from dementia also experience confusion about time as well. The individual may think that they are living in a time long past, and may confuse friends and relatives with people they knew years ago.
All of us forget a word every now and then, but if your loved one is often forgetting common words when speaking or writing, this too could be an early warning sign of dementia. As a result, the afflicted individual may have trouble participating in conversations with others.
If your friend or family member cannot remember your name or the names of other important people in his or her life, this can also be a dementia symptom. Everyone is forgetful sometimes, but there are certain things that are almost never forgotten. When these things begin to slip away, it’s wise to seek a professional medical diagnosis.
Everyone makes mistakes in judgment sometimes, but if bad decision-making begins to occur with frequency, this can be an early sign of developing dementia. If the afflicted individual does things that just don’t make sense, there could be some issues in thinking.
Older people are often targets for scammers or other people who wish to take advantage of them, and dementia only worsens this. People experiencing early dementia symptoms may pay too much for an item or service, or worse yet, may fall prey to telephone or internet scams more easily than others.
Individuals suffering from early dementia symptoms may not seem quite like themselves. Due to issues in their brain, they may react to things in an unexpected manner and may go from happy to sad or angry in an instant. They may get frustrated by their difficulties or confusion and may lash out at others as a result.
Some people experience mood swings as they age, but if these sorts of reactions become frequent and are generally unexplainable, this could be another symptom of developing dementia.
If your loved one seems to be moving away from things he or she enjoyed in the past or begins socializing less often, this could also be an early dementia symptom. Sometimes the afflicted individual will notice symptoms before others do and may be afraid that they will be noticed when participating in activities or when spending time with others.
Conscious or not, this movement away from things that used to be enjoyable may be yet another early sign of dementia and should be considered when deciding whether or not to seek a medical diagnosis. This, combined with one or more of the symptoms above, is worth mentioning when discussing these issues with the patient’s doctor.
If you or your loved one exhibits one or more of these dementia symptoms, it’s time to visit a medical professional to find out more. It’s possible that any or all of these symptoms may be a sign of something else, but a professional diagnosis is the necessary next step.
After that, if it does appear that your loved one is beginning to suffer from dementia, more steps will follow. Medications can help and so can programs designed to help the afflicted to overcome the growing obstacles that he or she will face.
If the individual lives alone, assisted living may be needed in the present or in the near future. There are memory care programs available at a wide variety of facilities that are designed to help people with these issues. You can read more here about the types of care that are available.
Dementia symptoms are very common among older adults and many individuals who experience it go on to live happy lives for years or even decades to come. It is difficult but not impossible to move forward with life after a dementia diagnosis. Once diagnosed, there are countless services and programs in place to help make the patients remaining years happy, healthy and productive.
This condition is challenging but people live with dementia and with proper care, can continue with their lives in a safe and healthy manner, and can slow the progression more than one might imagine. Early diagnosis is key, so if you or your loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, see a doctor right away.
If you would like to read more about families and aging and planning for the future, please check out the rest of our site.
One simply doesn’t go to the country club without dressing the part. Preppy fashion is all about looking classic, chic, and conservative.
Although it started in the 1800s, this style is still alive and well.
If you’re interested in leveling up your wardrobe, the preppy trendy is the way to go. Not only does it look professional, but it uses more durable and high-quality fabrics. These are designs that will last a lifetime.
Not sure where to start shopping first? Here are the top 11 best preppy brands for men’s, women’s, and children’s fashion.
Starting with a bang, the top luxury preppy brand is Coach. Known for its signature monogrammed handbags, this brand has much more to offer.
Its runway couture sometimes strays from the crisp, clean preppy staples. But, by using collars, buttons, and high-neck lines, it nods to this historic fashion trend.
Notable items: The Kitt Messenger Bag in Jacquared Signature or the Soft Trifold Wallet in Black.
When you want classic basics on a budget, head to Vineyard Vines. You can find every pastel and printed polo under the sun in this yacht-club approved brand.
This preppy store has captured the collared hearts of Americans everywhere. They sell casual day clothes and nightwear, as well as accessories and kids’ apparel.
Notable items: The Men’s 8-inch Performance Breaker Shorts in Lobster Reef or the 17-inch Scallop Skort in Deep Bay.
What started as a men’s tie fashion line in 1967 grew into a design empire. Ralph Lauren is a staple name in preppy fashion and mid-luxury range home goods.
The first full collection created was in honor of Lauren’s love of sports. He named it “Polo” which also coined the name of the infamous preppy collared casual tops.
Notable items: the Men’s Fair Isle Wool Sweater or the Women’s Glen Plaid Tweed Dress.
Any woman who’s ever desired a designer handbag has heard of Kate Spade New York. This quirky yet sophisticated preppy brand is known for its classic handbags and garments.
If there’s a woman in your life with a birthday coming up, wow her with a Kate Spade gift. The jewelry is to die for, as are the matching blazer-cord sets. They even do customization and monogramming!
Notable items: the Taylor Large Diaper Bag in black or the Francois French Bulldog Earrings.
This store had its beginnings on the streets of Manhattan in the 1980s. Describing their garments as “classic with a twist”, J. Crew cornered the market of affordable, yet chic apparel.
Today, J. Crew is especially popular with college-aged consumers looking to stay sharp on campus. It’s also a popular brand for business wear and casual weekend clothes.
Notable items: the Girls’ Maxi Dress in Rugby Stripe or the Men’s 250 Skinny-fit Pant in Stretch Chino.
Few brands have such a memorable logo as Lacoste. Wear one of their polos with the green alligator and you get an immediate status boost.
That clout was hard-earned; it began in 1933 with tennis shirts designed by Rene Lacoste. The French designer wanted to make sportswear more fashionable. He basically created “athleisure”.
Notable items: the Men’s SPORT Print Breathable Stretch Jersey Golf Polo or the Men’s SPORT Mesh Panel Cotton Hat in red.
Although this designer has been part of many controversies over the years, nothing can diminish the value of his classic garments. Tommy Hilfiger is an American-prep staple.
His signature red, blue, and white pieces became popular in the 1970s among the rich. Today, you can find TH garments in every department store and as well as many vintage consignment stores.
Notable items: the Women’s Flag LOGO V-Neck Sweater in sky captain blue or the Kids Reversible Hooded Jacket in black iris.
This preppy brand is the oldest men’s clothier in the United States. Brooks Brothers is was a family-owned business founded in 1818.
While they design both men’s and women’s clothing today, they’re known for creating preppy staples for men. Customers rave about the dress shirts and classic tuxedos.
Notable items: the Regent Fit One-Button Navy Tuxedo or the Non-Iron Milano Fit Heathered Stripe Sport Shirt in ivy green.
This British brand has taken the American fashion market by storm. Kent & Curwen, owned in part by David Beckham, brings English schoolboy prep to American ivy league kids.
One of their top sellers is their men’s messenger bags. Preppy students don’t need a tacky backpack when there are timeless bags from Kent & Curwen.
Notable items: the Canvas and Leather Messenger Bag in navy/black or the Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in red.
This brand is for anyone who values high-quality, well-made garments that never go out of style. Whether you’re hopping on the family yacht or heading to the derby, Country Club Prep has the perfect outfit for you.
These products range from derby dresses to men’s golf attire to home wear. You can get sophisticated handbags, dresses, and flasks all in the same place.
Notable items: the Piazza Jersey Corset Dress by Gretchen Scott Designs or the Cocktail Party Needlepoint Flask in Dark Navy by Smathers & Bronson.
The final preppy fashion brand on this list is an American classic. L.L. Bean was started in 1912 and only sold quality duck hunting boots. It grew to sell timeless outdoor attire for both genders.
Whether you’re going to the cottage in the Hamptons or on a hunting expedition, L.L. Bean has durable and affordable clothing for you.
Notable items: the Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt in Lindsay or the women’s Sweater Fleece Full-Zip Jacket in evening blue.
The preppy fashion trend is about wearing garments that can last forever. They’re durable and high-quality while never going out of style.
This style is perfect for the whole family. It especially makes your kiddos look clean and put-together. Start building your wardrobe by shopping at the best preppy brands in America.
To learn how to style different garments and tips for saving money on clothes, check out our shopping section!
Moms are modern-day superheroes. The love and care that they provide is an intrinsic part of the lives of many people around the world. And without them, there would not be any life, let’s not forget.
After years of receiving bland dressing gowns and patronizing ironing boards, moms are finally being treated to the gifts that they deserve for being part of our lives.
You shouldn’t have to wait until next year to reward your mother. If you want to learn about some of the best ideas for gifts for mom available on the market today, please continue reading this article.
Keeping the house in tip-top shape can feel like a full-time occupation at times. Luckily though, it doesn’t have to be, because Amazon now offers its own in-house deep cleaning operation.
Take the burden off of your mom by booking in one of these deep cleans. As a professional service, Amazon’s cleaning team will be obligated to clean your property from head to toe.
After this is done, you can implement a proper rota system, meaning cleaning duties do not fall on any single person in the house again.
What could be more relaxing than a hot, candle-lit bathing session with the air filled with fragrance and essential oils? In winter times, it would be difficult to think of something better.
You can easily create this atmosphere using a set of bath bombs. These orb-like creations dissolve as you drop them into the bathwater, releasing a torrent of delightful suds and minerals for the skin.
Give your mother the gift of an evening off with a set of 12 bath bombs from LifeAround2Agengls.
The brand has released a new collection of bath bombs, and they offer free delivery if you live in the US. If your mom likes a certain fragrance, you can customize your next order to include her favorites.
It is estimated that more than 1 in 10 Americans now use yoga as a source of physical fitness and enlightenment. When you consider the number of over-50s taking part has tripled in the past four years, it is clear that the yoga won’t burst any time soon.
This means many mums are getting in on the action. This means a good quality bag to carry their yoga mat could be a perfectly thoughtful gift.
Gaiam’s yoga bag is perfect. Made of cargo material, it should last for years to come.
This is a great gift for moms from those who only have a small budget to work with. All that is needed is a masonry jar or two, and a lemon and orange.
If your mom is a foodie, she would love to add some citrus to her pantry, as they combine so well with many different types of cooking.
You can find out how to make the extracts here.
Imagine how loved your mom will feel curled up under a blanket that displays a loving moment between her and her children.
Luckily, you no longer need to imagine it, as it can be done by the nice folks over at The Memories Place – check it out!
With the ability to add text and even use multiple images, a personalized blanket could be the perfect little way to say ‘I love you’ to your mom, and cherish the memories you’ve had together with her.
Not many would say that they could do without a high-quality hairbrush set. And this includes your mother too.
So surprise her with a high-quality ceramic hair straightening brush for your next payday. With strong bristles, this will make short work of straightening her hair every day.
It’s time for mom to get rid of that ancient ragged bathrobe you’ve seen her wearing for as long as you can remember.
There are a number of premium bathrobes available on the market now which offer superior softness and comfort.
We recommend the robes here, and you can get 15% off of your first order.
This present is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. These revolutionary mugs work to actively keep the temperature of the liquid inside them nice and warm for the drinker.
You won’t have any more problems of reaching for a drink only to find that your coffee has gone cold. This is the epitome of the tech gift that you didn’t know was needed, only to find you cannot live without it within a week.
Ember produces these containers in all shapes and sizes, so feel free to have a good look to pick the perfect receptacle.
Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a bouquet of fresh flowers. Surprise your mom with some over the next week, alongside a nice card describing one kind thing she has done for you, but you’ve never thanked her for.
A great way to win some additional brownie points would be to do a little bit of research and find her favorite variety. It is these little thoughtful acts that make all the difference.
Sometimes the best gifts don’t have to be expensive. A personal touch can be invaluable to anyone, especial if it comes from a loving son or daughter.
So get out your old fountain pen, pull out some of that nice paper you’ve been saving for a special occasion, and write a note for your mother.
You could say anything to her. Talk about memories from times gone by, or thank her for an act of kindness she has done for you in the past.
Think of it as an opportunity to sing about an unsung hero.
Moms do so much for their children and partners, without ever receiving any true thanks or gratitude. Think of buying gifts for mom as a small repayment for the endless good things she has done for you over the years.
It really is the least you can do.
If you’ve liked the gift ideas in this article, be sure to check the links, as there are deals and promotions linked to each of them that you can benefit from.
Did you know that over 15 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder?
Whether you’re struggling with an addiction or you feel like you drink too often, learning how to cut back or quit entirely can revolutionize your health.
Do you want to know how you can conquer this bad habit? Keep reading for 7 ways to stop drinking.
As a parent, you always want to give your kids the best—even when they start to get older and seem like they’re growing out of certain things. So, naturally, special occasions like birthdays become difficult because gift-giving just isn’t the same.