Family trips are what most parents live for: the chance to spend time with their kids, escaping from the pressures of work, and finding harmony in a new location. While they can present a world of memories, they can also come with much stress, which can start before you’ve even set off from your home. Although most of these worries are money related, many of them come in the form of dangers that can put the safety of your family at risk. There are many tips out there to help you keep your family safe, but there are a few more innovative ones which are always good to refer to if you need them.

Invest in a portable charger

Many cars will have charging points for you to keep your mobile device up and running, but there may be times when you are out exploring without your car and you need your phone for an emergency. This problem is easily solved by having a spare phone in your backpack that anybody can reach quickly, but if this is too expensive, portable chargers are an excellent back up. If you invest in the right one, you can sometimes pay mere dollars for a charger that holds a few charges, which is an easy investment to make for the benefits it holds.

Take your own breathalyzer

There will be nights where you go out with your partner or your kids for a family meal, where you might indulge in a few glasses of wine or a beer. In these cases, you might feel like you are good to drive, but you can’t always be sure. Stay safe on the road by installing an ignition interlock device, which won’t let you drive anywhere unless your breath is below the required level. This won’t only come in handy for long journeys away, but when you are at home, as it helps keep you and your family safe on the road.

Stay in family hotel rooms

It could well be that you are traveling to a country where dangers present themselves more often than at home. Yet this should never stop you from being able to take your family to explore the different corners of the world. If you’re thinking of exploring Malaysia, then you have to apply through iVisa.com, but you have to provide proof of accommodation, even if you stay in family rooms.A great way to spend some more time together and to keep an eye on your kids is to stay in family hotel suites, which can sometimes save you some pennies if you are only paying for one room. You could even go one step further and rent a villa for your time away, where you can usually have the security of a garden gate and alarm system.

Take an upgraded first aid kit

When you go anywhere, having a first aid kit is a must. Bandages, antiseptic, and painkillers are all essentials, but you may need more out of your first aid kit than a traditional one offers. If your children suffer from any medical conditions, or you are going somewhere which poses a different set of medical risks, then stock up your kit with what you need so that it is all in one place. Another great idea is to have a resource for reducing stress, such as aromatherapy oils, so that mental health issues don’t become too prominent when you are away.

Honey is often promoted as a healthier alternative to sugar, to be used in making pancakes, smoothies and what not. But did you know that honey is also great for skin and hair care?

It has been extensively used since the ancient times for various medical issues. It was used in the world wars by the soldiers to treat and disinfect wounds.

Today, raw and unfiltered honey is used not just for treating medical issues but also to complement your skin and hair care regime.

The manuka honey benefits are vast, due to its properties; it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, acidic nature and more make it a perfect ingredient for natural skin and hair care.

Benefits for Skin

1. Moisturizes your face

Honey can be used to make a moisturizing mask for your face. This will prevent your face from becoming dry and get rid of the flakiness of the skin. Using honey on your face also helps retain moisture in the skin, which is especially important in harsh weathers, when your face can get dry patches due to the atmosphere.

To use honey as a moisturizer, take 1 tablespoon of raw honey and apply it to your dry and clean skin. Leave it on for about 25 minutes and then wash it off with normal water.

Within a week of doing this daily, you will notice a smooth and soft skin on your face that does not dry out or have flaky skin.

2. Removes blemishes and dark spots

Everyone, at some point in their lives, has to deal with the presence of dark spots, blemishes and other scars on their face. You probably had to deal with it too.

Honey contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties making it beneficial in dealing with skin problems. It is also acidic in nature which helps deal with the scars, blemishes and dark spots.

To use honey for scars, mix 1 teaspoon of raw honey with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply it on the spots by gently massaging for 1 – 2 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. Do it daily until the scars go away.

3. Works as a face wash/cleanser

Honey doubles up as a great face wash, providing your skin with all kinds of beneficial nutrients as well as hydration.

Honey contains antibacterial, pro-biotic, nourishing and hydrating properties. It makes for an all natural skin care, eliminating any use of chemicals.

To use honey as a face wash, wet your face and then take a dollop of honey and spread it all over your face. After leaving it on for a 1 minute or 2, wash it off with water.

The honey will rinse off with water and leave your skin feeling extremely soft and smooth. It will also clean your pores leaving you less prone to acne or pimples.

4. Combats skin infections

Honey has antimicrobial properties like antibacterial, antifungal as well antiseptic properties. These enable honey to fight off skin infections.

Honey can be used to treat a number of skin diseases like rashes, psoriasis, perioral dermatitis, itchiness, warts etc. Its antimicrobial properties allow honey to eliminate the bacteria or the virus causing the infection.

To use honey on skin infections, take a cotton ball and dip it in Manuka or raw honey. Apply it on the affected area liberally. Leave it on for some time and then wash it off with water.

Do it daily until the infection is resolved. Depending on the infection, it can take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month for the results to show.

5. Restores sunburnt skin

Honey, when mixed with aloe vera, can provide treatment to your sunburnt skin. Aloe vera is known for its vast benefits for the skin. When mixed with another skin beneficial substance like honey, the effects are unfathomable.

Honey provides hydration and moisture to the deep layers of the skin. Aloe vera is an astringent that helps calm the burning skin. Both substances contain anti-inflammatory and healing properties, thereby aiding in recovery.

Mix one part raw or unfiltered honey with two parts fresh aloe vera gel scooped out from the aloe vera leaf. Apply this mixture on the affected area twice a day for about a week or so.

Benefits for Hair

1. Conditions your hair naturally

Due to its hydrating properties and ability to moisturize, honey works as a great natural substance to use as a conditioner for your hair.

The enzymes present in honey, when mixed with coconut oil give a shine and luster to dry and dull hair. While honey provides moisture, coconut oil is responsible for giving off the shiny look.

To make this natural conditioner, take 1 tablespoon of raw honey and mix it with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply it to wet hair, starting from the bottom and working up to the top. Leave it on for 20 – 30 minutes and then wash your hair.

Doing it once or twice a week will help you condition your hair naturally and make them smooth and shiny.

2. Highlights your hair

Hair highlights look absolutely fabulous but going to the parlor for it means you are risking putting dangerous and strong chemicals in your hair.

These chemicals can weaken your hair and lead to thin hair that break and fall easily. A more natural alternative would be using honey to highlight your hair.

Honey contains enzymes that gradually lighten your hair. Take 3 tablespoons of honey and mix with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply to damp hair and wash after 1 hour. Do it weekly do get desired results.

3. Combats hair fall

Hair catches a lot of dirt and microbes as you go around the day, leaving it open. This makes your scalp a breeding ground for microbes that can weaken your hair roots, causing your hair to fall. Honey contains potent antimicrobial properties that can eliminate these organisms and provide nourishment to the roots to fight hair fall.

Simply massage your scalp with pure honey every week, washing it after an hour or so. Eventually, you will get stronger hair without any chemical treatments.

4. Gets rid of dandruff

Dandruff is a messy business and if you suffer from it, you will know how it can get everywhere – clothes, pillows, bed sheets etc

Dandruff can also dry out your scalp or make it extremely oily. It can also cause hair fall. Honey can help you out here. It can take care of dandruff, thereby reducing oiliness/dryness and also reducing hair fall.

To use this remedy, take 1 tablespoon of honey and mix it with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply this on the scalp by gently massaging it. Do it twice a week for a month and you will notice visibly less dandruff on your scalp.

If you are in the situation where your children are all growing up and leaving home, you might be wondering what you will do now they are through the stages of playing in the playground. There are options for you to find a job, but many women that have spent years at home caring for the family have no up to date skills that are relevant to today’s types of employment. The answer could be to complete an online master’s degree because you can study while the children are at school or in bed. You could be prepared and have a qualification that will help you find a fulfilling career after the playground years have finished.

Find Your Passion

Your online master’s degree can be a pleasure to complete if you choose a subject you are passionate about. Many mothers have the natural instinct to help people, which is why some choose to complete a master of public administration (MPA). Completing this course with Ohio University Online will teach you the skills to address public issues in an effective and efficient manner, with an expert understanding of public administration. You will study the management of financial and human resources and learn to bypass red tape in ways that are effective in whatever area of public administration you work in.

The Ohio University MPA Online can be completed in less than two years, giving you plenty of time to prepare yourself for the day you want to find meaningful employment.

Making Them Proud

We all like to think our children are proud to say we are their mum. But they can become even more so when they see that you are doing a worthwhile job. As they grow and leave for home, college or university, they will be taking with them the knowledge that their mom is helping other people, an example that is always good to pass on. Children do not always show their feelings or say how proud they are for what you have achieved, but most of them appreciate the fact that, like them, you have spent the last couple of years studying for exams, and that puts them in awe of you.

Do It For Yourself

At the end of the day though, it really does not matter what your children or anyone else thinks, you should do this for yourself. If you want to return to work and study for an online masters degree to help you in your chosen career, look into the courses you are interested in. As you can complete them online, you do not have to live by the faculty; you could be in another state even. Ohio University has a large range to choose from, not just the master of public administration degree.

To take this suggestion forward, you do need to have an internet connection and either a digital device or PC, and there are not many homes without those these days.

Believe it or not, but the amount of confidence you have also affects your health and happiness. A lack of confidence will weigh you down mentally, and eventually you’ll find yourself not experiencing as much joy as you once did in the past. It can also strain any relationships and friendships you have.

By boosting your confidence you’ll not only improve your mental outlook, but you’ll also take better care of yourself too. However, finding the secret remedy to feeling better isn’t as easy as perceived. It can take a lot of time and dedication to improve your confidence, especially if you suffer from a mental health issue. If you’re looking for ways to boost your confidence, consider the following:

Make Time for Daily Exercise

Exercise is not only an excellent habit for maintaining your weight and figure, but it also helps you clear your head and reduce stress. Make time for daily exercise and notice how your mood lifts and you don’t feel as worried about the days ahead. Your clothes will begin to fit better and you’ll like who you see when you look in the mirror. Working out is a great opportunity for you to forget your cares and focus on burning calories and getting stronger as a person both mentally and physically.

Find Beauty Solutions that Work for you

It’s not all about how you look, but not feeling comfortable with yourself will take a toll on you. That’s why it’s important to find beauty solutions that work for you and help rid problems that are bothering you or you find embarrassing. For example, use skin care products to remove blemishes and scalp treatment for hair growth to grow back thicker, fuller hair you can be proud of. All it takes is you being proactive and willing to invest your money in a few items that will help boost your confidence and get you feeling more like yourself. If you have a little more money to spend and are comfortable with the idea, you could also consider cosmetic surgical procedures, such as a mommy makeover. This surgery combines breast lifts and tummy tucks for a drastic improvement in how you feel about your body.

Use Meditation to Overcome Fears

Your mind is very powerful, and one reason you may not be experiencing very much confidence is because you’re fearful of the future. Everyone has fears, but you can’t let them take over and debilitate you from going after your dreams. Use meditation to overcome your fears and keep them in check. This way you’ll slowly start to realize you’re capable of recognizing them when they appear, and challenge them one by one. You’ll have more confidence in yourself when you stop letting your fears dictate your every move.

Talk about your Problems

Being vulnerable is essential to working through hardships and finding the confidence within yourself to keep moving forward with purpose. It’s important to open up to others like your family members or a professional therapist and get your worries off your chest. You’ll start to

notice that all along you were being held back by your thoughts, which mostly weren’t even true facts, but assumptions and beliefs. You’ll start to see you’re not alone and that you have a lot of the same concerns and fears as everyone else.

It’s never too late to work on yourself and boost your confidence. Use these tips to point you in the right direction and get started on your journey to becoming a better you. This is time well spent, so never feel guilty for working on improving yourself.

If you’re like most consumers who buy toothpaste, chances are you base your purchase off of the price and of course, the promised perks of that specific brand. Want whiter teeth? You likely purchase toothpaste with tooth whitening action. Preventing future cavities? There’s anti-cavity toothpaste for that.

While it’s important to buy toothpaste that cleans and protects your teeth, what most people don’t take into consideration are the ingredients. Just as you look at the ingredients in the food you eat and maybe even those used in skincare products, it’s just as important to know what’s in your toothpaste.

Why Ingredients Matter

You may not think that a small dollop of toothpaste a few times a day can be harmful, but common ingredients can be quite dangerous. The fact is that the mouth and gums are two of the most absorbent parts of the body. So when you’re brushing, you may be unknowingly introducing harmful chemicals into your mouth that eventually make their way throughout your body.

This is why it’s crucial to know what ingredients are used in your toothpaste. The problem is that many of today’s most well-known brands in the dental care industry use ingredients that have proven to be harmful. In fact, some of these ingredients are banned in other countries!

To best protect your teeth, mouth, and your overall health, you of course need to use nothing but the best natural toothpaste. Here are 5 ingredients to avoid.

1. Triclosan

We all know that toothpaste should be able to protect against plaque and gingivitis. One of the most commonly used ingredients to ward off bacteria in the mouth is triclosan. While the ingredient has proven to be highly effective in fighting against plaque and gingivitis, it may pose all sorts of health risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, consumers should avoid products that contain triclosan as the ingredient has been linked to:

● Development of antibiotic-resistant germs

● Endocrine (hormone) disruption

● Potential damage to immune system

The good news is that there are plenty of healthy and all-natural ways to reduce the amount of plaque that builds up on your teeth. Craving a sweet crunch? Eat an apple after a meal to minimize plaque build-up. Other options include brushing with coconut oil or aloe vera and eating strawberries.

2. Fluoride

For years now, fluoride has been touted as the go-to answer for treating and preventing tooth decay. A study conducted in 2010 found that the protective layer formed by fluoride is only six nanometers thick. We’re no math geniuses but we can tell you this is really, really thin!

This means that the heralded protective nature of fluoride is much less than once thought.

Another risk to be aware of is fluoride ingestion. This can cause health issues in children, as youngsters tend to swallow a lot of the toothpaste that they put in their mouth. When ingested, fluoride can cause problems with enzymes as well as endocrine dysfunction.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and other surfactants are common ingredients in most toothpaste. Surfactants make toothpaste foamy but are also responsible for making everything you eat taste extremely bitter after brushing your teeth. This is because SLS breaks up phospholipids on the tongue which increases bitter tastes.

Aside from ruining your next meal, SLS has also been linked to canker sores and skin irritation. SLS is a registered insecticide which means it’s toxic to fish, marine life, and insects. Knowing this, does this sound like an ingredient you’d want to put into your body a few times a day? Probably not!

4. Diethanolamine (DEA)

Diethanolamine (DEA) is another product that gives toothpaste its foaming action. Similar to SLS, DEA has also been linked to hormone disruption. EPA-conducted studies have also found that repeated oral exposure to DEA in animals effects the kidneys, liver, blood, and the central nervous system.

5. Propylene Glycol

You wouldn’t knowingly brush your teeth with an ingredient that is used in enamels, paints, or antifreeze, would you? But, you’re doing just that if your toothpaste contains propylene glycol. This ingredient acts as a surfactant and humectant.

While we all brush to get the cleanest teeth possible, using toothpaste with glycerin poses all sorts of risks. For one, the ingredient is known to irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Glycerin has also been linked to potential organ toxicity.

Conclusion

Take the time to spend an extra minute or two in the dental care aisle to see what’s really in your toothpaste. Be sure to avoid the ingredients above to protect not only your teeth, but your health as well.