3 Treatments to Help with the Aches and Pains of Motherhood

 Motherhood is one of the most rewarding journeys that you can take. It is also, however, one of the most exhausting and physically overwhelming things that you can do. Aside from the physical effects of carrying and bearing a child, those days spent running after little ones and trying to plan fun activities for the family will very likely leave you feeling sore and aching.




Thankfully, there are a few treatments you can have done that will help you to ease those pains. Here are three such treatments that are minimally invasive and can assist you on your road to better overall physical wellness.


1. SoLa Therapy


One aspect of women’s health that many people don’t like to talk about is that of pelvic pain. Women can suffer from pelvic pain for a variety of reasons. Complications during pregnancy, endometriosis, and fibroids can all cause pelvic pain in women that can verge on the unbearable. Through sola therapy, facilities like David Ghozland Sola provide women relief from their chronic pelvic pain.


The procedure itself uses a gentle laser, called a Photobiomodulation laser, that is targeted at the specific muscles that are the source of your pain. This process is entirely painless and will only take a few minutes. You might need to have a few treatments depending on the source and degree of pain that you are experiencing.


2. Pregnancy Massage


When you are pregnant, there are a lot of things that are off the table in terms of self-care. Unfortunately, pregnancy results in a variety of aches and pains that can make getting around difficult. This can be particularly cumbersome when you already have a little one running around as well. Massages can help with these greatly troubles. Many private label massage oil types are suitable for pregnancy and can play a great role with skin and muscle care during this time. However, be aware of massage oils that use essential oils, as many like aniseed or camphor are not suitable for pregnancy. Thankfully, not all massage techniques are harmful during pregnancy.


There are actually pregnancy-specific massages that a trained therapist can offer you to help ease your aching back and joints. The therapist will either have a table that has a space cut out for your bump or their will give your treatment while you lie on your side. There are many benefits to having a prenatal massage, so if you are suffering from the more common aches and pains of pregnancy, don’t hesitate to book one.


3. Physical Therapy for Hip Pain

Hip pain is a common occurrence in women. Not only does having a child cause a woman’s hips to widen, but that extra width can result in alignment issues with the knees. Moreover, a type of joint pain called rheumatoid arthritis is four times more common in women than it is in men. Such hip pain can make it difficult or even impossible to move around and accomplish what you need to do in a day. You should consult with your doctor about how to deal with arthritis and pain. In addition, sites like RollingPaper offer useful medical guides, including how arthritis is treated, what is chronic pain, and also natural ways to relieve pain. 


One course of treatment that tends to be highly effective for helping with hip pain in women is that of physical therapy. Through the use of targeted strength and mobility building exercises, you can loosen up your hips and take some of the load off of them so that they will ache less.

September Foodie Favorites

Are you looking for some new ways to add flavor to your life? I have rounded up some awesome goodies that you can find on the web that you are going to want to check out. From bags to keep things fresh and smelly proof to crumb cakes that are fork licking good. 

Samples have been provided for inclusion and affiliate links may be included.



Smellyproof bags are a must have for foodies. These are perfect for storing anything from fish to veggies and more. They are reusable so a pack can last for quite a while! Order online starting at $6.


Food Cubby keeps the peace at dinner by putting space between food for fussy eaters. Order from Amazon for the kids for $15.


Anyone who likes to bake is going to want to get some Domino Sugar. They have a variety of sweet products like Light Brown, Dark Brown and Golden Sugar. I love sprinkling golden sugar on pie crusts for a pretty glittery effect. Find it online and in stores, and check out the Domino site for loads of great recipes.


My kids love  to munch on nuts for an afternoon snack, so they were really into these tasty trays of BLUM almonds. You sprinkle on the seasoning and oil that is included and pop the container in the microwave for a few moments and you have a toasty, tasty treat you can feel good about serving to your family because they are delicious and healthy. Order a variety of flavors online for $24 a 3 pack.


Blnd spices are perfect for spicing things up. These globally inspired spices are unique and delicious! Add them to a variety of dishes for a new flavor experience. I really like the Fire n Lime spice on everything!
Order online and get a 2 pack of spices for about $10. 


Shrewd foods makes some healthy and tasty protein puff treats to add flavor to snack time without the guilt. Find a variety of flavors online for about $25 a 12 pack. These have 14 grams of protein per serving! 


Foodies are going to flip for these amazing Charles Chocolate bars. Get an artisan chocolate subscription to satisfy your sweet tooth. The flavors offered are decadent and innovative. Plus, they are beautifully packaged and crafted! Prices start at about $25 for a delivery of out of this world indulgence.


As the name suggests, these jars are not just pasta sauce, they are jars of sauce that is so good you will want to pair it with pasta, chicken, and if you wanted to use this as a dip for tortilla chips, no one would judge you! Packed with 10 veggies and no junk, there are 100's of ways to enjoy. Order a 6 pack online for $54 and prepare your taste buds for delicious dishes.


Any true foodie needs a great grilling kit, like this personalized one from Groovy Groomsman Gifts. The set comes in a gorgeous wood case with a spatula, fork and tongs that are perfect for grilling up a good time. This makes a great gift too! Oder online for a foodie in your life.



I love getting surprises in the mail, but getting a subscription box of treats? Now that makes my day! Laura's Kitchen Table is delivering treats worth writing home about for about $45 a month. This is a fun service for a hard to buy for friend, or anyone who loves trying tasty treats!


It is always a good time for Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake. This is a really great cake that you can order online and have shipped to your door. As the temperatures are still pretty warm here, I am all for not needing to fire up my oven and having my cake and eating it too! Oder the classic crumb cake, or a variety of other flavors for about $28.




What could go better with beers on an end of summer night than Hall's Beer Cheese? This stuff is awesome to dip, spread, or smear on almost anything. We love the Hot n Snappy Spicy Beer Cheese dip the most. You will be glad to know you can find this tasty as can be beer cheese at Sam's Club in Ohio, or you can order it online for about $6 a tub.




To wash down all these delicious goodies, you need to take note of the Tavour craft beer delivery service. Now, before trying this selection, I was not into craft beer. I would say "Eh," with indifference. But, after looking at these fun cans and super unique offerings, I had to crack open a Lemon Meringue Pie Beer, then an Attention Please. I am converted to a craft beer lover now. I can't wait to see what else this service has to offer! This is going to be a must have for the holidays or the home bar every month!



I hope this list of foodie favorites inspires you to try a few new foodie finds this month!

Mud Ice Cream

This mud ice cream station is so much fun for kids! It is easy to set up and is the perfect use for those leftover ice cream cones from summer, while serving up a bunch of good old fashioned fun!

Mud Ice Cream Station



I am always looking for great ways to keep my kids playing without turning to their video games.This mud ice cream activity kept them entertained with dramatic play all day. They naturally got filthy dirty which is half the fun! If you do this with your kids, opt for old clothes and shoes and do it outside!


Supplies:
Old dishes like a bowl and spoons to scoop with
Mud




Directions:
Fill up a bowl with mud.
Offer your children spoons and scoops , sprinkles and a few ice cream cones.
You might like to add a few old bowls to the mix for variety.
Allow your child to scoop mud into the cones and dishes and add a generous amount of sprinkles!





Both of my kids were enthralled with this idea. It might have been one of the best activities I have ever set up for them. They laughed, they mixed up mud, served it to each other and got so incredibly dirty. It was wonderful fun!




Both kids agreed that this would be fun to try with snow too! Should we be so lucky this winter to have enough snow to play with!



When playtime is over, simply spray the tools your kids used to play with the hose, and toss the ice cream cones! I love easy clean up activities! If the weather is warm enough, your kids might enjoy a splash in the sprinkler, or the garden hose to clean off a little bit before going inside.

You can find more kids activities here

Creepy Eye Sorting Bag

This creepy eye sensory bag is perfect for squishy Halloween color sorting.




Keeping the kids entertained, engaged, and learning is my goal these days. It can be a challenge; the kids are tired of being at home, playing with the same toys, and hearing me ask if anyone wants  to read a book together every couple of moments.



Last week, I was standing around looking at my craft supplies, feeling totally uninspired. I really wanted to give the kids some busy work, but didn't want to make myself too busy putting it together. A simple sorting sensory bag was exactly what they needed. And this one is perfect for fall, or anytime of the year.



Supplies:
Hair Gel; clear
Googly Eyes in assorted colors
Permanent Markers
Large Zipper Seal Bag


Directions:
Draw circles with permanent markers that match the colors of eyes you will be using.
Add 2 tablespoons, or 2 generous squeezes of clear hair gel to a zipper seal bag.


Add googly eyes.
Seal the bag.


Offer the bag to your child.
Encourage your child to move to eyes to their coordinating circle.




This is a great combination of sensory and color matching.
If you want to add an additional challenge to this activity, you could draw more circles in assorted sizes and encourage the kids to coordinate the googly eyes by size.


If you had fun with this creepy eye sorting sensory bag you won't want to miss these sensory play ideas.
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Popcorn Candle DIY

Fall is on the way and I am itching to decorate, bake and savor the cooler weather and the bounty of last of the season produce that I will scout out in the coming weeks! This year I want to keep my decorations for autumn simple and my costs at a minimum. I am gathering inspiration from nature to make my home feel warm, inviting and seasonal.

I have been experimenting with natural supplies to create stunning additions to my decor. This super simple candle holder is perfect for adding something naturally lovely to your home this fall on even the tightest budget!

All you need is a bag of popcorn kernels and a LED tealight and a clear glass candle holder.

Simply fill the candleholder with popcorn kernels then add a battery operated tea light!

I made a short facebook video to show you how lovely this is. I love the simple touch of natural beauty this easy project offers. You could also wrap a simple burlap ribbon around the candleholder also to add another sweet touch to the finished product.




12+ Fall Mason Jar Crafts

Mason Jars are fantastic for storage, but did you know they are also a favorite supply for crafters? 
This collection of 12+ Fall Mason Jar Crafts has fabulous ideas. I have a feeling you are going to love these ideas for how to use mason jars in your fall crafting sessions.


From lovely luminaries to mason jars that look like Indian corn, this collection has ideas for everyone. I can't wait to hear which is your favorite. 


Fall Leaf Mason Jar Luminaries by Create Craft Love
Fall Pine Cone Mason Jars by Pillar Box Blue
Fall Mason Jars by Crafts by Amanda
Hanging Fall Mason Jars by Live Laugh Rowe
Fall Leaf Mason Jar Candle Holders by Creative Homemaking
Fall Mason Jar Centerpiece by DIY Beautify
Plaid Painted Mason Jars by Daily DIY Life
Mason Jar Centerpiece with Burlap Rosettes by Oh My Creative
Fall Themed Mason Jars by My Turn For Us
Glittery Pumpkin Mason Jars by The Best Ideas for Kids
Scarecrow Mason Jars by Easy Peasy Fun
Fall Harvest Corn Mason Jar by Thrifty Jinxy




You can find more mason jar ideas here.
Some of our favorite fall crafts include:


How to Keep Your Home in Top Condition


Your home is your castle, your sanctuary, and because of that, you should do everything you can to make sure it is in the best condition possible. This ranges from ensuring it is secure (click here to learn more), to keeping up with maintenance. Few things make a home more uncomfortable to live in than nagging faults, not to mention that leaving these faults unchecked can cost you in the future when it’s time to sell. Much like servicing a car, it is important to complete frequent maintenance tasks on your home. However, the difficulty with that is knowing what to look for. Read on for a guide on what to do to keep your home in good order. 







Change out HVAC filters monthly


Your HVAC filters, used in your home’s heating, ventilation, or cooling system, collect impurities in the air to improve the air quality in your home. Due to this, these can get really dirty pretty quickly, especially if you are a bigger family with pets.


If you’re living on your own, then you can get away with replacing these every few months, but it’s always worth inspecting them frequently just to be sure. It’s also a good rule of thumb to get cheaper filters instead of more expensive ones, as this will save you money, considering you’re going to be replacing them frequently regardless of quality.


Look after your home’s financial health


Keeping track of your home’s finances is just as important as looking after it physically. This is because staying on top of these finances can help you pay off your mortgage quicker, giving you better peace of mind. Taking stock of your monthly repayments, and budgeting around them can be really beneficial as this can help you avoid costly debts piling up, which would be a slippery slope and could force you to foreclose your home if these debts get too unmanageable.


Test smoke alarms and carbon dioxide detectors


These alarms and detectors are vital for your safety, so it’s important to test them at least quarterly to ensure that they’re working properly. Testing fire alarms should be simple, as most have a test button. If the alarm sounds, then you’re good, but if not you may have to change the batteries. If it still doesn’t work with new batteries, clean the battery terminal, as corrosion may be interfering with the connection. If it’s still not working, then you’ll need to replace the whole unit. It’s also worth replacing a fire alarm every 10 years, regardless of whether it’s working or not.


Vacuum your refrigerator coils


This task should be done at least twice a year, and is a good way to make sure one of your most important home appliances is working correctly. The coils can gather dust and other yucky substances over time, making them perform less efficiently, resulting in higher energy consumption to keep your produce chilled. Cleaning coils can


Deep clean your home


Allocating a couple of days a year to give your home a really good clean can really help it stay clean and in top condition. This type of clean is really intense, as you focus on appliances, windows, and dusting everywhere, basically focusing on areas of your house that you skip when you clean regularly. By doing this and not letting grime build up over the years you will maintain your home in top condition.



12+ Tree Crafts for Kids

 Fall is near and I am super excited about crafting with my kids! We love to display our work around the house and add a festive touch to our decor.  If you are looking for some cute as can be ways to craft trees with the kids, you are in the right spot! i found 12+ Tree Crafts for Kids to share with you.

Click through the links to check out the tutorials. There are some really fun ideas on this list; for all ages and skill levels. 

       


Puzzle Piece Tree
Torn Paper Trees
Autumn Splatter Trees
Leaf Stamped Trees
Dish Brush Trees
Twig Paintings
Pumpkin Seed Tree Art
Hand-print Fall Tree Project
Fingerprint Autumn Trees
Autumn Button Branch
Fall Tree Sun-catchers
Tree Silhouette Place-mats

Which of these ideas do you think your kids would love the most? If you have a tree craft I would love to hear about it in a comment! 

You can find all of our favorite kids crafts for fall here

How to Convert Your Attic in a Reading Room

 



Attic conversions are popular with homeowners if it isn’t being used for storage, and they can make wonderful additions to a home. You can do almost anything with an attic, turn it into a nursery, spare bedroom, playroom or study. Whatever you choose to turn it into, an attic conversion is a great way to add value to your property if it’s done right. Although there are plenty of options when it comes to creating a new room in your home, if you’re an avid reader, or someone who is just looking for a place to enjoy some quiet time, why not turn your attic into a reading room? Here’s how you can do it.

Attic Inspection

Before you start any work on your conversion, you will need to have your attic inspected. These checks will determine whether your attic is structurally sound for this kind of home improvement project. In addition to this, you will need to have your attic cleaned and properly insulated before you turn it into your reading room. You can find out more about getting an attic inspection and other attic services online.

Hire a Contractor

Once you have had the all-clear from your attic inspection and have had it properly cleaned and insulated, you can then move on to the next stage. You’re likely going to need the services of a professional contractor to create the right space for your reading room. If you don’t already have a window in your attic, you might want to consider having some installed, as natural light will be much better to read in. You will also need to have walls constructed and plastering services, as well as having quality flooring installed. Engineered rustic white flooring could be a great option as it is high quality and great looking.

Choose Your Color Scheme

This part of the project is where it starts getting a bit more fun. Once you have all the necessary structure of your reading room completed, you can use this blank canvas to create your perfect hideaway. If the attic space is small, you might want to consider lighter colors to make the room feel bigger. Alternatively, if you want to make it feel like an old Victorian style reading room, dark wood, and rich reds would help to achieve this. Whatever your style, let your interior design instincts run wild!

Clever Storage

Thanks to the slanting roof, attics aren’t the best rooms for tall shelves or storage units. You will have to get creative with your bookshelves in your converted reading room to make utilize the space. Consider using old trunks or low shelves to store your favorite books in, or convert the stairs into draws. You could also invest in furniture that has storage built in to help save space.

Comfortable Furniture

Finally, you will need to have a cozy couch or armchair to snuggle down with your favorite book. Again, think about how much space you have to work within your attic before you start purchasing furniture for it. Even a beanbag chair could work well and will fit in any room of the house with ease. You should also buy good lamps for reading on days with grey skies or at night.

Turn your attic into a reader’s paradise by following these useful tips!


Unicorn Fine Motor Rescue

Bring a bit of whimsy to your fine motor exercises with this easy to set up, but super challenging unicorn fine motor rescue activity. It is perfect for preschoolers, but don't be surprised if your older kids want to accept this challenge because it is a lot of fun!



We have been rescuing a lot of things from these little rubber bands lately. Pine Cones, Dinosaurs and more!
It is a lot of fun for Harper, and I am always an advocate for little kids to have access to fine motor activities. 
This one is much like the others we have done, but just a bit more magical. What little girl wouldn't love to rescue a unicorn from danger?



To set this activity up you will need:
A toy unicorn




Directions:
Trap the unicorn with bands by stretching them around the legs, tail, head, horn and body.
Offer the unicorn to your child and encourage your child to remove the bands, one by one.



Be sure to observe this activity, especially with younger kids, as these bands can be a choking risk.
Discard all bands when finished to keep kids and pets safe.

If you have older kids who want to work on this activity, add a lot more bands! For younger kids, adding 10 bands is more than enough of a challenge, but with older kids, you can really wind the bands around the unicorn, and go overboard! It will keep them entertained for a while.

Check out these other fine motor activities for more fun ideas.
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