February 4, 2019 · 2:51 am

“My Magical Unicorn” Board Book Giveaway

Who says your days can’t be all unicorns and rainbows? Well, even if life throws you curveballs, you can escape with your child for a little while to a place that is beautiful with sparkles, and of course, a unicorn.

In this interactive unicorn novelty book, readers spin a wheel to animate the character on the front cover. Sparkly holographic foil creates a truly impressive effect as the unicorn’s horn, mane, and tail seem to flow with magical energy!

More interactive mechanisms are featured inside the book. Push, pull, spin, and slide your way through the unicorn’s enchanted land as she helps other magical creatures, clears away a rainy day, and plays with her unicorn friends. With gentle rhymes, bright colors, and a bit of sparkle and shine, this magical unicorn is sure to delight!

My Magical Unicorn will be available on February 12th but you can pre-order it now.

  • With their mystical appeal, unicorns continue to enchant and captivate young readers
  • Includes a special novelty and interactive element on every page, and sparkly holographic foil on the cover
  • Use of tactile elements not only invites the reader to participate in the stories, it also refines fine motor skills: readers can push, pull, spin, and slide their way through the unicorn’s enchanted land
  • My Magical Mermaid and My Magical Dragon will also be published as part of this adorable series for toddlers

Giveaway:

Abrams Appleseed is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own, My Magical Unicorn Book! Thank you to Abrams Appleseed for the review book and for sponsoring this magical giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Readers.

My Magical Unicorn Board Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!

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February 3, 2019 · 7:57 pm

Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch” Blu-ray Valentine’s Gift Set Giveaway #TheGrinch

Christmas may be over but  Illuminations heartwarming tale is one for all seasons!

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is available now on Digital via the digital movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE and on 4K Ultra HD Blue-Ray, DVD and On Demand on February 5th.

Get ready for more fun and laughs because it has three hilarious new mini movies featuring The Minions and Max.

From Illumination and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, the film based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved tale about a cynical grouch who goes on a mission to steal Christmas from others only to feel his own heart grow three sizes larger through unexpected friendships is one “the whole family can watch and enjoy,” (Kidsday/Newsday).

Watch the TRAILER HERE!

The new home entertainment edition contains more than 60 minutes of bonus content, including three mini-movies: “Dog Days of Winter” starring the Grinch and his heroically loyal dog Max; and “Yellow is the New Black” and “Santa’s Little Helpers,” both starring the lovable Minions.

It also includes stunning featurettes, a how-to-draw tutorial and much more. Narrated by Grammy Award® winner and Oscar® nominee Pharrell Williams, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch stars Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange, “Sherlock”) as the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpit with only his loyal dog, Max, for company.

The incredible voice cast includes Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation,” The Muppets) as Donna Who, Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”) as Bricklebaum, Cameron Seely (The Greatest Showman) as Cindy-Lou Who, and featuring legendary actress Angela Lansbury (Anastasia, Beauty and the Beast) as the mayor of Whoville. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is a perfect night in for the whole family!

BONUS FEATURES EXCLUSIVE TO 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAYTM, BLU-RAYTM and DVD:

  • Who’s Who in Who-ville (interactive map) – There are so many interesting characters that call Who-ville home that it’s hard to keep track of them all. This “Who’s Who” pop-up book uses animation to create a virtual storybook that takes us from Who-ville to Mt. Crumpit.
  • “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” Lyric Video – Tyler, The Creator puts a modern spin on the Seussian Christmas classic.

MINI-MOVIES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAYTM, BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL:

  • Yellow is the New Black – Before they all make their big escape from prison in Despicable Me 3, a couple of lucky Minions get a taste of freedom as they break free with the help of one of their fellow human inmates.
  • Dog Days of Winter – Max braves the harsh winter weather and an uncooperative Who to bring a sick Grinch his favorite hot tea.
  • Santa’s Little Helpers – Fan favorites – the Minions – are back for another adventure! Having been accidently dropped off at the North Pole, our Minion pals make the most of the situation by trying to become elves.

 BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, 3D BLU-RAYTM, BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL:

  • The Making of the Mini-Movies – Mini in size but not in heart, these short films are fan favorites. From the Grinch and Max to the Minions – you’ll explore the themes of each of the mini-movies through the eyes of the filmmakers who made them.
  • From Green to Screen – It takes a lot to bring grumpy green to your home screen. This inside look at the making of Illumination’s Seuss’s The Grinch features interviews and behind-the-scenes moments with the cast, filmmakers and artists whose hearts have all grown three sizes bringing this classic tale to life.
  • Illuminating THE GRINCH – Using filmmaker and cast interviews, concept art and progression reels, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how the characters evolved from initial sketches to fully realized characters.
  • My Earliest GRINCH Memories – The cast and filmmakers of Seuss’s The Grinch reveal their earliest memories of the grumpy green character and the enduring appeal of this Christmas curmudgeon’s journey to redemption.
  • Grinchy Gadgets – From his body-size blow dryer to his moving mechanical chair, from his catapult to his dog drone-rig and more… you’ll get to explore the wondrous world of Grinch’s gadgets.
  • “I Am The Grinch” Lyric Video – A stylized look at Tyler, The Creator’s original song created just for the film.
  • Songs From His Little Heart – Take a deep dive into the toe tapping beats of Seuss’s The Grinch. From score to specialty songs, you’ll hear from the film’s A-list musicians on what it took to create the music behind the movie.
  • X-mas Around the World – Every culture practices Christmas in a slightly different way. We’ll highlight some of the more fun permutations of the holiday around the globe.
  • Cindy-Lou’s Yule Log – Nothing says the holidays quite like an animated fireplace blasting fake heat from your living room television. Just in time for winter, we’ll recreate Cindy-Lou’s living room on Christmas Eve for all to enjoy.
  • Production Babies – A celebration of the babies born to the filmmakers during the production of Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch.
  • Any Who Can Draw – Hosted by an Illumination artist and head of story Mark O’Hare, you’ll see step-by-step how to draw some of your favorite characters from this beloved holiday classic; Grinch, Max and Fred!

About Illumination

Illumination, founded by Academy Award® nominee Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of event-animated films.  The company’s franchises include three of the top-eight animated films of all time, and its iconic, beloved brands—infused with memorable and distinct characters, global appeal and cultural relevance—have grossed more than $6 billion worldwide.

#TheGrinch Giveaway

I have a real treat for Valentine’s Day. Would you like the chance to win a Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Blu-ray Gift Set? I bet you would! Let me tell you more about this great gift set that is filled with Grinch fun!

Grinch Gift Set Includes:

    • Blu-ray
    • Grinch beanie
    • Grinch Valentine’s Day Candy Conversation Hearts

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Gift Set! Thank you to UPHE for the review gift set and for sponsoring this Grinchy-good giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US Residents.

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Gift Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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January 30, 2019 · 3:03 pm

3 Easy DIY Garden Projects

garden walkway

A lush garden not only helps beautify your surroundings, but it can be  beneficial in reducing your stress levels. A garden is going to be far more beneficial if you work on it yourself. After all, nothing can match that fulfillment  you feel when something beautiful comes out of your own efforts.

In this article, we present three of the most worthwhile DIY projects that you can do in and for your own garden. They are chosen based on the ease with which they can be done and their relative practicality.

Repurposed Container Gardens

Many environmentalists are making their voices heard nowadays. They say that the earth is slowly deteriorating because of the activities that we humans take part in. When we examine the actual state of our environment, it appears that they really are speaking the truth. So there is a need to respond.

Recycling is a great way to do our part to reduce the amount of trash we produce.  To achieve this, it is as simple as finding ways to reuse or repurpose items that we otherwise would throw away.

If you have an old tool box or an unused crisper just lying around the house, you can actually poke holes in the bottom, fill with soil, and then use it as your own container garden. The beauty that comes out of this project is not only for outside your home; you can use these techniques to accent your interior decor as well.

garden containers

Garden Walkways

There are types of grass that look very pretty. An example is the bluegrass, which can grow lush enough to really cover the ground. However, if you read WikiLawn and other gardening websites, you will learn that grass is very sensitive to foot traffic. Due to the sensitivity of grass, there is a need for you to create walkways, and it’s a project that you can very well do on your own.

garden walkway

All you have to do is collect good gravel and then lay it out in the path that you want. If you are looking to do something more elaborate, you can add tiles that contrast the color of the gravel. This immediately adds an air of sophistication to your walkway.

Wall Gardens

Usually, gardens are filled with flowering shrubs and small trees. However, there are species of plants that look their best when they are elevated or even hung. This is because they have flowers or leaves that cascade down, creating a gorgeous flowing effect. To take advantage of such flora, you can create a wall garden using empty bottles and other light plastic containers. This way, you will not only be able to beautify your environment, you also get to preserve it.

garden walkway

Doing certain garden tasks on your own makes the whole endeavour much more meaningful for you. Sometimes, what matters is not really the outcome, but the process of creating it. This is perhaps the main reason why DIY projects, no matter how time-consuming they are, are so rewarding.

garden

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.


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January 22, 2019 · 2:35 am

“Day-by-Day Chronological Bible” Giveaway

The new year is underway, many people have decided to make changes in their life. Embracing their spiritual side is something many want to do. One way to do that is to read the Bible.

However, many people are unfamiliar with the stories of the Bible and how they fit together into the grand narrative of God’s World. God gave us the Bible to reveal truth about himself and about our lives, and he wants to draw us into the ongoing story of what he is doing in the world.

Day-by-Day Chronological Bible

I just received a beautiful Day-by-Day Chronological Bible with a Leathertouch cover. It arrived in a very nice box perfect for gift giving. I really am impressed with how this Bible make it easy to start on a weekly reading plan.

The CSB Day-by-Day Chronological Bible features a clear narrative approach to the Bible. Arranging the complete text into a fresh chronological reading plan with daily readings guided by D. George Guthrie.

In this plan, the books chapters and verses of the Bile are thoughtfully arranged so readers can track the story of Scripture, day by day , from beginning to end, understanding the flow of events and ow the grand narrative of Scripture applies to everyday life.

Day-by-Day Chronological Bible

Unlike other chronological Bibles, this arrangement is not date specific, so you can begin the reading plan at any point in the calendar year.

The CSB Day-by-Day Chronological Bible features a clear narrative approach to the Bible, arranging the complete text into a fresh chronological reading plan with daily readings guided by Dr. George Guthrie

Features Include:

  • 52 weeks of readings (six readings per week) in chronological order
  • Scripture presented in three main acts (God’s Plan for All People; God’s Covenant People; God’s New Covenant People) and seventeen total scenes
  • An introduction for each act and scene to orient the reader to its importance in the grand story
  • Single-column text with plenty of space for taking notes
  • Concordance
  • Smyth-sewn binding
  • Presentation page
  • Full-color maps

The CSB Day-by-Day Chronological Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others

Giveaway:

LEV3L Digital is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Day-by-Day Chronological Bible! Thank you to LEV3L Digital for the review Bible and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

Day-by-Day Chronological Bible Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget. Good Luck!

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January 17, 2019 · 4:14 pm

4 Things To Put In Storage To Make Space In A Cluttered House

The older you get, the more valuable space and storage become in your home. You accumulate so many things over time, from Christmas decorations to furniture, not to mention seasonal items like skis, paddle boards, kayaks and more.

Skis

Every foot of storage space in your home become precious and needed for all the things you use on a daily or  weekly basis. Many people need to make tough choices and decide what they want to or need to keep and which things need to be donated, sold or discarded.

So what can you do? Get rid of everything and go the minimalist route? Do you just accept that some rooms in your home are going to resemble a hoarder’s house? Fortunately, you don’t have to take things to either of these extremes, there’s an easy solution – self-storage.

Self Storage

According to Livible, a Boston storage company, “keeping your possessions in a secure facility away from your home has become one of the best ways to not have to deal with a crowded house. It gives you the freedom to use your valuable space for the things you use every single day.”

Self storage units are a solution that suit many people, lifestyles, life circumstances and budgets. If you’re thinking of putting things into storage, this list of the best things to store may help you clear out your home and organize your life.

 Baby Gear

If you are not done growing your family , you don’t want to get rid of big-ticket items you will need in the future. However, you don’t need to store all this furniture and gear in your home between children or grandchildren.

Items like strollers, cribs and changing tables can be wrapped up safely and kept in a storage facility. You will be able to easily pick up this furniture and baby gear when you need it.

baby, crib

If you have an heirloom bassinet, high chair or other baby items that are sentimental, it’s natural for you to want to keep them. Thanks to self storage options you can do that without sacrificing space in your home.

Old Gadgets & Appliances

When you get a new TV, washer, dryer or refrigerator, you might not want to keep the old one.  You may have children who are young adults and planning a move to their own place who may need these appliances in a few months.

washer, dryer

Having a storage unit is the perfect way to store these items for them. You can rest assured that your older children or other family members will appreciate being able to pick up these appliances when they need them.

 Seasonal Stuff

Christmas trees, Halloween decorations and seasonal clothing are not used year round, so why not free up precious space and keep them in storage until you need them. You will be amazed when you see how much space you have, when you move these things to a storage unit.

Furniture 

Do you have furniture that you don’t have room for presently in your house, but don’t want to part with.  Instead of letting it gather up dust in your garage or back porch, put that furniture in a storage unit until you need it again.  If furniture is wrapped up properly, it will do very well kept in a cool, dry place. Furniture is one of the best things to store in a self storage unit.

Take advantage of storage facilities in your city and keep things you don’t need or use all the time there. It will free up precious space in your house and give you peace of mind knowing your items are stored safely until you need them.

antique, furniture

Today, most storage units are climate controlled,  making it easy to store items that need to be kept cool and dry.  Another benefit. is that these units are extremely safe and secure. So next time you’re looking at your stuff and wondering what to do with it, consider calling  your nearest storage facility.

storage unit

This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas and views do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.


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January 12, 2019 · 11:36 pm

Enter The MAM #babytroublemakers Contest Now Thru January 25th

MAM #babytroublemakers

Have you ever caught your baby doing something he or she knows they shouldn’t be doing, like scribbling a ‘masterpiece’ on your walls or throwing food ALL over the floor?

Share your story with #babytroublemakers and #contest on the MAM Facebook page  and they will select three lucky winners to win one of three $100 prepaid cards! And remember: as trying as these moments are now, they’re what we’ll look back at and laugh at together when they’re all grown up! Check out the Official Rules.

#babytroublemakers MAM Contest

Free Pacifiers & Free Shipping

Join the MAM Club today and receive a free 2-pack of pacifiers with $25 purchase + free shipping on shopmambaby.com and be the first to know on news of special offers, promotions and new product introductions from MAM!

More Good News

We have even more good news! You can enter our giveaway below for your chance to win $30 worth of assorted MAM products!

#babytroublemakers MAM Contest

 Giveaway:

MAM is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a $30 of Assorted MAM Products! Thank you to MAM for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

$30 of MAM Products Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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January 10, 2019 · 4:29 pm

Red Flags You Need To Be Aware Of When Hiring A Contractor

Hiring a Contractor

Your home is your haven and something you have worked very hard for. It is where you build your family and celebrate the milestones in your life. Owning a home is no doubt you have worked very hard to do and maintaining your home is something that goes hand in hand with being a homeowner.

Beyond ordinary maintenance, enhancing your living space with home improvement projects as your family grows, is something many homeowners do.

House

Home improvement projects are abundant, and they are easily one of the best ways to update your home and make it more functional for your needs.  However, not all of us have the time or the skill to perform these projects ourselves. That is why we choose to hire a professional contactor.

Contractors vary in skill and qualifications. When you end up hiring a bad contractor, you run the risk of shoddy workmanship or worse, you may even end up with an unfinished home improvement project. Both scenarios mean that you’ve just thrown your hard-earned money down the drain.

So, what are the red flags that you be aware of when looking for a contractor for your next home improvement project?

Addition

Poor Reviews

The lack of reviews or worse, the presence of negative reviews should already be an indication that the particular contractor does not perform well. Background checks are also necessary when you want to make sure that your hard-earned money goes somewhere worthwhile.

References also work in the same way in that they provide you with a glimpse of a contractor’s work ethic and whether or not they truly deliver results.

New Roof

No Proposal

A good contractor is going to be able to plan for the entire project, from start to finish. They’re going to be able to determine the time needed as well as the materials required to get the job done.

They should present you with a clear proposal for your to review. If your contractor asks for unlimited time as well as unlimited materials, then you’re just asking to get overcharged for the project. Walk away if this is the case.

new construction

Overpromising

If something sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. That old adage is almost always correct, and this situation is no exception. Before you sign a contract, you need to do a bit of research on how much the project is going to cost to complete.

This site should provide you with a comprehensive idea of the price of materials. Use this as a point of reference for when you want to see if a contractor is offering you a low price that’s too good to be true.

Lack of Construction Permits

When a contractor dismisses building permits as unnecessary expenses, you should already be raising an eyebrow. Permits are standard procedure, as well as the inspections that precede their release. You aren’t only risking your project getting shut down. You’re also risking your safety and that of the people around you.

Luckily, if a faulty construction should result in injury to you or anyone in your house, you do have legal remedies that should help you along the way.

Home Improvement

This is a collaborative guest post, the words and views do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.


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· 4:01 am

CPR: A Vital Skill For All Parents

As a parent, you will always be concerned about your children’s wellbeing and safety. Kids will be kids, and you will spend a good amount of time applying bandages to a variety of injuries like skinned knees and minor scrapes. However,  what if something more serious than a skinned knee happens? Will you be prepared to react properly in an emergency situation?

Ambulance

In the time that it can takes for your to call 911 and wait for help to arrive, a life-threatening situation can become deadly. Parents should know what to do when accidents and injuries happen. You may not be able to prevent accidents when they happen, but you should be as prepared as possible to deal with them when they do.

CPR

With so many risks, it’s a good idea for at least one parent in the home to be trained in CPR and First Aid. Gain confidence in your ability to calmly handle an emergency situation and provide care if necessary. Take a look at just some of the things that can go wrong in the blink of an eye and consider that with proper training you could save a child’s life.

Heart Failure

There have been more and more deaths in young people due to heart issues. Many active sports players have been known to suddenly collapse on their playing fields due to their hearts stopping. Many schools have now added a portable defibrillator to deal with these kinds of incidents. If you don’t have one in your home, knowing CPR can help you to keep the heart pumping until emergency help can arrive.

Drowning

For any parent that has a pool on their property, there is always the fear of a child getting into trouble in the water and drowning. Over 350 children under the age of 5 accidentally drown each year in the U.S. Teaching your children safe habits and strong swimming skills is vital to keeping your children safe.

Fever/Convulsions

When the numbers rise up on the thermometer when you have a sick child it can be very concerning for every parent. Not only are you dealing with the many symptoms of infection, your child can be at risk of Febrile Convulsions. These kinds of seizures are not generally damaging themselves, but can cause injury from falling or hitting objects around them. With proper First Aid training you can learn what to do to help your child safely through a seizure.

Heat Stroke

Kids don’t feel the heat of the cold the same way that adults do. You probably remember playing outdoors for hours and not even considering the weather for a moment. You kids will be no different. It is up to each parent to closely monitor their child for signs of heat stroke when you are spending time in the sun.

Emergency

Choking

In any situation where your child has stopped breathing, being able to administer proper CPR and first aid procedures can be vital in saving their life. With training you will learn to deal with blockage choking as well as resuscitation techniques.

 

First Aid

This is a collaborative post. The words and views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.


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January 5, 2019 · 1:32 am

When You Need A Dentist Right Now

Dentist Teeth

There may be nothing to smile about if you have an accident with your teeth. Tooth pain or the accidental cracking or loss of a tooth can be an uncomfortable, embarrassing and potentially harmful situation. Your smile says a lot about you, so when you are having trouble with your teeth it can affect your entire outlook.

If you or your kids are involved in sports, you run the risk of tooth and mouth damage from the activities, and children are always banging themselves around during play.

It’s good to know the name and location of a 24-hour clinic just in case of any tooth emergency. How do you know that you need to see a dentist? We are going to take a look at some of the more common examples of needing to see a dentist right away. If you are having issues with your artificial teeth you may need to do an online search for “Denture Repair Near Me” to find a clinic that is open when you need it.

dentist office

Toothache

Most people experience a toothache at least once in their life. Tooth pain can be caused by many things including sensitivity, a thinning of the tooth enamel or cavities that need repair. If you are experiencing uncomfortable toothache pain for more than 48 hours it’s a good idea to see a dentist for a check-up.

Broken Tooth

If you are lucky enough to find the part of a tooth that has broken off, keep it clean and dry until you can see a dentist. Don’t wait. Rinse your mouth with a saline (salt) solution, clean the tooth fragment without soap and keep it in a damp towel or kleenex until you can get to a clinic. In come cases the tooth can be repaired if the fragment is saved in good condition once you reach a dentist.

dentist teeth

Lost Tooth

If a full tooth has come out of your mouth from trauma or an accident, do your best to find and preserve the tooth before visiting the dentist. Once you locate the tooth, only touch the enamel end of the tooth and never the root. Rinse the tooth with saline solution and allow it to dry naturally. If possible, it is recommended to try and reinsert the tooth until you get to the clinic. If it’s not possible to reinsert, soak the tooth in a bit of regular milk and take it with you
to have put back in.

dentist

Infection

If you notice any unusual swelling, bleeding or irritation in your teeth and gums, you should see your dentist right away. There could be an abscessed infection under your gums that is filled with pus. A ruptured abscess can cause severe illness and even death if not treated right away. Never leave an infection longer than 24 hours before you seek dental treatment. If over the counter medications are not working on your infection or if you have a fever, you
should not delay in getting help.

dental visit

This is a collaborative post, The views and ideas expressed are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.


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January 2, 2019 · 3:30 pm

5 Healthy Changes You Can Make In The New Year

The new year is the perfect time to make those healthy changes you want to make. Although you could technically start fresh anytime of year, there’s definitely something special about joining in with billions of people all over the world in your quest to do better; to be better. Whatever your new year’s resolutions are, your underlying health needs to be a priority. Without good health, it’s hard to do anything else in life you want to accomplish. Here are five healthy changes you can make in the new year that you can start right now!

1. Start an Exercise Routine

If you don’t already make a habit of exercising, now is definitely the time to start. The reason it’s important to create an exercise routine is because it sets a habit that your body won’t want to break. Experts recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week. That’s pretty easy to do, even for the busiest people.

You can break up the 30 minutes if that makes it more workable for you. A brisk 10 minutes around the block with your dog in the morning, a 10 minute walk after lunch in the office park and a 10 minute walk with your loved one after dinner takes care of your 30-minute commitment!

2. Drink More Water

You’ve certainly heard this before, but it can’t be stated enough – drinking enough water is imperative to your good health. Most people don’t get enough water on a daily basis. If you have symptoms like dry skin or hair, fatigue, or foggy brain syndrome, the culprit could be mild dehydration. To make this healthy new year change automatic, keep a large bottle of filtered water with you at all times. Filtered water than you make at home is far superior to any bottled water you can buy.

Glass of Water

Now, water isn’t the most exciting drink. That’s why people reach for those sugary soft drinks that are so bad for you. Instead, enhance the flavor of your own filtered water with a home soda maker. You can use these to make your own flavored seltzer waters infused with the taste of fresh fruit like lemon, lime, orange, watermelon, cucumber or something else. Once you add homemade seltzer water into your life with a home soda maker, you’ll never be tempted to drink those sugary soda drinks again!

3. Get Ample Sleep

Most people need about eight hours of sleep every night, but many people miss out on that. Make a commitment to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time every morning. This will help ensure that when you do go to bed, you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. If insomnia is an issue for you, make bedtime more relaxing by spritzing lavender essential oil on your pillow. Turn off electronics or, better yet, don’t even allow them into the bedroom.

4. Avoid Negative People

Distance yourself from the negative or toxic people in your life. Negative people are always talking about the latest bad news they read about. They may like to point out the bad side of any plans or goals you share with them.

Toxic people may appear to be your friends, but in reality they just bring  bitterness into your life. You don’t need these kinds of people in your life. In fact, they can bring you down and eventually make you think their way, too. If you can, divert conversations about negative topics by telling them you don’t want to talk about that topic. If they don’t heed your request, you may have to slowly weed them out of your life. If that happens, you’ll have more time and energy to spend with positive people who enrich your life, which is a healthy change to make the new year!

5. Take Time for Yourself Each Week

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for? Maybe it’s learning how to play piano, or learning a new language. It could be anything. You deserve to spend time doing things that are enjoyable for you. They don’t have to be productive, and they don’t have to be in pursuit of some higher purpose.

Relax, Take Time

You don’t have to study to be a concert pianist or move to Europe for a year. It can just be a simple pursuit that makes you happy. Strive to take time for yourself in this way each week. Even busy people can carve out time for personal endeavors, either before or after work or during the weekend.

These five healthy changes for the new year will help to keep you healthy and happy all throughout 2019. Remember, no matter what your goals are for the new year, they all must begin with the healthiest possible version of yourself.

Happy New Year

This is a collaborative post. The views and ideas expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.

 


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