Financial Planning-For Kids

With the exception of a handful of finance people, the rest of us have likely stressed about our long term and even short term financial needs. We talk a lot about financial planning for us as adults, but what about kids. We often think if we have our own finances in order then it will benefit our kids. While that is likely true, it’s probably a good idea to get them started with their own accounts as well. 

We all know how compound interest works. The earlier you start, the better things will be. It is never too early to start an investment account for your kids. It is one way to ease the stress of long term finances. 

There are some other things that make good sense to do for kids too such as 

Education fund

Life insurance 

High yield savings accounts 

Getting going on some of these things when kids are young is a good way to prevent stress in the future. 

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Random Rambling-Thoughts on Aging

It has been a while since I have done a random rambling. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had some rambling thoughts though. There seems to be plenty of things to ponder on all the time. I just haven’t made the time to put the thoughts on here. Lately I have been thinking a lot about aging. 46 is doing some things to my brain. 45 didn’t seem so old, but suddenly 46 feels dangerously close to 50. I am surrounded by so many young people that I tend to feel young. Life more or less keeps me feeling young until…

I realize I need more sleep than I used to. 

I look at my hands and realize I really am aging. 

I have to buy good shoes and think about arch supports and shoe inserts. 

I find myself talking about perimenopause and hormones

I suddenly can’t see things up close like I used to be able to

I think it is time for

The list goes on. I am in fact getting older. 

Sometimes I get a little sad about getting older. Life seems to be flying by so quickly. I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want to waste it. I want to continue to feel young enough to enjoy life. When I really stop and think about it, the alternative to aging is not great. I have lost so many people in my life mostly due to cancer and way too young. Even when I lose someone that is older, it still makes me stop and think. The only way not to age is to not be here any longer. That is a sobering thought. It reminds me to have gratitude for the ability to age. It really is a gift and rather than being sad about getting older I really want to focus on the gift of being able to age. Maybe I will need more supportive shoes or ankle braces or reading glasses or all of the above, but that means I get to be around to see myself through those stages.

So the question becomes, besides saying gratitude, what can I really do to enjoy the process of aging?

I have made major improvements to my sleep over the last handful of years. 

It is time (or past time) to use sunscreen and serums on my hands. 

I started buying better shoes years ago and plan to continue that forever. 

I am doing all I can to learn about hormones and how to not spend these years suffering because “that is what happens to women”

It’s time for reading glasses. 

All those things are helping. I also want to continue to journal and connect with friends and family and stay active and enjoy all that life has to offer.  

*collaborative post 

How to Choose the Perfect Oval Engagement Ring

Picking out the perfect oval engagement ring is a challenge for any bride because it’s one that is very popular and therefore heavily available in all different shapes and sizes.

In order to choose the perfect oval engagement ring, there are a number of factors to consider, from diamond quality to the band style. With that being said, if you’re a fan of the oval engagement ring and want to figure out which option is best for you, then read on for a bride’s guide to oval engagement rings.

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Diamond quality

In order to pick the right oval size and type, the main focus should be on diamond quality. The four C’s are likely something you’ve heard about before. These are cut, clarity, color, and carat. Let’s break these down when it comes to choosing an oval engagement ring

1. Cut

When looking for the cut of a diamond, always look for excellent symmetry and polish within the diamond. Ratios of around 1.30-1.45 offer balance, while higher ratios are likely to be longer and slimmer.

2. Clarity

When it comes to clarity, aim for VS2-Sl1 with natural diamonds or VVS1-VS1 for lab-grown. These offer the best value for your money when it comes to oval engagement rings.

3. Color

Color is important, too, when it comes to choosing the right oval engagement ring. Look for colors between D-F for platinum and white gold. For yellow and rose gold, G-H are ones to look out for to save some money.

4. Carat

Finally, carat is the weight of the diamond, and ovals are often known for giving great size in their carat, making them budget-friendly for visual presence.

Style and setting

The style and setting of a ring are important regardless of the style and type of diamond you choose. There are plenty of considerations to make when it comes to the style and setting of the perfect oval engagement ring. These include:

Band style

A thin band makes the stone look a lot bigger, while a wider band will offer a bolder and more modern look. Of course, whichever you choose is down to personal preference of appearance.

Metal

Platinum/white gold is great for a modern and cool brilliance look. Yellow gold is ideal for adding some vintage warmth, and rose gold adds that romanticism to the ring.

Settings

When it comes to settings, it’s useful to consider hidden halos for that secret sparkle or a solitaire for classic focus on the ring itself.

Key considerations for Ovals 

Further key considerations to make when it comes to oval rings are whether you go for a traditionally mined diamond or an Oval lab grown engagement ring. These are so similar nowadays, with really the only difference being that mined diamonds tend to hold their value more.

Bow-ties are normal, but a well-cut oval minimizes this, so be aware of the cut when looking at rings. Consider your fingers and hands in general. A longer ratio, for example, will elongate the fingers, and a shorter ratio will look softer and rounder.

The perfect ratio or look is, again, down to a personal preference, so trust your gut and choose what you love.

Anxiety: How to Get on Top of It

Anxiety has a sneaky way of showing up uninvited. One minute you'll find the next your brain is hosting the worst case scenario marathon in your mind. Sweaty palms, racing thoughts, tight chest. Overthinking that thing you said three years ago? Yep, anxiety. 

The good news? You're not broken, you're not alone, and it is a common and manageable condition that can be overcome. Believe it or not, you can get on top of it with the right mix of habits, mindset shifts and support. Many people today are looking for natural alternatives to help them to take the edge of their anxiety, especially along lifestyle changes. Let's talk about how you can calm the kale without turning your life upside down.

Image source: Pexels

Stop fighting it.

Here is the annoying truth: The more you try to get rid of anxiety, the louder it gets. Anxiety feeds on resistance. Instead of telling yourself to calm down, which never works, try noticing what's happening without judgment. Notice that it's there, notice that you've handled it before and see how you go. Anxiety is your nervous system trying very badly to protect you. It's not a villain, just an over-caffeinated bodyguard. When you stop treating it like an enemy, it softens. 

Breathe like you mean it.

Yes, yes, everyone says just breathe, but hit me out. Shallow breathing tells your brain that something is wrong. Slow, deep breathing tells your brain that it's safe to stand down. Box breathing is great for this cause because all you have to do is breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold for four, and breathe out for four. Do that a few times. You don't need any chanting or crystals, just oxygen doing its thing to relax your brain. It's simple, it's free, and it's surprisingly effective.

Move your body.

No gym application is required here. Anxiety loves trapped energy. Movement helps release it. You don't need an intense workout plan or matching activewear. A walk around the block, stretching, dancing badly in your kitchen, it all counts. Regular movement helps regulate stress hormones and improves move over time. Bonus points if you get outside to do it. Fresh air and sunlight are wildly underrated for mental health. You are just a plant, really.

Check your simulation levels.

Caffeine, sugar, doom scrolling, and constant notifications are basically anxieties best friends. If your nervous system feels fried, take a look at what you're feeding it. You don't have to quit coffee forever, so take some deep breaths, but notice how much you're having and when. Swapping out that third coffee for water, herbal tea or a short walk can make a noticeable difference.

Create tiny pockets of calm.

You don't need a full morning routine that starts at 5:00 AM. Calm can be small. 5 quiet minutes, a warm shower, listening to music without multitasking, sitting in your car before going inside. These moments tell your brain that not everything is urgent. Those tiny pauses do add up over time and make anxiety feel less in charge.

CBD: A lifestyle tool.

CBD has become a popular part of many people's anxiety routines. It's often used to support relaxation, promote balance, and take the edge off everyday stress. The keyword here is support. It's not about numbing yourself or fixing anxiety, but about helping your system to feel a little bit more even and supported. People often use CBD as part of a bigger picture that includes sleep, movement, stress management, and mental health awareness. If you explore it, start low, pay attention to how you feel and choose quality products. It's like a helpful sidekick, not the main character. 

Sleep is not optional.

Lack of sleep can make anxiety louder, faster, and way more convincing. Do what you can to protect your sleep. A consistent bedtime, less screen time late at night, and a wind down routine helps your nervous system to reset. Good sleep won't erase your anxiety, but it does make everything feel a lot more manageable.

Getting on top of anxiety isn't about becoming fearless or calm 24/7. It's about learning how to respond when anxiety shows up instead of letting it run the show. With your simple habits intact, a bit of humour and your tools like CBD as part of a balanced lifestyle, anxiety can become something you manage, not something that rules you. And remember, you're doing better than you think, even on the days that your brain tells you otherwise. 

*collaborative post 

Understanding Excema in Babies

When it comes to a baby’s skin, there’s a reason why it’s so soft and supple to begin with. They’ve only just arrived in the outside world, and as a result, they’re not immediately exposed to all of the toxins in the air that can cause damage to the skin.

While there are many contributors to skin health, eczema in babies is often common and usually caused by genetic factors and a defective skin barrier. For some, this skin condition can appear fairly soon after they’ve been born.

However, it’s a typical skin condition that’s non-contagious. It doesn’t have a cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively with proper skincare and trigger avoidance, as well as medical treatments.

This guide will look at how eczema is caused in babies, the symptoms you’d typically expect, and how to ensure you improve the little one’s chances of ridding eczema for good.

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Causes of eczema in babies

Eczema in babies is typically the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Let’s take a look at the common causes of eczema in babies.

Genetic predisposition

It’s often the case that eczema is something that runs in families and alongside other atopic conditions. This can be hay fever or asthma, for example.

Many of the affected babies have a deficiency in the protein filaggrin. This is what helps the skin form its protective barrier.

Defective skin barrier

A weak skin barrier allows moisture to escape, and as a result, irritants and allergens enter the skin more easily. This leads to dryness, inflammation, and itchiness.

Environmental triggers

A lot of skin problems can occur from the environment and what’s lingering in the air. Exposure to various substances can trigger or worsen flare-ups. Irritants like soaps, shampoos, laundry detergents, and bubble baths can all contribute to skin problems.

Allergens like pet dander, pollen, dust, and even certain foods can trigger eczema. Other triggers include temperature changes or sweat, and fabrics like wool and some synthetics that can irritate the skin.

Symptoms of eczema

As a parent, any change in your baby’s appearance is going to cause concern, but it’s important to be aware of what’s typical of a baby’s skin and what isn’t. For eczema, it’s not something that you need to be too worried about, but knowing the symptoms of it can certainly help.

Eczema in babies will usually appear on the scalp, cheeks, face, and forehead. It’s good to be aware that in darker-skinned babies, the rash canappear purple, brown, or grey rather than red.

Let’s take a look at some of the key symptoms that come with eczema. 

Intense itchiness

There’s nothing worse than feeling itchy skin all over your body, so for babies, it must feel pretty uncomfortable. This is a primary symptom of eczema, and in babies, it is likely to severely disrupt a little one’s sleep.

Dry and scaly skin

Patches of skin that are typically very dry, scaly, or rough will be an indication that what your baby is dealing with is likely to be eczema. While some other skin conditions have similar symptoms, this is a common one for eczema, too. 

Cracking and bleeding

Severe dryness and scratching can often lead to the skin cracking and bleeding. That can be incredibly worrying to see as a parent and is likely to cause some pain and further irritation for your little one, too. 

Oozing and crusting

Oozing and crusting is something that can be caused by scratching and result in infection. If it oozes fluid and develops a yellow crust, that’s something to look out for.

Redness and inflammation

With eczema, you may notice some less painful symptoms, like redness and inflammation. This can often accompany many of the other symptoms in the above list.

Tips for effective management and healing of eczema

Does baby eczema go away? Yes, it can with the right effort and treatment. While there’s no cure for eczema, it can be effectively managed, and the symptoms can be controlled in order to prevent a flare-up. For many children, the condition will improve significantly over time and often clears completely as they get older.

Let’s take a look at some of the methods to explore when it comes to general care and management of this skin condition. 

Keep the skin moisturized

One of the most important tips when it comes to eczema is to apply a thick and fragrance-free emollient. This should be applied generously, multiple times a day, especially within minutes of having a lukewarm bath in order to lock in the moisture.

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Bathing technique

Use lukewarm water and a soap-free, non-perfumed product when washing the baby’s hair or body. Keep baths short and pat the skin gently dry afterwards. Avoid dragging when drying the skin, as this can irritate it more.

Prevent scratching 

Try to prevent scratching when it comes to your baby’s skin and their fingernails. It’s good to keep the nails clipped short so that it reduces skin damage. Cotton mittens are worth using, especially at night, to help minimize the damage and reduce the risk of infection. 

Avoid triggers

Identifying and minimizing exposure to specific irritants and allergens is important. For example, try to use non-biological washing powders, avoiding fabric softeners where possible too.

Manage the environment

Keeping the baby’s room cool is important to reduce sweating, as is using a humidifier when it comes to dry conditions.

Medical treatments 

There are some medical treatments you could consider for those who are dealing with a lot of eczema that’s proving stubborn to get rid of. 

Speaking to a healthcare professional is the best way of getting access to a tailored treatment plan. You’ve got the following available:

• Topical corticosteroids - Medicated creams and ointments that are used during flare-ups to reduce inflammation and itching.
• Infection management - For signs of infection, a healthcare professional may prescribe antivirals or antibiotics. 
• Specialized treatment - For the most severe cases, a dermatologist will recommend more intensive treatments like specific systemic medications or wet wrap therapy, for example.

With these tips, you’ll hopefully find it easier to tackle baby eczema if and when it appears in your little ones.

*collaborative post