Lifestyle

It’s a lifestyle

Oh Husband: Statistically I’m A Better Driver Than You

Posted by on Apr 17, 2013 in Lifestyle

Take that hubby! Just because I hydroplane off the road years ago when heading to Niagara Falls does not make me a worse driver than you. Remember you did back into a parked trailer in my mother’s minivan that one time, remember.

Okay, okay. I’m not here to bash the husband (I’d never do that), but at least now I do have some evidence that statistically I am a better driver then you and my car insurance is cheaper than yours. I still love you dear!

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Caring For Your Autistic Child

Posted by on Feb 28, 2013 in Lifestyle

autism

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t’s natural to find raising an autistic child extremely challenging and tiring. The nature of this ‘spectrum’ disorder means that children with autism have unique behavior issues, and every autistic child is different. However there are a few rules that will apply to most parents with an autistic child:

Educate Yourself

The more you know and expand your knowledge on autism spectrum disorders and autism care the more prepared you will be to face the challenges that will occur. Learning about autism care and how to respond to your child’s behavior and communication will prove particularly helpful when your child does something that seems out of the norm.

It is very important for your child to be examined by a professional and diagnosed as you will only be able to start looking at treatment options once a diagnosis has been made. Your main objective should be to treat all of your child’s symptoms and to do that you may need to combine a few treatments that are available.

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Gender Reveal Baby Shower Ideas

Posted by on Feb 26, 2013 in Lifestyle

baby shower

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on’t believe the haters who say your gender reveal party plans are a narcissistic or vulgar display of what used to be a private moment. I love this growing baby shower trend, and I hope more couples decide to open this happy, life-changing moment to a wider circle of friends and acquaintances. No matter how many of these types of baby showers I go to, or how many cute videos and pics I see online of gender reveal moments, I can’t help but go all squishy inside. They are pure joy!

So, if you’re planning one of these momentous occasions, either for yourself or for another Mommy-to-Be, here are a few unique ideas to stage the perfect gender reveal party.

Build a Baby Shower Theme around the Reveal

Gender Reveal Baby Shower Party Ideas @DinkerGiggles #babyshower

Obviously, a lot of things can change the tone and style of your shower, from the invitations to the deserts. If you already have kids, it can be so cute to get them involved and more excited about their soon-to-be big brother or sister status.

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Color Thy Plate Red for Valentine’s

Posted by on Feb 12, 2013 in Lifestyle

Usually brightly colored plate is often suggested; however, with February 14th quickly approaching, creating a very pink, red whole food day is fun and kid-friendly.  Below is an ideal nutritious meal that will entice even your picky eaters  to savor each bite.
Fun Heart Healthy Food for Valentine's @DinkerGiggles @HBDetectives

 

The appetizer

    Red tortilla chips and salsa – Kids will love this pre meal appetizer and they will love it even more if you have them make the salsa. It’s quite easy. Mix together chopped tomatoes, cilantro, white onions, juice of a whole lime and a dash salt and pepper ( some jalapeno if you are up to it) in a medium-sized bowl.

The drink

    Hibiscus herbal iced tea with blood orange – Usually it’s water with meals having a pitcher of herbal iced tea available for the kids in replacement of juice is a good alternative. To add an extra surprise, place slices of blood oranges in the pitcher of hibiscus ice tea. It will add to some great conversation … how did that orange become red?
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Ways to Bond With Your Baby

Posted by on Feb 8, 2013 in Lifestyle

older child with younger siblingWe all know that adjusting to a new-born baby in the family can be quite tricky and definitely testing at times, however imagine how difficult it must be if you haven’t given birth to the baby in question. Dads, siblings, grandparents and close family friends can all be overlooked in terms of needing support and guidance when a new addition to the family arrives. Here a few easy steps to take in order to encourage the bonding of your baby and loved ones, ultimately leading to a happy and blissful environment for your child to bloom in.

Baby Massaging For Dads

As undeveloped as a newborn baby is, they heavily rely on their senses and can very quickly detect the difference between Mum’s and Dad’s voices and touch. Buying and learning baby massaging techniques from a DVD, or download a baby massage routine on the topic, will enable the baby to develop a lasting bond with his Father. When Dad comes home from a tiring day at the office, he could engage in a massage session with baby to help him unwind and in the process strengthen that ever-so-important bond. A nice alternative to changing dirty nappies, I’m sure Dad will appreciate it!

Preparing Your Child For The New Baby

Your child may feel threatened by the arrival of a new baby, after all you’re going to have to split your attentions between both children and that can be quite a daunting prospect. It’s important to gradually easy your child into the idea of having a new baby brother or sister and so visiting a friend who has just had a baby and talking to your child afterwards about how fun it is to have a baby in the house would work wonders as an introduction. When the exciting due date arrives, letting your child pack your overnight bag for you would make them feel included and ensure them that they are still an important part of your life. When you bring your new addition to the family home, let your child help you; be it bringing nappies to you, giving the baby a blanket, helping dress baby. This will ensure a bond is formed between the baby and his/her siblings right from the get-go, which will only be strengthened over time if you continue to involve your child in baby’s day-to-day life.

Singing To Your Baby

If this involves turning into a modern-day version of the Von Trapp family, then so be it! It’s been scientifically proven that infant-directed communication – involving a sing song manner of speaking – directly links the development of a new born baby. Specifically, it has been shown to strengthen the bond between caregiver and baby. Encouraging your whole family to sing to your baby will do two things; strengthen the bonds between baby and family members and perhaps with a stroke of luck, get you noticed by talent scouts who are on the look-out for a singing family!

 

 

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Romantic Vacation Ideas- Date Night in Barcelona

Posted by on Jan 28, 2013 in Lifestyle

barcolnaSo you took the kids to the National Museum of Art, you made sand castles on the beach, and taste tested the tapas, but who ever said just because you’re on vacation with the family doesn’t mean you can’t have a little one-on-one time with the spouse. And with so many of the things to do in Barcelona encompassed in its vibrant and diverse nightlife, there’s never been a better excuse to hit the town for a romantic date. So get ready, because we scoped things out for you and found where to go for a spectacular night unique to the beautiful city of Barcelona.

Call up the baby sitter, it’s time to go out.

Dry Martini Bar

Once the dress is set, the collar straightened, and the compliments said, head to the Dry Martini Bar for pre-dinner drinks. The chic destination is one of the best cocktail bars in Barcelona, and serves up martinis so memorable that you’ll be begging the bartenders in white tuxedos for the recipes. Rich wood walls, framed art deco paintings, and dim golden lighting will transport you from the loud streets of the city to a more sophisticated time, where handcrafted drinks are prepared with the up-most care and the clientele prefer conversation to rowdiness. Cozy up in one of the plush leather sofas with your perfectly mixed cocktails and remember what it feels like to relax.

Bel-Luna Jazz Club

After a couple of cocktails have you giddy, take a step out into the cool night as you walk or cab to Bel-Luna Jazz Club, one of the classiest clubs in Barcelona. Nestled just off of the main plaza of Plaça Catalunya, the upscale jazz venue offers a menu of delectable Spanish cuisine to enjoy while you wait for the bluesy beats of soothing bass and sax to take the stage. After you’ve stuffed yourself with your courses, claim a spot on the black couches, order up another glass of wine or try the selection of whiskey, and enjoy the show within this cool underground space. Who knows, maybe you’ll be standing up and moving to the beats – nothing sets the mood quite like some smooth jazz.

Daniel Hogan is a writer at Party Earth – a global media and entertainment company that publishes reviews and listings of the best social experiences around the world including: pubs in London, beaches in Barcelona, things to do in Paris, parks in New York, festivals and concerts everywhere, and more.

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