Babies bring unimaginable joy and warmth into their parents’ lives. However, raising a baby is just as physically and emotionally draining as rewarding for parents, especially first-timers. All parents make certain  mistakes while caring for their babies, no matter how much time they dedicate to their precious bundle of happiness. There’s no shame in making errors during baby care if parents can correct them. Some common mistakes are listed below. Not letting the baby cry it out A common misconception many parents may have about infants, especially newborns, is that their crying translates to hunger, irritation, or pain. Parents tend to believe that their mistakes are making their baby cry. Babies cry because it is just what they do. A baby can be adequately fed and diapered, and they may still cry for no reason. When it comes to newborn babies, crying is a sign of breathing. However, if a baby cries continuously for an hour, then the parents will need to visit their local pediatrician to get them checked for a rash, a swollen belly, a fever, or other health conditions. However, by and large, a crying baby is not a sign of trouble. Ignoring oral care This oversight from parents can become problematic for their child’s oral health later on. Essentially, babies need as much dental and oral care as adults. Therefore, regularly wiping the baby’s gums with a soft cotton cloth after every meal is a must-do for parents. Also, parents must ensure their baby is routinely hydrated to keep their mouth and throat moist. Adjusting diapers too much or too little While putting on a diaper on a baby, the parent must fasten it properly. It is done to secure the diaper around the baby’s body. However, if the diaper is too tight, it will affect blood circulation in the baby’s body.

For many of us, going on a safari is a dream. Making the ideal safari holiday a reality requires a lot of preparation, budgeting, and research on the part of the traveler. Some find it exciting because of the thrill safaris present, while others are invested in experiencing mother nature in its true form. However, it is important to consider the responsibility this excitement brings and try to avoid some common mistakes. Overpacking Safaris are one of those instances where less is considered more. Avoid overpacking at all costs. And while you are at it, make sure you are avoiding the types and colors of clothing that are unsafe for safaris. Not to mention overpacking can make the trip an uncomfortable experience. Therefore, pack just the essentials and avoid all that can be left behind. Ignoring safety protocols Safaris come with a set of safety protocols for a reason. You must always follow the guide’s instructions and avoid venturing into the wild on your own. Do not exit the vehicle without permission, and don’t try to go too close to the animals. Remember that you are on forest territory, and it is home to numerous wild animals. Not preparing the right way Safaris are day-long expeditions into the wild, often in scorching temperatures or pouring rain. Equip yourself with safety equipment and dress according to the weather to prepare yourself for the safari. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses on a hot summer day. And make sure you wear waterproof footwear and cover up with a rain jacket if it is pouring. It is important to be prepared for whatever weather you may encounter during the day. Being focused on snapping These days capturing a moment is touted as more important as opposed to living in the moment itself.

When undergoing any kind of treatment, it is important to have an understanding of the procedures, risks involved, and the recovery process. For instance, radiology involves diagnosing and treating injuries or illnesses detected with the help of imaging procedures, like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. So, when consulting a radiologist, you should not hesitate to address necessary queries concerning your health. So, here are some questions you need to ask a radiologist: What is the purpose of the test? It is important to understand why a specific diagnostic test is recommended by the radiologist. You should ask the doctor about how the test will detect or confirm a health issue and the outcome you can expect. Are there any risks to consider? Most imaging tests are considered to be safe, but it is always important to ask about any side effects or risks. For example, when undergoing an MRI, you should have no metal objects on your body or clothes. Similarly, other tests might require distinct precautions to avoid safety hazards.  How is the test conducted? It is always a good idea to ask your radiologist about the test procedure. They can help make you understand the steps involved in the process, how long the procedure is, and if there is any preparation required. An ultrasound of the abdomen usually requires you to drink a lot of water so that the imaging is clear; access to such information can help alleviate any anxiety regarding the process. Can you explain the results? Once the tests are done, the doctor will let you know when the results can be expected. If not, you can ask the radiologist how long will the results take and if you need to book any subsequent appointment to discuss the results. Additionally, the results are likely to invite new questions, usually regarding the next step and if any treatment is required.

Everyone’s style is a unique reflection of their tastes, moods, and creativity. Gone are the days when we were subjected to a long list of rules dictating how to dress up. Today, the world of fashion has taken several steps forward, allowing every individual to explore their sense of style. As you undertake this journey, here are a few styling errors to avoid to help you put your best foot forward! Accessorizing too little or too much Accessories can make or break your outfit. Wearing too many accessories with one outfit can make you appear out of place, while going for too little can make even the most well-thought-out outfit appear like a last-minute look. Take some time to select the perfect accessories for your chosen outfit, such as layered necklaces, a set of pearl earrings, a stylish watch, or a chic handbag. Following antiquated fashion rules When styling your outfit for any occasion, remember that you only need to impress yourself! Several fashion “rules” surrounding colors and patterns have been around for decades. It’s time to put these in the bin and style your outfit based on your comfort and preferences. Only wearing fashion trends With every season, there is a change in trends. These changes have become more pronounced with the advent of social media. Influencers and celebrities often make people feel compelled to change their looks and fit into “current trends”. Not only is this approach financially and environmentally wasteful, but it is also unlikely to suit everyone’s style. Instead, invest in quality pieces that appeal to your taste and comfort. Ignoring the wash instructions on your clothes This may not seem like a clear styling error, but failing to care for your clothes can hamper your look. Carefully follow the washing instructions for each garment to keep them looking fresher for longer!

All homes require water as long as it flows through pipes and the drainage system. However, if there are hidden water leaks, they might result in severe damage if not repaired on time. While obvious signs such as water stains make it easy to spot the leak, it is sometimes insidious, making it challenging to find and fix. Here are 4 ways to find hidden water leaks and take remedial action in time. Check the water bill Most households get a water bill that is fairly consistent every month. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a household of four persons will generally use 12,000 gallons per month. Exceptions are warmer weather or when lawns and gardens have to be watered regularly. However, if the water bill suddenly becomes unusually high, it may be a sign of water leakage. Even a small leak, like a faucet dripping steadily, can cause about 10,000 gallons of water to be wasted per year. Thus, monitoring the water bill is a useful practice to keep a check on water leaks. Conduct a water meter test Another effective way to find hidden water leaks is a water meter test. To do this, turn off all the faucets, showers, and water sources around the house. Once this is done, check the readings in the water meter. If there is a water leak, the meter will keep on running. The change in readings may not be obvious immediately, especially if it is a slow-running leak. So, it is recommended to check the meter after a couple of hours. Look for patches of greener grass For homes with lawns and yards, checking for grass patches that are greener than the rest is a helpful hack to look for hidden leaks. If a part of the lawn is more lush and green than the rest, it may be because of leakage in one of the buried water lines.

We spend at least a third of the day in our beds. And that’s just for getting some rest or for sleeping. Factor in a few more hours of the day if you’re binging on TV or scrolling through social media. While everyone’s bedtime routine looks different, one thing remains constant – no one likes the feeling of a dirty bed or mattress. Here are six habits that could be making your mattress dirty: Eating in bed While the idea of curling up in bed with snacks is comforting, eating in bed can leave behind crumbs and spills which attract bugs. Hence, it is best to avoid eating in bed and preserve it as a sanctum of comfort and sleep. Putting the day’s bags on the bed Your bag has seen all your day’s adventures, collecting dust and germs on the way. Putting it on the bed can transfer these impurities onto your bed, making it dirty, and grimy, and therefore impacting health and sleep quality. Getting into bed as soon as you get home Just like your bag, your outfit has also been in contact with outside bacteria. Getting into bed with the same clothes can transfer these bacteria onto your bed. Working in bed Even with pandemic restrictions reaching their natural end, many of us continue to work from our beds at home. Not only can this prove counterproductive, but also unhygienic, as it doubles the number of germs in our beds. Not cleaning up pet dander According to a study, one of the most common allergens found on beds is pet dander, including fur and bacteria. To avoid this, bathe your pets twice a week, and clean their paws before allowing them into bed. Not washing your sheets often Our beds have a lot of dry skin cell deposits on them.

While several people participate in annual or bi-annual fundraising programs, it is not for everyone, especially for the people with no excess income. But that is not to say that such individuals cannot give back to society. If one is determined to help make a change, there are various ways to donate to charity. This can be via lending manpower, taking up service responsibility, etc. All you need is a little effort and some time. 6 non-monetary ways to donate to charity By being creative Are you a passionate baker? Or are you well versed in the art of sewing? Maybe knitting? What we are trying to say is you can put your skills to use for the greater good. You can find shelter homes, retirement communities, or schools that could use a little help with their community. Put together some of your creations and donate them to make their day a little brighter. By being active You can organize or participate in various marathons and triathlons to give back to people. Participate in events affiliated with or trying to raise funds for charities. If you look closely, you can find one happening at least every month in your city. By being helpful If monetary help is not something you can manage, be charitable with your time. Volunteer at soup kitchens or go to a public library and read to children. You can even volunteer at animal shelters and help them with cleaning and maintenance activities. Teaching kids from underprivileged communities is another way of being charitable on a daily basis. By donating old possessions Donating stuff that you have outgrown or don’t find useful anymore is one of the basic forms of charity. Sort different donation boxes for clothes, toys, shoes, and household items. If you are a traveler, you can even put together a box of hotel toiletries and donate it to the needy.

Eczema is a health condition in which the skin gets extremely dry, leading to itchy patches. A disciplined lifestyle can help manage the symptoms, but since this is a chronic disease, it can get increasingly uncomfortable and overwhelming. Therefore, loved ones should provide those with eczema a safe space to share their troubles and educate others on the subject. Here are some facts about eczema to create more awareness and empathy. Eczema is not “just a rash” Unlike what most people falsely assume, eczema is more than just a rash. It is a chronic condition that needs extreme care and attention to be managed on a daily basis. This involves staying away from environmental triggers, soaps, shampoos, and any product that may lead to unprecedented flare-ups. Even food choices need a lot of screening. Itchy skin can cause insomnia Eczema flare-ups can also occur during the night. When that happens, it gets incredibly uncomfortable for patients to sleep due to itchy skin. This sleep disruption affects anywhere between 33% to 87.1% of adults and close to 83% of children with the condition. A lack of sleep, in turn, causes other complications like stress and irritability. Poor hygiene is not the cause Eczema is an auto-immune disease and does not occur due to poor hygiene. However, those already suffering from the condition may experience flare-ups due to improper hygiene. Therefore, patients need extreme care when it comes to cleanliness. Choosing shampoo, soap, cleaning products, and even clothes can be difficult, and keeping a checklist of things can get exhausting. It affects mental health While eczema is a physical condition, its complications and flare-ups can easily lead to stress and anxiety, not to mention the taboo around the disease and social perception, which can give rise to alienation and loneliness. It is important for patients to have a support group that helps them navigate through the complicated emotions they may experience while battling the disease.

Although made from skin cells, fingernails and toenails are hard due to the laminated layers of a protein called keratin. Regardless of their texture, nails are an essential body part as they help us pick up things and protect our toes and fingers. Hence it’s crucial to care for them and maintain their health and appearance. What follows are a few dos and don’ts when practicing a nail care routine. Dos for healthy nails Keep them dry and clean Fingernails and toenails shouldn’t be kept wet for too long as moisture is a hotbed of bacteria production. Soaking the nails in water for an extended period can also lead to a split in the fingernails, which can become painful and lead to infections. Always wear rubber gloves with a cotton inner lining when washing dishes and cleaning the house or bathroom. They will keep your hands and nails from getting wet and coming into contact with harsh chemicals. Cut them regularly An essential component of good personal hygiene is cutting the nails regularly. While you can get a manicure from a professional, using clean clippers at home will also do the job. Cut the tips across and then shape them from the sides for a gentle curve that doesn’t hurt or get stuck in clothes. Moisturize Yes, you must moisturize the cuticles and fingernails. Nail dryness can lead to the formation of painful dead skin, cracks, and flaky skin. Besides using a moisturizer, you can apply a nail hardener that helps strengthen the nails. Don’ts for healthy nails Bite your nails Biting the nails and cuticles is a habit some unknowingly develop. A minor cut alongside the fingernail can cause mouth bacteria to enter the wound, causing an infection. Biting the cuticles can also cause inflammation, which can be painful. Pull off hangnails Don’t pull off any part of the nail if it’s hanging or broken.

When people think of cleaning tools, certain images may pop into their heads; a brush, a suction cup, a cleaning cloth, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a scrubber, and so on. However, besides these, there are a host of unconventional tools and solutions that be just as effective in cleaning surfaces and items. Most people may not know about these and, therefore, will never have experienced their effectiveness. Here are some such cleaning tools: Advanced baking soda spray Many people know about baking soda’s underrated cleansing properties, but not many may try baking soda spray to clean furniture upholstery. All one needs to do is take warm water and mix about three tablespoons of baking soda. People can add a few drops of scented oil into the mix for fragrant results. This spray is useful for cleaning fabrics. Before using a baking soda spray, all one needs to do is mix just the right amount of baking soda and sweet-smelling oils so that the odor never becomes overwhelming and the soda’s residue does not stay behind on materials. Sliding door track cleaning brush A sliding door track is incredibly useful to clear dirt and dust from the track of a sliding door. As one knows, cleaning those tracks is a difficult task, so having a flexible tool that enables people to do so without breaking into a sweat can be a blessing in disguise. Barbed drain snaking device A snaking device is not exactly a novelty, but most people may not use it to cleanse their clogged drainage systems. In that sense, this tool falls perfectly into this list of unusual or weird cleaning tools out there. One really needs to try this tool out before believing its sheer effectiveness in yanking out clogged trash, dirt particles, hair, paper, and other items that may choke the drainage system.

Wristbands are to modern fashion what jewelries were in the past. They enhance appearance, adding charm to your otherwise bare hands. While they don’t shine as much as gold or diamond, they’re much cheaper, usually costing under $10. More and more people are embracing them today, and for that reason, new and trendy designs keep popping up everywhere. Read on to check out some of our favorite wristband designs in 2021. American flag silicone wristbands If you live and breathe America, there is a variety of American flag silicone wristbands that you can choose from. It gives you the chance to show your patriotism while staying in fashion. You can customize it as well and add some phrases, words, or letters. Each wristband costs just $1 on the Trendy Wristbands website, so you can buy in bulk and distribute them to friends and family on Independence Day. Rainbow wristbands Join the Pride parade and support the LGBTQ community by sporting a rainbow wristband. These cost under $10 per piece on Amazon and are made from a highly durable silicone material. The wristband feels soft and light and goes with most types of clothing. ‘Save The Date’ silicone wristbands A box of 100 ‘Save The Date’ wristbands costs $100 on the Trendy Wristbands website, which comes out to $1 per band. They are reasonably priced, and you can buy them when you’ve decided on the wedding date. No one will dare forget it once they have one of these around their wrist. The bands are made from silicone, so they’ll last even after your wedding day.  Single color blank wristbands Fancy is good, but sometimes you need to go simple. A plain wristband epitomizes simplicity and is yet elegant at the same time. It doesn’t have any design, featuring just a solid, even color.

Unisex fashion has gained the most popularity over the past few years. Clothing styles and apparel that people of all genders can wear together prompted this boom in trend. But some styles never go out of fashion and the ubiquitous jacket is one such example. Several popular jacket styles have made a dashing comeback from last season. And we have picked the three best unisex jacket trends of 2021. Bomber jackets Bomber jackets are usually made with leather, nylon, polyester, or cotton materials. This short-waisted, zippered, full-sleeved attire works well with quite a few combinations. Popular styles include flat round collars or shirt collars for quilted, denim, Sherpa, or padded jacket patterns. The jacket got its name from World War I as back in the day, it was a standard issue for military personnel. Several decades later, major fashion labels picked up the style and modified it for men as well as women. Michael Kors, Adidas, and Levi’s rank among some of the top brands that sell bomber jackets for unisex wear. These trending unisex jackets cost anywhere between $150 and $350. Puffer jackets Puffer jackets are both stylish and highly functional, making a popular comeback among the top unisex jacket trends of 2021. They are even fit for royalty, considering the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seen sporting these jackets on a chilly day outdoors. The jacket is normally made with heat-trapping materials to keep the inner coating warm, stuffed with either duck or goose feathers. Its unique stitching gives the jackets a puffed-up look, thereby earning its name. Orolay, The North Face, Patagonia Nano, Calvin Klein, Universal Standard, and Nautica Faux Fur are some of the most popular picks in puffer jackets you can order online. These jackets are reasonably priced at $50 to $200 for most of these brands.