It’s exciting when the kids go back to school after a long break. You spent weeks with them during the summer, getting through activities and enjoying their company. Now they’ve gone back to school, there’s every chance that you breathe a sigh of relief before you worry. It doesn’t make you a bad parent to feel relieved that your children have gone back to their school routines.

When that day finally arrives where they walk through the front gate, you’ll feel a great big sigh of relief. As a parent, it’s exciting to have children and to see them grow. But it’s also just as exciting to remember that you are a human being with goals, dreams and ideas. So when the kids are safely squared away at school or in childcare, you get to be you again, even if it’s just for a few hours a day. The thing is, now that the kids have gone back to school, you need to figure out what to do with your time again. There’s a saying that when your child lets go of your hand, you get your hand back. So what could you do with yourself while they are busy at school?

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• Take a moment to pause. As a parent, there are very few of these moments, so knowing that you can step back just for a moment and breathe is a big deal. With your children being safe at school, you have a chance to do something for yourself and the first thing you should do is breathe. You should remember that while you are a parent, you are also still a person, and collecting your thoughts and reminding yourself that you are a whole human being is important. A lot of people have different ideas on this, but you could do this with just a moment to sit down, breathe, and remember that your children will be back in a few hours, so you should be as productive as possible with your time.
• Clean the house. When you have the hours back where there are no children around, you have a moment or two just to clean the house and get it up to scratch again. We all know that children are the mess makers, and while they’re messes can make us smile sometimes, it’s still frustrating to be within that mess.It’s a good idea to be productive, but how are you supposed to be productive when everything around you looks like a bomb site? Get your clean on and ramp up those tunes while you do it. 
• Take yourself shopping. It’s stressful to go shopping when you have children in tow, especially if you’re pushing a pushchair around the department store. When the kids are back at school, you get that time back to be able to browse quietly without anybody pulling on you or demanding snacks. Taking the time now to go shopping is going to really benefit you because you get to enjoy quiet browsing in peace while the kids are enjoying themselves at their various childcare facilities.

While flying cars still elude us, and we’re not vacationing on Mars yet, one thing’s for sure: the crafting world is still buzzing with innovation and nostalgia. In an era where digital meets tactile, and ancient techniques blend in with futuristic innovations. For moms seeking a place of creativity in the whirlwind of modern life, the crafting landscape still has massive allure. Today, we’re looking into the most popular crafting hobbies out there.

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Eco Dyeing: Nature’s Palette Comes Alive

What It Is: Imagine letting petals and leaves whisper their colors onto your fabrics. Eco dyeing is all about using these natural storytellers – be it vibrant flowers, rustic leaves, or even the unexpected tones from fruits and berries – to dye fabrics and papers. The result? Breathtaking patterns that feel like they have a heartbeat of their own.

Why It’s Popular: As our world rapidly changes, there’s a heartwarming trend of going back to the roots. Eco dyeing stands at this intersection of art and nature. Many craft lovers are raving about it! It’s a gentle rebellion against mass-produced patterns, offering a personalized touch to every creation.

The Process Peek: It typically starts with foraging or using leftover kitchen produce. After treating the fabric, it’s layered with the botanicals. This bundle is then steamed or boiled, letting nature’s colors seep in and work their magic.

Benefits: Beyond the sheer joy of creation, eco dyeing is a profound sensory experience. The scent of simmering flowers and leaves, the tactile joy of handling soft fabrics, the visual treat of colors unfolding – it’s a holistic embrace of the present moment. Also, using natural, biodegradable materials aligns with sustainable living goals many of us hold dear.

Digital Crafting: Where Pixels Meet Passion

What It Is: Gone are the days when crafting implied only hands-on, tangible materials. The era of digital crafting is here! This involves using digital platforms and software to create scrapbooks, design personalized stickers, e-cards, and even virtual quilts.

Why It’s Popular: In a world where our physical and digital lives are so intertwined, digital crafting feels like the next logical step. Moms are loving the flexibility it offers – a spilled cup of coffee no longer means a ruined project! Plus, with platforms like Instagram and Pinterest being so popular, sharing these digital masterpieces has never been easier.

The Process Peek: Using software or apps, moms can choose from an array of templates or start from scratch. Think of it as a virtual canvas where you drag, drop, resize, and layer elements. From digital washi tapes to virtual glitter, the possibilities are endless!

Benefits: First and foremost, it’s eco-friendly! No paper waste or physical resources consumed. Also, the convenience factor is through the roof. Work on a project while waiting at the doctor’s office or during that unexpected school pick-up delay. Plus, with endless editing options, you can experiment to your heart’s content without commitment. Lastly, as we navigate the age of technology, it’s a skill that adds a feather to your digital cap!

3D Clay Printing: Sculpting The Future

What It Is: Have you ever dreamed of pottery but felt a bit intimidated by the classic wheel? Then 3D clay printing might just be for you! It’s where the wonders of technology hug the age-old charm of clay. With these printers, you design your masterpiece digitally, and the printer intricately layers clay, constructing your design in the real world.

Why It’s Popular: For modern moms juggling many tasks, 3D clay printing offers a practical way to embrace pottery without the steep learning curve. Plus, let’s face it, there’s something undeniably cool about watching your creation materialize layer by layer.

The Process Peek: You’d begin with a design software, crafting your vision. Whether it’s an intricate vase, a quirky plate, or a modern art piece, once your design is set, the printer gets to work. As the nozzle moves gracefully, releasing clay, it’s like watching a live sculpture being born.

Benefits: Firstly, it’s a time-saver! Traditional pottery requires hours of molding, drying, and firing. With 3D clay printing, while there’s still a drying and firing process, the initial creation is swifter. Plus, the ability to iterate designs digitally before printing means less waste. And let’s not forget the therapeutic joy of watching your vision come alive, knowing you’ve blended ancient art with modern tech!

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Macrame Plant Hangers: Knots, Foliage, And Vintage Charm

What It Is: Ah, the rhythmic dance of threads intertwining! Macrame, a form of textile art, involves knotting cords in patterns to make decorative pieces. But the recent twist? Merging this art with our love for greenery. Moms are crafting plant hangers, giving their leafy babies a chic seat to hang from.

Why It’s Popular: The 70s are waving hello! With a revival of boho and vintage aesthetics, macrame hangers fit right in. Plus, as more moms embrace indoor gardening, these hangers offer a stylish solution to space constraints. Although it seems simple in principle, there are various considerations to think of when taking on macrame like how to choose macrame cord and how to tie macrame knots. It can get quite technical. 

The Process Peek: You’d start with cords or ropes and decide on a pattern. Using various knots, like square knots or lark’s head, you craft a netted holder. As you progress, you can add beads or even feathers, making your hanger a statement piece.

Benefits: It’s not just about the end product; it’s the journey. The repetitive nature of knotting is incredibly meditative, often compared to the calming effects of knitting. It offers a moment of pause, a break from digital screens, and a tangible connection to a craft that’s stood the test of time. Plus, having your beloved plant dangling in a custom-made hanger? Talk about home decor goals!

Mosaic Moments: Piecing Together Stories

What It Is: Mosaic art is like stitching together a patchwork quilt, but instead of fabric, you’re using fragments of tiles, glass, stones, and sometimes even memories. It’s all about assembling small pieces to create a larger, cohesive, and visually captivating image or pattern.

Why It’s Popular: In our often chaotic world, there’s profound beauty in creating order from disorder. Many moms find a metaphor in mosaic art: taking broken or disparate pieces and crafting them into a magnificent whole. Plus, with upcycling being all the rage, what better way to repurpose that broken china or glass?

The Process Peek: Start by choosing a base, be it a tabletop, a wall piece, or even garden stones. Then gather your pieces. Sketch out your design, and start adhering your pieces. It’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle where you set the rules!

Benefits: Beyond the joy of creating, mosaic art can be surprisingly therapeutic. There’s a certain mindfulness required in selecting each piece, considering its placement, and seeing how it contributes to the larger image. Plus, it’s an excellent activity for enhancing fine motor skills and spatial reasoning. And of course, the end result is always a beautiful conversation starter!

As the sun sets on our crafting exploration, it’s evident that the heart of crafting isn’t just in the skill or the end product – it’s in the stories we weave, the histories we honor, and the futures we envision. Whether you’re a mom looking for a quiet moment of solace, a shared hobby with your little ones, or just a beautiful way to express your creative pulse, there’s a craft out there with your name on it. Here’s to messy hands, full hearts, and the undeniable joy of crafting. 

Any parent is going to want the best for their child’s education, but not every parent is willing to actively push for it. The truth is that not every educational experience is equal and, as a parent, you have to be willing to push a little harder to help your child get further. This doesn’t mean making them sit with their head in the books five hours a day, but creating the structure that supports their education. Here are a few ways to do that.

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Be involved

The most important thing that you can do, regardless of what stage your child is at and what school they are at, is support their education. Get involved with their school, stay in contact with their teachers, help to develop good study habits at home, and build a schedule around schoolwork. Of course, ensure they have time to play and be a child, but play an active role in helping them learn.

Be picky

While you can support your child to improve their performance regardless of what school they go to, the school you choose for them really does matter. Take the time to research your options, including private schools, to see how active they are in making sure that their children attain the very best results. Unfortunately, not all schools are equal, so it pays to be picky and to find a school that is just as active in your child’s education as you are.

Educate them outside the school

Your child’s mental and emotional intelligence doesn’t stop developing simply because they’re not in school and not hitting the books. There’s a lot that you can do to continue to enrich their education. Take them out to museums, help them learn about nature, experience art with them, such as music, theater, and going to galleries. Help stoke interest in things that get them thinking and imagining, rather than leaving them in front of the TV as soon as they get home.

Get help

As your child gets older, their focus will shift from learning the basics to the kinds of things that they’re going to get tested on, with memorization, higher analytic skills, and more being used. When your child gets to this age, working with a tutor can help them stay extra-prepared and can help address their weak points in the curriculum, which can help them improve their results.

Be mindful of screen time

Some people might think that technology is something of a bogeyman that too many parents are afraid of but, more and more, uncontrolled access to screen time, especially tablet and phone games, is proving a major distraction. We all know one parent whose child is literally addicted to playing on these mobile devices, make sure that it isn’t yours.

With the tips above, you can help your child gain access to all of the opportunities that can make for the best education. You can’t control everything, but you can do a lot, as seen with the tips above.

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One of the worst things that any parent can deal with would be sustaining an injury while still having to carry all the responsibilities you did prior. It honestly feels impossible, and depending on how the injury happened, you may even need a slip and fall accident lawyer as well. Needless to say, you’d be having to carry so many responsibilities, and all of it is incredibly tiring, right? Well, when it comes to all of this, especially the day and around-the-clock work as a parent, it can be possible. So, here is what you need to know about recovering from an injury while still being a parent. 

Try and Get Help

As a parent, even when injured, you still have responsibilities like teaching your children about responsibility in technology, cleaning, cooking, making sure they do their homework, etc. Overall, you have a lot on your plate, and if you work, you still need to juggle that as well. So why not try and get some help? Ask your partner, co-parent, friends, family, or other loved ones if they can step in and help. You’re going to be incredibly limited in what you can do, so you need to keep this in mind. 

Stay Involved

This is honestly more challenging, but it’s still just as important to implement. If you can, try to stay involved as much as you can. It’s very easy for a child to feel like they are being ignored by you when you’re injured. It’s a harsh reality, but most of the time, a child just doesn’t understand the amount of attention you need and why it currently can’t be given to them. Depending on your injury, you can still try and stay involved. Talk to them when you get the chance, and do light activities that won’t hurt you. Overall, just think about that. 

Stay Patient

Injuries can make it hard for parents to be present. They are unable to do their jobs, run the house, or participate in activities that they typically enjoy. This can cause a lot of stress and can be difficult to cope with. It may also lead to a lot of negativity and frustration for the injured parent, which in turn can have an impact on the kids. 

They will likely start to think that participating in sports, competitions, team dinners, and other events isn’t worth the effort because they can’t do it anyway. They could shut down and decide that they’d rather just stay home. Sometimes it affects a child like this, but not all the time. In the end, talk to them about staying patient because you’re having to stay patient throughout this trial. 

Get Your Child to Help

Kids of most ages will be able to help in some shape or form. In fact, children are usually eager to help, especially when it comes to their parents. They want to be involved, and helping out can distract them from thinking about their own injuries. Let them do something like get you a drink or grab some blankets to help ease your discomfort. Let them know they’re responsible by taking care of chores they need to do, or let them make their own food, or pick out their own outfits, etc.

Photo by Ron Lach 

If you’re like most people you want to find the best clothing and you want to pay as little as possible. The good news is that it is completely possible to pay less while still enjoying the highest quality of clothing. 

Here are some tips for finding the best quality clothing for the cheapest prices.

Go to Consignment Stores

Consignment stores are a great place for you to find high quality brand name clothes at reasonable prices. These stores are a little bit more interested in giving you the best quality possible. So you are likely to find clothes that do not need to be mended or have stains that you would have to remove.

The price cut for designer clothing can be very significant at these stores. They are worth checking out if you are looking for beautiful vintage clothing, clothes from a particular decade, or boho clothes to name a few.

Try Thrift Stores

A tried and true way of finding affordable clothing is by going to thrift stores. While you may have to visit a lot of different types to find ones that are worth your time, it’s usually well worth the search.

When you just start thrifting you should try to find as many different stores as you possibly can. It’s a good idea to put off shopping until you’ve had a chance to survey what all the stores you have selected have to offer.

Once you have learned, try to combine shopping at all the best sources. Remember that thrifting can be done online as well. However, it’s always going to be better in person as you can try on items to make sure they fit well.

Try Yard Sales

If you like vintage fashion then yard sales are a great place to find these types of fashion. You are likely to find them at very affordable prices. 

Pay attention so that you will be able to find out where different sales are taking place in your area. Finding clothing this way is a treat you definitely should not miss out on.

Shop Online

Try online shopping as well because you can find many deals this way. Many major department stores offer coupon codes throughout the year. 

You just have to keep up and try to be as aware as possible. This way you won’t miss any of the deals.

Find Affordable Clothing

Finding affordable clothing does not have to be too difficult. You just have to know where to find all the best deals in your area. 

As you can see some of the best places to find affordable clothing are consignment stores, thrift stores, and yard sales. These are all great places that won’t break the can’t.