You might have a lot of mixed feelings about getting hearing aids for the first time. On one hand, there can be some shame and embarrassment. It’s not always easy to accept hearing loss. But on the other hand, hearing aids can give you a sense of freedom and getting your life back. Finding the right pair of hearing aids for your needs can make a big difference to your quality of life. When you can hear more of the world around you, you don’t have to miss out on anything. Not to mention that wearing hearing aids could help to keep you safe too.

It can take some time to get used to wearing hearing aids. But if you follow these steps and give yourself some time, you can soon feel their benefit.

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Get Help Choosing the Right Devices

The first thing you need to do is choose the right hearing aids. If you’re seeing an audiologist, hearing aid dispenser or someone similar, they should help you with this. They can make recommendations based on your level of hearing loss, as well as your lifestyle. Some people might want hearing aids that are as small and discreet as possible. Others might want something with lots of additional features, or perhaps will want to keep it simple. When you choose your hearing aids, you’ll have a fitting to ensure they’re comfortable and working properly.

Learn How to Care for Your Hearing Aids

You need to care for your hearing aids, especially as they’re something of an investment. They are built to be fairly robust, but they can still be damaged or lost if you’re not careful with them. You can learn how to extend hearing aid life so that your hearing aids will last as long as possible. You might need to know how to change the batteries or keep your hearing aids charged. Cleaning your hearing aids regularly will help to protect them too, and so will knowing how to store them safely when you’re not wearing them.

Learn How to Use Your Hearing Aids

You also need to know how your hearing aids work. While you don’t necessarily have to understand the ins and outs of the technology they use, you should be familiar with the different features. This ranges from basics such as how to turn them on and off to things like changing programs or connecting to Bluetooth devices. Do your hearing aids have T-coils, and how do you use them? Do they have a mobile app that allows you to control the settings? Your hearing aid dispenser can show you how to use them.

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Take Time to Adjust

It takes time to learn how to use your hearing aids and get used to them. You won’t necessarily get their full benefit straight away, although you should start to notice how they can help you. It’s usually recommended that you wear them for short periods to start with. This will give you time to get used to them and adjust to how they feel. Trying to wear them full-time from the beginning can be tiring and frustrating, so it’s best to build up to it. Try out your hearing aids in different settings and situations to experience them in different ways.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Follow-up appointments are important when you get hearing aids for the first time. They allow you to check in with your audiologist or hearing specialist and make sure your hearing aids are working for you. They can also present a chance to make any adjustments to your hearing aids and their settings. If they’re not feeling physically comfortable or you have any questions about how they work, it’s the perfect time to get answers or solve any problems.

Communicate with Other People

Wearing hearing aids is a big adjustment for you, which is why it can be very important to talk to other people about it. Sharing what it’s like for you and what you need them to do to help you is a must. You need to communicate your needs and ask them to make some changes to communicate with you. This might mean asking them to speak clearly and look at you while they’re talking. It might also be helpful if they make sure they get your attention before talking or be aware if there is a lot of background noise.

Adjusting to your first hearing aids can be tricky, but they can soon start to provide lots of benefits in different areas of your life.

For some, a modern and contemporary look is their go-to in home interior design. However, for others, they might be in their nostalgic era where rustic and vintage are their preference in home interior looks.

A rustic-styled home can easily be achieved and often enough, it can be done with just a few changes and approaches to what you buy for the home. Whether you’re planning a complete home renovation or just want to make a few updates, here are a few ways to embrace this home interior design style for 2023.

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Opt for a stone veneer for the old-worldly look

Stone veneer is a classic type of material used to create that old-worldly look in your home. If you’re someone who wants to add that rustic feel to their spaces, then stone veneer for outdoor kitchens or for use internally is worth considering.

Brickwork is always a great way to add that lived-in look to the space. Bringing what is typically on the exterior, inside the home is an often fuss-free approach to home interior design. You don’t necessarily need to do anything with this material because it looks good in its raw appearance.

Some might choose to paint this type of material but it’s fairly low maintenance if you choose to do nothing with it.

Stick with original fixtures and fittings if you find them

Depending on the age of your home, you might find that when you do work at your home, you discover some original fixtures and fittings that have perhaps been covered up by previous homeowners.

While it’s not always a design style or type that everyone likes, if you’re someone who wants that rustic and vintage style, then leaving original fixtures and fittings as they are is useful. That saves you from having to rewind the clock on your modern fixtures and spending more money to achieve the style you’re after.

Search for rustic home decor both vintage and modern

If you’re looking for a rustic approach when it comes to your home decor, then there are still plenty of options out there for transforming your space with both vintage and modern rustic-style appliances, furniture, or materials.

There are lots of companies who are reinventing what is rustic and there are of course, still plenty of old-school companies churning out the classic vintage home decor.

Use a lot of natural materials and neutral color palettes

When it comes to creating a rustic look, it’s all about using lots of natural materials like wood and brick. Try to opt for these materials when designing a rustic-style home. You might also want to focus on creating more neutral color palettes too. This is important because a neutral color palette adds a rustic feel to the furniture or space in general.

Play around with texture

Texture is another thing to consider when it comes to creating a rustic-influenced home. Opt for different textures throughout the space, whether it’s experimenting with the walls, floors, or furnishings.

Embracing a rustic-styled home has never been easier in 2023, so use these tips to make it happen for your property.

Photo by Huy Nguyen on Unsplash

Hello, fashion enthusiasts! Join us on a journey to curate a wardrobe that stands the test of time. Whether you’re geeky, nerdy, punk, or preppy, you should check out some of these timeless fashion pieces and see why they should be everyone’s closet staples. 

Must-Have Timeless Pieces 

1. The Little Black Dress (LBD)

First on our list is the iconic Little Black Dress (LBD) that’s known for its versatility and reliability. It represents the solution to that age fashion dilemma of having “nothing to wear.” A true wardrobe staple for it offers comfort and suits all occasions you can think of. When choosing your perfect LBD, opt for a style that flatters your body shape and boosts your confidence.

2. A Well-Tailored Blazer

Moving on to another hero in our wardrobe; the perfectly tailored blazer. This versatile piece effortlessly adds sophistication to any outfit making it a valuable asset for both meetings and casual gatherings. Choose colored blazers that are easy to mix and match – you can’t go wrong with classic black, cream or beige.

3. Classic White T-Shirt

This simple but essential piece can be dressed up or down, and it’s perfect for any occasion. When choosing a classic white t-shirt, look for one that fits well, not see-through, and is made from comfortable fabrics like cotton and linen.

4. Denim Jeans

A good pair of jeans is a staple in any wardrobe. Like white t-shirts, they can also be worn on casual and semi-formal occasions. When choosing jeans, look for a pair that fits well and doesn’t fade fast after a few washes.

5. Night Gowns

Night gowns are not typically meant to be worn outside, but it’s still a worthy timeless piece that you should have in your closet. It encapsulates comfort, style, and a royal allure during the leisure hours.  Additionally, a comfortable and stylish nightgown is essential for a good night’s sleep, which helps with your overall well-being. When choosing a nightgown, look for one that is made from a soft and breathable fabric, like the night gowns by Natori. You may also want to consider choosing a nightgown that is flattering to your figure, which Natori offers dozens of styles and shapes to choose from.

Stylish and Comfortable Footwear

1. Ballet Flats and Heels

Proceeding to footwear, the significance of ballet flats and heels is undeniable. They quietly bolster the attire, offering extensive adaptability and complementing numerous outfits. Look for styles that still have cushion support so you can comfortably walk around without sacrificing poise.

2. Comfortable Sneakers

This blog post is not complete without including comfortable sneakers on our list. Merging style with comfort, a chic pair of sneakers affirms its place in the timeless wardrobe, ensuring foot comfort without compromising on the aesthetic appeal. White sneakers are safe options, but don’t be afraid to add a pop of color!

Accessorizing the Right Way

1. Timeless Jewelry Pieces

Timeless jewelry pieces like a classic watch, a string of pearls, or understated stud earrings provide the quintessential finishing touch to any ensemble, enhancing its overall charm. Go for styles that can go with both casual and formal outfits.

2. Scarves and Belts

Additionally, the incorporation of scarves and belts is indispensable. A scarf adds a pop of color, while a belt brings the ensemble together, amplifying the elegance and coherence of the outfit. 

When it comes to building a timeless wardrobe, quality should always be prioritized over quantity. Making fashion choices is important too. Investing in pieces that will last reflects the care and thought put into selecting them.

Building a timeless wardrobe takes time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it. By investing in high-quality clothing, shoes, and accessories, you can create a capsule wardrobe that will last for years to come. Trends come and go, but these timeless pieces will never go out of style.

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.

Via Pexels

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!

Via Pexels

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.