Hoo Boy – If Santa is bringing you an Instant Pot for Christmas, then you’re in for a treat! Mealtime prep has never been easier. I’ve decided that the only limiting factor with the Instant Pot is keeping the pantry well-stocked with commonly used ingredients for soups and stews (look for this post soon)! (more…)

While prom is still quite a ways off, Winter Formals are here and it’s time to prep your daughter – or if anything, use this formal dance as a trial-run for prom. Afterall, a prom is one of the most important events in a girl’s life to date. She will be spending lots of time on the bigger details such as dress, hair and make-up but when it comes to the smaller essentials, all may be forgotten until the last minute. 

The biggest essential; the dress, plays a huge role in your daughter’s overall experience. However, many girls shop late in the game and still can’t find that wonderful two piece or the stunning cut out dress they crave. The Prom Dress Shop has an array of cheap two piece dresses you can choose from that are bound to fit your daughter’s style preferences.

So, let’s say for now the formal or prom dress from a major prom player and all of the big details have been finalized before the big day. What are the essentials every girl needs to make sure she has the best night possible?

TOP 10 ESSENTIALS FOR PROM

Bobby pins and mini hair spray!

No matter how well you prepare the hair, a night full of dancing will make it hard to keep things in place. Packing a few hair essentials will go a long way and keep your daughter prom-ready.

Lip gloss and lipstick

You’ll want to pack a few make-up bits in the clutch bag to top-up over the night. You may even want to cheat and get a lip colour that doubles up as blush so your daughter can stay looking fresh for the whole evening!

Small mirror

Packing a small mirror is a must for any evening let alone a big night like prom. A compact mirror along with some concealer will just give your daughter that extra bit of security even if she doesn’t use it.

Powder!

Combat the shine and be totally photo ready with some mattifying powder that fits nicely into your daughter’s purse. You just need something tiny so maybe a tester or travel size kit will do just fine, or look for blotting papers. Also, it’s a good idea to buy some waterproof mascara and eyeliner beforehand just encase things get emotional.

Mini sewing kit!

The last thing you want is for a dress disaster to happen but you wanted to be prepared for anything! If your daughter accidently catches her dress on something or a rip happens when someone accidently steps on it, your daughter will be glad to have a small kit in her bag for a little emergency DIY repair. Some pins will be included which allow for a quick and easy repair to keep things looking the way they should.

Body Spray

Perfume and deodorant is a must-have at prom. With over a hundred people dancing away for hours, things can get hot in the venue. It’s always a good idea to pack some deodorant or spray to keep smelling wonderful throughout the night.

Of course, the camera!

Whether it’s your mobile or a digital camera, you’ll want to ensure your daughter has this area covered to be photo-ready for prom.

Mints

Fresh breath is probably the last thing you’ll think about but is important after eating or as needed.  

Band-aides

Your daughter’s shoes may have felt comfy when she tried them on for ten minutes in the store but let her try dancing and walking on them for a whole evening! You want to make sure if any blisters occur they are dealt with right away so your daughter isn’t hobbling around for hours. To avoid sore feet altogether, consider investing in quality dance footwear from Ballroom Shoes, designed for hours of movement, they offer the comfort and support your daughter needs to dance the night away blister-free.

Nail Polish

Your daughter may want to add a bit of shine and touch up on her nails during the evening. A clear polish will do the trick!

With all these things to think about, you may think the list never ends. However, these are just small essentials but the biggest one is to remind your daughter it’s all about having a wonderful night!

I have a friend who owns the best Thai food restaurant in my hometown, and people are often blown away by the beautiful variety of produce (much of it she grows herself!) in her spicy creations. Some of her dishes have Thai Eggplants in them, and I love the texture, flavor and tiny soft seeds. The outer skin is also fairly thin, so it’s easy to eat and cooks down well. (more…)

When children are young, they are continually learning through their interactions and playing. Teaching your child how to play and interact with others is essential to help them develop and grow into productive members of society, and they may get a lot more from their playtime than you realize! Translation: Take away that iPad, as here are the reasons why your child should have some good ol’ fashioned child’s play!

• Physical Abilities – Through play,  your child will learn hand-eye coordination and balance.
• Cognitive Abilities – They will also learn to solve problems through their play and interactions with their peers.
• Communication Abilities – Through playing, your child can help to develop their communication skills and improve vocabulary as well as written and oral communication.
• Social Skills – A child also develops the social skills that they need to get on with other people through play.

Playing Is Healthy And Reduces Stress

Whether your children play a physical game which involves running and jumping, or whether they are using their brains and thinking, playing is good for you and is an excellent way to reduce stress. If you are thinking of putting your child into child care, you will want to ensure that the facility that you choose has an active and varied curriculum which includes plenty of physical exercise.

More Complex Than It First Appears

You can often find that the games that children play can be a lot more complex than you first think, especially when they are using their imagination. I remember listening to my daughter play with friends when she was small, and they would come up with elaborate games, or playtime stories with lots of details Mind blown!
The games that your child will play can vary from physical, symbolic, functional, or sociodramatic, and the level of complexity may just surprise you. Next time your child is playing with a group of friends take the time to listen and watch what they do, and it will give you an insight into a side of play that you may never have thought about before.

Take Time To Play With Your Child

You will find that you will also benefit from playing with your child so it is worthwhile making an effort to share in their playtime. Regular playtime is an essential part of the daily life of a child and will help them to develop physical, language, cognitive, emotional, and social skills that they will need in their lives. Through play, you can also reinforce your bond with your child and share in their enjoyment and imagination.

Stretch Their Imaginations Outside

Playing outside is excellent for kids and allows them to get plenty of fresh air while they also receive that much-needed exercise.

Remember your childhood and spark the imagination of your child from stories of what you did with your friends. Help them to build a den, go on a nature walk and spot insects and animals, or let them partake in a sport if they wish, as it is much better for your child to be outside than sitting at home in front of a screen!

So next time you look at your child while they are playing remember that their play will help to define who they will come to be, so make sure to nurture and encourage them. If you want to read some more information on the benefits of play for children then there is an excellent article on various references online.