3 Ways to Be a Yummy Mummy: Tips for Becoming Fit and Fabulous at 40

You made it! You hit 40, and you're feeling better than ever. Sure, there are a few more gray hairs and wrinkles than you'd like, but overall you feel great. You've got this! Now it's time to focus on becoming the fittest and most fabulous version of yourself yet. Here are three ways to help you along the way.

Get Moving

You don't have to run a marathon or become a yogi overnight, but adding some movement into your daily routine is essential. Taking a brisk walk around the block or getting in a quick workout at home are both great ways to get your body moving. Adding physical activity to your day will help increase your energy levels, improve your mood, and help you sleep better at night. Plus, it's a great way to reduce stress levels. And we all know how important that is! Here are some other ideas for adding movement into your day:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator

• Park further away from the store entrance

• Take a dance class

• Ride your bike to work

• Go for a hike on the weekends

All of these things are great ways to get your body moving and improve your overall health. So get out there and start moving! Your body will thank you for it.

Eat Healthy

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it's essential to focus on eating healthy foods as you get older. Now is the time to start making healthier choices and cut out processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of alcohol. Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring either. There are tons of delicious recipes out there that are good for you AND taste great. So do some research, find some new recipes, and start cooking! Here are some other ideas for eating healthy:

• Make sure to eat breakfast every day

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

• Limit your intake of sugar and saturated fats

• Drink lots of water

• Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol

All of these things are great ways to eat healthily and improve your overall health. So pick one (or a few!) and start adding them into your routine today.

How to Defy Gravity and Look Younger

As we age, it's inevitable that gravity will take its toll on our skin. But that doesn't mean you have to just accept it! There are plenty of ways to defy gravity and look younger. Here are some ideas:

• Get a facial: Facials can help improve circulation and increase collagen production, which can help your skin look firmer and more youthful.

• Use sunscreen: This one is important! Using sunscreen every day can help protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, which can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging.

• Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, making your skin look dull. Regular exfoliation can help your skin look brighter and more radiant.

• Moisturize: Moisturizing helps keep your skin hydrated, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• A Fitted Bra: Believe it or not, wearing a properly fitting bra can help lift and support your breasts, which can help reduce the appearance of sagging skin.

• Plastic Surgery: If you're really looking to defy gravity, there are always options like plastic surgery. But be sure to do your research, like knowing the FDA's new labeling guidance for breast implants, and consult with a board-certified surgeon before making any decisions.

Turning 40 doesn't have to be the end of the world. You can become a yummy mummy at 40 and beyond with a few simple lifestyle changes! So get moving, eat healthily, and defy gravity to look and feel your best. Your body will thank you for it.

5 Ways to Prep for Summer Fun – Even On a Tight Budget

Summer will be here before you know it – along with the heat and children who seem to stay bored all day long. If you’re like most parents, you don’t want your kids spending their entire summer vacation in front of screens, but you have no clue what to have them do. The following are just a few ideas to get your creativity flowing – most of which are very budget-friendly.

Build An Obstacle Course

If you have a shed or garage full of random items, put them to good use. Set up an obstacle course for your kids to run and enjoy. If you have old tires, you can use those for the kids to run through. If not, get some cheap Hula-Hoops. You can tie a string to trees or chairs for them to climb over and under. Once you get started, you’ll likely find many ideas to put to work.

Invest In a Pool

If you don’t have one already, it’s time to invest in a pool. While everyone would love to have a nice in-ground pool, this is not necessary. There are plenty of affordable and budget-friendly above ground pools Denver-based that will supply your kids – and you – with hours of fun.

Put the Hose to Work

Your water bill might hate you a little bit, but turning on a garden hose is a surefire way to get your kids active outdoors. Attach it to a sprinkler or have the water rain on your trampoline. Of course, you should only do this if there is a net attached to your trampoline for safety, but your kids are sure to enjoy it. You can also consider getting a tarp and soaking it down. It will be a makeshift slip-and-slide that will provide some great real fun.

Bubble It Up

Bubbles are another go-to for kids. You can purchase a large container of bubbles for a few bucks and a pack of bubble wands for next to nothing. Just refill as necessary and let your children have a blast.

Spend the Night Outdoors

Don’t just take advantage of the summer during the day. The evening and nighttime are just as beautiful. Roast some marshmallows over a fire and pitch a tent in the yard. If mosquitoes are an issue in your area, be sure to get some mosquito repellent Tiki torches or mosquito netting to surround your campsite with.

Our Trip to Charleston, WV

The Madonna High School's basketball varsity team made it to states this year.  The kids wanted to  watch the game and we thought we could all go so hubby took a day off and we all went down in Charleston.  It was a nice opportunity to  break the monotony of our daily routine and  go for a little drive.

Although the kids could have went with the Madonna students on the bus, we thought it would be a great bonding for us.  It's been a couple of years since we went down Charleston so it was nice being there once again.

The last time we were there was when my daughter's team competed for the finals of the history bowl.  

She was delighted that we could all go.  

Our son was very happy too that he could watch it with his friends.

He's very social but our daughter is the opposite.  She would rather sit with us than  with her peers.

Our team played again the number one seed which is James Monroe so we kind of anticipated that we would be defeated but it was still nice to be able to play since it has been years since Madonna qualified for the State tournament.

It was late when we drove back home.  We decided to eat at Chick Fil A and while we were waiting in line of the drive thru, we saw some deer on the hill gracing.

Top 5 Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Not Neglect

 Home maintenance is essential, but it can sometimes feel like a chore. It is easy to put things off and let things fall through the cracks. However, neglecting maintenance tasks can have disastrous consequences. If you own your home, you are keeping it in good shape. However, maintaining a home is not easy, especially if many things need to be managed. If you have let some maintenance tasks slide, it is time to take action. Read about the top 5 home maintenance tasks you should not neglect.

Plumbing

Your plumbing system is a critical component of your home. It is the system that provides you with water and waste removal. If something goes wrong with your plumbing, you will be in trouble. Plumbing issues can cause flooding or, worse, sewage backup. If you have a problem, don't hesitate to call a professional. All too often, homeowners try to fix it themselves, only for the issue to worsen and become more costly.

HVAC system

The HVAC system is the most expensive appliance in your home. That is why it's essential to keep it running correctly and not neglect it. An HVAC system that is old or not running properly can cause your utility bills to skyrocket and make your home uncomfortable. Checking in on the system as often as possible will help you avoid paying higher than necessary utility bills.

Electrical wiring 

A home's electrical wiring is an integral part of the building. Electricity is needed for everything from powering lights to heating and cooling your home. A significant issue with electrical wiring can lead to a house fire. If you smell something burning in your home, it could be because of the electrical wiring.

Talk to a professional if you don't know anything about electrical wiring. They will be able to inspect the system and figure out what needs to be done to fix any problems. If repairs are required, they will get them done as quickly as possible so that your family stays safe and your home doesn't result in a fire hazard.

Gutters and downspouts 

Gutters and downspouts are a vital part of keeping your home clean. They catch the water that would otherwise spill over the foundation of your house, which can quickly lead to mold, mildew, and other types of sicknesses.

Take care to routinely inspect your gutters and downspouts for clogs or leaks and undertake gutter cleaning when required. You should also be sure to replace them quickly when necessary. This is one home maintenance task you should not neglect because it will save you from trouble in the future.

Dryer vents

Dryer vents are the number one cause of house fires. It is essential to have your dryer vent cleaned every year by a professional. If you have pets or kids, this is even more important. A clogged dryer vent can lead to a fire that you may not be able to put out on your own.

How to Take Care of Your Dog's Health and Wellbeing

Dogs make the perfect companions and enrich the lives of their human owners in many ways. While owning a dog brings so much joy, it is vital to ensure your dog is as happy and healthy as possible. Taking the best care of your dog involves looking after both their physical health and mental wellbeing. Looking after your dog well will help ensure they stay in the best health and don’t experience emotional issues such as separation anxiety. If you want to keep your dog healthy and protect their wellbeing, these tips should help make that happen:

Choose the Best Food

Keeping your dog healthy starts by providing them with the best nutrition. Feeding your pet high-quality dog food can significantly affect their health and longevity, so it is worth carrying out some research to find the best food. Different breeds and sizes of dogs have different nutritional needs, so speaking with your veterinarian to establish the best diet for your pet is crucial. There are some great dog foods available at supermarkets, such as walmart fresh dog food, so finding the perfect food for your pet will not be a problem. Monitoring your dog’s weight and ensuring they are within the correct range for their breed and life stage is essential and is something your vet will be able to advise you on.

Visit the Vet Regularly

Keeping your pet in the best health requires you to visit your vet regularly. If you notice any signs of illness in your pet, it is crucial to get this checked out quickly so that the problem is dealt with quickly before it worsens. Sometimes it can be challenging to spot the signs of illness in a pet as they cannot communicate. Looking out for changes in behavior is a helpful way to recognize the signs of something not being right. So, if you detect that your dog is acting out of character, it is essential to check that there is no underlying problem causing the issue. As well as having their health checked, it is also necessary to keep up with your dog’s vaccines. Taking your dog for their regular boosters will help keep them protected from a range of illnesses.

Make Time for Exercise

As well as seeing the vet regularly and feeding your dog a healthy diet to keep them at the correct weight, it is also crucial that they get enough exercise. How much exercise your dog needs varies depending on their breed. Puppies may not be able to handle as much activity as a young adult dog, as too much physical exertion may take its toll on their developing joints. Looking at the recommended guidelines for your dog’s breed and age is an excellent way to determine how much physical activity they need each day. But, exercise does not have to solely involve taking your dog for walks. Enjoying playtime in the backyard is also a beneficial way to keep your pet active and help you bond.