Monthly Archives: September 2018

Myth or Fact: Does Hyaluronic Acid Dry Out Your Skin?

Hyaluronic Acid may sound like something from a mad scientist’s lab, and something you really wouldn’t want to put on your face. However, there are a lot of people in the beauty industry that swear by Hyaluronic Acid as a potent formula for keeping your skin flawlessly smooth and fully hydrated.

There has been a lot of bad press for HA, as it’s known for short, however, in the following post we are going to look at many of the benefits and why it really won’t dry out your skin.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

HA is actually produced naturally by your skin cells to help maintain the levels of moisture in the skin. As you’d guess though, the same old aggressors as usual in the environment and the ageing process keep those moisture levels down.

This is why you may at times have skin that has an uneven texture and tone with fine lines, a dullness about it and sensitivity.

How Hyaluronic Acid Helps Your Skin

So, it may be time to have HA in your beauty regime, if you don’t already. If you are still on the fence about it, consider some of the following benefits.

Adequately Hydrated Skin Looks and Feels Healthier

Using HA can help top up the much-needed levels of moisture in your skin, resulting in skin that has a very pillowy, plump and incredibly soft feel and that looks radiant. You may never need to use a filter again.

Reduced Wrinkles and Lines

Another benefit from having fully hydrated skin is the fact that it will help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Yes, even those harder to deal with, deeper set wrinkles. So, HA is ideal for anyone looking to fight back those signs of aging to keep your youthful look.

It’s Versatile and Compatible with All Skin Types

Another great thing about Hyaluronic Acid is that unlike other skin treatments that often work with one person but not another, this will work with all skin types. It is compatible with all skin types. That is, even skin prone to breakouts or that suffers from high levels of sensitivity. Even if you have oily skin, there is a very good chance Hyaluronic Acid will help.

It Has Antioxidant Properties

There has been recent evidence that shows Hyaluronic Acid could have effective antioxidant properties. This means that along with the other benefits, it could also function as a shield against free radicals out of your control, such as environmental pollution and other different aggressors.

Eventually, everyone’s supply runs dry

Unfortunately, there’s no escaping father time and eventually, everybody’s hyaluronic acid supply is naturally depleted. In this case, you might consider a refill in the form of an anti wrinkle injection. These come in two forms; the first is the popular Botox injection which doesn’t actually address your diminishing hyaluronic acid, but relaxes overactive facial muscles. However, this won’t work for your deep lines which appear as a result of aging. This is where the minimally invasive hyaluronic acid filler, sometimes known as Juvederm, works a treat to top up your natural supply, returning your skin to its former youthful appearance.

Is It Really Safe Though?

Yes, it really is. It won’t strip your skin or leave it dehydrated. Rather it will do the complete opposite

So, don’t worry about the rumours of it being unsafe, Hyaluronic Acid is perfectly safe to use and a lot more effective than other products on the market.

Along with a great vitamin C serum, the best hyaluronic acid serum you can afford will help you keep your youthful appearance.

Excellent Ways to Encourage and Motivate Your Children to Read

Reading is an important part of children’s development. It can help them perform better at school and in life. However, we know that some kids find it hard to have that love and desire to read that others do. What can you do if you’re in that situation? We’ve put together a list of a few tips that could help encourage your children to read more.

Reading is Not Just Learning, it’s Fun Too

One of the most important and effective ways to make reading more desirable to children is to make it fun. Show an interest in whatever they read, whether it’s one of the classics or a comic. Most kids learn to love reading because of bedtime stories. There’s no reason to stop this as they get older, but you can start to get them joining in, by reading a sentence, paragraph, page or even a chapter in turn.

Incorporate Humour

Did your mom or dad ever take a traditional story and twist it a little? Taking side steps and misinterpreting pictures that go along with the stories can help to make the books funny and that means your kids will associate reading with laughter.

If you find it hard to be funny, don’t worry as there are plenty of genuinely funny, often disgusting kids’ books out there.

Show Them What’s Beyond the Bookshelf

Often kids simply find no joy in opening a book or it reminds them too much of school, so it doesn’t appeal. This can be hard for people who grew up enjoying that sense of wonder and the smell, oh the smell of a new book, but one great way to get around this and show them that reading is a good thing, is by showing them how to access e-books.

Copy the Other Kids

Another great way to encourage them to read is to invest in the same books that their friends are reading. You can find this out by asking at the local library what books have a waiting list for them or just by asking your child’s friends what’s popular right now.

Collecting Makes Reading Fun

Children enjoy collecting things, whether its badges, toys or video games. You can encourage them to read more, by getting them interested in a book series that involves multiple titles. You could motivate them to open books and read by suggesting that you would get the next book in the series once they finish the one they are currently reading.

There’s nothing wrong with your children if they don’t share the same love for reading as perhaps you do. However, they are also not a lost cause. Give them time to develop their love and give them as much encouragement and commendation along the way as possible. By following one or more of the tips above you will find it much easier to get your kid to read.

Further to these tips though, as we all like a freebie or two in life from time to time, all moms and parents should check out https://www.bookbotkids.com/, as they offer free books for children.

The Importance of a Nursing Bra

 

 

The importance of wearing a nursing bra is underestimated.

There are many reasons why some women make a choice of not investing:

  • Don’t know where to purchase nursing bras from
  • Bad experience with fit
  • Lack of funds
  • Unfashionable options
  • Don’t understand the importance of breast health

Nursing bras have come a long way in recent years.  The matronly style of past nursing bras is long gone with many brands producing beautiful functional nursing bras for all budgets that women enjoy wearing.

I recommend that you visit your local lingerie boutique or maternity store and ask them about their nursing bra offering.  They will be more than happy to assist you in finding nursing bras that work for you and your lifestyle.  Going to a specialist fitter will also help ensure you get fitted correctly.

Why you should not wear a normal bra when nursing

  1. Function

The most obvious reason is function.  A normal nursing bra does not provide the basic function of drop down cups.  Drop down cups in a nursing bra allow for easy discrete feeding, that is fuss free.

  1.  Lack of support

Normal nursing bras are not designed to support a heavy milk filled breast.  They tend to be made from weaker more delicate fabrics, lace and mesh.  The straps and accessories are more likely to stretch and strain under the weight because the accessories selected have not designed to support the added weight.

NOTE:  Wearing a bra that is not designed to support the weight can lead to premature sagging and ligament damage.

  1. Lack of comfort

Normal bras do not always consider comfort and tend to be designed for fashion sack.  Laces and other nylon-based fabrics exposed to the skin can cause irritation and discomfort to the wearer.

  1. Restriction

Normal bras are not designed with a fluctuating breast in mind.  They tend to be made from more rigid fabrics that do not allow for movement.  A rigid regular bra will cut into the breast resulting in discomfort and sometimes conditions such as mastitis.

Normal bras containing wires are likely to dig into your breast tissue.  This is because the shape of a normal wire is narrower compared with a flexible wire designed for nursing bras.  A rigid, ill-shaped wire can also lead to conditions such as mastitis.

The benefits of a wearing a good nursing bra:

  • Extra support and lift
  • Maximum comfort
  • Function
  • Good shape and separation
  • Discretion when feeding
  • Fuss free

Key features of a good nursing bra

Fabric

Good nursing bras are made from strong durable fabrics that are designed to provide maximum support.

Reinforced cups

A soft-cupped nursing bra should be reinforced in the lower part of the cup to allow for lift and support.

Flexible wire

Some nursing bras will contain flexible wire that provides support and a flattering shape.  A flexible wire bra is ideal for fuller busted women.

Cotton lining

Cotton lined cups and straps provide added support and a soft luxurious feel against the skin.

Back band

A wide double-layered back band will help to provide added support.  It is less likely to stretch meaning the bra will provide a secure fit for longer.

Hooks and eyes

A good nursing bra will have multiple hooks and eyes for expansion and contraction.  This allows the back band to be adjusted depending on your needs.

Top cup stretch

A small amount of elasticity in the top cup will allow for breast fluctuation without restriction.

Drop down cups

Drop down cups allow for easy discrete feeding.  Attached by an easy one-handed nursing clip the cups can be pulled up or down with ease.

A frame sling

An A frame sling not only provides support by will provide some discretion too when breastfeeding.

Types of nursing bras

There are many different types of nursing bras in the market place.  The old saying goes ‘you get what you pay for’.

More expensive nursing bras generally mean it is made from stronger, durable fabrics and accessories.  This bra should wash and wear better than its cheaper counterpart.

Whatever you budget it is recommended that you do invest in nursing bras; no less than three.  One for wear, one for the wash and one for the draw, as nursing bras will help to make breastfeeding an easier more enjoyable experience.

Find a nursing bra that suits your budget and lifestyle:

  • T shirt nursing bra
  • Seamless nursing bra
  • Sports nursing bra
  • Plunge nursing bra
  • Non-wired nursing bra
  • Flexible wired nursing bra
  • Fuller busted nursing bra
  • Fashion nursing bra
  • Contour nursing bra
  • Budget friendly nursing bras

Like many women out there, Tracey Montford is an exceptional multi-tasker! Apart from steering a global business, managing 2 young boys & keeping the clan clean and fed, Tracey still finds time to provide creative inspiration and direction to the exceptional designs of Cake Maternity. From the branding, presentation and delivery, creativity is a big part of what Tracey does so naturally and effectively. Find out more at https://www.cakematernity.com or catch up with her on social @cakematernity.

How to Choose a Double Stroller That’s Right for You

Whether you are expecting twins or have a second child on the way, it is undeniably an exciting time. However, as exciting as it is, the reality is that you’ll need to invest in some purchases specific for having two young children in your life at the same time. By far, one of the most important is the ingenious double stroller. However, with so many different double strollers on the market these days, you might find it overwhelming deciding on one.

That is where we come in. With this guide we hope to help make the choice of which double stroller is best a little easier, by discussing the most important considerations you need to make while searching for one.

Is it For a Baby and Toddler or Twins?

First things first, you need to think about who you are looking to put in the double stroller. If you are buying one for twins, you need two seats that are suitable for babies. However, if it is for a toddler and baby, you need to look for double strollers that feature seats that can be reclined separately. This means that your toddler will be able to stay up and look at the world, while his or her younger sibling is fast asleep. It may also be a good idea to consider a double stroller that can be converted into a single one, once the older child is able to walk by your side.

Think About the Buggy Style

There are two main types of double stroller available – that is, tandem, or one in front of the other and twin or side-by-side. Both options have their good and bad points. While twins make it easier deciding who sits where, when they are old enough to compete because there is no front or back seat and they are lighter in weight; they are also much harder to navigate through narrow doorways and passages.

Tandem strollers as you’d image, are a little longer in size and although they are not best suited to twins, they are ideal for navigating in and out of places and around the supermarket. There are even tandem double strollers that can accommodate two children without taking up much more space than a normal stroller for one child.

Where Are You Most Likely to Use It?

The best stroller or strollers for you and your growing family will very much depend on your lifestyle and what you do on a day to day basis. For instance, if you are going to be spending most of your time out and about, then as we highlighted above, a tandem double stroller will probably suit you better. However, if you live on the 10th floor of an apartment block, you might opt for the lighter twin side-by-side option.

If you live in the city, either of these will be a good enough option. However, if you live in the countryside, it may be worth investing in a model with sturdier wheels and one that is designed for off-road use. You also need to consider the people who will be pushing it. If there is a dramatic height difference between you and your partner, it is recommended you look for strollers with adjustable handles. Furthermore, if your day to day life involves a lot of getting on and off public transport, the weight of the stroller and how easy it is to fold down is also vitally important.

 

Things to Look for In Baby Thermometers

Baby thermometers are one of the most important items for any new parent’s medicine cupboards. Choosing one from the selection available, can be difficult. With so many to choose from, you might also wonder if the same one you use for adults and older children is okay.

To help you, we are going to look at some important things to look for in baby thermometers, the various kinds available and why you should invest in one designed for babies.

Important Things to Look For

When trying to decide on the thermometer that is best for your baby, there are a number of factors you need to consider.

Accuracy

As a thermometer is the first port of call for determining just how sick or ill your baby is, you want one that will give you as accurate readings as possible. While digital probe models are considered to be the most accurate, temple and ear thermometers are not far off.

Time it Takes to Get A Reading

The time it takes to get a reading is another aspect to consider. Generally speaking, probe thermometers can deliver an accurate reading within 60 seconds or less, often 10 seconds is all it takes. Forehead and ear thermometers are also fast and can deliver readings within 3 seconds in some cases, and ideal if you want a hassle-free method.

Display

Think about the way a particular model displays its readings. The larger the display, the easier it will be for you to read. Backlit displays are obviously essential, for those nocturnal temperature checks.

Tones/Fever Alerts

Two other important considerations to make is whether or not a particular thermometer you are looking at makes clear and loud enough noises when they are ready to take readings and when they have finished. You may also want to invest in a model with a special feature that displays or sounds an alert tone if your baby has a temperature that is higher than it should be.

Different Types of Baby Thermometers

As noted earlier, there are various types of baby thermometers available. Some are obviously better than others. To help you figure out which is the best for you, let’s look briefly at each of the most common.

Forehead Thermometer Strips

If you invest in forehead strips thinking that they are going to be accurate enough to use on their own, you’re wrong. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t handy to have around. They are cheaper and safe to use on babies, but just be aware that they only take the temperature of your little one’s skin.

In-Ear Thermometers

Have you noticed that most doctors and other medical staff tend to use digital ear thermometers on babies? This is because they are painless and hassle-free and provide quick, accurate results.

Contactless Thermometers

Everything seems to be heading towards contactless these days, and thermometers are no exception. No-contact thermometers utilize infrared to take a reading of your baby’s temperature via their forehead.

Oral/Traditional thermometers

We mentioned earlier that we would note why it might be better to use baby thermometers instead of the traditional kind you’d use on adults. Generally speaking, although they are accurate, oral thermometers are not recommended because they are less comfortable to use and often can cause issues if your baby bites down a little too hard on them.

So, although it can be overwhelming when faced with a huge array of different baby thermometers, we hope our guide helps you find the best one for your needs and preferences.