Symbolism and Promise Around Wedding Ring Exchanges

When your wedding day is behind you, and the photos stashed lovingly away, there’s one symbolic element of your union that remains: the exchange of rings.

Day-in-day-out, the rings you’ve shared serve as a constant reminder of your vows, your love and your commitment.

What’s fascinating about the exchanging of rings, is that this element of engagement and marriage is a ritual we still enjoy, with roots stretching back thousands of years.

The iconic image of romance

Conjure up in your mind a classic image of wedding ring exchanges from a wedding day.

Almost certainly, your mind will come to rest on the couple, hands held delicately between them, exchanging their vows, while giving rings. This iconic image of romance is the one we all cherish, want to remember forever, and will likely display on our wall for years to come.

It’s the one image which doesn’t fade with time.

The rings are still worn and touched every day. It’s even more magical to realize that this tradition stems back as far as the Ancient Egyptians!

Symbolizing eternity

The Ancient Egyptians are believed to have used rings as part of the wedding ceremony as long ago as dating to 3000 BC!

Made from reed, hemp or other plants, formed into a circle, perhaps this was the first use of a complete circular ring to symbolize the eternity of marriage?

As in many cultures today, the ring was placed on the fourth finger of the left hand. This stemmed from the belief that the vein here ran directly to the heart.

Obviously plant rings didn’t stand the test of time. They came to be replaced with other materials such as ivory, leather and bone.

As is the case still now, the materials that were used represented the wealth of the giver. Now of course, there’s no ivory, but the most discerning couples choose platinum, titanium and the most exquisite diamonds.

Moving over to Rome

The Romans also had a ring tradition.

This time, the custom around wedding ring exchanges was for the groom to give a ring to the father of the bride.

Against our modern sensibilities, this was actually to ‘buy’ the bride. Still, by the second century BC, brides were now being given gold rings as a symbol of trust, which could be worn when out.

At home, the wife would wear a plain engagement ring, the Anulus Pronubus, made from iron. Yet symbolism was still central to this ring. It symbolized strength and permanence.

Again, these rings were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, due to the heart connection.

Making rings personal

Over recent years there has been a notable trend around wedding ring exchanges for engaged couples to customize their rings.

Whether it’s being involved in the design stage, using a stone inherited from a relative, or engraving the band, couples want their symbolic rings to be unique.

Yet, this trend of unique wedding ring exchange is resurging rather than something new. The Roman’s engraved wedding rings too!

Wedding ring exchanges as a modern tradition

During the Middle Ages, rings were still a symbolic part of the marriage ceremony. However, being associated with paganism, it took a little while before the Church started to incorporate rings in the service.

It was in 1549, with The Book of Common Prayer that we first heard “with this ring I thee wed” in written form. Still part of many Christian wedding ceremonies today, it’s incredible to think these same words, and the same symbolic act, stretch back so far in history!

However, if we dig a little deeper then things get more interesting. Not only was the ring a sign of exchanging valuables, following this, the groom would hand gold and silver to the bride.

This was symbolizing that marriage would have been more of a contract between families than a union of love.

Even more amusingly, an old German marriage vow was very stark about the realities.

The groom would state: “I give you this ring as a sign of the marriage which has been promised between us, provided your father gives with you a marriage portion of 1000 Reichsthalers.” At least it was honest!

Other fascinating wedding ring exchanges traditions

In East Asian culture, early rings were often puzzle rings. These rings were designed to fall apart when removed from the finger; a clear sign that the wife had taken the ring off in her husband’s absence!

Puzzle rings have been popular elsewhere too. Gimmel rings were popular during the Renaissance. Gimmel rings are made of two interlocking rings, one for the bride and one for the groom.

They would then be interlocked at the wedding for the wife to wear thereafter, symbolizing two becoming one.

Popularity of Gimmel rings stretched to the Middle East and it’s not unusual for couples to choose something similar today (although often the groom will now wear his half!).

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Does the finger matter?

Ancient Egyptians and Romans may have worn wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand (the ring finger) but it’s not actually been standard across history and cultures. Jews traditionally wear the ring on their thumb or index finger.

Ancient Britons wore the ring on the middle finger, not caring which hand to use.

In some cultures, part of the ceremony would see the ring being moved from one finger or hand to the other.

When did we get a taste for bling?

As you can see, wedding and betrothal rings were always made using the finest and longest lasting materials of the time, and in accordance with the wealth of the couple. It’s no surprise that the tradition for more lavish rings has extended over time.

In the 1800s, rings given to brides in North America and Europe became increasingly extravagant. Gold and precious jewels from around the world were sought after and crafted into increasingly intricate rings.

During Victorian times it became usual for snakes to feature in the ring’s design, following Prince Albert’s gift of a snake engagement ring to Queen Victoria, again symbolizing eternity with the act of wedding ring exchanges.

From then onwards we’ve seen how wedding ring exchanges particularly have become a chance for individual expression.

Even with the classic diamond solitaire, the setting and cut can make the ring completely unique.

It’s why brides and grooms now find themselves with an incredible choice when picking up a beautiful band for wedding ring exchanges.

You just need to look at the discussions about different ring designs on Pricescope – an independent diamond and jewelry forum, to see the excitement which is fueled over ring design.

How to maximize the dazzle

For brides and grooms today, the wedding ring exchanges is still a symbolic element of the wedding.

Rings still absorb so much of our attention, time and budget during the wedding preparation stage.

The good news is that couples today can, with a little research about things like diamond cut, get jewels that dazzle and sparkle, in unique settings which represent their personality and relationship.

They can get a contemporary show-stopper ring which still symbolizes eternity and romance.

Don’t leave out the men

Throughout history, rings were worn by brides and wives. However, during World War II, wedding rings became popular for men too.

The wedding ring exchanges symbolized commitment and remembrance for soldiers serving in the war. The tradition stayed.

Today, men and women both see engagement and wedding rings as symbolic of love, commitment and loyalty, rather than ownership.

Couples now choose rings which are representative of their wealth. However, they also choose rings which are representative of their relationship and personalities.

Wedding and engagement rings now are increasingly unique.

Tradition will continue for centuries to come

Given how long the symbolism of wedding rings has been around, we anticipate that the tradition will continue for centuries to come.

With diamonds, precious metals and exquisite design, we wonder where wedding ring fashion will take us in the future.

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The Only Social Media and Divorce Resource You’ll Need

Social media and divorce sounds mutually exclusive. But they aren’t. On the contrary social media and relationships are deeply intertwined.

The article deep-dives into how social media affects relationships, social media and divorce rate and if the general opinion social media ruining marriages holds ground. Also, if you have a divorce case going on the article offers insights on the forms of social media-related evidence that could be a factor in your divorce case.

To understand why we mention social media and divorce in one breath, let’s look at our dependence on all things digital.

Digital devices are an inescapable part of modern life. While the phone in your pocket is a window to the world that can allow you to stay informed, interact with people who are important to you, and make your life easier, being constantly connected to social media can also have a downside.

For some, social media use grows into an addiction that can affect relationships with family and friends.

Whether social media leads to online affairs or becomes something that drives a wedge between spouses, it often plays a role in the breakdown of a marriage. That’s why it won’t be incorrect to say that social media can become a leading cause of divorce. That’s one insight on social media and divorce connection.

Social media could also be a major factor in your divorce

The influence social networks play in your life could extend beyond the end of your relationship, and social media could also be a major factor in your divorce.

When ending your marriage, you will want to be sure to understand the steps you can take to protect yourself from embarrassment and legal difficulties.

If your marriage is ending because of social media or other reasons, you should speak to a Kane County divorce attorney and discuss your legal options.

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How has social media affected marriage and divorce

Here’s an in depth analysis of social media and divorce.

The use of social media has seen a huge increase over the past decade. According to Pew Research Center, 72% of adults use at least one social media site regularly.

This number is higher for younger age groups; 90% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 and 82% of adults aged 30-49 use social media.

The most popular social media apps are Facebook and Instagram, but sites such as Twitter, Snapchat, and Pinterest also see a great deal of use.

Social media affects people’s lives in a wide variety of ways, but studies have shown that 71% of social media users find that these sites and apps make them feel more connected with others.

However, 49% of people have reported that they see information on social media that makes them feel depressed, and for some, social media has been found to increase stress levels.

While these issues on their own may not contribute directly to the breakdown of a marriage, they could lead to a person becoming unhappy in their relationship, or they could affect other emotional or personal issues and increase the likelihood of divorce.

Social media may have a more direct involvement in marriage and divorce when it comes to jealousy and infidelity.

Studies have found that 19% of people stated that they became jealous due to their partners’ interactions with other people on Facebook, and 10% of people regularly looked at their partners’ profiles due to suspicions of infidelity. In addition, around 17% of people who use online dating apps do so with the intent of cheating on their spouse or partner.

When a marriage does break down, information posted on social media can increasingly become a factor in divorce proceedings. A survey of attorneys found that 33% of divorce cases result from online affairs, and 66% of cases involved evidence found on Facebook or other social networks.

Social media during divorce

Clearly, social media is an important part of many people’s lives, and whether it is directly involved in the end of a marriage or not, it can also play a huge role in a divorce case.

If you are considering divorce or are going through the divorce process, it is important to understand when and how you should use social media, and you should be aware of the forms of social media-related evidence that could be a factor in your divorce case. Also, it would be helpful to be aware of divorce etiquette.

Since social networks are public platforms, anything you post could potentially be viewed by your spouse and their attorney.

Even if you have taken steps to make sure messages are private, the people you communicate with could potentially share messages with your spouse or with others who could pass them along.

Information shared online can be found and used against you, and even deleted posts or messages may be saved as screenshots or uncovered in an archive.

Since your updates, photos, and other posts provide information about your life, anything you share could potentially be relevant when addressing divorce-related issues. Social media could affect your divorce in the following ways:

• Marital property division

During your divorce, you will be required to disclose information about your finances, including the income you earn and the property you own both together with your spouse and separately. Posts on social media could be used to dispute the information you have reported, and this could affect the decisions made about the division of marital property.

For example, if you post a photo on Instagram showing off an expensive watch or jewelry, your ex may claim that you did not disclose this property during your divorce.

• Support obligations

If you expect to pay or receive spousal support (alimony) or child support, the amount of these payments will usually be based on the income earned by both you and your ex-spouse.

The information you share online could be used to question your claims about the income you earn or should be able to earn.

For example, if you have stated that a disability has reduced your income-earning capacity, your ex’s attorney may uncover photos you have shared in which you are enjoying outdoor activities, and these may be used as evidence to claim that you should be able to earn a higher income than you have reported.

Any information you post related to your career or your physical health could play a role in your divorce, and even something as innocuous as updating your job position on LinkedIn could affect decisions about financial support.

• Child-related decisions

During a child custody dispute, courts will be looking at whether parents can cooperate in raising children. Social media posts in which you complain about your ex, call them names, or discuss details of your divorce could be used against you, especially if your children could potentially view this information.

If you and your spouse do not agree about how to divide or share custody of your children, your ex’s lawyer might look through your social media accounts to find evidence related to parental fitness, such as posts in which you have discussed alcohol or drug use.

Even photos of you at an after-work party posted by a coworker could potentially be used to claim that your habits and activities could put your children at risk of physical or emotional harm.

• Proving infidelity

Even if adultery was the reason for your divorce, it may not necessarily play a role in the legal proceedings.

Most states allow for no-fault divorce in which a divorce petition will only need to state that the marriage broke down because of “irreconcilable differences,” and issues such as property division and alimony are often decided without considering “marital misconduct.”

However, some states use fault-based grounds for divorce or allow adultery to be considered when awarding spousal support. In these cases, evidence of infidelity gathered on social media could play a role in a divorce. In addition, decisions about the division of marital property may be affected by claims that a spouse has dissipated assets by spending marital funds on an affair.

If you have posted any information on social media about activities involving a new partner, such as mentioning a vacation the two of you are taking together, this may be used to claim that you have dissipated marital assets.

• Shared social media accounts

In some cases, both spouses will use the same accounts, or they may access each other’s accounts for various reasons, such as communicating with friends or family members.

During your divorce, you may agree to close any shared accounts, or you may decide that certain accounts will only be used by one spouse.

In cases where social media accounts have a monetary value, such as when a person or couple is an “influencer,” decisions about their ownership will be addressed during the division of marital property, and income earned through these accounts may affect the decisions made about spousal maintenance or child support.

Because of the ways information shared on social media can affect a divorce case, many attorneys recommend that you avoid using social media altogether while your divorce is ongoing.

Even if you believe that an update or photo is completely unrelated to your divorce, it could be interpreted in ways that you did not anticipate. In many cases, it is best to use other methods of communication with friends and family members until your divorce has been completed. Social media and divorce can get unbelievably messy.

Social media after divorce

Even after your divorce has been finalized, you may find that the use of social media could lead to legal issues. You will want to be aware of the following:

• Child-related issues – Depending on the decisions made in your parenting agreement, you may be required to follow certain rules about what types of photos or other information you are allowed to share about your children.

It is also a good idea to refrain from posting anything that could increase conflict between you and your ex or sharing information that could be used to call your parental fitness into question.

• Financial matters – Sharing any information about the income you earn could affect your ongoing support obligations. For example, if you discuss a promotion at work, your ex may ask that the amount of child support you pay be increased.

Similarly, if you receive spousal support payments, an update in which you describe moving in with a new partner could be used by your ex as evidence that these payments are no longer necessary and should be terminated.

• Harassment – One of the key concerns that many people face following divorce is determining the type of relationship they will maintain with their ex-spouse.

Even if you “unfriend” your ex and try to avoid any unnecessary contact with them, you may find that they are sharing inappropriate information about you or your divorce, or they may continue to send you messages or communicate with you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

If your ex commits any form of harassment using social media, you should speak to an attorney to determine how to address this, and you may also want to contact law enforcement.

Using social media the right way during and after divorce

Although the relationship between social media and divorce is complicated, there are potential drawbacks to social media, it can also provide many benefits, including allowing you to remain close with friends and family members and connect with others who understand what you are going through.

As you proceed with the divorce process, your attorney can help you understand how you should and should not use social media, and they can help you determine when you may be able to use social media evidence during your case.

Once your divorce is complete, you will want to establish clear rules and boundaries for how you and your ex will use social media. If any concerns arise that affect your children, your finances, or your safety, your lawyer can help you determine your best options for reaching a successful conclusion to your case.

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How Maintaining a Healthy Relationship Can Lead to a Healthier Life

We can all feel it when we’re in a healthy relationship, but we’re usually unable to pinpoint what it is exactly that makes us feel that way.

What is behind that strong sense of connection with our partner? Trust? Respect? Intimacy? There’s so much more. The reason why we feel that way is that a healthy relationship leads to a significantly healthier life.

But developing healthy relationships is something that needs to be maintained. Keeping it strong and stable requires a fair amount of work.

Healthy relationships are not only vital to our emotional and mental wellbeing but are at the core of our survival. Our urge to connect with others is a significant part of what makes us the way we are.

Numerous research on biological processes have discovered a strong link between our health and the relationships we keep, but we’re about to dive deeper and beyond the research results.

So if you have been wondering what is the importance of healthy relationships and how to have a healthy relationship?

We’re about to provide some clarity on why building healthy relationships feels like it does and how to maintain it that way.

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Your own personal utopia

As human beings, we’re constantly in search of our “place in the sun,” a place we can call our own, a place that will provide us with a true sense of purpose.

That elusive place, often marked by the term “utopia”, has also been described many times as non-existent or imagined.

Nevertheless, utopias do exist, but not as geographical locations. Rather, they’re discovered in the beauty of another human being, a soulmate.

When we feel truly needed, we immediately become a part of something bigger. If there is a significant someone who can be happier, trying to improve the world in some way becomes more than worthy.

This sense of purpose is the key thing that keeps us going in life, moving forward. All the little quirks of our partner(s) enrich our worlds, and these become the things that endear the most.

Of course, the physical plane is equally important as the emotional one. Numerous taboos have made our bodies into locked fortresses, turning our sex lives into guarded routines.

But today we’re past that, we’ve become comfortable with new approaches and physical aids that can stimulate all our erogenous zones.

Behind sexual experiments involving anal orgasms or S&M lies an absolute trust in our partners – the trust which can turn our bodies into temples as places of true worship.

If we’re ready to explore them with love and affection, each of them can become our own personal utopia – a place where we truly belong and have a unique purpose to fulfill.

So what makes a healthy relationship is when you get that overwhelming feeling that you have attained utopia.

Breaking the inner wall

Pink Floyd’s legendary album “The Wall, “especially the song “Mother,” brilliantly shows us how we’re all building the inner walls from our early childhood.

Firstly, we are often overprotected by our parents; then we continue raising these walls higher still on our own, not aware that we’re crushing our self-esteem and self-respect at the same time.

Respect becomes a form of hierarchy, and we start to hurt inside, detached from our true selves.

The benefits of a healthy relationship is that it is able to reestablish respect in its true form – as an awareness of another human being, and the appreciation of everything that makes an individual unique.

Mutual respect in a relationship leads to mutual understanding, eliminating the need to raise walls inside in order to conceal our weak spots, fears, or things we’re ashamed of.

Stress is one of the main building blocks of these inner walls, and the emotional and social support provided by partners is like taking a sledgehammer to it.

It has been proven that a healthy relationship is tied to a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol, especially in the case of cohabitation.

Of course, nurturing honesty and open communication is crucial for this process. Our inner walls will break only if we’re able to speak about what we feel and think with our partners in a transparent way.

Mutual respect and understanding come from honesty without the fear of being criticized. Secrets and lies have no place in a healthy relationship.

Knowing who you are not

Breaking the inner wall doesn’t mean we don’t need to have boundaries – they’re an equally important part of our health and wellbeing.

In order to reconnect with our true selves, we need to be aware of what we are not.

A great portion of social interactions today doesn’t allow us to let others know what makes us comfortable and what doesn’t, and we spend so much time pretending we’re something we’re not.

Subject to the expectations of others, we wear masks before so many people – our employers, parents, even our friends.

But by maintaining healthy relationships, we’re able to set our boundaries and maintain them.

They may seem like a set of limits or rules in a relationship, but the truth is that a loving partner will always want to know how we want to be treated.

That’s why it is crucial to let your partner know when you need some space and vice versa, as well to respect each other’s needs, wants, ideas, and opinions, being able to “agree to disagree.”

We are not fully aware of our boundaries until we establish them clearly. Once we do so in a relationship, we would demand nothing less in other aspects of our life, knowing who we are and who we don’t want to be.

The other half

There’s a good reason why imaginary friends are frequent occurrences in childhood. Blood relations are one thing, but we’re in need of someone who is able to understand us on a deeper level, as the second half of one beating heart.

This is why partners are referred to as “the other half” – studies have even shown that a loving partner can even help us recover after heart surgery.

As in the case of an imaginary friend, it’s not magic. It is about having someone by our side who is able to take our mind off the pain, able to provide a true form of emotional support.

Partners in healthy relationships feel like the lost parts of themselves, finally reunited. This is why in such relationships, we’re encouraged to make changes toward healthier lifestyles – to exercise, quit smoking, eat healthily, etc.

If footsteps toward healthier behaviors are made by our soulmates, we’re more likely to follow them towards the reunion we’ve been waiting for our whole lives. So healthy relationships are not just about realizing who we are, but also who we can become.

As you can see, a healthy relationship is like our own place in the world. A place without inner walls of fears and anxiety, but with established boundaries.

A place with a clear sense of purpose where we can become the best version of ourselves. This is what true health and wellbeing are all about.

And all it takes to maintain such a sanctuary is to take a risk and share what’s going on in our heads and hearts with our significant others.

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The Importance of Exploring Your Sexuality Within a Marriage

Although most couples wish for the honeymoon phase to last forever, the experienced ones know that the later stages of a relationship can be just as exciting and even more. But, you need to know how to explore your sexuality, and how to talk about sex with your partner, no holds barred.

Exploring your sexuality takes time and inner strength, while also being vulnerable at the same time. Allow yourself to experiment, and stumble upon exciting and confusing findings.

But first, for those looking up for “exploring sexuality meaning”, here’s a shot at it.

It means knowing your sexual likes, dislikes, preferences, and the willingness to seek knowledge that will lead to a happy, and satisfying sexual relationship with your partner.

The thing is, later in marriage, we become more familiar with our partner’s imperfections – and we fall in love with them, too. In short, we start loving each other for who we really are, and this is when the true adventure begins.

The importance of exploring your sexuality within marriage is not only about exploring sex, but first and foremost, it is about strengthening intimacy, developing trust, sexual communication and learning how to love ourselves.

Understanding your own desire

Our own needs and desires, and exploring your own sexuality are something that we might not be entirely aware of.

Discovering this is the first step in the process of exploring your sexuality.

 The simpler part of this process is thinking about certain interests and desires that you may have, like role play, for example. For this part, you can write down all the things that you know you already like, things that you would like to try, and things that you are not interested in trying at all.

The more complicated part is understanding these desires.

As you get on the journey of exploring your sexuality, you will become more aware of your emotional states, motivations, and emotions.

It is another aspect of building a good relationship with not just your partner but yourself, too. So, the question is not only what you want to do, but also how you want to feel. This question can refer to either a specific situation or your sex life in general.

Moreover, while exploring your sexuality, keep in mind that this is not something you are supposed to understand the first time you think about it.

On the contrary, it is often a slightly scary yet exciting process. So be open, kind, and patient with yourself.

Understanding your partner

Nobody can talk about their sexual needs or engage in sex talk without exposing their vulnerabilities, so discussing sex with your partner is not going to be easy.

A good place to start when beginning to exploring your sexuality is telling your partner that you would like to talk about improving your sex life, and changes in marriage, so that they also have time to think and reflect about it.

The conversation about sexual exploration in marriage needs to happen in a neutral setting.

So, not after you’ve had sex, and preferably not even in the bedroom. Make sure that you are both feeling relaxed and comfortable.

The first part of the conversation should be about intimacy and being able to feel completely safe, honest, and free in front of each other. It is important to acknowledge if there is anything stopping you from fully enjoying yourselves. It could be work-related stress, kids, some health issue, or anything really.

In this conversation, you’re not supposed to solve those problems right away – you’re just supposed to state them. You may feel a bit uneasy, or even anxious, so it’s important to listen and avoid judging. Feeling comfortable talking about one’s own sexual needs sometimes takes practice, but it’s the basis of a fulfilling sex life.

Compatibility

Once you both feel comfortable talking about intimacy, you can start discussing and exploring your sexuality around specific things you are interested in. You can ask your partner to make a list of things they would like to try, and a list of things that they would rather avoid.

Once you make the lists, see what they have in common. You can do this in any way you are comfortable with, whether separately or taking turns reading the lists. If there are things that you’d both like to try, take the time to do some planning before deep-diving into exploring your sexuality.

For instance, if there are toys or lingerie involved, you can have a cup of coffee, casually browse an adult shop together, and have fun just looking at things. Talk about it, feel free to make jokes about things, and remember that this is about your relationship and making it stronger through fun and pleasure.

Communication

Whatever you decide to do, start small, and always check up on each other after. While for many people, these types of conversations may feel uncomfortable at first, with time, they will become a healthy habit. Talk about how things went after each exploration, and let your partner know whether you would like to do anything differently next time.

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Make sure not to criticize, blame, or judge your partner, as it might make them withdraw from the whole idea.

Also, don’t worry about being perfect, and don’t take things too seriously. If you have good communication, establish clear boundaries, and adopt an open-minded, loving attitude, your sex life will become one less thing to worry about.

Last but not least, remember that sexual compatibility is not about having similar things on the list (even though it helps). It is primarily about partnering behavior in relationships and how you approach each of those things and how you make your spouse feel in the process of exploring your sexuality. So, have fun, and enjoy life with the person you love!

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Key Tips to Work From Home and Manage Kids Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

How I Have Survived Working From Home With A Toddler … And How You Can Too

Scanning news headlines on COVID-19 every day, and seeing more and more people starting to cocoon in their homes, is a very strange and surreal reality.

The fact that we don’t have a time span for how long this new reality will last can be disconcerting at times.

However, as someone who is regularly working from home with a toddler, who doesn’t nap, things can get challenging during this Coronavirus pandemic.

So, many of you might be wondering how to work from home with kids during these testing times?

Here are some tips for working from home effectively. I picked these ‘work from home’ tips along the way, as they make my everyday life a little bit easier.

1. Have a learning objective

I am an educator, and my first love has always been teaching. In our training, we are taught to have an objective for what we are teaching, which is what I try to implement in my home school now.

After completing these series of exercises/assignments, I think of the skill set I would like my students (and now my own kids) to develop. In essence, what is the point of what we are doing?

During homeschooling, keep in mind what you want the end goal to be, or even have just a single idea you want to focus on.

My daughter started learning how to knit recently, and really enjoys it. My other daughter wants to learn her multiplication tables.

These are our upcoming goals while we are quarantining ourselves this week. They don’t necessarily have to be educational, and can even be anything you have been meaning to teach your kids and never got around to doing.

Here is a perfect time!

2. Have fun

I want to make this experience as fun as possible for my kids. I certainly wouldn’t want them thinking that they being home 24-7 makes my life, and family management that much harder.

They’re young, and they are just excited about no school and no end of year testing. I am mindful to let them know how much fun we have as a family when we are together.

I want them to look back on this moment 20 years from now, thinking that it was strange, but we made the best of it and had some fun.

In that vein, I have also created a daily schedule that leaves room for activities like baking, making tents, drawing, etc., and the extra inbuilt flexibility allows me to work from home in the afternoons, and also meet everyday household needs.

3. Carve out work periods through the day

Carve out work time whenever you can throughout the day. It might be challenging to have a strict or regimented schedule in place.

As someone who has been working from home for a few years now, I find that waking up an hour and a half before the kids, gives me a good amount of uninterrupted time.

It goes on the same lines as finding time in the afternoon and then working late into the evening after the kids are gone to bed.

It’s really the only way I have been able to manage to work from home, given my toddler doesn’t nap.

4. Get dressed for work

I find that the days I am most productive are the days that I change out of sweats or pajamas. It sets the tone to work from home.

If I am in my favorite pair of baggy pajamas, I end up having a slower day where I end up accomplishing very little. I feel that the clothes change my attitude and set my tone for the day.

For me, the more put-together (but still comfortable, because I am working from home after all), I am, the more productive I am.

Maybe, it’s a psychological effect, but to make your ‘work from home’ regime more productive, ditch your favorite pajamas, and make an effort to wear something as if you were stepping out to run errands.

5. Try cooking your meals at home

I cook all our meals at home. I’m talking about breakfast, school lunches, and dinner.

I have fond memories of my mom cooking meals for us, and I try to carry on the same tradition. This doesn’t mean that I am in the kitchen every day making something from scratch.

I have about 10 recipes that I make most often and interchange them every week. I try to have all my groceries done on one day, and chop all the vegetables, and do smoothie preps that same day.

The next day (usually Sunday), I’ll cook 3-4 dishes at one time, and we use them throughout the week. This takes me easily to Wednesday – sometimes Thursday – with my fridge fully stocked with ready to eat meals.

I’ll make something easy on Instapot the other days. I find that this habit ends up generally being more cost-effective, and healthier.

Our kids get a free choice on what they would like to eat on Fridays, but everything is set for them on the other days.

Watch this video for some easy food recipes to cook at home:

6. Leave phone calls for when your kids are occupied

Working from home with kids is an adventure on a regular basis, but now with 3 kids at home full-time, it is more challenging than ever.

The other day I had an important phone call, but my toddler kept shouting in the background and asking who I was talking to.  I ended up having to explain that I worked from home and my baby was with me.

These days, and in these times, people are more understanding. Younger kids can interrupt phone calls, and video conferencing.

You can either leave phone calls for when your kids are occupied. And sometimes, you just have to roll with it and introduce them to your peers and co-workers.

7. Be disciplined

When you’re working from home, it’s really easy to put off working on something and run over to empty the dishwasher or anything else that you’ve had pending for a while.

It’s hard to stay at your desk, without letting little interruptions get in your way. Carve out different times for different things.

Make a list of 2-3 essential tasks you would like to accomplish that day and try to get through that list.

8. Take out time for yourself

In between this busy schedule, take time out for yourself, whether that means quietly sitting and having your morning coffee, a hot shower at the end of the day, or a small break during the kids’ play break.

 In the midst of catering to everyone’s needs, don’t forget your own.

For me, I enjoy 2 cups of coffee in the morning by myself.

My first cup is a necessity, and the second one is more leisurely, but I really savor this time, when the house is quiet and everyone is asleep. It allows me to collect my thoughts, check my calendar and set the tone for the day.

But above it all, when you are set to work from home, throw out the rules that don’t work in your dynamic, and breathe.

Remember that this moment will be a distant memory someday. How would you like to remember it by?

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Are Open Relationships Worth the Risk?

Casual dating or an open relationship is an appealing concept to many people that just want to have some fun with other people.

You can go out once or twice and not have to worry about bigger commitments. So the question, do open relationships work, lies in the affirmative for them.

Then there are those that continue a long-term relationship with someone while still dating others. This sort of open relationship has some obvious perks to those that aren’t ready to commit, but really like the person they are with.

So, are these  relationships a good idea or a dangerous prospect?

What is an open relationship?

An open relationship gives you the opportunity to seek relationships with other people while continuing to see your partner.

It basically means that you aren’t exclusive to each other and have the freedom to pursue other relationships. The rules for an open relationship always depend on the couple.

It is up to you and your partner to decide whether this means that you can be completely free to see as many people as you want. There is also the question of whether or not this should include sexual relationships or not.

So, how to deal with an open relationship?

Many couples can find an approach that suits them well.

Being in an open relationship isn’t uncommon for young people that aren’t ready to commit to use open relationships for dating. However, there are pros and cons of an open relationship. It is important to consider both sides before deciding if this is right for you.

What are the benefits of an open relationship?

 The main advantages here are:

• The freedom to do what you want to do with multiple people
• The chance to meet different people and learn about yourself
• The opportunity to explore your sexuality with different people

Open relationship dating gives freedom from restraints

The main advantage here is that a casual relationship gives you more freedom to do what you want while dating. One of the problems with a committed relationship is that while you may care for that person, you end up in their world.

You can feel tied to that one person to the point where you lose yourself and some of the things you like to do. There can be times when the compromises become a little too restrictive. An open relationship removes this restriction.

You can spend time with multiple people on a range of dates where you get to enjoy a lot more experiences. This can be perfect for those that are younger, perhaps just out of college, that are looking to explore their options and learn more about the world.

The chance to learn and develop with other people.

Of course, experimentation with different dating experiences also means a chance to date different types of people.

If you commit to being with one person from an early age with no room to date anyone else, you could miss out on some great relationships.

An open approach makes it more likely to strike up a conversation at a bar or a concert with a like-minded individual.

You can spend time with them on dates completely guilt-free if you are in a casual relationship.

This freedom to date different people can help you figure out what your interests are, who you prefer to be with and who you are as a person. On that note, we often overlook the fact that we all change and evolve as we get older.

We get scared of outgrowing college sweethearts because our needs, opinions or situations change.

Experimentation in an open relationship is also ideal for those that are still coming to terms with their sexuality.

The freedom to be with other people means dating anyone you like without restricting yourself on the basis of gender and sexual orientation.

For example, if you are bisexual or pansexual, but have only had committed relationships with one sex or gender, this is a great way to learn more about your tastes and preferences.

There is no reason to be stuck in a monogamous relationship with a heterosexual man, for example, and miss out on relationships with a bisexual or gay woman.

What about the downsides of an open relationship

You may think that you will be getting the best of both worlds when you agree to a casual relationship but that isn’t necessarily the case.

There are risks involved and there is a good chance that you won’t always be on the same page. If you are considering moving onto an open relationship with a friend or partner, consider the following.

• The level of honesty in the relationship
• The risks of involving different sexual partners
• The risks of falling in love with the wrong person

How open is this relationship?

There are many couples that use the term open purely to describe their ability to go out and seek other relationships.

It doesn’t always mean that they are open about the intentions, feelings or their experiences. It is important that you are comfortable with the level of honesty and disclosure in this relationship.

• Are you happier not knowing what happens when your partner spends a night somewhere else?
• Or, do you need to know everything for your own peace of mind about the relationship?

There are pros and cons to this amount of openness and honesty.

A lack of honesty about sexual partners

However, if you are closed off and secretive about your other relationships and experiences, this could backfire. What happens if you have been pursuing the same person without realising?

Should you both be aware of your sexual history for the sake of your health and well-being?

This leads to another important point. Is your partner practising safe sex when they aren’t with you?

You may trust them enough to be sure that they would never put you at risk like that. But, if they are having casual sex with other people, there is that risk that one of those other partners has an STI.

Falling in love with someone that’s not committed

These relationships can be great when there truly are no strings attached, as was advertised when you first started. But this can change quite easily.

One of you could end up developing deeper feelings where you want more from the relationship. You might even fall in love.

This could be a beautiful thing if the feeling is mutual and you decide to switch to a committed relationship. But, is that likely?

What happens when you begin to fall in love and decide you no longer want to sleep with other people, but your partner doesn’t feel the same?

• Can you bury those feelings to continue with what you have?
• Can you still watch them go out with other people knowing that you aren’t the only partner in their life?

It could be too easy to become trapped in a relationship that is only open and positive on one side. Either you talk to your partner and ask them to commit, continue with this unhappy situation or walk away.

Are open relationships right for you?

The best approach to any relationship will always depend on the personal feelings and situation. There is no golden rule for all couples. For example, if you are friends with someone that you have trusted for years, and you are both keen to try out an open relationship, it might work.

If you have that honesty and prior relationship then you might have a strong foundation where you get to have fun and experiment. If you are already in a committed, monogamous relationship then it might be a different story.

Some couples will try and fix a failing relationship by allowing partners to find what they are missing elsewhere.

This can be great for those that lack sexual fulfilment or that need a break from their routine.

But, it can be heartbreaking for those that now have to watch other people break down the protective walls around the relationship.

Also watch:

Consider your options carefully

If you are curious about the concept of an open relationship, take your time to really think about the pros and cons.

If you have someone where everything is casual and you both just want to have a bit more fun, it might work for a while. It all depends on what you both want out of the relationship.

If you are both convinced that committed relationships aren’t for you, and you have the emotional strength to see your partner with other people, give it a shot. Just prepare yourself for the moments when it stops being fun and you need to move on.

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9 Essential Money Management Tips for New Parents

Struggling with finances as a New Parent? Follow these 9 Tips to Save Money!

Babies can add joy and laughter to the boring lives of parents, but they also add a whole new list of costs to the family budget.

From clothing and accessories to nursery items to baby gears, the list seems to be endless. And. amidst all this buying spree, saving money seems to be an impossible dream.

Well, it can be really hard for you to manage your expenses while deciding what is necessary to buy and what is not.

If you are a new parent who is fretting over how to save money, and eagerly looking for money management tips, and tips for new parents, look no further.

Let this article help you to ease your financial strain with essential new parent advice, and money-saving tips.

1. Choose convertible gear

One of the key tips on money management is to choose the convertible gear. Thanks to the advanced technology, you can easily find the gear that will grow with your baby.

From strollers that convert from newborn to toddler mode to cribs that convert into toddler beds, there are various options out there. Such convertible gears help reduce the number of items you need to buy, helping you cut the costs.

For instance, when your baby will grow into a toddler, you will not have to buy a new bed or a new stroller if the existing ones can be converted to fit the needs of your growing child.

Additionally, items like bouncy seats and high chairs also come with replacement parts, making it easier to fix them, if broken.

2. Skip the nursing wardrobe

Planning to breastfeed your baby? A great choice for both your baby and your money management endeavor!

However, spending that saved money on an entire set of nursing clothing would not be a wise decision to make.

Zip up hoodies, button-down shirts, and even tank tops and t-shirts can do the job just as good as nursing tops.

Additionally, a big scarf would be as good as a nursing cover if you choose to cover up during the nursing time.

So, don’t spend too much on your nursing clothing. They might tempt you, especially if you are first-time mom-to-be, but don’t let yourself fall for them.

3. Wait for the flash sales

Tempting to buy cute little baby clothing? I know, those tiny shoes are so cute! And those sleep-suits look simply adorable. But, don’t let them trap the mommy or daddy side of you into their cuteness.

Those shoes or sleep-suits can wait in that store. Even if they sold out, you could always find some cuter ones. So, don’t rush. As a part of effective money management, buy them when there is a sale.

Make a list of things you need to buy and purchase them during flash sales. Since babies grow really quickly, spending a hefty amount on their clothes and shoes would only make your financial struggles more complicated.

So, act smartly, purchase wisely, and save money.

4. Buy clothes with room to grow

As mentioned earlier, babies grow really fast, it is better to purchase clothes that are one size up. It will help your baby grow into the clothing without outgrowing it too swiftly.

Additionally, the pants or leggings can turn into capris or dresses can turn into shirts as your baby grows. After all, money management is about how you utilize things.

5. Share the food menu

Packaged baby food can be pretty pricey. So, why not mash those fruits or veggies yourself?

In fact, once your baby has been introduced to solid foods, sharing your meal with them is also a good idea. Making them eat table food is most likely to develop good eating habits.

They will be less picky about their food when they grow up. And, what’s better than a home-made healthy meal?

So, start sharing for efficient money management and to ease that financial strain.

Watch this video for tips to make baby food at home:

6. Ditch the diaper bag

Charmed by those flamboyant baby bags?

Trust me, that tote or backpack you already have can do the job as good as those pricey diaper bags.

Moreover, if you choose to exclusively breastfeed your baby, you wouldn’t have much to carry in your bag. But, even if you choose to give formula, a bottle and a container won’t take much room in your bag.

If you still think you do need a baby bag, go for the less expensive one. The cheap ones can be as useful as the expensive ones.

7. Create a personal budget

Creating a budget is an imerative part of money management.

Money management can be really helpful in managing your finances. It helps you know where exactly your money is going and how to make cuts.

Once you start tracking your spending, it helps you identify the areas where you can save money.

Having a monthly budget allows you to become more aware of how to spend wisely. It helps you adjust your spending habits.

8. Trim down unnecessary expenses

Once you are done creating a budget, try reducing monthly expenses. Remember, every buck you save in another dollar towards your baby expenses.

Here are a few self money management to help you cut down your futile expenses:

• cutting back reliance on air conditioning in the summer
• reducing the temperature in the house by a couple of degrees in the winter
• taking shorter showers
• Unplugging appliances or lights that are seldom used, to reduce their impact on your electric bill
• Watching Netflix, invite friends over for a potluck instead of going out to costly dinner or a movie
• Holding off on upgrading to a new phone or TV

9. Ditch the credit cards

Want to stick to your money management plans?

Well, it’s time to ditch your credit cards. Simply, throw them out of your life, if you want to have a strong financial plan!

Credit cards can be really draining your bank account. Hence, to control extra expenses and spend more on the baby essentials, it is important to consider these small changes in your life.

Final words

From budgeting to reducing unnecessary expenses, there are quite a lot of changes that you can incorporate in your daily life to see big results. Small changes in spending can lead to a big amount of saved money.

When life can be enjoyed in less, why spend more and create a financial strain? It’s all about perspective and how you manage things. So, spend smartly and save greatly!

After all, it takes a lot of time and energy to earn the money that you can spend in just 5 minutes. Saving money would ensure your little one enters the world and grows in a financially stable environment.

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