With more and more people continuing to work, study, and stay at home these days, it’s more important than ever to make your home your sanctuary–a space that invites peace and flow. Here are 6 ways to create good vibes in your space:

1. Plan It Out 
Use a weekly planner to plan out your days each week. These can be store-bought planners or even bullet journals you design yourself. It should be easy and practical for you. Plan out each day’s tasks, weekly meal plan, a self care routine, and maybe even a motivational quote or theme for the week.

2. Think inside the Box
Don’t allow papers to pile up and become an unmanageable mess. Use boxes or bins that fit with your room’s aesthetic to help with paperwork storage. Make the bins easily accessible and keep documents separated within the bin if needed.

3. Bring Nature Indoors
Plants produce oxygen so it’s important to have at least one live plant in your workspace. Houseplants like philodendron or succulents are great since they don’t need to be watered regularly. They add a great pop of green and keep the room feeling fresh. You could also have fresh cut flowers in a vase, but keep in mind that they would need to be replaced every week or so. A more economical solution could be realistic faux flowers in a simple white vase or jug.

4. Create a Meditation Space
Meditation has proven health benefits, such as a reduction in anxiety. It also promotes clear thinking. Having a space to meditate, first thing in the morning if possible, is a wonderful way to start your day off on the right foot. This could be as simple as a corner near a sunny window or space in the middle of the floor.

5. A Soft Place to Land
For those days when work gets to be too much, taking a break from the computer or desk is much needed. If you have a small sofa or even a comfortable chair to move to during breaks, it will keep you from being tempted to turn back to the computer while trying to relax.

6. White Noise May Eliminate Distraction
If you are one of those people who likes to have background noise while working, consider having white noise such as birds singing, ocean waves, or even coffee shop background noise playing while you work. Sometimes having some noise can blend into the background while keeping distracting thoughts at bay.

This post originally appeared on The Haute Mommy Handbook.

Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.

 

One thing that’s universal in parenting, especially in the earliest days, is the need to keep an eye on your little one. Whether you’re trying to squeeze in some me-time (or a snooze yourself!) while the baby is napping or need to keep a watchful eye on an adventurous toddler trying to climb out of their crib, a baby monitor is essential for being able to look in on the kids without disturbing them.

Parent-favorite baby monitor brand, Infant Optics, has a new model that is up for the challenge of growing with your kids and your needs as a parent. The new DXR-8 PRO from Infant Optics has upgrades from the previous DXR-8 model fueled by feedback from parents.

One of the most prominent feature upgrades, and a first for baby monitors, is their new Active Noise Reduction (or ANR) technology which, when enabled, reduces background noises like fans and air conditioners so your child can be heard more clearly.

It is also a non-WiFi, closed-loop system, providing a sense of security and privacy for parents. There’s aren’t any apps to download and the system is expandable to use up to four cameras paired with the display.

The DXR-8 PRO includes a large 5-inch display (up from 3.5-inches on the previous model) with 720P HD video resolution. The unit also comes with a zoom lens included which is interchangeable with a wide-angle lens (sold separately) giving parents the ability to use a lens that best fits their viewing needs in a particular space. This can be especially useful when traveling or using in different rooms for optimal viewing when paired with the pan, tilt and zoom features of the camera.

The video monitor is available at Target, Amazon & BuyBuy Baby for $199

––Jen Watro

All photos: Courtesy of Infant Optics

 

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A study conducted in late 2020 revealed that Americans spend an average of 23 hours and 36 minutes on cleaning and housework each month—and as moms, we think that number is conservative (raise your hand if your post-bedtime routine is spent doing dishes and picking up toys). While cleaning may never truly go away, Hello Bello is trying to make cleaning and tidying up just a tad bit more…dare we say…enjoyable. They just released a brand-new plant-based cleaning line whose vibrant packaging, environmentally-friendly design and pleasant scents will hopefully make cleaning feel like less of a chore. Read on for all the details.

Hello Bello’s plant-based cleaning line includes three products: a Glass Cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner and Wood and Floor Cleaner. You’ll love that each product comes in a reusable bottle and interchangeable scent pods. When you’re ready to clean (or you’ve run out of solution), simply add water to the reusable bottle, load your scented pod and shake. And, you’re good to go!

The entire line is plant-based and made without synthetic fragrances or dyes, bleach, ammonia, MIT & BIT, gluten or phosphate. Plus, Hello Bello’s reusable bottles results in a 90% smaller carbon footprint and 80% plastic use reduction.

The 3-Pack Cleaning Starter Kit is available in lemongrass sage and cucumber scenes and retails for $24.98. If you’re already a Hello Bello subscriber, the starter kit can be added to existing or new diaper bundles.

Online at hellobello.com

—Erin Lem

photos: Hello Bello

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Researchers may have found a way for people to live longer and the answer lies with chili pepper! A new study will be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2020 that could demonstrate a significantly reduced risk of dying from cancer or cardiovascular disease when people consume chili pepper.

After analyzing 570,000 individuals in the United States, Italy, China and Iran and combing through 4,729 studies, researchers produced four unique studies on the power of chili peppers. So what did they discover?

photo: Timothy Brock via Unsplash

Science has long known the power of capsaicin (what gives peppers their spice) and the capabilities it has in regarding to being an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, anticancer and a possessing a blood-glucose regulating effect. Researchers took it one step further by comparing records of those who regularly consumed chili peppers with those who rarely or never did.

Those who did eat chili pepper had a 26% relative reduction in cardiovascular mortality, a 23% relative reduction in cancer mortality and a 25% relative reduction in all-cause mortality.

“We were surprised to find that in these previously published studies, regular consumption of chili pepper was associated with an overall risk-reduction of all cause, CVD and cancer mortality,” said senior author Bo Xu, M.D., cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute in Cleveland, Ohio.

“The exact reasons and mechanisms that might explain our findings, though, are currently unknown. Therefore, it is impossible to conclusively say that eating more chili pepper can prolong life and reduce deaths, especially from cardiovascular factors or cancer. More research, especially evidence from randomized controlled studies, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.”

While there are still plenty of unknowns, tossing in a little extra chili pepper couldn’t hurt and it will definitely spice up your dinner.

––Karly Wood

 

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Worried about keeping your kids healthy? Not being dirty enough could be the problem. New research shows excessive hygiene might lead to the increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A study conducted by the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology at TU Graz has found that highly controlled spaces which are kept excessively clean have an increased rate of antibiotic resistance in microbes. It also found that spaces which were excessively clean were prone to decreased microbial diversity.

photo: Nicole De Khors via Burst

The researchers compared highly clean environments, like hospital intensive care units, with regular environments, like people’s homes, which are affected by the surrounding environment.

“In environments with strong microbial control in the intensive care unit and industrially used clean rooms, there are increasing antibiotic resistances which show a high potential for combining with pathogens,” Alexander Mahnert, director of studies at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology of TU Graz, who is currently conducting research at the Medical University of Graz, said in a statement.

The researchers highlighted certain steps to maintaining and improving microbial diversity, which in turn lessens antibiotic resistance. Regular airing of the space, houseplants and the reduction of antibacterial cleaning agents were among the things the team suggested.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Even if you’re not an animal lover, a new study published from Washington State University may have you changing your mind about adding a fur baby to the family. The study, which was published in AERA Open, an open-access journal, found that spending a small amount of time petting a dog or cat can help with stress reduction.

The university studied the common “Pet Your Stress Away” programs that many institutions are using, in which students can spend time with cats or dogs to alleviate stress. While the research specifically studied students, the results are much more far-reaching.

photo: Paul Hanoaka via Unsplash

Researchers studied 249 students split into four groups who were able to interact directly with animals, watch others interact, view a slide show or wait their turn. The results showed that the students who interacted directly with the pets showed much less cortisol in their saliva measurement (the tool used to determine cortisol levels) after the interaction.

The results were consistent for students with varying high and low levels of cortisol going into the study––proof that some time with your fuzzy friends is good for your health.

Patricia Pendry, an associate professor in WSU’s Department of Human Development states, “What we wanted to learn was whether this exposure would help students reduce their stress in a less subjective way. And it did, which is exciting because the reduction of stress hormones may, over time, have significant benefits for physical and mental health.”

Student or parent, a little time with your furry friend can only help when it comes to ditching the stress.

––Karly Wood

 

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Summer is just around the corner, which means time for family vacations for many. It is a time to recharge for most but for nursing mothers, the thought of traveling with the little ones can feel less than relaxing. Here are a few of our tips to help ease your mind and get you breezing through your next vacay.

Airplane Mode

Before heading out to catch a flight, it’s a good idea to set aside some extra time to nurse and bond with your baby. You’ll want to keep your routine consistent when traveling.

All parents dread a fussy baby on a flight, but here’s where breastfeeding moms have an advantage. The physical contact that nursing your baby provides can help address his or her physical and emotional needs. During takeoff and landing are great times to breastfeed as it can help calm your baby and minimize ear pain.

Call Ahead

Take a quick look at your itinerary and begin identifying opportunities for breastfeeding breaks throughout your day. At Imalac, we are huge advocates of a woman’s right to breastfeed wherever she is most comfortable. However, if you prefer privacy, call the places that you’ll be visiting in advance to ask about the facility’s private areas that would be most suitable for nursing.

If you are currently pumping, it may also be more convenient to travel with a manual or battery-operated breast pump that can easily fit in your personal or carry-on bag. Double check that you have all the required pumping parts, cords, adapters, and an extra battery pack.

‘Me Time’

Don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself before breastfeeding duties actually begin. Visit the hotel gym, book a massage at the resort spa, or explore the local area to make the most out of your time off.

Also, remember to drink plenty of water and get enough rest while away as all of these factors can affect your milk supply. When a new mother takes time to nurture her mental, emotional and physical health, the result is increased benefits such as improved overall mood, reduction in stress and anxiety, and a huge confidence boost on breastfeeding.

Getting ready to travel with a new baby and family seems like a daunting task but setting aside additional time to focus on you and your baby’s needs is how you can ensure a smooth sailing vacation!

This post originally appeared on Imalac.com.
Rachael Sablotsky Kish
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Rachael Sablotsky Kish is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Imalac, a med-tech company which created Nurture, a hands-free breast massage system for nursing mothers that uses an attachable massage component to replicate hands-on pumping. Kish is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), educating and training women on breastfeeding.

Encouraging kids with dyslexia to foster a love of reading can be challenging. Discovering the magical world of Harry Potter can be a great way to develop a passion for books. Thanks these dyslexia friendly Harry Potter books a whole new world is waiting.

Book publisher Bloomsbury is making the Wizarding World a little more accessible with three new dyslexia editions of books in the extended Potter-verse. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemQuidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard have each gotten new editions published with enlarged fonts on tinted paper for glare reduction and maximum contrast.

photo: Bloomsbury

All three books have won approval by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). A spokesperson for RNIB said in a statement, “We hope that these projects will encourage other publishers to follow in their footsteps and expand the market of accessible and inclusive books.”

Bloomsbury plans to publish other Harry Potter titles in the same format soon. As of now, the books are only available in the United Kingdom, but here’s hoping they will be available in the United States soon, too.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Henry Burrows via Flickr

 

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It’s not always easy to swallow down those gigantic pills when you’re already feeling nauseated, but new research on why pregnant women should take prenatal vitamins proves it’s well-worth the momentary discomfort.

A new study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that babies born to women taking prenatal vitamins had a decreased risk of developing autism. It also found that those babies had higher cognitive scores as they grew older.

photo: freestocks.org via  Pexels

The study included 241 younger siblings of kids diagnosed with autism who are considered at higher risk for developing autism themselves. The research found the disorder occurred in 14.1 percent of children whose mothers took prenatal vitamins in the first month of pregnancy compared to 32.7 percent in children whose mothers did not take the vitamins early in pregnancy. The research also showed that while 96 percent of moms reported taking prenatal vitamins at some point during pregnancy, only 34 percent took them before pregnancy, as recommended.

“We found that even though these families are at a likely greater risk for an ASD diagnosis for a later sibling due to genetic heritability of ASD, taking prenatal vitamins during the critical early pregnancy period contributed to the reduction in ASD risk in siblings by about half,” researcher Rebecca J. Schmidt from University of California, Davis, said in a statement.

It’s important to note that this study represented a very small sample size and that it was only observational. More research is needed to confirm the findings, but in the meantime. taking those prenatal vitamins clearly doesn’t hurt.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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It just got cheaper to watch your fave shows. On the heels of Netflix’s price increaseHulu announced it’s dropping its prices—and streaming TV customers are psyched.

Hulu’s newest price plan goes into effect Feb. 26 and reduces the cost of its basic package by $2. And yes, that’s about the same amount your Netflix plan just went up by. In case you missed it, Netflix also recently announced a price change—with a $1 to $2 increase for all plans. So Hulu’s price change is pretty much an all-out equalizer.

In a perfect world you could purchase a plan for one streaming service and get everything from Ozark to The Handmaid’s Tale. But sadly, this can never happen (thank you studio contracts). And that means you need at least two streaming services (and that’s not counting Amazon Prime). With Hulu’s $2 reduction, you might feel more comfortable with the $1 to $2 extra Netflix will charge streaming customers.

Keep in mind, the price drop isn’t for every type of Hulu service. The basic plan, which comes with commercials, will go from $8 a month to $6. On-demand plan customers who currently pay $12 a month won’t see any change at all. But if you’re signed up for Hulu’s Live TV plan, you’re looking at a $5 increase—to $45 per month.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Hulu

 

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