Even if you exercise regularly, go for walks, and eat healthy and nutritious food, you still cannot say you are living a healthy lifestyle. This might come as a shock to you but it cannot change the fact that our homes are refuge to a lot of toxic objects that we are too naïve to notice. They are so important for us that our lives depend on them even though they are causing our slow death. Which is exactly the meaning of a lifestyle — the whole picture, not just one little bit of it.
Today, I am listing a few of these items that are highly harmful to your health. So, remove them from your home today to genuinely live a healthy lifestyle.
9 things you should toss to detoxify your home
1. Plastic food jars, bottles, and plastic wraps
Plastic is a slow-ticking bomb. Yet unfortunately, it has seeped into our lifestyle in such a way that eliminating it requires us to make a lot of sacrifices.
Nevertheless, it cannot change the fact that eliminating plastic is necessary not only for our environment but our family’s health. It is made from harmful chemicals such as phthalates that can cause reproductive and, neurological damage in our system. In addition, food and water when stored in plastic can facilitate the release of such chemicals into these consumable items.
You can go for these alternatives instead – Glass containers, steel/copper bottles, and beeswax wrap. If you want to switch to beeswax wrap, we use Nature Bee Wraps in our home and love the way they work!
2. Non-stick pans
Non-stick pans can definitely make your lives easy given that you do not have to scratch and rub food off the
The pan that does it all! The Our Place pan. Click to shop
pan’s surfaces. But it might be a piece of fresh news to you that some non-stick pans when exposed to high temperatures can release toxic gases and chemicals. (These chemicals lie in the coating of such pans.)
Thankfully, there are a bunch of non-toxic non-stick pans available in the market. You just have to do your research well before you shop. Check out this post if you are in the market for some better-quality non-toxic pans.
3. Perfumes and deodorants
Perfumes and deodorants might solve your odor issues and give out a therapeutic fragrance but they are not good for your skin at all. They can cause a lot of dermatological issues, to begin with – skin darkening, and redness, and irritation. Additionally, they contain harmful chemicals such as aluminum, parabens, Propylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, that are toxic for you when inhaled, especially if you have asthma.
You can look for organic alternatives to protect yourself from the harmful effects. Essential oils make great alternatives, but make sure you are using the best quality, like those available here. If you are looking for a good alternative for deodorant, this specific one is free from harmful chemicals. Other scents in their product line are made with Propylene Glycol, so be on the lookout for that. This is the exact brand and kind I use on a daily basis as well as what I have Leila using now that puberty is starting. It works equally as well for both of us.
4. Fabric softeners
Fabric softeners do have one benefit but against a hundred stumbling blocks. They are composed of quaternary ammonium salts that can cause various skin problems – primarily skin irritation, redness; in addition to respiratory issues and migraines.
You can use vinegar as an alternative. Use it as a final rinse for your laundry after diluting it in water.
The same can be said for the static sheets you put in the dryer with the clothes. If you want to still use something similar, grab wool balls and put a few drops of Essential Oils on them for the scent you are looking for and static relief.
5. Bug sprays and mosquito repellents
Bug sprays and mosquito sprays are some of the most toxic things you can provide shelter to. It contains harmful chemicals that can be disastrous for you when inhaled. Additionally, according to scientific research, it can also cause cancer and various neurological effects in children.
You can switch to a homemade bug spray using ingredients such as 3-5 drops each of citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and lavender.
6. Whitener Pen
The closest we have come to erasing pen inks is a whitener pen – considering it’s just a makeshift, not a reliable solution. Nonetheless, whitener pens are extremely toxic. One can easily see it for themselves when they breathe in the highly addicting smell. Inhaling whiteners is 300 times more harmful than alcohol; it can have adverse effects on the nervous system and can obstruct the functioning of the lungs, brain, and kidneys.
7. Shampoos with parabens and sulfates
The beauty and cosmetic fraternity are growing conscious of the harmful effects of parabens and sulfates on hair health and overall health. They have been known to increase the chances of cancer – as they imitate estrogen hormone leading to the growth of cancer cells.
Having said that, consider going for sulfate and paraben-free shampoos. Don’t be fooled by the marketing labels, read the ingredients list to check. You can also make your homemade shampoos to avoid damage.
If you are looking for a new line, which is free from most chemicals, check out R+Co. They are the line I use on my hair as well as that of my girls. They do a great job, don’t add extra weight or build up on the hair, and last quite a long time for their price.
8. Laundry detergents and cleaning products
Bleach, carpet cleaner, dishwashing detergent, tile cleaner, toilet cleaner – basically all sorts of cleaners and detergents have harmful chemicals such as Diethanolamine, Fragrance, Petroleum distillates, DEA/TEA, ammonia, phosphates, to name a few.
You can instead make use of natural cleaning agents such as baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon to achieve your desired cleaning results.
9. Candles
Lighting candles might be a god-sent for stress and anxiety but they are harmful to you in numerous ways. It can not only cause cancer when inhaled but paraffin wax, used in most candles, can produce highly toxic benzene and toluene when burned.
Ergo you can go for fragrance-free soy candles. If you do want fragrance, consider going for electric diffusers. If you want to purchase high quality oils for your diffusers, here’s a link to get what we use in our home and consider the best.
Finally,
Didn’t it come as a surprise to you? Did you know that these items were so harmful to you and your family’s health? Nevertheless, there’s no point in regretting now, it’s never too late to make a change. We have recently learned that our environment here in Arizona is becoming worse and worse for allergies, and will know what everyone is allergic to inside and outside and much of this listed above we will finally eliminate for good so we can have an easier time when the outdoors start affecting us. I hope you will consider these eliminations for you and your family’s sake!
Minimalism has gained its sheer popularity for all the right reasons. This concept proved to be life-changing for many people; it simplified their life and allowed them to focus on other integral issues much more effectively.
In a nutshell, it has turned out a blessing especially for moms. You might wonder how? Because being a mom and minimalism seems poles apart; you cannot really bring them together.
Well, you are mistaken. Minimalism and motherhood do go hand in hand. In fact, it makes motherhood quite easy. When you have fewer things at home, you have fewer things to clean, and a wider space to allow free movement. Consequently, you have more time to spend with your family, aka a lifesaver for many moms.
So, without further ado, allow us to bestow all the inspiring secrets of minimalist moms to make it seem all easy.
Inspiring secrets of minimalist moms
1. They know what they want and need
How often have you found yourself debating if you should buy this air-tight jar, or let it go? I bet it has happened plenty of times wherein you have battled with your own desires only to submit in the end because you could not differentiate between what you wanted and what you needed.
Or perhaps you knew the difference but your mind manipulated you into buying that object. It told you, “You cannot let this go. It can be used in the kitchen. It’s SOOOO pretty, you definitely need this (even when you have plenty of jars at home)”
We all have been there; we all have been fooled by our own minds. But as for minimalist moms, they do not let it happen. They know that simply knowing the difference between a want and need is not enough, but that letting or not letting this knowledge affect your purchasing decision is a part of the process.
Your mind will definitely manipulate you, it will submit to temptations, but you don’t have to give it the reins. You have to control your desires and your thought process. If your mind is trying to manipulate you, challenge yourself that you won’t let it succeed, you would not be so gullible after all to fall into the trap of your mind.
2. They have accepted that less is more
All our lives we have dwelled on the supremacy of more. We have focused more on quantity than quality. Not anymore! The times are changing and with it the doctrines. Now is the time when we start believing that less is more.
All because it makes our life easy, and we stress less. It is for these benefits that minimalist moms have upheld the very notion of less is more. They do not simply believe in it but practice it as well. They do not fill their wardrobes with tons and tons of clothes. And they keep a limited quantity and that sorts out most of the things for them.
3. They know it is a group activity
As a mom, if you want minimalism to work, then you cannot elude your family’s inclusion. In other words, minimalism is more likely to work when it is adopted and practiced by all the members of the family. This is the challenge here because it’s one thing to practice minimalism yourself, and another to persuade your family to do the same.
All the more, it’s not something that you can all of a sudden ask your family to practice. It takes a change of habits, and as a mother, it needs to be included in your child’s upbringing. You have to raise your kids in such a way that they become minimalists. It has to become their way of life, it should be something that they have seen all their lives, and collected their takeaways from that.
In simple words, they need to learn minimalism from the atmosphere at home. When they see you, they will try to imitate you and that’s how they will learn. It’s a group activity and meant to be practiced together. In addition to that, you can encourage them to follow some minimalist practice to manifest into their habits and daily routine.
4. For children, it starts with toys
Tell me if it does not take hours for you to assemble your kid’s toys because there are just so many of them. It’s like your house is made of toys, not bricks.
Okay, it was a little exaggeration but it is true, our kids have lots and lots of toys, defeating the purpose of minimalism.
Now that you realize it, you know what your goal and target will be. If you have to teach minimalism to your kids, you have to start with their toys. You have to encourage them to opt for fewer toys, declutter from time to time, or donate them to those in need.
You also do not have to submit to their whims and desires in the first place. Don’t buy them every toy they point their fingers at. If you do so, you would not only be filling your home with toys but will make your kids materialists and stubborn in the future,
5. Occasional decluttering
Minimalism and decluttering are mutually exclusive. Minimalist moms occasionally declutter their homes. They do not keep things that are of zero value to them – that includes broken objects, objects they haven’t used in years even when they look new and pretty. In short, they are firm when they declutter.
They do not let things stay, they know what will be of use to them; they do not engage in a constant debate with their brain, they just throw things out if they know they won’t use them.
6. Reuse and recycling
Just so you know, when being a minimalist, you are consciously or unconsciously practicing environmentalism. Going by the simple logic, when you own fewer things, you are not exploiting the earth of its materials and natural resources. At the same time, as a minimalist mom, your goal is to reduce wastage as well. You reuse, recycle rather than buying more things.
7. They go digital
Minimalist moms know that technology can be their best friend if they make optimal use of them. For starters, they use technology to reduce clutter around the homes.
If you are looking forward to becoming a minimalist mom, you can do the same. You can limit your consumption of newspapers, and settle for digital newspapers. At the same time, you don’t increase clutter by investing in books, but you go for an e-reader, or kindle reader instead.
At the same time, they prefer keeping digital backups of their important documents. All the more when they go out, they request the shopkeepers to mail them bills instead of carrying a paper copy with them and create unnecessary clutter.
Well, that’s all there is. We have disclosed all the inspiring secrets of minimalist moms. I hope their secrets have inspired you to take up minimalism to make your lives better, simpler, and easy.
If you happen to know more secrets or have your opinions about the concept of minimalism, feel free to drop your views in the comments section. If you are still on the fence about how minimalism can help you, check out these blog posts on the topic:
Every experience can teach you a lot. Whether it is working a job, or going on a trip, there are always lessons you can learn to become better individuals and make wise life choices. Surprisingly, even in little instances, little experiences have their own significance when they can give you a lot of takeaways – both big and small.
One such little moment for me, was when I decluttered my wardrobe. I learned a lot more than just facts that decluttering is tough, and I owned a huge wardrobe.
Here are the ten lessons that will stay with me, all carrying trivial and big revelations.
10 Lessons I learned from decluttering my wardrobe
1. I have wasted a lot of money
When you are decluttering your wardrobe, there are not just one or two pieces of clothing you discard, there’s a bunch full of them – including the clothes that we bought but only wore once or twice. Now imagine how much we could have saved, had we made better purchasing decisions. Sounds relatable enough? If yes, then learn from my mistakes. Buy only those clothes that you know you would wear certainly.
2. What I thought I wanted, was what I merely needed
“I want it.”, that’s the constant thought I get whenever I find a dress captivating. There’s a desperate urge to buy clothes even when I am trying to save money. Well, I don’t know if that’s your weak spot, but it’s definitely mine.
Nonetheless, it was only after decluttering, I realized that what I thought I wanted, was just my urge. And when it comes to that, it’s not difficult to control once you realize that the world won’t collapse if your wardrobe doesn’t have that attire.
3. We can never be satisfied
I have heard from the saints, from the legends that we humans can never be satisfied. It is not some kind of epiphany but it definitely felt like it while I was decluttering. I owned so many clothes – only because I was never satisfied with what I had. Satisfaction comes from gratitude. We need to be more grateful for the things we have.
4. Less is Better
When it came to shopping fashion, I always believed having less is worse. I didn’t see the bigger picture back then. But now I do; ever since I got rid of a stack full of clothes – I don’t have less, I have more. And somehow, having less feels better. I realized it when I saw my closet emptier than before – it feels light. It’s as if a heavy load has been dropped off my chest. I also realize how much shopping was emotional for me and not in a good way. It was a coping mechanism verses an actual need of things.
5. Going with the trend and comparing is not important
Life is too short to worry about trivial things. Things like – “I have to keep up with the trend” “People might judge me if I dress shabbily.” “I want people to like me, even if that involves doing an expensive, and unaffordable wardrobe makeover”
Now that I think about it, it doesn’t matter – you don’t have to keep up with the fashion – the world won’t be affected. Moreover, you belong with the people who like you for being you – not your wardrobe.
6. We must strive to be in the present – even when picking a wardrobe
How often do you find yourself buying outfits for a future party that hasn’t been decided yet? I bet it happens all the time. But trust me, when it comes to wardrobe picking, never shop from a future perspective unless you know the event is certain to happen. Moreover, don’t shop for too many categories of clothes you know you wouldn’t wear frequently.
7. Material things only give temporary joy
This was something I already know, but it hit me only after decluttering. I remember how happy I was after buying a dress I liked. One week later, and after constant wear, it didn’t even matter.
8. “What-if” items are just a waste of space
Go back to the last time you were decluttering – you kept a few things wondering, “What if you’ll need it later?” Now, where are those things? Do you use them or are they still lying as they were back then?
I bet it’s the latter. But you’re not alone, it’s a universal story. Nonetheless, there’s no point in keeping “What-if things” because if you didn’t use it until now, you are not going to use it later – as simple as that.
9. Decluttering can significantly reduce stress
Are you finding the magic potion to manage stress? Trust me, decluttering can help a lot. It can reduce stress significantly – including the decluttering stress, the morning rush, and most importantly, I-cannot-find-the-dress-I-want-to-wear stress.
10. Decluttering is not a one-time process
You may get rid of some things, but things will be the same. I mean, over time you will buy new things and at the same time, you’ll find a lot of things that you wouldn’t need. So, decluttering is not a one-time process, it should be a regular practice that you must involve yourself in at least once a month.
Hey there, are there some lessons you learned too while decluttering? If yes, feel free to share them with us in the comment section.
Do you open your closet and fall against your back beneath a pile of clothes? Do you take hours to find that top you want to wear? If yes, it means your closet is full of stuff you don’t need; and you need to declutter.
However, I do know that decluttering can be a struggle. I mean how often have you taken out, and put back clothes in a conflict? So, the point is, decluttering requires letting go. And as they say, letting go is not easy. Nonetheless, it’s important if you want peace. If you want to attack your whole house, I encourage you to read Marie Kondo’s book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. When I read this book the first time, my life completely changed. I found so much more space in my home and felt so much better about myself. I often revisit the principals and do my decluttering at least once a month. Let’s get started on a very easy, but also difficult area, your clothes. Here are a few tips I use often when I’m decluttering and deciding what to keep and not. These work well with anyone in your family, even the kids.
How to Declutter your Clothes
1. Separate the clothes you frequently wear, and those you don’t
Letting go of clothes requires a tough heart. But before you must get to that, how about starting easy?
So, the first step is to segregate the clothes you frequently wear, and those you don’t. The first batch is definitely the one you won’t have to let go of. While for the former, you know you have to. If you have seasons and want to start with clothes you haven’t worn all season, like sweater or jeans or dresses, this makes quick work.
Now the logic behind this segregation is, it won’t be much of a struggle with clothes you don’t wear and you don’t care about. These are the ones you can let go of easily. If you haven’t worn them all season, they go right into the pile, especially if the seasons are about to change. However, sometimes even that can be troublesome. If the struggle seems familiar, you might want to follow the next step.
2. Separate the ones that are worn out or those that don’t fit you anymore
Worn-out clothes – those that look old and ragged, or have threads pulling out, buttons broken, with tears- are easy to let go because there’s no reason to keep them – making the first lot that you can get rid of, easily.
Next, coming to those clothes that don’t fit you anymore. You might be tempted to keep them on a pretense that you’ll get back in shape. I often do this with workout clothes that are too big but still in good shape. I always think about how much money was spent on them and try to wear them again, even if they are falling down when I try to run. It’s honestly more frustrating and I always take that clothing item off, sometimes mid workout, and put it in the donate pile, because it’s so annoying. But I’m not going to gain the weight back or lose the muscle I have so I won’t fit into them again. You need to ask yourself the same, will you commit to a routine where you can wear them again, or not? Would you be able to exercise regularly? Would you be able to eat clean? Are you committed to achieving being able to wear the item again?
Be honest with yourself here. If you think you cannot fit into them again – let go. If you think otherwise, separate those clothes and give them a one-month timeline. During this month, you have to exercise, eat clean, and try to reduce the fat no matter what. If you manage to do that, feel free to keep them. If not – you know what to do.
3. Know where to donate your clothes
Kindness feels good. Sometimes when you know you are donating your clothes to those in need, your heart gets bigger. In other words, you let go without much of a struggle. So, if you want to seriously let go of clothes, and want to help someone, talk to an orphanage or social services regarding clothes donation. Once you do that, clothing donation would seem like an obligation (It’s a good thing).
Here in Arizona, there are drop off boxes for shoes, clothes, household items, books and similar items that benefit local charities. I feel better about taking my items that are still in good shape to these places because they do get a second life with someone who can use them. Obviously, if the clothes are stained or not in good shape, I don’t add them to the pile. Other items I take to Goodwill because they don’t fit into the above mentioned categories.
4. Ask yourself all the decluttering questions
Decluttering can be a struggle, but it can become fairly easy if you ask yourself the right questions. Here is the checklist.
“Do I really like this piece of clothing?”
“Do I wear these kinds of clothes?”
“Would I really have them altered?”
“Is there going to be a party anytime soon, where I can wear it?”
“Am I not letting it go because it’s in good condition, knowing that I don’t wear it?”
“Am I not letting go because it created a hole in my pocket?”
“Does this item bring me joy?” — Marie Kondo question
Once you ask these questions, it’s a no-brainer that you have to be honest with yourself. Nonetheless, if you are conflicted about the last two questions – trust me there’s no use in creating unnecessary space even when it’s in good condition. If you are donating, someone can use it. Secondly, if it was expensive, it’s in the past, you cannot get the money back, so there’s no point in holding it either. And if someone can use that expensive item and actually enjoy and use it, it’s serving them better than sitting in your closet collecting dust and taking up space.
This deserves another section because it’s something sensitive. Sometimes you don’t keep clothes because you think they’re in perfectly good condition, or you wasted money on them, but because those clothes are souvenirs of moments or people. Holding onto these items can mean you are not moving on.
So, ask yourself, “Is it the right thing to do?” “What are other ways I can remember this person or moment?” Sometimes, you can look in your phone and find a photo of the clothing item, the person or experience, and keep the memory that way versus the clothing item.
It’s you who has to make the call.
Lastly, Make it a routine
You might want one piece of clothing really bad this month, but a few months later, you might even forget about it because you wouldn’t like it anymore. It’s human nature – we get bored and tired of things, especially clothes, that’s why we keep buying new, not because we own fewer of them.
So, it is highly suggestible to evaluate your clothes every now and then, make it a routine. Trust me, decluttering cannot be a one-time process, because of the same reason mentioned above, and because we own too much. We change, clothes change, as do the seasons. It’s important to remember it’s ok to change and want different things, just remember to sort out your closet as much as you change your mind.
Nonetheless, once again, to make it easier, you need to ask yourself all the right questions. (The ones I listed above, in the previous section) and answer honestly.
Hey there, do you find decluttering hard? Feel free to share your views and ideas with us in the comment section.
Are you a mom who is always on the go and wants to make sure your family is eating healthy? Well, have I got great news for you! Splendid Spoon offers delicious, nutritious meal solutions that are shipped right to your door. With ingredients like quinoa, kale, and berries, your family will love these meals. And the best part is that they are super fast and easy to prepare! So ditch the take-out menus and give Splendid Spoon a try today. You won’t regret it!
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Here are a few of the options I have gotten when ordering my own box:
Wellness shots, smoothies, grain bowls, soups, noodle bowls, and they now have green juices, and dessert snacks from Urban Remedy. I’ve had Urban Remedy at Whole Foods before, and they are a great option for on the go and actually taste pretty good! Everything I have received from Splendid Spoon has always been good, I haven’t experienced one bad item I didn’t like, some were a bit more spicy than I’m used to like the Red Curry Noodles, but they were still tasty!
Here’s a few questions you might have before signing up with my link:
This meal kit is fantastic for those who are always on the go!
This meal kit is perfect for those who have a busy schedule and want to provide their family with nutritious meals. Each meal from Splendid Spoon consists of fresh, natural ingredients that are pre-measured into perfectly portioned containers. This meal kit is super quick and easy to prepare, which makes it great for those nights when you don’t have a lot of time. Add in some fresh veggies or fresh fruit if you want to get a little extra in with the meal for the kids and yourself in an easy way.
Nutritious meal options
Every meal from Splendid Spoon consists of fresh, wholesome ingredients that are perfect for your family’s needs. In addition, they offer vegan meal plans as well as gluten-free meal plans – so everyone can find something delicious to satisfy their taste buds! They even cater to specific diets, such as paleo and ketogenic meal plans. With a wide variety of meal options available, you won’t get bored with eating the same meals all the time. And since everything is portioned out for you already, there’s no need to count calories or go on a diet. This meal kit is the perfect option for moms who are always on the go, but strive to feed their family nutritious meals.
What meal options are available?
Splendid Spoon offers meal plans for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more! Breakfast meal options include oatmeal cereal or quinoa porridge. Lunch meal ideas consist of cinnamon crusted chicken with brown rice or spaghetti squash bolognese . For dinner meal kits, you can choose meals like beef stroganoff with vegetables or pan roasted salmon with pesto zoodles. With pizza night, pasta night, taco night, and many others to choose from, there’s something for everyone at Splendid Spoon!
How much does meal kit delivery cost?
For meal plans starting at $119.99, you can get dinner meal kits with 2 servings of 3 meals (a total of 6 meal portions). If you want to make all the meal decisions for your family, meal plans start at $149.99 and consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal options. Breakfast plans include two servings each of a smoothie like my favorite, Cacoa Almond and Mango Guava. For lunch meal kits, there’s Brown Rice Taco Bowl or Beans and Greens Soup. Finally, for dinner, choices like the yummy Vegan Meatballs and Marinara Noodles or Creamy Butternut Squash Noodles await!
Can I do a reset or detox with this meal delivery service?
Yes! They have options to have a full reset with juice and shots and smoothies or you can get a meal kit where you have one meal as a reset soup and the other meals are food you chew. If you wanted to simply try the reset and not have a subscription, you can order the On Demand box, which is a one time order, and you select The Reset + and it will include meals for either 1 day reset or 3 day reset, depending on your selection.
This meal delivery service is one of my go tos especially now that we spend so much time swimming. And I need a quick and nutritious meal that doesn’t need to be prepared or shopped for, ready to go. I keep them in my freezer and refrigerator and bring them out when it’s time for an early morning swim meet or for a late night dinner. Lunch is always on the go, so these meals are the perfect swap to pop in the microwave and warm up and take on the go with me. So as promised, here is my link to order your first box and save $$: https://spl.it/1ePmwQ
At the end of the day, all we want is a good, healthy, and fun relationship with our families. We want to hang out with our loved ones, laugh over lame jokes, talk about our favorite movie characters, and go on fun vacations with them, it’s what everyone desires.
Yet such a relationship is not easy to establish. It takes effort; it takes understanding, and last but not least communication. If you are a parent, I am sure you want that kind of relationship. You want your children to walk up to you with their problems, hang out with you like they do with their friends. In a nutshell, you want to establish an interesting, and enjoyable relationship with your children.
But the question remains HOW. But why worry when we are here to help. The secret to a healthy family relationship is bonding. The more you bond with them, the more enjoyable your relationship will become. In other words, bonding is a great exercise to bring people closer together. So, here are some family bonding ideas you can keep in your toolkit.
50 family bonding ideas
1. Have regular movie nights.
While you are at it, make sure you pick interesting movies. Perhaps you can also have your debate after watching the movie.
Whether it is a game of UNO or Monopoly, don’t forget to roast each other. Go as crazy as you can. You can even mix it up now with all the different versions of UNO or Monopoly and include your pets in the pet version!
3. Cook together.
A family that cooks together stays together. So cook lavish dinners or bake cakes together, it will allow you some time with each other. It can also teach kids how to prepare food later, or even can be a bonding experience and memory with an elderly member of the family. I remember growing up making homemade noodles with my grandma and shaking out the dough to this day.
4. Solve crosswords together.
Most of us share a love for crosswords. If you all happen to be puzzle addicts, solving puzzles together is yet another great way to bond. You can challenge each other to make it more enjoyable.
5. Work on a scrapbook together.
If you happen to have little kids, then creating scrapbooks can be one of the most enjoyable activities for them. You can prepare a family scrapbook with all your family pictures, and decorate it with stars and mirrors to make the activity even more fun.
6. Go out for a drive.
When the air is fresh, and the atmosphere around screams out calling your name, why would you not go? Drives are the perfect opportunities to go on and enjoy the weather together.
7. Have a dance party.
Don’t let your age stop you. You are never too old to dance, even with your kids. Be your crazy self, show them your weird moves and let them show theirs. Dance like no one’s watching. We sometimes also do singalongs in the car because it’s fun and the kids know the song, and it’s different.
8. Challenge them with a book reading.
If you happen to have a family full of avid readers, books are a great medium to bond. Read a book together, and when you are done, engage in book-related conversations.
9. Write a funny poem together, make weird rhymes while you are at it, and laugh together.
10. Declutter together.
11. Have a family album time.
Just lie down, and reminisce about the old days. This could be flipping through your phone or a digital album now that most things are online.
12. Go go-karting.
13. Play video games together.
Need for speed, counter strike? Make your pick; video games are the best creations of humans.
14. Take weird pictures of each other.
Don’t forget to blackmail your family into putting it online.
15. Go for a long walk.
16. If you cannot keep the adrenaline in control, go hiking with your family.
17. Unleash the tickle monster inside you.
Start the battle, and make them gasp for breath.
18. Do random acts of kindness together, go to an old age center or orphanage, talk to people there.
Doing so will encourage your kids to be kind.
19. Exercise together.
Research shows that when you have an exercise partner, you are more motivated to get on track with your fitness.
20. Bake some muffins and cupcakes together.
21. Talk about business and financial markets with your family.
This is for the family with grown-ups. Turns out, the financial market is a great topic to have a conversation about.
22. Learn a skill together.
23. I bet this will be your favorite! Karaoke nights!
Just sing aloud at the top of your voice and have the time of your lives.
24. Go for a vacation.
After all, we all deserve a little break from our hectic, mundane lives.
25. Practice gratitude together.
Start a conversation about the three things you all are grateful for.
26. Go shopping together.
This has to be one of your favorites on the list.
27. Organize treasure hunts for the whole family.
28. Help each other in their work.
29. Create a budget together.
30. Create a family bucket list!
You must have done it with your friends, try your family for a change.
31. Have a bonfire night.
32. Become each others’ stylists for a day.
33. Enjoy a sport together.
Basketball, Football, or baseball? Playing YOUR FAVORITE sport with your family is a great opportunity to bond, and burn some extra calories together.
34. Paint rooms together. Does your room require much-needed paint?
Perfect, you all can paint rooms together, and while you are at it, perhaps paint each other as well.
35. Have a pillow fight.
Pillow fights are just FUN! So let the battle begin.
36. Have all the meals together.
Forget having dinners in your separate rooms. Have a rule that mealtime is bonding time.
37. Clean together.
You must dread this chore, yet when you do it together you might be able to enjoy it, and bond with your family in the process.
38. Have a musical weekend.
Sitting together with a drink in your hand, and listening to songs together as a family? How does that sound? Well, one word, peaceful.
39. Plan surprise birthday parties.
Birthdays are special days; use this opportunity to make your family members feel loved.
40. Indulge in teaching sessions with your kids.
Bond over mathematics, or science; be your kid’s teacher at home.
41. Go for car test drives.
Most family members share a love for cars. If yours does too, go for occasional test drives, or car museums for the matter.
42. Talk about feelings.
Your relationship with kids would be the strongest if you all talk about feelings with zero hesitation.
43. Tell them your stories.
Remember how I met your Mother? Kids love to hear stories from back to the days when you were young.
44. Leave notes.
It’s a great idea to take some time out to pamper your family members with cute notes.
45. Decorate the house together.
46. Go out on adventures.
Whether it is a simple boat ride, or paragliding itself, going out for adventures is the most thrilling.
47. Cuddle them with hugs, and make them feel loved.
48. Play the imitation game.
As the name suggests, imitate each other, and laugh together.
49. Do crafts together.
50. Mention each other’s qualities and annoying habits.
I will say, many of these items on this list are regulars in our house. Especially dance parties, selfie time, looking at digital albums, cuddling, crafting, and working out together. We also enjoy putting in sweat equity together which helps us all feel invested into the project and allows Steve and I to share things we learned growing up with Leila and Finlee. Every moment is a teachable moment as well as a memory and chance to bond. Don’t think because it’s not on this list, it doesn’t count! You may have your own way of bonding as a family completely different from mine!
eliminating it requires us to make a lot of sacrifices.
good for your skin at all. They can cause a lot of dermatological issues, to begin with – skin darkening, and redness, and irritation. Additionally, they contain harmful chemicals such as aluminum, parabens, Propylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, that are toxic for you when inhaled, especially if you have asthma. 
quaternary ammonium salts that can cause various skin problems – primarily skin irritation, redness; in addition to respiratory issues and migraines.
hair health and overall health. They have been known to increase the chances of cancer – as they imitate estrogen hormone leading to the growth of cancer cells.
of times wherein you have battled with your own desires only to submit in the end because you could not differentiate between what you wanted and what you needed.
The times are changing and with it the doctrines. Now is the time when we start believing that less is more. 
your house is made of toys, not bricks.
by the simple logic, when you own fewer things, you are not exploiting the earth of its materials and natural resources. At the same time, as a minimalist mom, your goal is to reduce wastage as well. You reuse, recycle rather than buying more things. 
the clothes that we bought but only wore once or twice. Now imagine how much we could have saved, had we made better purchasing decisions. Sounds relatable enough? If yes, then learn from my mistakes. Buy only those clothes that you know you would wear certainly.
want people to like me, even if that involves doing an expensive, and unaffordable wardrobe makeover”
decluttering stress, the morning rush, and most importantly, I-cannot-find-the-dress-I-want-to-wear stress.
other words, you let go without much of a struggle. So, if you want to seriously let go of clothes, and want to help someone, talk to an orphanage or social services regarding clothes donation. Once you do that, clothing donation would seem like an obligation (It’s a good thing). 
include oatmeal cereal or quinoa porridge. Lunch meal ideas consist of cinnamon crusted chicken with brown rice or spaghetti squash bolognese . For dinner meal kits, you can choose meals like beef stroganoff with vegetables or pan roasted salmon with pesto zoodles. With pizza night, pasta night, taco night, and many others to choose from, there’s something for everyone at Splendid Spoon!
reset or 3 day reset, depending on your selection.
you not go? Drives are the perfect opportunities to go on and enjoy the weather together. 
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