Family Ever After Blog

Family Ever After Blog

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3 Tips For Starting Your Own Photography Business

If you have a passion for photography but have only ever seen this as a hobby, you’ll be glad to know that starting your own photography business is something that’s perfectly attainable for you. With the right eye for photo design and the right equipment, anyone can be taught how to run their photography business and start bringing in some money.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for starting your own photography business.

Start With The Basics

As with any business, a photography business has to be set up the right way in order for things to run smoothly and legally.

For starters, you’ll need to get a business license so that your work can be done legally and you can pay taxes. Along with this, you’ll need to look into things like business insurance, potential legal services, and software that can help make running a business easier, like a website and accounting services. Then, with all of these preliminary things set up, you can begin booking yourself for jobs and start making money from the pictures you’re taking.

Nail Down Your Services

Before you start booking photo shoots for people, you’ll want to make sure that you really understand your offerings and what your services should be costing people.

While it might seem like a good idea to take any job that comes your way, if it’s not something you know you can succeed at, it might be best to not take a job that could cause your reputation to take a hit. Because at the beginning of your career as a photographer, your reputation is really all you have. But once you’re able to book some photo shoots for the type of photos that you enjoy taking and do well, you can then start boosting the price for your services.

To help you in doing this, you might want to do some discounted or even free photos for people you know to help you grow your portfolio. These photos could be pivotal for creating your website or putting together a printed booklet of your work. With these kinds of things, it will be easier and easier to get future jobs.

Learn How To Market Yourself

If you don’t market yourself and your new photography business, you can’t hope to find success. The more people know about you and the work that you’re doing, the more bookings you’ll get and the more successful you’ll be. But to get to word out about yourself, you have to market your work.

Marketing your photography can be done by setting up a website, creating social media profiles, going to local events, and so much more. The more eyes on your work, the better.

If you want to do photography as part of your own small business, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you get this set up for yourself.

 

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3 Tips for Teaching Your Teenager Negotiation Skills

Admittedly, it can be tricky to teach teenagers for several reasons. Primarily teenage years are marked by chaotic changes – physically, emotionally, and even cognitively- and often this means fluctuations in motivation, attention, and behavior. Of course, teenagers can and should be taught and there are several proven ways to do just that.

In particular, teaching your teenager negotiation skills is something that’ll come in handy for them throughout their lives in many different scenarios – from negotiating with a tiling installation service to communicating with a difficult romantic partner; kudos!

Here are 3 tips to help you out.

Model Effective Negotiation

Really, you want to model effective negotiation because children learn a lot by observing the behavior of adults, especially their parents. How?

It’s a good idea to explain why they should do things. For example, “You want to clean your room because then you’ll have a clean and organized space.”

Then, show your teenager how to actively listen by making eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions. For instance, “I hear that you want to stay out later with your friends. Can you help me understand your reasons?”

You should even demonstrate the art of compromise. When discussing curfew times, say something like, “I’m willing to extend your curfew by 30 minutes on weekends if you can promise to check in with me when you arrive at your friend’s house.”

Role-Play Scenarios

Role-playing scenarios mean your teenager gets to practice negotiation skills in a safe and controlled environment. How?

You want to select scenarios that are relevant to your teenager’s life, such as negotiating an allowance increase.

Also, play the other side of the negotiation and have your teen take the lead. Then, discuss what went well and what could be improved. Offer constructive feedback on their approach. For example, “You did a great job expressing your needs, but you could have asked more open-ended questions to understand the other person’s perspective better.”

Discuss Strategies

It’s a good idea to teach negotiation strategies because it helps your teenager build a toolkit of techniques for resolving conflicts and reaching mutually beneficial agreements. How?

  • Explain the concept of win-win, where both parties gain from the negotiation. For example, when discussing a family vacation destination, say, “It’s best when we find a vacation spot that we all enjoy, so we can have a great time together.”
  • Emphasize the importance of preparation. Before negotiating a later curfew, suggest that your teenager should gather reasons and supporting evidence, like good grades and responsible behavior.
  • Teach the power of empathy. Say they want to borrow the car, encourage them to consider your concerns and express empathy, such as, “I understand you’re worried about the car, but I’ll be careful, and I promise to refill the gas tank.”

Teaching your teenager negotiation skills it’s a very worthwhile decision that’ll benefit them for a lifetime. Try out these tips and make things easier!

 

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What sulphate-free shampoos are a must in your hair care cabinet?

As you sift through a sea of products all vowing to work wonders on your hair, finding those that truly nurture and foster your hair health becomes more crucial than ever. That’s where sulphate-free shampoos step in, crafted meticulously to protect the natural oils and essence of your hair, offering you nothing short of the best.

In the lines that follow, we are about to unravel the unbeatable perks that come with making these shampoos a mainstay in your hair care routine.

Understanding Sulphate-free Shampoos

Sulphate-free shampoos are infused with nurturing ingredients that treat your hair with the gentleness it deserves, maintaining its natural balance. For those with sensitive scalps, sulphate-free shampoo is your go-to option as it reduces irritation and dryness.

The same applies to those with colour-treated hair. These shampoos help in preserving the colour vibrancy for a prolonged period.

Let’s talk about keeping that natural moisture locked in, shall we? Sulphate-free shampoos are best for frizzy hair as they are champions at this, steering clear from stripping your hair of its essential oils and keeping dryness and brittleness at bay, making your hair feel loved and pampered.

Why Sulphate-free Shampoos are a Must in Your Hair Care Routine

1. Protection for Chemically-treated Hair: Products like the Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Gentle Shampoo are specifically designed for chemically or colour-treated hair, providing the gentle care needed to maintain the hair’s vitality while protecting the salon-fresh colour.

2. Hydration for Curly Hair: For those embracing their beautiful curls, the Curl Manifesto Bain Hydratation Douceur Shampoo offers unparalleled hydration, ensuring your curls remain buoyant and vibrant with every wash.

3. Maintaining Colour Vibrancy: The Chroma Absolu Bain Riche Chroma Respect Shampoo is a must-have for colour-treated hair, working to maintain the richness and vibrancy of your hair colour with every wash.

4. Preventing Scalp Irritation: Sulphate-free shampoos are less harsh on the scalp, reducing irritation and promoting healthier hair growth by fostering a nourished scalp environment.

5. Retaining Hair’s Natural Oils: These shampoos work diligently to retain the natural oils of your hair, keeping it nourished and preventing dryness. This is why sulphate-free shampoos are beneficial for frizzy hair.

6. Improved Hair Texture: Regular use of sulphate-free shampoo for frizzy hair enhances the texture of your hair, making it smoother and more manageable over time.

7. Environmental Friendly: Aside from the benefits to your hair, sulphate-free shampoos are often more environmentally friendly, containing ingredients that are biodegradable and sustainably sourced.

8. A Blessing for Sensitive Souls: If you’ve got sensitive skin, these shampoos are tailor-made for you, sidestepping all the usual nasties like scalp irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. What you get instead is a comforting and soothing wash that treats your scalp with the kindness it deserves.

9. Revitalising Effect for Dull Hair: You know those days when your hair just seems lacklustre and devoid of life? Well, that’s about to change! Sulphate-free shampoos are here to bring the zest back.

It is clear that investing in a good sulphate-free shampoo is a must for your hair care cabinet. Whether you have frizzy hair needing that extra bit of care, or chemically-treated strands that demand gentle handling, a sulphate-free shampoo comes to the rescue. Products like the Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Gentle Shampoo, the Chroma Absolu Bain Shampoo, and the Curl Manifesto Bain Hydratation Douceur Shampoo from Kérastase are must-haves in your arsenal. Remember, your crowning glory deserves nothing but the best; grant it the nourishment and love it deserves with the premium range of sulphate-free shampoos.

 

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4 Steps to Take to Trust Your Partner Again

Sadly, there are many many different ways to break your partner’s trust – from secretly spending a significant portion of shared savings on a personal luxury item, to having an emotional affair by confiding in a close friend about issues instead of discussing them with your significant other. However, this does also mean that there are many ways to rebuild trust where it has been broken.

So whether you’re tired of trying to catch your partner in a lie with drug test cups or nostalgic for date nights that didn’t dissolve into fighting, here are 4 steps to take to try and trust your partner again.

Acknowledging the Hurt

Sweeping things under the rug never really works, especially when it comes to hurt feelings. So, one of the first things you want to do is acknowledge any pain and emotional impact of the breach of trust, openly recognizing and accepting the damage caused.

For example, say there’s a scenario where one partner lied about their financial situation. The other partner feels hurt, betrayed, and anxious about their shared financial future. Acknowledging the hurt in this situation means the lying partner must empathize with their partner’s feelings and understand the gravity of their actions. They might say, “I understand that my dishonesty about our finances has hurt you deeply, and I’m truly sorry for causing you this pain.”

Setting Clear Boundaries

One of the primary ways to combat trust issues is with clear boundaries. Why? Because you want to have a framework for understanding expectations and preventing misunderstandings that erode trust.

Say there’s a case of infidelity. Setting clear boundaries would include both partners agreeing on what constitutes inappropriate behavior with members of the opposite sex. Such as, “We agree not to have one-on-one social outings with people of the opposite sex without prior communication and consent from each other.”

Seeking Support

More often than not, seeking outside help is not only a good idea but essential when it comes to regaining lost trust in a relationship.

Often, trust is broken because of deep-seated reasons that need to be addressed, and having someone whose job it is to not only help both partners understand the underlying issues that contributed to the breach of trust but also suggest coping strategies for a way forward can mean the difference between reconciliation and further estrangement.

Monitoring Progress

Much like Rome, trust can’t be built in a day. Instead, it is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort where regular assessment and discussion of any progress made is essential so that necessary adjustments can be implemented.

For example, monitoring progress for the financial infidelity scenario might involve scheduled meetings to review the financial situation, ensuring transparency is maintained, with check-ins that explore what additional steps or changes are needed.

So don’t despair just yet. Acknowledging any hurt, setting clear boundaries, seeking support, and monitoring progress are integral parts of rebuilding trust in a relationship that is likely to work when procedures are followed correctly.

 

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3 Biggest Mistakes First-Time Parents Make

Becoming a parent is one of the most important milestones that a person can go through in their personal evolution. You go from becoming a singular entity to someone who has offspring! You suddenly have someone else to look after, which can be an enormous responsibility to comprehend. Since there is such a big learning curve involved for first-time parents, there are a lot of mistakes that can be made.

The good news is that mistakes are a natural part of life, and certainly a part of parenting. Even better news is that we can learn from others who have made mistakes before us, and avoid making the same ones ourselves.

To help you navigate the uncharted territory of being a brand new mom or dad, here are some of the most common mistakes that first-time parents make.

Buying Too Many Things

Marketers prey on brand-new parents who don’t have a firm understanding of all they actually need. Clueless first time parents are often sucked into buying every accessory toy and item that shows up in the Amazon baby section.

The truth is that a large majority of these things are not essential at all, and will only end up taking unnecessary amounts of space. The most important thing you need is a crib, diapers, warm clothes, and feeding supplies. Believe it or not, your child doesn’t care what their nursery looks like until they’re much older!

You can wait until they’re six or seven months old to start painting their nursery or hanging framed photos on the wall. In the beginning stages, the most important things are the basics, and of course— love.

Worrying All The Time

There’s something extraordinary that happens when you become a parent. Suddenly you realize how precious life is, and how fragile existence is. Babies are so helpless and delicate, that new parents can find themselves losing sleep worrying about every little thing that happens to their baby. The slightest cough may be seen as deadly in a new parent’s eyes. Every bump on their skin is enough to go to the hospital! Relax!

While it’s undoubtedly a good thing to be concerned about your child, there’s no need to panic over everything. Excessive worrying will do nothing but cause you to lose sleep, and create an anxious child.

Forgetting Self Care

Many parents with newborns are so fixated on taking care of their kids that they forget how important it is to take care of themselves too. However, self-care is a critical part of being a good parent.

If you don’t get enough sleep, or you’re malnourished, how can you expect to have enough energy to properly take care of your baby? Don’t forget how important self-care is! From resting, to spending time with people you love, remember that you matter too.

 

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The Rise of Mobile Casinos in South Africa: Gaming on the Go

In recent years, the world of online gambling has witnessed a significant transformation, and South Africa is no exception. The rise of mobile casinos has revolutionised the way people in South Africa enjoy their favourite casino games. We will explore the growing popularity of mobile casinos in South Africa, the reasons behind their success, and what the future holds for this exciting trend.

The Mobile Revolution in South Africa

South Africa has experienced a massive increase in mobile device usage over the past decade. With the proliferation of smartphones and improved mobile internet connectivity, more South Africans have access to the internet than ever before. This digital revolution has paved the way for the emergence of mobile live casinos, allowing players to carry their favourite games with them wherever they go.

Accessibility and Convenience

One of the primary reasons for the rise of mobile casinos in South Africa is the unparalleled convenience they offer. Players no longer need to be tethered to a desktop computer to enjoy casino games. Mobile casinos provide instant access to a vast array of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, right from the palm of your hand. This convenience is especially appealing to players who prefer gaming on the go or during their daily commutes.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Mobile casinos in South Africa are designed to work seamlessly across various mobile devices and operating systems. Whether you’re using an Android smartphone, an iPhone, or a tablet, you can expect a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The responsive design of mobile casino websites and dedicated mobile apps ensures that players can enjoy their favourite games without any compromise in quality.

Enhanced Gaming Experience

Advancements in mobile technology have led to a significant improvement in the graphics, animations, and overall gaming experience offered by mobile casinos. High-quality visuals, immersive sound effects, and user-friendly interfaces make mobile gaming in South Africa a truly enjoyable and engaging experience.

Mobile Casino Bonuses and Promotions

South African mobile casinos often provide exclusive bonuses and promotions for players who choose to play on their mobile devices. These incentives can include free spins, deposit bonuses, or even no-deposit bonuses. Such offers sweeten the deal for players who opt for mobile gaming.

Secure Transactions

Security is a top priority for mobile casinos in South Africa. These casinos employ state-of-the-art encryption technology to protect players’ personal and financial information. Players can confidently make deposits and withdrawals using various payment methods, knowing that their transactions are secure.

Regulation and Licensing

Online and mobile gambling in South Africa is regulated by the National Gambling Board (NGB) and is subject to the National Gambling Act of 2004. Licensed mobile casinos operate in compliance with these regulations, ensuring fair play and player protection. South African players are encouraged to choose licensed and reputable mobile casinos to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience.

The Future of Mobile Casinos in South Africa

The future of mobile casinos in South Africa looks promising. As technology continues to advance and internet access becomes even more widespread, the popularity of mobile gaming is likely to grow further. Mobile casinos will continue to innovate, offering new features, games, and promotions to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of South African players.

It’s fair to say that the rise of mobile casinos in South Africa represents a significant shift in the gambling landscape. As South Africa’s mobile infrastructure continues to improve, mobile casinos are poised to become an even more integral part of the nation’s gambling culture.

 

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3 Tips For Going On Your First School Field Trip With Your Kids

If you have kids that are finally getting to know on some school field trips this year, their teacher would probably love to have your help and support on the big day. However, if you’re not used to being around a large group of kids, the idea of helping chaperone a school field trip can be very overwhelming. Luckily, there are some simple things that you can do to help make this a successful experience for you and the rest of the class.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for going on your first school field trip with your kids.

Start Prepping The Night Before

In order to have a great, stress-free school field trip, you’re going to want to start preparing for the experience well in advance. Once you have all of the information from your child’s school and teacher, you’ll want to make sure that you have all the details down pat the day before the trip.

As you’re getting ready the night before, make sure you have a bag packed with everything you’ll need to bring. This could include things like water, snacks, a few bandages, some cash, and other necessities or items that you could use in an emergency. You’ll also want to make sure that you get lots of rest the night before so that you aren’t dragging all day when you’re supposed to be upbeat and helpful.

Dress Comfortably

As you’re getting ready for the field trip in the morning, you’ll want to make sure that you choose comfortable clothes. Especially if the field trip is going to last all day long and you’ll be up and going for a large portion of it, you’ll want to wear very comfortable shoes that you’ve already broken in well as opposed to the cute new leather shoes you just bought. The last thing you want to be dealing with while you’re a chaperone is blisters.

Along with wearing comfortable shoes, it’s also a good idea to dress in layers so that you can keep yourself at a safe and comfortable temperature regardless of how the weather might change or what you might be experiencing throughout the day.

Take Your Responsibility Seriously

While this might be a fun experience for you to have with your child and the other kids in their class, it’s important that you remember what your responsibilities are as a field trip chaperone and that you take those responsibilities seriously. The safety of part of the class is dependent on you, and you want to make sure that you’re watching over the children just as you’d want someone to watch over your own child.

If there are any rules that you’ve been given or suggestions that have been made to help everyone stay safe and have a great time, make sure you abide by those rules and put them into practice to the best of your ability.

If you’re going to be chaperoning your child’s school field trip for the first time, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do so successfully.

 

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Best Baby Gifts to Give First-Time Parents

First-time parents are so much fun to shop for because they need everything! The tiny little socks their baby will wear in a few short months are absolutely adorable. The little outfit melts their heart. While experienced parents absolutely also enjoy all the baby gifts, there’s something special about a couple’s first. What you as a friend or family member need to keep in mind, however, is that you should mix your baby gifts with a range of practical and whimsical gifts.

The Difference Between Practical and Whimsical Gifts

Practical gifts include things like diapers, wipes, and even nursery furniture. Whimsical gifts include things like a crib mobile or a cute little outfit. While the baby will still use that mobile or wear those clothes, they aren’t as essential for that baby’s health and well-being. A standard set of soft pajamas bought in bulk would also do the trick, for example, but it’s not nearly as fun as having cute little onesies and outfits for your baby. All you need to do is follow up a fun gift with something practical, and you are golden.

Top Practical Gifts

Baby Changing Essentials

Every new parent is shocked by just how many diapers they go through. Even if those new parents really want to be eco-friendly and use reusable cloth diapers, get them a pack of disposables. When it’s late, they are sleep-deprived and haven’t had time to clean everything, and the baby still needs to be changed; they will thank you. The same applies to backup wipes, towels, and so on.

Swaddling Accessories

From a baby wrap that the parent can use to keep the baby close to their chest and hands-free, to swaddling blankets to keep the infant wrapped up warm and tight, swaddling accessories are a great, practical gift for any new parent.

Nursery Accessories

Nursery accessories can range from a great baby monitor to a soothing night light, to even extra fitted crib sheets (which will need to be regularly changed out) – they are all great practical gifts. The best part is many of these gifts can double as fun gifts, like the night light or fitted sheet. Other than extra sheets, for example, you will want to get in touch with the parents-to-be and even other gift-givers to coordinate so that you don’t end up doubling up on one item and forgetting another.

Top Fun Gifts

Fun gifts are cute! They’re the real delight of any baby shower and can really make any new parents feel delighted. They are a must, especially when you also focus a portion of the present on something practical. Once you have that practical item ticked off, you can then go crazy with cute outfits (just remember to buy for sizes throughout the baby’s first year), baby toys, books, mobiles, and more. These can be purchased new, or they can be donated from your own baby’s collection after they’ve outgrown them. Either way, these fun gifts are absolutely a wonderful expression of love, so have fun with it!

 

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4 Things to Consider When Shopping For a Family Vehicle

Choosing the right family vehicle is an important part of running a household. After all, between running kids to school, getting them to their activities, and getting to and from work, having the right set of wheels is critical. From safety features to comfort, every aspect of your vehicle plays an important role in the right choice for you. If you’re currently looking for a family vehicle, then here are some of the most important things to consider when making your choice.

Safety

Safety should be at the very top of your list when it comes to priorities. You want to make sure that you’re looking at cars that come equipped with advanced safety features like airbags, and traction control. Many newer vehicles come with advanced features like emergency brake systems and sound alerts when you veer out of your lane.

Although safety features can’t always guarantee that you won’t get into a car accident, they can help you stay even safer on the road, providing the peace of mind that you have additional safety measures in place.

Seating Capacity

Regardless of how many safety features or fancy components your car has, your car can’t do you much good if there isn’t enough seating for everyone in your family. Capacity will play a large role in the right vehicle for you, as well as your budget. In other words, in most cases, the more seating capacity your car has, the higher of a price tag you’ll be looking at.

Not to mention, the more weight you have in a car the lower fuel efficiency you’ll be looking at. So make sure you consider how many people will be in your car when shopping around for vehicles.

Storage

Does your family go surfing often? Perhaps you have a family dog. Maybe you like to purchase your groceries in bulk. If you need a considerable amount of storage space in your car, then you want to look for cars that can offer that.

Always make sure that you check the dimensions of the cargo area in whatever vehicles you’re looking at so you can ensure you have enough space for your needs. Some models even offer hidden compartments like under-floor storage that can be a big perk for families with more cargo.

Entertainment

Some families have to commute for long periods or go on road trips which can be difficult for younger children. Entertainment options can be a nice added perk for families looking to keep little passengers calm during long driving stretches. From screens to USB charging points, consider whether the vehicles you’re looking at could make your driving experience more pleasant.

Finding the ideal family car requires looking at all of the important features and capabilities while also considering your budget. By carefully assessing all of these things you will ultimately select a vehicle that doesn’t just suit your family’s needs but provides a great return on your overall investment.

 

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3 Challenges of Being a Single Parent in California

As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. Yet even with a village on your side you’ve still got your work cut out for you. As such, single parents face all sorts of hurdles and their parenting journey, especially somewhere like California.

Being a single parent something that requires an enormous amount of stamina and adaptability. Not just physically, but also emotionally. However, there are plenty of parents that manage to do it on their own and don’t just succeed but manage to surpass everyone’s expectations.

However, as a single parent, it’s best to know what you’re getting into so you have realistic expectations. There are all sorts of challenges that can come up that you may not have even considered could occur.

If you’re a newly single parent in California, here are some of the challenges you may face, as well as some ideas on how to successfully navigate them.

Emotional Well-Being

Make no mistake about it, being a single parent can take its toll on you emotionally. There are all sorts of things that can fall on your plate at any given moment. Whether you’re looking for a plumber in Studio City, or trying to find a babysitter on a Friday night, it’s not always easy to juggle at all on your own.

As such, many single parents find themselves reaching burnout at some point or another. That’s why it’s incredibly important that single parents create a support system for themselves full of plenty of friends and family members who can keep them going when things feel impossible.

Financial Challenges

One of the most obvious and well-known challenges of being a parent on your own is the financial strain. From filling your car tank with gas to paying for groceries, it all adds up.

Paying for life plus one on a single income is difficult enough as it is, however, in today’s economic climate parents’ financial strain can be more overwhelming than ever. With inflation on the rise, and the average salary failing to meet rising prices, single parents can find themselves spread thin trying to pay for it all.

Balancing Work

The younger your child is, the more difficult it can be to find a balance between your professional and home life. After all, kids require a lot of attention and care, and when you’re working 40 hours a week, school can only cover so much of the day.

Juggling a career with raising children can be a challenge because a lot happens outside of school hours. From extracurricular activities to school meetings, to making sure homework gets done, someone has to make sure these things get taken care of!

Single parents don’t have the luxury of balancing it all with another parent. Not to mention, someone has to put dinner on the table at night too. The lack of a partner to share all of these responsibilities with often requires creative thinking and double tasking.