Author: Family Fun

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3 Unforgettable Memorial Ideas For Pets

Affordable cremation urns

For many Americans, the death of a beloved childhood pet is the first time they ever encounter the concept of death. Sadly, that first brush with mortality is often marked with nothing more than an impromptu toilet bowl funeral, or a traumatic final trip to the vet.

As adults, many U.S. animal lovers choose to honor their special bond with unforgettable memorials. While people might tease you about constantly posting pet pics on Facebook and Twitter, the truth is that human beings and animals like cats and dogs have a special bond. We’ve evolved side by side for thousands of years, and the passing of a pet often causes deep grief.

For years, many people struggled with this grief alone, but now the Web is connecting bereaved pet owners looking for unique sympathy gifts and ways to help their best friend rest in peace forever. So here are three special memorial ideas for pets to help honor their memory:

1. Plant a Garden

If a pet dies in your home, then a backyard burial doesn’t have to be a rushed experience. With a little preparation, you can gather together with friends and family for a brief memorial service. If your pet passes with the assistance of a veterinarian, then consider biodegradable cremation urns or animal urns for ashes, perfect for burial in a garden. Arrange stones or plant perennial flowers so that every time your garden blooms you remember the happy times you spent together.

2. Make a Donation

Not everyone chooses to bury their pet or keep potentially painful reminders on display. Still, there’s no better way to honor the memory of the pet who never left your side than by helping other animals in need. Donate to a shelter or animal sanctuary in your pet’s name, that way your grief can help other needy animals achieve a better quality of life.

3. Cremation Ash Jewelry, Urn Pendants, and other Memorial Keepsakes

Today, many companies provide cremation keepsakes for grieving pet owners. Cremation jewelry is designed to hold a small portion of ashes and comes in a variety of styles. Urn pendants are a tasteful and versatile option, and urn pendants can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, or even used on key chains. Whether you wear an urn pendant under your clothes or show it off proudly, it might comfort you to always keep a part of your pet close to your heart.

If cremation jewelry, animal urns for ashes, or urn pendants sound like something you would be interested it, then speak with your vet about the best way to store the ashes.

Remember that no matter what you choose, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. There is a growing community online for pet owners suffering from grief and separation anxiety.

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Transform the Way You Sleep With Adjustable Beds

Best adjustable beds

Did you know that sleeping on a flat mattress may be increasing your pain levels? If you suffer from one the leading issues that keep people awake (namely, pain in your back and neck, TMJ, or bad headaches), your regular mattress might be contributing to how bad you feel when you wake up or your pain during the day. The new mattress topper or a larger bed probably won’t help your pain. However, one type of bed that you may not have heard of might just be the solution to your problems.
Hospitals are the most common place you can find this type of bed: adjustable beds. The slight incline that they provide either at the top or bottom of the bed keeps you from contorting your body while you sleep into uncomfortable positions and prevents pain you didn’t want in the first place. A leading brand of adjustible beds is Craftmatic® Adjustible Beds, which have been in existence for over 40 years. They’ve sold over 1.1. million beds, many of which come with heat or massage options. These extra options may help ease the following complaints:

  • low back pain
  • minor aches and pains due to muscular fatigue or overexertion
  • edema or swelling of the legs
  • poor local blood circulation of the legs
  • symptoms of hiatus hernia
  • nighttime heartburn
  • symptoms of gastric reflux

Another way that an extra heating accessory can ease pain is by giving a person temporary relief from mild arthritis or muscle pain that’s related to stress or tension during the day. The incline on these adjustable beds lets people sleep in a more upright position, which can help reduce or ease light and occasional snoring. For those who have sleep apnea (and for their spouses), looking at adjustible beds might be the way to go.
Reasons to Consider Buying An Adjustable Bed
If you’ve ever wondered why you toss and turn in the middle of the night, it may very well be because you’re trying to ease pressure and pain on certain parts of your body in your sleep. This pain is often caused by your flat mattress, which doesn’t offer the right kind of support for your back and other areas of your body. However, because of its incline, an adjustable bed can (and does) ease that pressure, according to the National Sleep Foundation. There are many different sizes of adjustable beds, like king size adjustable beds or a twin adjustable bed, so it’s sure to fit your needs.
Where to Find Adjustable Beds
Mattress stores and department stores are excellent places to go find an adjustable bed, especially if you want to test it out yourself. If you know a specific brand of adjustable bed you want, you can often order from their website or go to their physical retail store, if they have one near year. Online is another good resource if you’re looking for a discounted bed.
Don’t let yourself fall asleep in pain. You deserve a good night’s sleep that lets you wake up pain free and ready for your day. Look into an adjustable bed and improve your quality of sleep within hours.

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Three Little Known But Important Facts About Clothing Donations

clothing donationDuring the winter holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of generosity, kindness, and that general feel-good vibe. After all, it’s contagious, and the air seems to buzz with radiant, positive energy.

It’s during this chaotic time that organizations receive the most charitable donations out of any other time of the year. In preparation for large holiday feasts, events, and parties, and in order to restock food banks, it’s common for donors and volunteers to give non-perishable food items such as canned goods as charity donations during this time of year.

While all kind of donations are accepted — and needed — donating clothing to charity can be particularly beneficial, regardless of the time of year. With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get a jump start on your spring cleaning while giving back to your community by cleaning out your closet.

Here are three of the top reasons why clothing donations are so important.

They fulfill a basic need
Food, shelter, and clothing are considered the three most basic things every human needs in order to live, making clothing donations of the utmost importance. While winter clothing is especially helpful during the colder months, you can donate all kinds and styles of clothing all year long. In fact, business casual and professional attire is always in high demand. Even if you’re short on time, donation pick up services allow you give back at a time that works best for you.

They’re good for you
While donating and volunteering helps those in need, did you know that it can also benefit your own physiology? According to a research study published in June 2014 by the Citizens Advice Bureau, three out of five participants said donating and volunteering helped them to feel less stressed. In addition, four out of five said donating and volunteering helped to improve their self confidence.

They’re good for the environment
Even though 99% of clothing that is thrown away could have been recycled, Americans discard an average of 68 pounds of clothing a year. By recycling or donating unused or unneeded clothing, you’re helping to reduce landfill waste, as well as pollution to the environment. For example, in 2006, a whopping 2.5 billion pounds of fabric were kept from the landfills by used-clothing purchases.

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Assisted living in maryland Compare nursing homes Eldercare elkton

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Facility For Your Loved One

Updated 07/05/22

Think about it your parents need a senior living facility in which they can interact with other peers. Most of their former peers have relocated to other towns, while others are deceased. Shopping for an assisted living facility is easy if you know what you want. Various facilities offer assisted living support and have different regulations governing the institution. Additionally, shopping for a nursing home with your loved one is essential. The facility you settle on should be favorable for you and your loved one.

The internet is a good source of knowing some facts about assisted living facilities. Also, national assisted living facilities are more affordable, saving you some coins. Moreover, compare public-owned and privately owned institutions regarding the costs charged and services offered. The location of the assisted living facility should not be far from where you live or work. Remember, even if the facility offers several health care options, you must be close by in case hospitalization is required.

First, you could start with an online search of different living facilities near your area and then visit them with your loved one. After the loved ones retire, it is an excellent time to shop around and list some of the facilities that could work for both parties.

There are about 33,000 assisted living facilities in the United States. While some of these assisted living homes are certainly places where the elderly person in your life would feel perfectly comfortable and happy, there are others that have less satisfactory services.

In order to avoid the latter, here are a few things to look for as you review your senior housing options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EseRwKOYPk

What Is the Housing Like?

First things first, you need to check out how many houses and apartments there are in the assisted living community. Are there different sizes? Do some have kitchens? Are they private or shared? Are the bathrooms private?

What Sort of Care Do They Offer?

Some elderly people require more care and looking after than others, which is why you need to check what sort of care an assisted living facility in question offers. Do they have special care units for patients with Alzheimer’s? Is there a written care plan for each individual resident? Can residents choose their own doctors? These are things you need to look into.

What Will It Cost?

Although you want the best assisted living program for the elderly person in your life, you have to be realistic about things. Many of the best assisted living programs cost a fortune, so you have to be sure you can afford it. Most assisted living is paid for with a combination of savings, social security, and veteran benefits. Before you agree to anything, make sure you can afford it.

Choosing to get the elderly person in your life help is never an easy decision, and deciding what facility is right for them is never easy, either. If you watch out for these three things, though, you’ll have an easier time of it.

If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.

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How to Find the Perfect Preschool

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Choosing the best preschool can be a daunting task for parents. There are so many important things to consider. Public or private? What kind of educational philosophy should they embody? Should it be all day or part time? The questions can go on and on, so narrowing down to the most important factors is important. To learn more about the five most important questions to think for finding a good preschool, keep reading.
1) Public or Private? When deciding whether or not to pursue private preschool, you should consider a number of factors. First, is there a high performing private preschool in your area? Sometimes, elementary or middle private schools do not actually offer preschool, so you will want to make sure it is an option. Further, consider some of the potential benefits of private preschool. About 80% of private schools are religiously affiliated, so if this is important to you family, private preschool may definitely be the way to go.
2) Is it Close to Home? When figuring out how to find a preschool, you should definitely think local. There are almost 31,000 private preschools in the United States, so more than likely, there is one in your neighborhood. When your child is very young, as they are in preschool, it is especially nice to have them close to home to ease in transportation and make you more available when your child needs you.
3) Does it Offer Extracurricular Activities? It’s never too early for you to start thinking about extracurricular opportunities for your child. One of the benefits of preschool is allowing your child to improve their social skills and learn about the world outside of your home and family. Selecting a school that amplifies these opportunities is ideal.
4) Does it Make You Feel Comfortable? For parents, this is often one of the most important questions. Even though it is not tangible and it is not something you can just research online, it is absolutely essential that your child’s preschool makes you feel comfortable. You will be entrusting them to care for and nurture your child for a several hours every day, and if you feel safe about that arrangement, it will make the experience better for both you and your children.
5) Does the Teaching Philosophy Make Sense for Your Child? Each day, more than 5 million children throughout the United States attend preschool. Each one of those 5 million students has individual strengths and learning needs. You know your child best and have a keen insight into how they learn. Look for a program that capitalizes on your child’s strengths and provides instruction in a way they will respond to.
It is scary for every parent to select the right preschool for their child. Using the five questions above to help guide their search will make the process a little less intimidating and support their ability to focus on what is really important.

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Three Pieces of Advice on How to Attract the Best Home Lenders

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Although the word “mortgage” comes from the Middle Ages (it means “death pledge” in Old French, referring to the borrower’s pledge to remain on his property until he dies), the idea of a mortgage goes back way further in time. One of the oldest records of mortgage law, for example, is called the Manusmrti. At least 2,000 years old, the Manusmrti or “Code of Manu” lays out ethical lending practices and calls out unethical ones. Though much has changed since ancient times, mortgages are still around and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The best mortgage lenders tend to favor the borrowers who show the best signs of maturity and responsibility. In order to guarantee the best home loans rates and deals, homeowners need to be very careful and calculating in researching mortgage deals. In order to do so, here are three piece of advice for prospective homeowners to follow:

  1. Clean Up Your Credit Score: Having a strong credit score is the first step in any venture into mortgage lending. Home buyers should make sure their credit rating is as impressive as possible. They should review their credit reports and search for any errors that may skew the score. The Home Loan Learning Center reports that most lenders mandate a minimum credit score of 680 from borrowers (or 620 for federal housing).
  2. Don’t Rock the Boat: That is, when securing a loan, be sure to stay with your employer. Any major changes in employment or income can deter or halt the mortgage process altogether.
  3. Reserve 3.5% of the Loan For the Down Payment: Though mortgages rates vary from lender to lender, the average cost of a down payment is roughly 3.5% of the total worth of the loan. Be sure to reserve enough money for the down payment as well as for other closing costs before you sign any papers.

For more information about the best mortgage lenders and how to secure a favorable home loan, feel free to leave a comment or question at the bottom.

See this link for more references.

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Adjust a bed Adjustable bed systems Twin adjustable bed

The Perfect Gift For A Loved One In Chronic Pain

Therapeutic beds

There is nothing worse than watching a loved one endure pain. Whether the hurt is large or small, temporary or terminal, every single one of us has tried to comfort that special person and wished to whatever powers that be that we could absorb their hurts.

This is an unfortunate impossibility, but thanks to modern technology, there are a number of ways to minimize bodily pain for a loved one. One of the most overlooked methods is to re-invent the way they sleep by getting rid of a traditional horizontal mattress in favor of one of the many available dual adjustable beds. Dual adjustable beds allow for flexible sleep options that can work to target your partner’s chronic pain. Most obviously, an adjustable bed can support your upper body much like a chair or couch does while still providing a position conducive to sleep. This incline at the top of the mattress can prevent our unconscious instincts to curl up and switch positions during sleep, thus preventing the exacerbation of a chronic injury with sudden unfriendly movements.

Dual adjustable beds also come with many added regulatory functions in addition to height change. Many offer massage mattresses that greatly aid bed comfort, or heated mattress pads to relieve the tension in chronically sore muscles. Furthermore, if any of these options are counterproductive to your own sleep but helpful to your partner, many styles of adjustable beds offer split function mattresses that allow you to sleep the way you prefer while still providing relief to the one you love.

The holiday season may be over, but it’s always an appropriate time to take someone’s ailments into your hands. You don’t have to watch helplessly as someone you care about suffers. Consider investing in an adjustable bed, and you might find that you and it are the key to helping them rest easier.

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What You Probably Don’t Know About 55+ Community Living

Living in a 55+ community

If you’re in your 50s and looking at retirement, you may be finding that many of the more traditional senior housing options that are offered just aren’t a good fit for you. You probably don’t want to move into a community where the average age is several decades older than you are — and yet, at the same time, you’re probably not getting the social life you want in your regular neighborhood, either. Fortunately, there’s a third option you may not have heard of: a 55 an up community, also commonly called an over 55 community or a 55+ community. What is a 55+ community? As the name suggests, it’s a community designed for people 55 and older. But it’s typically a lot more than that, in terms of the culture and amenities offered. Here’s what you should know about 55+ community living:

  1. You’ll Own Your Own House

    Unlike in many more traditionally senior-focused living options, in a 55+ community you’ll still own your own space. You’ll get more of it, too; you can even have your own single-family home complete with yard. So if not wanting to downsize (or even wanting to upsize, something more and more people are doing later in life) plays into your decision, there’s a clear advantage there.

  2. These Adults Are Active

    Over 55 communities are often known as “active adult” communities, and there’s a reason for that. Over 55 community activities offer plenty of ways to keep moving, from golf to tennis to cycling. These might get referred to as leisure activities, but many of the people who choose these communities are looking for like-minded people to stay active with more than they’re looking for a leisurely lifestyle.

  3. Social Activities Age With You

    You shouldn’t be worried, however, if you don’t think you’ll be playing competitive tennis into your 80s. These 55+ communities typically offer a very broad range of activities that can age with you. Living in a 55+ community is a well-rounded experience that can allow you to go straight from an exercise class to a massage or a book club. That’s a great balance especially if you’re looking to move with a spouse who desires a different activity level than you do.

Do you have any questions or something to add about 55+ community living? Join the discussion in the comments.

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Why Giving Back is Always Better Than Receiving

Donation pick up maryland

It’s often been said that it is better to give than it is to receive, yet how true is that? Very true, actually. A number of scientific studies have proven that donating and volunteering provide several physical, emotional, and mental benefits, and may even extend one’s life. As such, now is an excellent time to get involved in a cause that resonates deeply with you.

While there are a number of noteworthy causes, showing appreciation and support for military families, troops, and veterans is an important cause for many Americans and one that many actively participate in. Many organizations that help military families receive the bulk of their charitable donations for military families and veterans during the winter holiday season. However, giving back is a year round job. You can find ways to show your support for military families all year long.

For example, clothing donations are an excellent way to give back to the military and veteran community regardless of the time of year. Nowadays, it seems everyone has a hectic schedule which it difficult to find time to give back. Clothing donations allow you to make a difference even if you have a busy schedule. There are a number of organizations that accept clothing donations by offering a donation pick up service.

In addition to helping military families meet their needs, clothing donations also help the environment. An overwhelmingly majority — 99% — of clothing that is discarded could have been recycled. Unfortunately, the typical American household discards nearly 68 pounds of clothing each year. Donating clothes helps to reduce toxic pollution and eases the burden on landfills. Also, it allows you to contribute to and support two causes at once.

Often times, it’s the simplest and smallest gestures that mean the most. Something as simple as buying a military spouse a cup of coffee can be enough to make a difference in their life.

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How Adjustable Beds Can Help You Live a Better Life

Adjustable bed sale

Getting a good night’s sleep is an important component in maintaining a physically, mentally and emotionally healthy balance. However, research from the American Sleep Foundation indicates that roughly 66% of people in the United States report having issues getting sleep that fully renews them. In addition, over 50% of adults in American report having some kind of chronic pain, something that can be exacerbated by sleeping on a traditional flat mattress — the natural shape of your back is not supported.

If you suffer from chronic pain and/or have a hard time getting a good night’s sleep, you may want to look into purchasing some kind of adjustable bed. An adjustable bed can come in any kind of size — from twin to a king size adjustable bed — and allow you to help alleviate pressure and tension from certain areas of the body that may be hindering your sleep. Read on to learn more about the benefits of adjustable beds!

Why You Should Purchase an Adjustable Bed:

  • The most obvious benefit of buying an adjustable bed is bed comfort. Even if it is a large king size adjustable bed, the whole thing can be adjusted to certain position to support your head, neck, shoulders, legs and back when you sleep. This helps to reduce pain or soreness when you wake up.
  • There are many different types of adjustable beds that come in different sizes and with different assets. Some adjustable beds even come with optional heating and massage options for the ultimate relaxation experience. If you are looking for a really luxurious adjustable bed, talk to staff members at a mattress store and see if they can help you find what you are looking for.
  • Many people choose to get memory foam adjustable beds to further create a better sleeping experience. There are many great deals out there on memory foam beds, so talk to sales reps at stores and see what you can find.
  • If you have a partner living with you, and adjustable bed is great because it can accommodate both of your unique sleep needs. For example, if you need support on your back and your partner needs support on their legs, you can each adjust your own side to suit those needs and keep you comfortable.
  • Many people are wary of purchasing an adjustable bed because of the price tag. However, buying an adjustable bed is an investment into your health, which is absolutely invaluable.

Have you ever had any experiences searching for a king size adjustable bed or other kind? Tell us about it in the comments below!